We are an official Inca Trail tour operator based in the lovely city of Cusco, Peru. We are completely dedicated to the satisfaction of our clients. We offer tours and treks to Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares Valley and more!
With so much going on throughout the year, Spring Break gives us a perfect time for families, couples and solo travelers to spend some quality outside exploring. So here's some ideas for you to start taking advantage and planning the perfect Spring Break getaway. Experience a new vantage point to Machu Picchu
#1 Experience Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
Why not experience a fully inclusive hassle free trek to the unimaginable Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. With a lot of travelers planning the same adventure it is best to take action fast. The Salkantay and Inca Trails are favorites this time of the year.
Dive deep into the Peruvian culture.If hiking is not your cup of tea, than I suggest you experience the most beautiful mixture of Spain and Peru in the marvelous town of Cusco. Whether horseback or the city tour, you will experience plentiful of loving locals, amazing food and rich history.
A tour through the wonderful city of Cusco is perfect for a Spring Break getaway.
Adventuring through the "Lungs of the Earth"One of the best Spring Break reliefs has been exploring and breathing in nature in one of the largest Amazon in the world. Experiencing the tranquility in the Tambopata Rainforest or living in the Clouds in the Manu Cloud Forest will alive you to re-energize after the start of this New Year.
For more Amazon Tours click here. The incredible Peruvian Amazon and all it's creatures.However you decide to enjoy your Spring Break is up to you, just promise us you won't take it for granted.
To view all of our amazing trips for The Perfect Spring Break Getaway click here. Taking in the plentiful rich Peruvian fruit. Traveling to the highest lake in the world. Hiking through the beautiful countryside.
Machu Picchu Tours - Choosing the right tour company Choosing the right tour guide can seem pretty difficult. With so many tour companies in Peru promising amazing trips and great deals you can easily become lost in promises.
So here's the best 3 question to help find the perfect tour company for you Creating tours personalized for our travelers, adding new destinations all around Peru and Ecuador gives our trekkers more variety of adventure filled options to choose from.
#1 What type of tours do they offer?
Finding tours in Peru isn't hard. A lot of companies offer similar tours but there are companies that offer unique, personalized, hand-crafted experiences that basic companies can not offer. These tours include different sights, more historical landmarks and unseen Peruvian gems that other companies can not offer.
Offering meals each and everyday from your own private Chef gives our trekkers a more comfortable experience.
#2 What's included in the tours?
A lot of times when picking a tour company, we can search based on price but this is a big mistake. You may be paying less on the tour but you will pay more with added additional needs. .
Here is some included additional things we offer our trekkers. https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/classic-inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu Checking what their past customers say about their services and company is very important and critical.
#3 What does their past customers think about them?
With the first two questions being answered to your liking this last question can be a deal breaker. A tour companies reputation means everything to them and to their customers. It tells you everything about how they do business.
Good reviews equal good services but bad reviews equals bad service and less likely for customers to choose them. So make sure you do some research and make sure their reviews match their amazing tours.
Having bad reviews is normal for even the greatest tour companies so do not expect perfection. Try sites like Tripadvisor, Facebook, their website and other review sites. Machu Picchu Tours - Choosing the right tour company
Using these 3 questions to search for the right tour company will not only help you but make sure your vacation everything you imagined and much more.
Machu Picchu Tours - Choosing the right tour company will lead you straight to US!
Friday, January 10, 2020
The Importance of Family Vacations in 2020
As I get older and the years of my youth fade, I start to lose memories of my childhood but as the clearest memories remain I never seem to forget the memories of traveling with my family and the importance of family vacations.
Family travel is both crucial to the lives of youth and the bond between a family. Here are 3 important reasons why
Family Travel Strengthens FamiliesIn the year 2020, life is busier and seems to be moving faster than ever. This can come in between the much-needed family time and with jobs, activities, and friends we can easily replace this time. From the lifelong memories, strengthening your family's unbreakable bond, to a more enjoyable experience with the ones you love. What better way to gain back some quality time with those you love than journeying on an adventure.
Llama Farm
Life Lessons for your children
Kids learn a great lesson when they are allowed to journey, adventure and explore someplace new. From self-confidence, patience, problem-solving to learning similarities instead of differences, children get a chance to learn hands-on. There's even scientific evidence that proves children that travel more are better students, healthier and even more successful. https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/kids-more-successful-when-they-travel
Quality over QuantityMy parents gave me the greatest gift on my 5th birthday, a trip to Disney World. Even though I was too young to remember much, my family had so much fun that we went almost every year after that. My parents celebrated it as a birthday present for me and an excuse for us to go on a vacation.
“So when you take your child on a [vacation], you are supporting their explorative urge (SEEKING system) a vital resource for living life well, and their capacity to play (PLAY system),” she added. “In adulthood, this translates into the ability to play with ideas — essential, for example, to the successful entrepreneur.”
The idea of parents buying their kids toys and material things for birthdays and Christmas is slowing being proven by scientists to be non-beneficial for the lives of children. Scientists and psychologists are recommending parents to gift vacations and travel as the benefits are more useful and longer lasting than gifts.
Take the opportunity and start a new tradition with your family this year and instill the importance of family vacations.
Want our help? Check out our family tours
Besides the fact that Charles Darwin created his fundamental work, "The Theory of Evolution" from the influence of his first observations of the amazing islands and people matching the wildlife experience on Galapagos similar to the likes of Africa, these unbelievable Islands present the most amazing wildlife experience in South America. Here's 5 reasons why you must book this life-changing, unremarkable wildlife adventure with us.
#1 WHITE SANDY BEACHES
Thinking you’ll get the time to enjoy the amazing beaches of all the Galapagos Islands isn’t likely but getting to roam around the clear water and white soft beach enjoying the wildlife makes the experience that much more beautiful.
#2 WILDLIFE
Imagine being able to visit wildlife of all types such as sea lions, birds, crabs, tortoises and many more in their natural habitat with no fear of your human presence as you are trusted and able to interact with all these amazing creatures.
This along with the abundance of wildlife makes the experience on the Galapagos Islands better than any wildlife adventure around the world. #3 SNORKELING AND DIVING
With most of the year delivering warm waters and smooth tides, snorkeling and diving with sea lions, manta rays and many different species of fish give this trip nothing short of perfection. With the ability to greet the underwater wildlife in their natural habitat feels almost as if they are inviting you into their home as they playful swim with you while you explore.
What better way to interact with these beautiful creatures?
#4 ISLAND HIKES
Learning about the wildlife and the process of evolution on the Islands with short informational hikes as your tour guide shows you around barren volcanoes makes this unbelievable experience turn into the greatest classroom lesson of your life.
#5 LEARNING THE HISTORY
Learning about the history of the impressive Galapagos Islands from the man who discovered the beautiful lands to the effect of Charles Darwin studies is more than necessary but important. This place is home to the fundamental works of Charles Darwin “Theory of Evolution”, and has been classified as a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO for it’s precious and delicate ecosystems. Traveling here will be the most creative and interesting science lesson of your life.
Don't miss your opportunity at experiencing the vacation of a lifetime with us. Choose the Galapagos Adventure you would like
Experiencing Christmas in another country can be pretty interesting from different cultures to different dates of the Christmas story. Peru has to have the most unique way of celebrating this holiday season. Santurantikuy in Cusco The Santurantikuy Christmas Fair in Cusco is one example. The most cultural city filled with myths, legends and Inca Pride host one of the biggest fairs of the year lasting all day and night of December 24th. The "Sale of Saints" fair is perfect filled with all artisans and famous artist to display all types of works, food, drinks, pottery and more. Artisans There are several activities: choral presentations, balconies monumental arrangement, reinforced center births in homes, churches and public and private institutions.
La Buena Noche
La Buena NocheDecember 24th is La Noche Buena, or “Good Night,” and the main day for Christmas celebrations. In the evening, usually after mass, families go home to feast on elaborately prepared dinners and open gifts. At midnight, adults will toast with champagne, while children toast with hot chocolate, and families go outside to watch fireworks displays.
More Interesting Facts
In 1972, the Peruvian government banned Santa Claus from the country’s radio and TV programs, alleging that he was a depiction of western capitalism, greed, and an anti-Christian myth.
In the Andean regions of Peru, families exchange gifts on January 6th after celebrating the arrival of the Three Wise Men for the holiday Epiphany.
Peruvians enjoy drinking hot chocolate around the holidays. It is usually made from scratch with melted dark chocolate and includes cinnamon and cloves. link
Peru's Amazing Wildlife -When you get a chance to travel to the wonderful country of Peru, the Amazon, the rainforest, the selva, the jungle, the green hell (el infierno verde) whatever effort to name this huge, vibrant swathe of Peru you use, this is by far one of the most beautiful amazons I have traveled to. Whether you choose to explore it up close, from the ground, a boat, or fly over it in a plane, the Peruvian jungle seems endless and you must see it at least once on your travels.
Many indigenous tribes still live scattered throughout the Peruvian section of the Amazon, surviving primarily by hunting and fishing.
The jungle of southeastern Peru is plentifully supplied with lodges, guides, boats and flights. But best of all it's amazing animals. Here are Peru's most amazing animals you may see on your journey Spectacled bear The first and most unique is the Spectacled bear, known as the jukumari, the Andean spectacled bear is the last remaining short-faced bear in the world and the only bear in all of South America. With nearly six thousand scattered around the different regions of the country, these amazing bears are very beautiful creatures if you have a chance to view one. Jaguar Camera shy and painfully elusive, the big cat of the Amazon is a bucket-list contender for all animal lovers visiting Peru. The Jaguar makes a rainforest visit worth the adventure trying to catch the sight of Peru's biggest cats. Unfortunately due to illegal poaching, jaguars living in Peru has dwindled down to 22,000 diminishing the chances of viewing these beautiful felines. Red Uakari monkeyThis unique primate species is characterized by its bald head and its red hairless face, as well as by its short tail of approximately 6 inches. It lives in the aguaje palms of the Amazon, between the Yavarí and Ucayali rivers. The Red Uakari's diet is based on thick-skinned fruits and seeds, so it has well developed fangs. Able to live up to 20 years old these amazing primates sleep in a group around 50-200. It's pretty impressive. Cock of the rockOne of the world’s best bird-watching destinations, Peru ranks second-highest in terms of unique bird species, with new species constantly discovered. The Andean cock-of-the-rock is the country’s national animal and the spectacularly coloured bird is found deep within the Andean cloud forests, where it spends most of its day jumping up and down on branches, emitting guttural croaks and squeaks to attract a mate. Andean Condor The Andean Condor, known as the heaviest and one of the largest flying birds in the world, boasts a wingspan of 3m and is the aviary highlight of trips to the Colca Canyon. These impressively large soaring birds are unbelievable to see in the morning. Pink dolphinProbably the most beautiful and sought out of Peru's Amazing Wildlife, the Pink Dolphin is one of the most charming creatures in the Peruvian Amazon, not only owing to its cute appearance and characteristic pink skin, but also for its friendly, social and curious personality.
The Amazon Rainforest is home to more than 10,000 species of mammals, come experience the amazing unique wildlife of Peru, you'll be amazed at what you'll find.
Take a look at some of the trips we offer specifically in the Amazon.
When you think of Peru, there are probably only two things that come to mind, Cusco and Machu Picchu. In reality, Peru is shelter to so many different magnificent sights that can easily go unrecognized. From the jungle to the Andes mountains, Peru is one of the most diverse countries in the world with a rich culture and even richer history. Here are 8 must-see destinations that’ll take you on an unforgettable adventure through this unique country.
Lima, Peru#1 Lima, by far the busiest city in Peru hosting over 7 million people, is the melting pot of Peru. Lima is special for its mixture of cultures as each part of this beautiful city delivers different influences from around the world. And it's amazing food, hosting two of the TOP 10 RESTAURANTS IN THE WORLD.
Miraflores is by far the most visited hosted cliff side above the ocean waters. There won't be a more beautiful ocean view than this. With beautiful places such as the Plaza de Armas and the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco to visit, Lima has a lot to offer.
Huacachina, Peru#2 HuacachinaThis desert refuge is just a quick ride from Ica. It’s surrounded by rolling hills of sand with this tiny body of water center in the Peruvian desert. This unique desert oasis can host a lot of fun to explore the sand dunes on ATVs; you can even surf them. If you are feeling romantic, this is a perfect place to host a dinner date in the sand.
Mancora, Peru#3 Mancora The beach capital of Peru, Mancora has everything you want in a beach town: nightlife, surf, sunny skies, and warm weather. With some of the most delicious and fresh food in all of Peru, this town is perfect after spending time in the busy cities of Peru.
Nazca, Peru#4 Nazca The history of the Nazca Lines are reasons enough to journey to the small city of Nazca. You can take a short plane ride above the lines so you can make out the shapes and come up with your own theory as to how they were created. It's very interesting and worthwhile sight to see.
Chachapoyas, Peru#5 Chachapoyas:This small peaceful town is known for one thing and one thing only and that's hiking. Just two hours outside this mountain town are two of the most spectacular sites in Peru: Gocta Waterfall, hidden in the mountains; and Kuélap, a walled city high in the mountains that was built by the Chachapoyas culture. This is the perfect journey for any adventurer
Arequipa, Peru#6 Arequipa The heart of Peru is home to one of Peru’s most beautiful Plaza de Armas and some of the country’s best food, which is saying a lot. Colca Canyon, which makes the Grand Canyon look small, is only a short ride away. This amazing city is by far my favorite because of it's great food, great drinks, amazing sights and cheap price. After visiting you will understand why we call it the heart of Peru. Iquitos, Peru#7 Iquitos The city of Iquitos, located smack dab in the Peruvian jungle, is one of the more unique cities in Peru. Unreached by any roads, this town has an Amazon vibe that is not found anywhere else in the country, and it makes the perfect launching-off point for exploring the Amazon and for the ayahuasca retreats that take place close by. #8 Ollantaytambo The small town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley is a perfect example of Inca street planning and design. With narrow cobblestone streets and ruins that cling to the cliffside above, Ollantaytambo will make you feel that you are stepping back in time. Most visit this amazing small town when traveling through Cusco.
These unique cities are absolutely amazing options when traveling to Peru. Visiting them will give you a different perception of the Peruvian culture and it's history.
If you have been on one of our amazing tours through Cusco, you have gotten the chance to taste some of Peru's award winning recipes that our Chef prepares as you hike through Cusco.
But After winning it's 7th straight “Best Culinary Destination In The World” at the World Travel Awards gala held in Portugal. We wanted to celebrate with our favorites and the best dishes in Peru.
Ceviche
This amazing dish is by far my favorite in Peru. The richness of flavors, the mixture of the different ingredients and the unbelievable taste of leche de tigre, tiger's milk makes this dish incredible.
Quinoa Soup
Cusco's pivotal Quinoa Soup, is a rich herbal breakfast like soup that is very smooth and can be added with fruit to deliver an unusual quick and relaxing warm meal on the go. It is a very light and delicious soup, recommended for cold seasons.
Aji de Gallina (Creamy Chicken)
My go to Peruvian dish is Aji de Gallina. This shredded chicken bathes in a thick sauce made with cream, ground walnuts, cheese, and aji amarillo is unremarkable. While you are eating you will taste Peru's love of sauces mixed with chilies, cheese, cream, or bread. There's nothing like it.
Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed Spicy Peppers)
Seeing the stuffed pepper you would assume this meal would be very hot. But surprisingly the Peruvians mix so many amazing sweet, creamy flavors hiding inside it perfectly compliments the kick from the spicy pepper. This dish is for sure a must try when visiting.
Arroz con Pato (Rice With Duck)
One of the most known and popular dishes in Peru behind Ceviche, Arroz con Pato will be a common favorite among travelers. From the rice, seared duck and mixture of flavors, this meal will not disappoint your taste buds one bit.
To finish off the list of amazing food these next two are the most important in Cusco. Famous Corn and Cheese
To say two of the most plentiful things in Peru is Corn and Cheese wouldn't be far from the truth. This starter is the easiest, most sought out and cheapest snack in Peru. In the Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) located in Urubamba, has the sweetest corn mixed with the savory of Peruvian cheese is a must try. It'll be disrespectful if you didn't.
The famous meal of Cusco
Cuy (Guinea Pig)
Yes, I know. Your daughter probably loves Guinea Pigs but so does Peru. This is a is one of the most emblematic dishes of Peruvians, especially in Cusco. After thoroughly cleaned it is boiled and seasoned with all spices before cooked. This typical meal can be served with rice, potatoes, salad and fried cassava. Do not come to Cusco without sampling a taste of their favorite meal.
Out of all the meals we have listed above what was your favorite? Which would you like to try?
What better way to experience Peru than with our 15 Day Tour in Peru. This journey that will take to explore Lima colonial, the fantastic and superb Sacred Valley, the amazing Machu Picchu.
Lima Costa Verde
Our 15 days in Peru tour will begin in Lima centre and cover the most representative districts for your enjoyment. We will pass in a private transport and collect you from your hotel after breakfast time. The city tour where you will show you key sites of Lima, including:
Lima Cathedral
Huaca Pucllana (magnificent ceremonial and archaeological centre)
The historic centre of Lima
Colonial buildings (Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral, the City Hall)
Ruins of Ollantaytambo
On beautiful Day 5 and 6 we will head to Agua Calientes to the great Machu Picchu. This day is absolutely amazing as you get to embark your eyes on the beautiful history of the Inca culture.
Huayna Picchu
After visiting the amazing Machu Picchu, we will spend the next couple days in Puno, Peru. This amazing lakefront city delivers a different atmosphere from Cusco.
On this day will be touring all the route to Puno and having stops at four interesting sites where you will be guided on site.
Andahuaylillas: Sistine chapel of South America: this church is one of the most beautiful examples of Andean popular religious art. (It leaves at 7.30am and arrives at about 5pm.)
Raqchi (Wiracocha God Temple): This was an Inca church of monumental dimensions; 100 meters long, 26 meters wide and 14 meters high. The temple is divided in two naves and each nave shows 11 giant columns - huge!.
La Raya: This is the halfway point between Cusco and Puno and also the highest point (4335 meters above sea level). The landscapes here are stunning and typical Andean animals like the llama, alpaca and vicuña are common. It is also the geographic border between the two cultures - Quechua and Aymara.
Pukara: This is the most important and oldest ceremonial center of the altiplano. There are interesting lite-sculptures and tombs.
The people from Karina community are very friendly and welcoming, for them showing their living style to you is a compliment on your visit. We will have our food in this Karina community and to spend another night in their unique traditional homes.
Luquina Island
After spending our amazing time on these great islands getting to know the wonderful people of Karina, we will head back to Puno and spend our last day before flying to the amazing Peru Amazon.
Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata River
This part of the trip we will spend it in the amazing Posada Amazonas onlooking the peace of this beautiful reserve.
Posada Amazonas
After relaxing in the amazing forest, we will head out Oxbow Lake. We will paddle around the lake in a catamaran, searching for giant river otters and other lakeside wildlife such as caiman, hoatzin and horned screamers.
Oxbow Lake
We will also offer a tour an Ethnobotanical tour, of the Centro Ñape. We will learn about some medicinal plants such as: Ajo-Sacha, Yuca de Venado, Uña de Gato, Charcot-Sacha, Para-Para, among several others.
Ethnobotanical tour
After spending a night at the best resorts in the Amazon we will begin our last day adventuring through Mammal Clay Lick.
Parrot Clay Lick
Here we will get a chance to view all the amazing colorful birds, frogs, deer, guan and parakeets with option to hike at night. At this time you may see more animals appear from their habitat and hear unusual callings.
Lima, Peru
After all the adventures seeing more in two weeks than what most see in a lifetime, we will fly back to Lima and you will finish your journey in the city where it all begin.
Don't miss a chance to experience all of Peru with us. Ask us for our low rates now here.
Life today can become very stressful as we have more priorities, more things we are involved in and more aware of all the information out in the world that it´s sometimes hard to get away for a while. Whether we are too busy or believe traveling somewhere it´s worth the hassle.
It´s actually been scientific proven that traveling is healthy for us.
Here´s 7 Scientific reasons traveling makes you healthier:
1. Traveling exposes your body to different environments to boost immune system and antibodies.
2. Travel lowers stress levels.
3. Travel improves your brain health.
4. Travel will lower your risk of heart disease.
5. Travel keeps you fit.
6. There are a lot of places on Earth that have healing properties.
7. Travelers have a longer lifespan than non-travelers.
Traveling can really make a difference in your life not just physically but mentally as well. To take a step towards bettering your mental and physical health plan your next vacation with us here.
Rated #1 for the 25 Best Treks in the World by National Geographic Adventure Magazine, the Salkantay Trekis the most popular alternative hike to Machu Picchu as it gives adventurers an incredibly different experience than the famous Inca Trail. The trail travels through incredible landscapes where lowland jungle gives way to highland alpine settings and glaciated mountains. Just seeing the amazing mixture of both environments alone makes this trek worth it. This is where the famous name comes from.
Nevada Salkantay is one of the most iconic mountains in the Cusco. For experienced mountaineers, trekkers and hikers Salkantay Mountainis sad to be challenging. In fact the Quechua name, Sallqantay, means ‘Savage’ or ‘Wild’ and it is rarely conquered.
As you hike up to the highest point 15200ft or 4650m halfway between two huge mountains, Salkantay and Tucarhuay.
Another amazing feature of the Salkantay Trekis viewing the marvelous Humantay Lake (Laguna Humantay) one of the most sought out sites in Cusco. The beautiful color disparity in the lake mixed with the beautiful Salkantay Mountain surrounding gives you an unbelievable sensation.
The Humantay Lake is said to be sacred to the Incas where people still to this day leave offerings known as Apachetas.Apachetas are said to be offerings to the deity named "Pachamama" and will find these offerings scattered around the lake shore.
After all the breathtaking sites you will get a chance to catch your breath hiking through the peaceful Cloud Forest, this upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a series of small brooks and creeks is absolutely refreshing. You will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants.
The climate is warm in La Playa which is at(2500m)/(8202ft). After a rest, we will go to the hot springs and enjoy a well-deserved soak in the soothing waters. A real treat after all you´ve seen so far.
The next hidden gem you will get to see on the Salkantay Trek is LLactapata, which in Quechua means place (village, town, city, country, nation) and elevated above a bank or river which is west of Machu Picchu.
This unique site is a perfect lead to Machu Picchu and it´s unbelievable buildings.
After being blown away by the Salkantay Mountains, amazed by the Humantay Lake, re-energized by the Cloud Forest and finally left wondering about the Llaqtapata, what better way to end your journey than with the amazing Machu Picchu? You will have seen more in one trip than what people see in two or three. This is why the Salkantay Trek is by far the best option and most amazing experience you can buy. Click here to see availability for our 5 Day Salkantay Trek 8 Day Salkantay Trek - including Full Day Sacred Village
