The Galapagos Islands

A Must See Destination 

Why must you visit the Galapagos Islands? 

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

Inca trail to Galapagos Islands

Peru to Galapagos Islands 

Christmas in Peru

Christmas in Peru

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 Noche

December 24^th 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 6^th 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

Interested in spending a holiday with us? All you have to do is ask here.

Peru's Amazing Wildlife

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 monkey

This 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 rock

One 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 dolphin

Probably 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.

Peru's National Parks
https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/tambopata-national-park.php
https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/manu-national-park.php
Colca Canyon
https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/colca-canyon-tour-2-days.php
Magical Amazon Andean Dream 18 Day Trip
https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/magical-amazon-andean-highlights-of-peru-and-bolivia-18-days.php
Amazon Cruises
https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/4-day-amazon-cruisea-rf.php
https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/5-day-amazon-cruisea-rf.php
https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/7-day-amazon-cruisea-rf.php

The Best Places to Visit in Peru

The Best Places to Visit in Peru

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 ChachapoyasThis 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.

Here are some of our tours that include at least two of these amazing cities as well as Machu Picchu.
Best of Peru 
Arequipa Colca Canyon

Nazca Lines
15 Day Amazon Tour
12 Day Peru and Galapagos
Magical Amazon and Bolivia