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Peru Travel News: Events for your Peru Vacation
For all of you lucky travelers headed on a Peru vacation this month or in June, check out some of these Peru events! The perfect way to spend a free afternoon, these events can be found throughout the different departments of Peru and provide a great way to indulge in the country’s culture and history.
Lima: The capital of Peru, Lima is often buzzing with festivals and exhibits. Enhance your Lima travel by attending one of these many events.
June 7th: The annual celebration of Corpus Christi takes place throughout Peru, but be on the lookout for celebrations throughout Lima!
June 19-29th: El OutfestPeru is Lima’s annual lesbian, gay, and transsexual film festival which will be held at the Centro Cultural de Espana and the Juliet Theater.
June 24th: The national holiday of Inti Raymi is celebrated throughout the country, most heavily in Cusco, however you may find yourself amidst the various Incan celebrations in Lima as well.
June 29th: A huge celebration throughout Lima and the rest of Peru, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is a great way to mingle with the locals and enjoy some of Peru’s festivities.
Cusco Region: With so much to do and see, Cusco travel is often jam-packed, but if you have a little extra time, be sure to check out one of these Cusco events.
May 27-30th: Enjoy the Pentecost Sunday celebrations of Señor de Choquekillka. The patron celebration of Ollantaytambo is a four day festival that includes endless processions and celebrations, a must see if in the Cusco region!
June 1st: An annual pilgrimage takes thousands from Sinakara to the top of Mount Ausangate in search of the sacred snow (holy water) during Qoyllur Rit’i. This hike takes tens of thousands to more than 15,000 feet (4,700 meters) above sea level to submit offerings to the church and many partake in traditional dance to celebrate the mountain spirits.
June 7th: The Corpus Christi celebrations bear resemblance to the Semana Santa festivals found in the month of April. Parades, music, and processions pass through the streets of Cusco. Enjoy the elaborate costumes and festivities of Corpus Christi, an added bonus to your Cusco vacation.
June 18-30th: Attend the traditional fair, Agropercaria Huancaro, where agriculture from around the world is highlighted. Of specific interest is the festival of Cusco’s thirteen provinces, where representatives of the region will share their typical food, culture, and music. This festival is the perfect way to gain a better understanding of the Cusco region as well as sample some delicious Peruvian cuisine.
June 24th: Celebrate the festival of Inti Raymi at Sacsayhuaman. Often visited during a Cusco city tour, Sacsayhuaman is of particular interest on June 24th as people flock to pay homage to Inti, the Sun god, on the occasion of the winter solstice. This is a must see celebration if you happen to be visiting the Cusco region at this time!
June 29th: A great opportunity to enjoy one of Cusco’s excellent festivals, the celebration of Ollantay Raymi brings people from all over to participate in dances, watch the Ollantay Drama, feast on local cuisine, and celebrate the great Inca Sun God.
Puno and Around: The Puno region celebrates many of the same festivals found throughout Peru, however there are some specific festivals you won’t want to miss if in the Puno area.
May 28th: Join the ‘Fiesta del Espiritu Santo’ outside of Puno in Llave, Capachica, Yunguyom, as well as many other towns.
June 21st: If you find yourself in the Puno area, check out the districts of Unicachi and Ollaraya in Yunguyo where you can celebrate the Aymaran New Year.
June 24th and June 29th: If you enjoy dance, be sure to check out the Dia del Campesino Capachica and the Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo. Both festivals are celebrated with folk dances and contests, and are a great way to experience the area’s culture.
Throughout Peru you are sure to find many great celebrations and festivals no matter when you are traveling. If you happen to be visiting this month or the next be sure to check out these great Peru festivals as an added bonus to your already exciting Peru travel itinerary.
Category: Uncategorized
People travel all over the world exploring its cities and vast landscapes looking for something special, those memories that will last a lifetime. It is for the places that touch our hearts and make us never want to leave that we pack our bags, endure those seemingly endless layovers, and for which we practically empty our pocket books. Our expert travel advisor Nikoline can relate to this, as her time in Ecuador extended well beyond her original plan. With so much love and passion for the country, Nikoline was eager to share her travels through Ecuador. This exciting tale is sure to make you want to start planning your Ecuador travel today.
Exploring inland Ecuador and the coast during her trip, Nikoline fell in love with the biodiversity of the country. From the Andes to the jungle and the coast, she explored it all, soaking up the sun one minute and a few hours later discovering the wildlife in the rainforest. Even now when she returns, she is still amazed by how fast the climate and landscapes can change.
One of the many beautiful buildings Nikoline captured during her time in Cuenca.
Part of Nikoline’s trip was spent in the colonial city of Cuenca. Surrounded by lush mountains, the city provides some absolutely spectacular scenery. She suggests to anyone visiting Ecuador to include a trip to Cuenca, as the city is full of charm and perfect for exploring by foot. Nikoline recommends walking the streets and admiring the many colonial buildings for which the city is famous. There are also many little parks scattered throughout Cuenca as well as cafes and restaurants, perfect for soaking in the culture of the city and mingling with the locals. “The Ecuadorian population is very easygoing and very curious to meet foreigners,” so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation while you sip on your coffee or tea!
Nikoline spent most of her Ecuador trip on the coast, soaking up the sun and getting to know the locals.
Nikoline’s favorite part about Ecuador however is its magnificent coast. “I feel like the coast has been overlooked by a lot of tourists coming to Ecuador, by I am especially fond of the beaches,” Nikoline explains. She spent most of her time in Ecuador soaking up the sun and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the beach towns. Nikoline suggests Montañita for travelers looking for surf and fun in the sun. Originally planning to stay three nights, Nikoline couldn’t leave the charm and friendly people of Montañita and ended up staying for two months! “I told myself every day I will leave tomorrow, I will leave tomorrow, but I just couldn’t!”
Horses joined Nikoline on the beach, a unique and beautiful sight during her vacation.
Nikoline could talk for hours about her time on the beaches surrounding Montañita, sitting around eating Red Ceviche (a must try) or renting scooters cruising around all day. On a particularly interesting day at the beach, Nikoline was laying soaking up the sun when a herd of “wild” horses came running down the beach. With no owner, the horses ran freely down the sand along the water, making for one of the coolest sceneries during her entire trip.
“However” she added, “Ecuador sunsets are amazing! I am nuts about sunsets and have observed quite a few in a lot of different countries, but Ecuador’s coast without a doubt provides some of the best!”
Surely not her last goodbye to Ecuador, Nikoline will return again one day!
The beautiful Ecuador scenery provided her with some great picture opportunities, and these photos now serve as a reminder of all the great times she had on her trip. Though she doesn’t have current plans, Nikoline has no doubt she will make another trip to Ecuador, where she is sure to fall in love all over again.
Contact one of our expert travel advisors at Latin America For Less to start planning your fully customizable Ecuador travel package.
Category: Ecuador, Travel Tales, Uncategorized
The Amazon Basin is host to an ecosystem that is unmatchable in its biological diversity but also among the most endangered on the planet due to human activity. For travelers seeking to see and inhabit this unique environment while also contributing to its preservation, ecotourism is an increasingly accessible option. Below we highlight the top destinations for Amazon tours and Amazon lodges that place an emphasis on conservation and sustainability, perfect for your travel to South America.
The “Meeting of the Waters,” where the Rio Negro flows alongside the Rio Solimoes for 10 miles (6km) until joining to form the Amazon River.
Brazil: Anavilhanas Archipelago & Jaú National Park
Located about 70 km north of Manaus – the city which serves as the point of departure for most Brazil Amazon tours – Anavilhanas is the largest freshwater archipelago in the world and the site of a national reserve. During the rainy season, water levels rise and submerge most of archipelago, which is comprised of 100,000 hectares and over 400 islands, giving it the appearance of a floating forest interspersed with canals. The Anavilhanas archipelago is inhabited by multiple species of birds, butterflies, monkeys, snakes, as well as caimans, pink dolphins, and manatees that have adapted to the seasonal rise and fall of water levels.
The nearby Jau National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest forest reserve in South America and covers 23,000 square km. Access to the park is restricted, but travelers lucky enough to enter will have a chance to see unique plant and bird species that some scientists believe to be directly descended from the Pleistocene era (the last ice age).
Peru: Puerto Maldonado & Tambopata National Reserve
With over half of its territory comprised of Amazon rainforest, Peru is unsurprisingly a growing destination for Amazon travel in South America. The 3 main sites for ecotourism include Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos, and Manu, all of which are in close proximity to important national reserves. Among these, Puerto Maldonado stands out for its incredible biodiversity as well as its accessibility combined with increasing options for sustainable tourism.
Located downriver from Puerto Maldonado, the Tampopata-Candomo Reserve was created in the late 1970s specifically to preserve the zone for scientific study and sustainable tourism. This part of the Amazon is unique in that its hilly topography creates various microclimates such as cloud forests, humid forests, and subtropical rainforests, resulting in an astounding array of flora and fauna, including 165 species of trees, 1,000 species of butterflies, and 750 species of birds. A typical Puerto Maldonado Amazon tour will include canopy tours on walkways overlooking the rainforest and an excursion to Sandoval Lake, where travelers can observe macaws, caimans, turtles, giant otters, common kingfishers, and countless other species.
Tambopata Research Center, a remote Puerto Maldonado Amazon lodge with a focus on research and conservation.
Ecuador: Yasuni National Park
Ecuador boasts some of the most recently developed and exciting prospects for Amazon travel. Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on 2.5 million acres in northeast Ecuador, has been identified by scientists as the area with the most biodiversity on the planet, holding world records for documented numbers of plant and animal species, including tree, amphibian, and bat species.
The Napo Wildlife Center, an Ecuador Amazon lodge, typifies the Amazon tour experience. Located with Yasuni National Park and managed by the Kichwa de Añangu community, travelers have an opportunity to explore rivers and the nearby Añangucocha lagoon, visit parrot clay licks, zipline through canopy towers, taste regional food specialties, and learn centuries-old medicinal techniques from the healers and shamans in the community.
Accommodation options for Amazon tours in Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador include Amazon cruises or jungle lodges. Either option provides opportunities for exploring the river and rainforest on daily excursions. To start planning your own unique South America vacation in the incredible Amazon, contact one of our expert travel advisers at Latin America For Less.
Category: Amazon, Brazil, Destination Highlight, Ecuador, Peru
There is a saying widely used across South America: “madre no hay más que una.” Roughly translated, this means “you have but one mother.” In its larger significance, this phrase acknowledges the one woman who brings you into the world and raises you with great effort and sacrifice. Indeed, in Latin American cultures, mothers are regarded as a source of unconditional love, and children grow up knowing they can count on their mothers for anything.
A mother and child on Uros, the floating islands that have become a top attraction for travel to Peru and Bolivia.
This weekend, Mother’s Day celebrations will happen all over the world and countries such as Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, and Peru – all top South America travel destinations – have organized unique ways to display their reverence for mothers and motherhood.
Here are some of the events planned to celebrate this special day in Latin America:
Peru – In Lima, the Spanish heartthrob singer Julio Iglesias will be performing on May 12. During the concert, special activities are planned for the mothers in the audience. Meanwhile, also on May 12, Cusco will host a festival featuring local musicians at the Jardin de la Cerveza, about 5 minutes walking from the historic center.
Brazil – Mother’s Day is considered an unofficial holiday. On May 10, Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism convened a forum of blogging moms in order to provide special Brazil travel tips for mothers traveling with children. Among the tips: A Brazil vacation with children should be slower paced than one without. For travel in Brazil, all children regardless of age should have a passport. Your packing list should also include snacks, vaccination records, and a basic first aid kit including adhesive bandages.
The white shawl of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a political movement formed during the period of dictatorship is a ubiquitous symbol in Argentina. This country celebrates its Día de la Madre on the 3rd Sunday of October.
Throughout South America, it is common for mothers to receive gifts such as chocolates, perfume, flowers, or a day at the spa. Families also honor this day by inviting mothers to lunch or dinner and it is common for restaurants to have Mother’s Day specials. So if your South America vacation happens to fall on these dates you can join in on the festivities as well!
Contact one of our expert travel advisors at Latin America For Less to start planning your fully customizable South America travel package.
Category: Culture & Traditions, South America
Located deep in the Andes, Machu Picchu is the gem of Peru. This hidden temple of the Incas was untouched by the Spanish Conquest, and is the final architectural masterpiece of the Inca Empire before its demise. Sitting at 8,000 feet, the terraced land and miraculous stone structures of Machu Picchu cover over 75 acres and provide breathtaking scenery for thousands of people every day.
A trip to Machu Picchu is sure to amaze. With its immense history and beautiful landscapes, it is no wonder that nearly half a million people visit the site every year. Travelers from all over the world set out on Machu Picchu tours and capture the citadel on film and video, ensuring that their memories will last a lifetime. Make your Machu Picchu memories unique by checking out some of these unique ways our clients and staff have documented their time at Machu Picchu.
These clients ate their Wheaties before their Machu Picchu tour – they are holding it up with one hand!
Aleks, our Destinations Manager, enjoys Peru’s famous Inca Kola from above the ruins.
How high can you jump for your Machu Picchu picture?
Flashback! Our expert travel advisor Bianca first visited Machu Picchu in 1989! She has since been back an astounding 18 times and has taken some amazing photos on each of her visits.
Though they didn’t have any crazy photo poses, the clouds in this Machu Picchu picture make it absolutely beautiful and unique!
Planning ahead, this family made shirts to create this one-of-a-kind Machu Picchu picture!
Though it is hard to top the natural beauty of Machu Picchu, you can complement it by creating a one-of-a-kind photo, a great reminder of your amazing Peru vacation. Start planning your trip to Machu Picchu today by contacting one of our expert travel advisors.
Which Machu Picchu pose is your favorite? Let us know by leaving a comment!
Category: Machu Picchu, Peru, Uncategorized
Argentina Travel Tale: Buenos Aires Travel Tips
Aleks, our Destinations Manager at Latin America For Less, has a pretty cool job, throughout the year he travels to all our South America destinations to check out our tours and hotels to make sure they are up to par. Though before arriving at LAFL, Aleks had extensive travel experience, he grew up in Europe and traveled throughout the regions before heading to South America. As of today, Aleks has traveled to over 30 cities in South America alone!
Having been to many cities throughout the world, Aleks has seen it all, but there will always be a special place in his heart for the beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina. Aleks’s love for the city can be seen as he shares his Buenos Aires travel experience, which takes us through the city’s many neighborhoods, parks, and hotspots. He also threw in plenty of insider tips for the perfect Buenos Aires trip from must see sights to food recommendations, for a Buenos Aires travel tale that has it all!
Make a stop in the center of Buenos Aires to get view of the famous Obelisk.
During his Argentina vacation, Aleks spent most of his time in Buenos Aires experiencing the city’s culture in the many diverse neighborhoods of the city. A Buenos Aires city tour will take you through the areas, which Aleks explored, and provides you with the history behind each district.
Aleks explored San Telmo, where cobblestone streets are filled with artists and street performers and the plaza hosts a unique market. He recommends visiting this area on a Sunday because it is especially lively! Aleks also suggests spending some time in Palermo Soho, as “this awesome neighborhood has plenty of excellent shops, restaurants, bars, and designer hotels.” Palermo is also the perfect place to escape the bustling city feel, as it has over 350 acres of lakes, wooded areas and parks.
Aleks visited the Botanical Gardens, a great place to find some peace and quiet in Buenos Aires.
Another one of the reasons Aleks loves Buenos Aires is because of its excellent food, wine, and nightlife, which he describes as second to none in all of South America. Describing the city as a “food and wine lover’s paradise,” he recommends trying the Argentinean asado(barbecue) paired with a Malbec wine from the nearby Mendoza region, and for desert eating a delicious Alfajor. By just walking the streets and popping into cafes, Aleks found some great snacks, including many varieties of empanadas and some excellent pizza slices.
Experience the art of the Tango during your Buenos Aires travel.
Buenos Aires is also famous for the Tango and Aleks was able to enjoy a few small scale Tango shows during his time in the city. Though this dance isn’t something Aleks sees himself mastering anytime soon, he appreciates the talent of the dancers. He describes the dance as “amazing” explaining that, “The dancers carried it out to perfection! It seemed effortless for them as they moved around with ease.” A Tango show or catching one of the many Tango festivals throughout the year is the perfect way to get a feel for the culture of Buenos Aires, a “must-do” suggestion from Aleks.
From conversing and getting to know the locals to exploring the sights and streets of the city, Aleks enjoyed his time in the city. He explains, “Buenos Aires has something for everyone,” making it the perfect destination for your Argentina vacation.
Category: Argentina, Travel Tales, Travel Tips, Uncategorized
Deep blue lakes, eternally snow-capped mountains, and stunning glaciers – such are the sundry sights that form an essential part of Argentina travel to Patagonia. For travelers interested in wild and pristine nature mixed with a bit of adventure, all amidst quaint towns and a gorgeous landscape, an Argentina vacation in Patagonia is ideal. We’ve selected 3 of our favorite Patagonia tours – including Puerto Madryn, Bariloche, and El Calafate – which provide a diverse sampling of the best of Argentina’s south.
Puerto Madryn is a top Argentina travel destination for spotting southern right whales.
Puerto Madryn
A Patagonia trip to Puerto Madryn is perfect at any time of year. In the summer months of December through February, this small town located on the Atlantic coast midway between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, becomes a popular, but still quiet beach resort. Tucked into the Golfo Nuevo, the waters around Puerto Madryn are calm and crystal clear, making them perfect for swimming, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and myriad other water sports. From August to October, the bay waters become the breeding and birthing grounds for migrating southern right whales, which can be spotted from land or on a Puerto Madryn tour that includes a whale watching cruise. Meanwhile, the nearby Peninsula Valdes hosts a beautiful natural reserve that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its abundant wildlife, including Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and countless sea birds.
Bariloche characterizes the pristine forest & lake landscape of Patagonia.
Bariloche
Located directly to the east of Puerto Madryn, but at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range, Bariloche has become a top Patagonia tour destination as well as a national capital of outdoor recreation. In the spring and summer months of October through March, travelers can enjoy activities such as kayaking, fly fishing, sailing, cycling, and trekking through the endless miles of trails that extend deep into the pristine mountain landscape. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders of all levels can enjoy the nearby Cerro Catedral, which hosts a first class ski resort, one of the largest in South America. First time visitors should not miss the Circuito Chico (Small Circuit), a tour which visits Bariloche’s historic sites as well as nearby peaks for panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Bariloche itself boasts a complete infrastructure with many fine restaurants and accommodations for travelers to choose from.
The Perito Moreno Glacier can be viewed from observation decks or on a boat ride that approaches the glacier’s face.
El Calafate
Perito Moreno Glacier, a top attraction in Patagonia, is unique in that its location on the shores of Lago Argentino and near the town of El Calafate makes it easily accessible for travelers. This land glacier descends into a branch of the largest lake in Argentina and its face rises up to 230 feet (70 meters). Building pressure causes the glacier to frequently fracture and rupture, causing chunks of ice to break off and fall into the lake. Travelers can use walkways and observation decks to obtain fantastic views of this dramatic process. As part of a Patagonia tour to El Calafate, it is also possible to sail up to the face of the glacier on a boat. The best time to visit is from late October to early April, but January and February should be avoided as they can be incredibly busy.
El Calafate is also a great jumping off point for trekking in El Chalten, or for Patagonia tours to Chile, the Beagle Channel, and Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world.
For more Argentina travel ideas, visit our Argentina For Less website or contact one of our travel advisors at Argentina For Less.
Category: Argentina, Travel Tips
Argentina Travel News: Iguazu Falls in Concert
Iguazu Falls, a top Argentina travel destination, is the spectacular setting for the International Youth Orchestra Festival taking place from May 21 to 26.
The festival will bring together 700 young musicians, including choirs, orchestras, and soloists from countries across 5 continents. The musicians, selected after an exhaustive screening process, will be performing free concerts at various venues in and around Puerto Iguazu. Gustavo Santaolalla, a reputed composer who has scored movies such as Babel and Brokeback Mountain, is a key sponsor and one of the festival’s directors.
The Setting
Iguazu Falls is formed by 275 waterfalls fed by the Iguazu River. Iguazu National Park straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina. For its astounding natural beauty, Iguazu Falls was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
The spectacular Iguazu Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world.
If planning an Argentina vacation, the best way to see this world wonder is by taking an Iguazu Falls tour that visits both sides of the falls. On the Brazil side travelers can hike along walkways that border the Iguazu River and offers great panoramic views. The Argentina side is best for hiking along trails within the lushly forested park, getting up close views of the waterfalls, or taking boat rides under the falls and experiencing the full power of the rushing cascades.
Venues
Performances will take place in top Puerto Iguazu hotels, including Iguazu Grand Resort, Loi Suites Iguazu, and Panoramic Hotel. The grand finale will be at the Sheraton Hotel, the only Iguazu accommodation situated within the boundaries of Iguazu National Park. This hotel is the perfect place for scenic views of the waterfalls, be it from the rooms’ balconies, luxurious lobby bar, or from the extensive gardens where the concert will be held.
La Aripuca in Puerto Iguazu, one of the venues for the youth concert. This cultural center was constructed thousand-year-old endangered tree species that were found and recovered after being illegally logged.
Iguazu Travel Tips
Two full days is enough to visit both the Argentina and Brazil sides of Iguazu, and both sides are definitely worth it. The park itself has numerous trails, some of them offer panoramic views and others take you into the heart of the falls for an intimate experience with this majestic landscape.
Devil’s Throat is one of the most spectacular sights that you can see on an Iguazu tour – this is a horseshoe-shaped series of cataracts stretching 150 m across and falling 80 m, forming an ever-present, thick cloud of mist. The best view is from the Brazil side, while the Ecological Jungle Train on the Argentina side takes travelers straight up to the falls.
Contact one of our expert travel advisors at Argentina For Less to start planning your tour to Iguazu and other Argentina travel destinations.
Category: Argentina, Travel News
