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!
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.
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
There is something magical about words that
are put in just the right order to inspire a kind of wonderment. A well written
essay can inspire change, and a speech a riotous protest. However, one of my
favorite set of words comes in the form of travel quotes. So for your travel
inspiration I have compiled Valencia Travel Cusco’s top 10 favorite travel
quotes!
10. “Broad, wholesome,
charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one
little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain
9. “Traveling is like flirting
with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this
is my station.'” –Lisa St. Aubin de Teran
8. As the traveler who has
once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a
knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more
steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, our own.” – Margaret Mead
7. “Bizarre travel plans are
dancing lessons from God.” – Kurt Vonnegut
6. “The world is a book,
and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
5. “Travel and
change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca
4. “Once in a while
it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way
they have been told to.” – Alan Keightley
3. “Our Nature lies in
movement; complete calm is death.” – Blaise Pascal
2. “I am not the same,
having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne
Radmacher
1.“Life is either a
daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller
I
hope you enjoyed these quotes. Life isn’t interesting living in only one place,
so I hope 2016 is full of movement for our readers! If you have a favorite
travel quote I hope you share it in the comments, or post in on our Facebook
page. Wander on friends!
Valencia Travel Cusco has been lucky enough to have a few travel bloggers come and join us on our trips recently. After their experiences, they went online and wrote a little something about us and what they did whilst in Peru.
[Note: All photos in this post were taken and posted by the bloggers themselves and are featured on their websites which can all be followed by clicking the links at the end of each section.]
O Christine
(Above: O Christine enjoying the views of Machu Picchu.)
O Christine joined us on our 4 day Lares trek in Spring on a private trek. In her blog, she goes into great depth about everything she experienced on her trek, from their close bond with their guide, to the accommodation and everything in between. The photos taken before and during her trek give a great insight into the beauty of the landscapes and the value of the immersion that can be experienced on this trek.
(Above: Run With Jim and his daughter at Machu Picchu.)
Jim joined us in Peru with his lovely daughter. They ventured to many different historical sites. Obviously, they also stopped at the holy grail that is Machu Picchu. Their experiences are documented through a series of photographs and captions, showing many of the fascinating sites visited.
(Above: One of the many amazing photographs taken along the way by Bohemian Traveler.)
Bohemian Traveler trekked to Machu Picchu via Salkantay with us. The tough journey takes you through snow-capped mountains, cloud forests and so much more. His journey is documented in stunning photographs showing many of the incredible landscapes witnessed along the way.
(Above: Runaway Juno in front of the stunning views surrounding Machu Picchu.)
Our final blogger was also on the Salkantay trek leading to Machu Picchu. She struggled with altitude sickness slightly during her time in Peru, but after a little advise from a guide, she found a way to manage it. She posted two wonderful blogs about her trip: one focuses on coca leaves and how they helped her along, and the other is a beautiful account of Machu Picchu in photographs.
Valencia Travel Cusco has been selected for
the Best of Stamford 2015 Award in the travel agencies category! We feel very
grateful to be acknowledged for this award as we always try our best to
accommodate any special request or need that our clients have, as well as make their vacations as stress-free as possible.
Here you can find the official press
release:
Inca Trail - MachuPicchu- Valencia Travel Cusco Receives 2015 Best of Stamford Award Stamford Award
Program Honors the Achievement STAMFORD September
30, 2015 -- Inca Trail - Machu Picchu- Valencia Travel Cusco has been selected
for the 2015 Best of Stamford Award in the Travel Agencies category by the
Stamford Award Program. Each year, the
Stamford Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved
exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category.
These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business
through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional
companies help make the Stamford area a great place to live, work and play. Various sources of
information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category.
The 2015 Stamford Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are
determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Stamford Award
Program and data provided by third parties.
About
Stamford Award Program
The Stamford Award
Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and
accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Stamford area. Recognition
is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best
practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and
long-term value. The Stamford Award
Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our
community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade
groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing
groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's
contributions to the U.S. economy.
