top of page
Search

Guess who's back? Chile will be open for travel from the 1st of October 21!



Dear colleagues and friends,

We are pleased to inform you that Chile is opening its borders to international tourists from October 1st! In order to enable the safe reactivation of tourism, the government has created a website with all relevant information. On the official website https://chile.travel/en/traveltochileplan, which is also available in English, you will find detailed information on the requirements for entering Chile, onward travel within the country and a section of frequently asked questions that is regularly updated whenever there is a change in the situation.


CURRENT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • Entry into Chile can be via the three airports of Iquique, Antofagasta and Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL, Santiago).

  • Before entering the country, the vaccines received in one's own country must be confirmed so that a mobility passport (pase de movilidad) can be issued from Chile. The application for recognition of vaccines is made through the following page https://mevacuno.gob.cl/. The recognition process can take up to a month. This time should be taken into account when planning your trip to Chile.

  • Foreign minors who are not vaccinated and therefore cannot apply for a mobility pass are not yet allowed to enter the country.

  • Tourists entering the country must have travel health insurance covering an amount of USD 30,000.

  • Proof of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before boarding is still required. A PCR test is carried out again at the destination airport in Chile.

  • Complete the electronic form "Affidavit of the Traveler" up to 48 hours before boarding, in which you must provide your contact information, health and location history. This form will include a QR code as a means of verification. It can be completed at https://www.c19.cl/ (English version available).

  • Tourists entering the country must travel by private transport and directly to the specified residence for 5 days from the time of entry and be quarantined there. Failure to comply with the quarantine will result in a penalty and the mobility pass will immediately lose its validity.

For further information please contact us.

Kind Regards,

Turavion and travelArt team













30 views0 comments

A Second Chance To Travel More Responsibly by Valencia Travel Cusco - Peru



Dear friends and travel colleagues.


With the global pandemic affecting our ability to move about, both locally and internationally, it has forced many of us to reflect on how we treat the planet since if one thing is evident at all, it’s that the whole world is in it together—and by in it, we aren’t talking just about the pandemic and the spread of COVID-19, but just as importantly, the collective actions we take that can impact the world for the better.

  • Being environmentally responsible means many things to many people, but under this umbrella term it could mean:

  • Purchasing items that use biodegradable packaging

  • Walking or riding your bike to work instead of using the car or public transport, where possible

  • Aligning your purchases of goods and services with companies that have the same morals as you—that is, choosing to buy from companies that have sustainability practices in their supply chains that aim to limit their negative impact on the planet

  • Travelling more responsibly: Just as you would find on a Valencia Travel Cusco tour, choosing to see the world with a tour operator that focuses on sustainable tourism, giving back to the local community, and providing a life-changing experience that isn’t just amazing for you, but also amazing for the planet


We each have a second chance to travel more responsibly after the pandemic has ended. The choices we make are votes of power, and with this power comes great responsibility of enacting change on a world level. Travelling responsibly is just one way we can rethink our approach and attitude towards our impact on the planet—after all, we only have one to take care of!


The world over, a debate continues to rage on about the use of fossil fuels and other practices that can harm the planet and its inhabitants (human and non-human alike). And while politicians continue to go back and forth about the merits of saving the planet for future generations, we each have the power today to make a statement by taking a 360-degree view of what it means to be a socially and environmentally conscious individual.

Travel the right way, and do it with one of Valencia Travel Cusco’s sustainable tours that can be found here.


Together, we can step together towards a brighter and greener future.


5 Things You Must Do In Peru!


Hit the nightlife in Cusco

Cusco is ground zero for travellers preparing for their Machu Picchu trek, Amazon adventure, and pretty much any and every adventurous activity you can think of. It just also happens to be a whole lot of fun for night owls who love a party, and who enjoy going out and meeting new people. The best thing about being in Cusco is that everyone has something in common with someone else since you’re all there for the same reason—making it the perfect place to strike up new friendships and explore this picturesque town together.

Start off with dinner and cocktails at the chic hangout Republica Del Pisco, one of the most iconic venues in Cusco, before heading out to one of the most fun places on the planet: La Chupiteria The Shot Bar, where the party gets started before most people head off to Mama Africa to dance the night away.


Walk the streets of Lima

The best way to discover a city is, in my opinion, to simply walk the streets and take it all in. You never know what you’ll find around the next corner, and going on foot is the best way to get a feel for the soul of a city. Lima should be a lot more famous than it is, given how beautiful and drastic their cityscape is. We’re talking about world-class surf in stunning blue water, detail-perfect colonial architecture, and a world-class dining scene (including incredibly authentic international cuisine, such as Japanese—the Peruvians are fantastic at bringing the best of Japan right to your table).

Load up your Spotify with some local music and let intuition guide you through the streets of Lima. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.


Visit the Nazca Lines

Peru’s Nazca Lines are wildly impressive. Created somewhere between 500 BCE and 500 CE, these extremely large artworks depict everything from monkeys, hummingbirds and humans, to spiders, dogs, cats, and lizards (plus more)! In fact, more of these ancient artworks, which are visible from the air (between 500m and 1,500m) and other mountains that are at a high altitude, are still being discovered today. They were created by engraving lines into the desert floor, with the largest being 370 metres big. Today, archaeologists continue to theorise why they were created and what they all mean, lending an air of mystery to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.


See Lake Titicaca

The largest lake in all of South America is a true spectacle. Located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, it is 281 metres deep and surrounded by reed beds and various islands, that is also home to several native populations. Lake Titicaca is a must-see experience when in Peru, for its size and relative isolation from the rest of the country really makes its visitors feel relaxed and disconnected from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is home to hundreds of different aquatic life, including the giant Titicaca water frog which amazingly, grows up to 17cm in length.


Hike Machu Picchu

Of course, what list would be complete without mentioning Machu Picchu?

Hiking Machu Picchu is a life-changing experience that everyone should do at least once in their lives (and hopefully many more times than that)! The ancient Incan ruins simply cannot be beaten if you’re after a breathtaking spectacle that looks like it came right out of a fantasy film. This multi-day hiking adventure will take you through a series of different terrain, from jungle to rocky clifftops, over gushing white rivers and into the heart of remote Peruvian villages. It is a physical feat that will keep you energised and wondering what’s coming next…and it’s best to be prepared by reading up on what you should pack, and the types of clothes and gear you will need to make it a more comfortable experience.

Truth be told, Machu Picchu is one of the greatest world wonders you will ever have the chance to see, and I would bet my last dollar that nothing else you see or experience in this magical world will top it.


Covid 19 Upadate

Peru's Government has issued several updates pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on tourism within the country. As previously stated, a PCR test or an antigen test, and a signed affidavit is needed before travelling to Peru.


Furthermore, the Government of Peru has announced the following:


The ban on travellers from Brazil, South Africa, and India has been extended. Any Peruvians who plan on returning from these three countries are required by law to immediately quarantine once they arrive for a period of 14 days.


A mask is still required in public places, including public squares, bars, and restaurants, with some establishments requesting the use of double masks.


Arequipa is in full lockdown until further notice.


While Cusco’s archaeological sites are operating at 40% capacity, a curfew remains in place from 10pm - 4am.


The Inca Trail is now open at 50% capacity for both day and multi-day tours.


An Extreme Alert has been given for the areas of Chachapoyas, Lucanas, and Espinar; this means that a curfew from 9pm - 4am has been enacted, a full lockdown is in place for Sundays, the use of beaches is forbidden, but pharmacies remain open 24/7 for deliveries and restaurants can deliver from 4am - 11pm.


We look forward to welcoming you back to our wonderful country soon, and in the meantime, hope that we can continue to provide you with inspiration to book your next


Valencia Travel Cusco tour by visiting Passion Passport on the regular.

Warm regards,


Daniel



Our DMC partners are well-established, extremely creative and with unrivalled product/destination knowledge, all our work is tailor-made towards your needs.


We have huge experience in dealing with travellers that want to get under the skin of the destination and our local knowledge of the UK travel industry and its challenges to tour operators, we offer full support, providing quick turn around replies, be for a quote or confirmation.


Value-added excursions options, ensuring we immerse your clients in the local life, we provide continuous communication between you, your customers and our ground team ensuring you are aware how their trip is going and for us to be there in case they need any support, working as a concierge team.


We work with some of the most amazing guides and we have unique access to some of the most demanded hotels and services due to the relationship we've built with our local partners.


Here are our partners and their respective countries:

Argentina - To be updated soon

Costa Rica, Panama & Nicaragua - Horizontes Nature Tours

Ecuador & Galapagos – Adventure Journeys

Guatemala, Belize & Honduras - Maya Trails

Mexico - Malva Travel




15 views0 comments

The quiet revolution by travelArt - Chile


Dear friends and travel colleagues.


I want to help you create the most amazing product for Chile, shall we have a call?


The new revolution, What an opportunity Chilean citizens will have, after many months of unrest the true voice of a unified population has been heard.


Chileans to elect a 155-strong assembly made up of equivalent men and women to set out the new framework and enshrine equal rights. Women’s rights activists in Chile say that the country’s new constitution will catalyze progress for women in the country – and could set a new global standard for gender equality in politics.


This should be set as an example of forward-thinking and adopted in many countries around the world. It also shows that everything has an ending.


For further info follow this link


With over 83% of its population vaccinated with the 1st jab (https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/tracking-coronavirus-across-the-world) Chile is well-positioned to be the only South American country that could be added to the UK amber or even green list. We suspect that our borders will also be open by the end of August.


For now, I let you discover these amazing places that are there waiting for you!


Northern Carretera Austral


“He who does not know the Chilean forest does not know this planet. From those lands, from that mud, from that silence, I have left to walk, to sing, around the world“ - Pablo Neruda (Chilean poet and Nobel Prize winner)


The 1247 kilometre Carretera Austral road passes some of Chile’s most impressive landscapes. It begins in the Lake District and leads to the town of Villa O’Higgins in the Aysén region. Here you can see a video about the Carretera Austral.


The northern Carretera Austral begins in Puerto Montt and ends after about 660 kilometres in the regional capital Coyhaique. It consists of roads with little traffic, surrounded by untouched nature with lakes, mountains, rivers, lush green forests and thermal springs. On the way, you will pass some of Chile’s national parks. A special highlight is a hike to the hanging glacier in Queulat National Park.


Outdoor enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities for activities all along the route, surrounded by beautiful natural panoramas and an extraordinary variety of landscapes.


Whether rafting and kayaking on the rapids of the Futaleufú River or fly fishing, horseback riding, trekking and boat trip through the fjords, there are many ways for everyone to enjoy the Chilean adventure on the Carretera Austral. Visitors can also relax in the region’s hot thermal springs, for example in Puyuhuapi.



“CARRETERA AUSTRAL NORTE – PURE NATURE”

11 DAYS SELF-DRIVE PROGRAMME


travelArt has created an itinerary that will take you by rental car from Puerto Montt to Coyhaique, passing beautiful natural landscapes with diverse flora.


On this unique travel adventure on the northern Carretera Austral, you will drive past lush forests, Chile’s second-largest lake Llanquihue and the turquoise-coloured Futaleufú River, which is one of the best whitewater destinations in the world and invites you to go rafting on its rapids.


The highlight is the stay in the heart of a natural paradise, the Queulat National Park with its impressive hanging glacier, waterfalls, lagoons and forests. Pure nature!


travelArt`s 11-day self-drive programme “Carretera Austral Norte – Pure Nature” costs from USD 1,921 per person including accommodation (double room) and rental car (Nissan X-Trail 4WD AT or similar vehicle). International and domestic flights are not included in the price.


NOTE: Pick-up of the rental car at Puerto Montt airport and drop-off of the rental car at Balmaceda airport.



ROUTE OF THE PARKS



The Route of the Parks (Ruta de los Parques) was born out of a nature conservation vision, promoted by the Tompkins Conservation Chile Foundation. It covers more than 90 % of the area protected under the category of National Parks in Chile. Starting in Puerto Montt in the Lake District, the route extends to Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America, in the Magallanes region. The 2800 km long route through dreamlike landscapes includes 17 national parks with a great diversity of flora and fauna.


Part of the northern Carretera Austral follows this route and passes by some of the national parks. In the Lake District, for example, this is the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins and in the Aysén region the Queulat National Park.


Pumalín Park is a temperate rainforest nature reserve. It is also an excellent destination for trekking, camping, and canyoning in its fjords.


In Queulat National Park, you can enjoy hiking in the evergreen forest and visit its glaciers, lagoons, and waterfalls. One of the activities not to be missed on the northern Carretera Austral is the hike to Ventisquero Colgante, a hanging glacier.


The inhabitants along the route are the guardians of the “Ruta de los Parques” and the keepers of the cultural and natural heritage. They are communities that keep Patagonia’s culture, traditions, and identity alive. See a short video about it here.


Under this link you will find a brochure with some photos and short information about the different parks as well as a map of the complete route.




SAN RAFAEL LAGOON

BREATHTAKING GLACIER WORLD


Did you know that the third largest ice reserve in the world, after Antarctica and Greenland, is located in Chile? 20,000 km of ice, of which 4,200 km correspond to the Northern Ice Fields and are entirely in the Aysén region. Its imposing glaciers include the Exploradores, where you can hike on the ice, and the famous San Rafael, which forms the lagoon of the same name.


Puerto Chacabuco is one of the starting points to this natural wonder. There you can take a catamaran that will take you through the fjords and channels of the Laguna San Rafael National Park. It is a unique experience to see the glacier wall from the boat and marvel at the play of colours of the eternal ice.


Another option is a cruise from/to Puerto Montt, which heads for fjords, small villages, private thermal pools and the San Rafael lagoon during a 6-day/5-night cruise.


The arch-shaped lagoon was formed by the retreat of the San Rafael Glacier in the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.


San Rafael National Park is the largest park in the Aysén region, covering 1,742,000 hectares, and it encompasses the entire Northern Patagonian Ice Fields (Campos de Hielo Norte), where countless rivers and lakes are born.


For further information give us a shout.


Thank you.

Daniel and the travelArt team!




Our DMC partners are well-established, extremely creative and with unrivalled product/destination knowledge, all our work is tailor-made towards your needs.


We have huge experience in dealing with travellers that want to get under the skin of the destination and our local knowledge of the UK travel industry and its challenges to tour operators, we offer full support, providing quick turnaround replies, be for a quote or confirmation.


Value-added excursions options, ensuring we immerse your clients in the local life, we provide continuous communication between you, your customers and our ground team ensuring you are aware of how their trip is going and for us to be there in case they need any support, working as a concierge team.


We work with some of the most amazing guides and we have unique access to some of the most demanded hotels and services due to the relationship we've built with our local partners.


Here are our partners and their respective countries:

Argentina - To be updated soon

Chile - Turavion & TravelArt

Costa Rica, Panama & Nicaragua - Horizontes Nature Tours

Ecuador & Galapagos – Adventure Journeys

Guatemala, Belize & Honduras - Maya Trails

Mexico - Malva Travel

24 views0 comments
bottom of page