Following the route of the sun by Valencia Travel - Cusco - Peru

We dared to look towards the horizon. A New Year, new adventures and our compass, the sun itself, guiding us along the route of the sun. We were looking for hope and the idea of there being light at the end of this dark tunnel. With the development of the Covid-19 vaccine, our hearts have skipped a beat, reminding us of the character and the spirit of the people, to achieve this positive change. The perfect example that human beings can accomplish anything they set out to do!

With the same commitment as always to our clients, here at Valencia Travel, we are optimistic and full of hope for what is to come in this new year and are looking forward to a positive2021.

Here is our update about the current situation in Perú:

Covid 19: Travel Updates Perú

- The director of International health clarified that the 14-day quarantine necessary to enter Peru may be completed in the traveller's final destination, not on the entrance to the country. The strict hygiene protocols, as dictated by the Health Minister, will be enforced with social distancing, obligatory masks and frequent hand disinfecting.

- The quarantine can be completed in the homes or hotels of the traveller, once they have reached their final destination. These arrangements should be printed out and shown to the officials on the entrance to the country.

- A negative Covid PCR test is required not older than 72 hours, to be able to enter the country.

- For anyone entering Peru, from a country where the new strain of the Covid 19 has been detected, we recommend that you take a specialised test in Lima. It is still unclear if these passengers can take the test the same day as they arrive in Lima or in their final destination.

- As of the 6th of January, all flights that have a duration of 8 hours or more, will be suspended for a period of 15 days with the aim of preventing the spread of the new strain of Covid -19.

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all our travellers, local experts, staff and suppliers, through a safe and responsible operation. We have worked extensively on our health and safety policies, and we are implementing new minimum standards that emphasise increased hygiene and sanitation.

All this is based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization and is following the Safe Travel protocols of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for tour operators. Before travelling, we recommend that you check your government's travel advisory and the World Health Organization website for the most up-to-date information on destinations and permitted trips from each country.

Learn more here, about the measures we are taking with regards to Covid 19

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY

OUR COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

If you have any questions and are looking for any aspirational ideas, talk to us!

Thanks.

Daniel

Costa Rica: the rise of nature…

An amazing documentary to get to know our country better on an unforgettable journey. Costa Rica: the rise of nature…an amazing documentary to get to know our country better on an unforgettable journey.

Luis Miranda, Costa Rican director and producer living in Europe, is responsible together with his team of putting together a unique and compelling documentary “Costa Rica: the rise of nature”. We recently had a Zoom call with him so we could learn details about his inspiration. The documentary takes you on a three-step journey to the heart of one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and also a witness the unprecedented efforts that scientists, communities and individuals make every day to preserve, and in some cases restore, an exceptional natural heritage.

The first episode shows the wonders of the dry tropical forest in the northern Pacific of Costa Rica, the only remanent in the continent of this rare ecosystem. This forest, which once covered the entire Pacific coast of Central America, now exists only as isolated "vestiges". In Costa Rica, however, it has been revived and even expanded thanks to the efforts of biologists and the local population.

On the second episode, you will embark on a journey from the Caribbean coast all the way to the South Pacific coast, exploring the biological corridors that connect the network of National Parks in the country. Volcanoes, rivers but overall protagonists like the wild pigs, which carry many responsibilities to keep the thin balance in nature distributing seeds and growing forests or becoming the base-diet for jaguars, amongst the many threats day face every day.

The final chapter shows the main challenge our country is facing…the sea. Fragile ecosystems and marine life depend on the commitment and policies from government and local communities, and the devoted hard work of biologist and researchers. From the marine paradise that surrounds the Cocos Island to mangroves, coral reefs, whales and sharks, this episode is the perfect closing of this journey.

The first reason why I wanted to share this amazing content was that we are very proud of Luis and his work, and when I talked with him and felt his passion and commitment, I knew this is positive news to share with you all. Positive news to believe we can do things better, that we can recover hope and optimism for a better, greener and fairer world, just like it is happening in Costa Rica.

These links are your passport to experience not only the unique and amazing natural beauties of Costa Rica but also to learn about the many challenges we are facing so that our treasures will remain and thrive for our future generations.

https://www.arte.tv/en/videos/085367-001-F/costa-rica-a-forest-is-reborn/

https://www.arte.tv/en/videos/085367-002-F/costa-rica-the-animals-return-2-3/

https://www.arte.tv/en/videos/085367-003-F/costa-rica-protecting-our-seas-3-3/

Brazil news by Gondwana Brasil

COVID Updates

We are very glad to share that, confirming last month’s trend, the covid-19 scenario continues to significantly improve in Brazil. According to an epidemiological bulletin from the national Ministry of Health, issued on last October 23, there has been a 19.4% decline in the number of confirmed cases in the week of October 11 to 17, compared to the previous week. And on October 21, the rolling 14-day death average was down 22%, and was the lowest since May 6, 2020. Considering the pandemic hit us harder precisely during our winter season, and that we are now almost half-way through spring, we really believe that the worst is past us.

This trend is having a positive impact on the domestic tourism sector since Brazilians are travelling a lot within the country, which allows for many of our local partners to catch their breaths. This regaining of momentum is proving to be extremely important for the industry at the end of the year. Tourists are being very respectful of the sanitary protocols put in place by the service providers.

We are following the news about the second wave in Europe and our heart goes out to all those affected, especially our business partners. Please keep us up to date regarding the particular situation in your countries and businesses.

In other news...

New home :)

We have moved to our new office and are gradually going back to work there, taking turns and following the appropriate safety protocols. As we mentioned last month, the pandemic forced us to slow down our renovation and moving plans, but we are thrilled that things finally came to fruition! Our new office is in a beautiful house, on a quiet downtown street. It underwent a large renovation in order to accommodate our headquarters and incorporate Gondwana’s soul. Pictures coming soon! (We’ll share just one for now, to give you a taste ;)

New itineraries

We are currently working on the creation of new itineraries around Curitiba, in a beautiful area of bays, mountains, preserved Atlantic Forest and communities that we care a lot for. We believe that people are genuinely interested in more immersive trips that allow for deeper contact with nature in secluded areas, delicious and authentic gastronomy and life-changing experiences amidst the outdoor life. Nowadays this is considered as a trend, but it’s always been part of our DNA. We have recently gone on two tours that we will start to offer in November, in order to implement our safety and health protocols and make sure everything is ready to go:

Ocean Kayaking in the Antonina Bay

Antonina Bay is located on the southern coast of the state of Paraná, Brazil, and it can be considered an extension of the Paranaguá bay. Several rivers, like the Cacatu and the Cachoeira, flow into it. The bay is the place where the Atlantic Ocean’s waters reach the furthest into the American continent, coming close to the slopes of the Serra do Mar mountain range, and offering waters that are suitable for sports. We went on two kayak tours, one for beginners, in a wilder environment, and the other one a little harder, and including a visit to a local community.

Bike Tour around Rural Morretes

Morretes is a charming historic town between the local mountain range and the coast, famous for its “barreado” (a traditional local dish) and “boia cross” (floating down the local river on an inflated tire chamber). Accompanied by a specialized local guide, the 3-hour bike tour includes the use of a 21-speed mountain bike, helmet, gloves, and the adventure insurance. The itinerary includes rural villages, crossing of rivers and streams, water fountains, places with beautiful views of the mountains, an artisanal cachaça mill, natural pools, a small waterfall, lakes, patches of forest and a suspension bridge.

Survey

We would like to thank all who have taken the time to answer our survey on how we can improve the contents of our newsletters. We were quite happy to realise that there’s great appreciation for what we are already doing and that our newsletters provide quality information that’s enjoyed by our clients. All the feedback and suggestions offered will be taken into account, and we should already have news in our following issue.

And we would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all who have made donations to the local institutions committed to the preservation of the Pantanal. Fortunately, the fires have declined and the situation is much better since, in the past week, it’s been raining in the affected areas.

Thank you.

Gondwana Brasil Team