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
About Inspiring Destination
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
Brazil - Gondwana Brasil
Colombia - Panamericana de Viajes
Costa Rica, Panama & Nicaragua - Horizontes Nature Tours
Ecuador & Galapagos – Adventure Journeys
Guatemala, Belize & Honduras - Maya Trails
Mexico - Malva Travel
Peru - Valencia Travel