For those of you who travel like I do know the airport boarding process all too well. It feels like zones 1 through 1500 board first, and by the time you finally get on, the overhead bins are already full, let us not forget about the person greeting you who always has a smile, but the only thing missing, I think, is the high five! Well after that, there is also the famous final boarding call, where your luggage will be removed in the next 5.6 milliseconds if you’re not at the gate yet. I’m never part of that final call, yet it still gives me anxiety.
Well, when it comes to holiday space, we’re at that final boarding call too. Now, you’re likely asking why we’re even mentioning this. Here’s a trend we’re seeing that’s worth sharing: we track buyer behavior monthly, with data dating back 16 years. Over a 12-month period, this behavior shifts 9 times, making projections part art, not all science. This year, something peculiar has been happening, which we anticipated as a possibility a year ago. While long-term bookings are up, last-minute requests for the festive season have started as expected. For obvious reasons, there was a slight pause in plans for this season, which is understandable. That pause now seems to be over, so we wanted to share a video showcasing where we’re finding 11th-hour availability. Destinations range from parts of Peru to Egypt to Kenya to Sri Lanka to Guatemala.
One of the many amazing things I’ve seen our team do is their ability not only to find availability when it seems impossible but to make even the most last-minute reservations come to life. They find the proverbial needle in the haystack while ensuring that quality and product integrity remain our primary focus, as always.
Enjoy the video, and remember—34 days left until the festive period. This is your final boarding call…
Each year when we share our Peru dispatches, the sequel always focuses on the more remote parts of Peru. However, there is a certain order to this, and when done right, it tells the perfect story. After all, these dispatches are not as much trip reports as much as they are well-articulated stories. They are told from areas of a country few have explored or are bypassed when driving from one point to another. The thing about storytelling is it is an art, and it doesn’t have to go in order, and this dispatch is no different. We start with the last and end with the first.
Red mangroves release 10 times as much oxygen as trees, yet they are the most overlooked. We get so caught up in planting trees, which is a great thing, that we forget about mangroves, not planting but replanting. You see whenever the tide changes or there is an imbalance in water levels or conditions, mangrove seedlings, also known as propagules, usually get washed away as their roots are not yet mature enough to withstand the current. Propagules usually wash up along the water’s edge, in what is usually brackish water. Replanting these seedlings is a huge first step towards carbon neutrality.
Now in the very north of Peru, lies an unknown nature reserve, managed by the local communities, right near the border with Ecuador, Manglares de Tumbes Mangroves. The location of this untouched nature, and the involvement of the local community, represents a best practice example. This is only topped by the population of flamingo species bright pink in nature, that are unique only to this region. Anyone wanting to see the Peru most locals don’t know and have access to the mouth of the Pacific Ocean while looking at the Ecuadorian border crossing should take the three-hour drive from Mancora to Tumbes.
Before the visit to the mangroves was Mancora itself. While at Machu Picchu, the second day of our adventure, I told everyone that Mancora would feel like a different country and boy was that an understatement. From the coastal communities to the culinary experience, it was clear that this was no longer about the traditional history. This was living history, told through food, and passed down through the generations. The highlight of a stay here, aside from the amazing accommodations, were the fishing communities, their methods of raft building, and, of course, the humpback whales. If you time your visit, whale sharks make an appearance too.
As you watch this week’s video and see the whale elevating out of the water, or the dolphin skimming the surface, just imagine for a second, what it was like in the early days when Mancora was established in 1908. The tourists you see are more local than foreign, yet their smiles greet you, eager for you to love Mancora, and tell your friends about it.
This is Peru, the real Peru. Enjoy the video.
I’m back in Peru leading another amazing group of partners on an educational. As we do every year, we focus on showcasing Peru beyond Machu Picchu, away from the tourist track. Peru has so much to offer, yet 95% of the visitors to this amazing country don’t see very far beyond the famous sights. Well, as the saying goes, if you’re not immersing, you’re not #bigfivin (ok I made that up, humor me).
As much as we love seeing Machu Picchu, we get it out of the way on day two, simply because there is a whole other side to Peru that pre-dates the Incas. Additionally, there is a level of nature around that history that is often overlooked. In Peru’s case, the Cusco region’s economy is over 90% derived from tourism, while the remote parts of Peru hardly exceed 5%. Our goal is to help even that playing field by incorporating the Community Conscious Travel Guidelines the WTTC adopted as Big Five is a proud regional member of the World Travel Tourism Council.
Part One of our dispatch focuses on the Cusco and Sacred Valley some don’t see, including a hike to see condors at 12,000 feet; glamping in fully energy-independent eco domes; testing our adrenalin scaling a via ferrata; and an authentic food tour in markets-only frequented by the locals.
Enjoy this dispatch video and wait until you see what part two has in store… I’ll give you a hint, we are less than 700 miles away from the Galapagos archipelago.
When you travel for fun, it’s hard to pick out your next destination. That’s why we’ve invented a fun way to help you decide. Take our travel quiz and start planning!
More and more, travelers don’t want to spend their vacations lying down on the beach; they want to live it up on mountaintops, through rushing rivers, in ancient ruins, or soaring over the scenery in a helicopter, on a zip line, or with a parachute. Whether your adventure involves cycling, wildlife watching, kayaking, skiing, climbing, or caving, Latin America is a prime locale. Thrill seekers, get ready and put one, two, or all five of these destinations on your itinerary.
1. Galapagos
Not only is this region of the world incredibly rich in wildlife, including many endemic species, it offers a variety of fun ways to enjoy the local scenery. Visitors can cruise, walk, hike, snorkel, swim, kayak, and cycle as they absorb the sights and sounds of nature. You can accommodate any fitness level, from children to extreme mountain biker, at this stunning destination.
2. San Salvador
Gorgeous scenery and interesting architecture greet visitors to El Salvador’s capital, which is just a short trip to sites like Joya de Ceren. This Mayan complex invites you to step back in time and explore ancient culture. Also close are beaches, ripe for canoeing, swimming, surfing – and even some lounging after a tough day of exploring volcanic rock cliffs.
3. Costa Rica
Take a “canopy” tour, which is an exhilarating zip line ride over the rainforest; go for a night jungle walk (with a guide!) to see the nocturnal animals most visitors miss; and ride the rapids. There are leisurely raft rides for families – and terrifying white water versions for old pros. Either way, soak in the scenery. Literally! Reward yourself for hanging on with a soak in a mineral-infused hot spring.
4. Peru
If adventure means meeting diverse and interesting people, Peru is for you. Peru hosts over 3,000 festivals each year, and most celebrate the culture and religion of its people. One of the most exuberant is the feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria. Held in Puna in February, visitors will witness the famous “Devil Dancers,” bright, colorful costumes, dance groups, lively music, and a procession featuring an image of the Virgin.
5. Wine Tours of Argentina and Chile
If adventure is trying new things, why not indulge in culinary thrills? Find a tour, or create your own, that winds through the backcountry and cities of Argentina and Chile. Along the way, you will sample not only the finest wines and foods, but nature’s best as well as the beautiful scenery glides by.
Latin America has something to offer everyone, no matter what their definition of “adventure”!
If you travel to Chile, you will want to be sure you stay a night at one of the best hotels in the country. This magical hotel is Hotel Refugia Chiloe and rests on Chiloe Island, which was recently chosen as one of the most recommended destinations by the New York Times. This luxury hotel papers its guests with world class accommodations and a backdrop consisting of Chilean mountains and volcanoes.
The Hotel Refugia is an all-inclusive hotel that is full of rich experiences. Each of its 12 rooms all have beautiful sea views. All of the hotel’s furnishings are hand made by locals using Chiloe Island’s wood and textiles. If you are hoping for relaxation, you’re in luck as the hotel spa has many services available such as dry saunas, wet saunas, Jacuzzi and a massage room.
If food is your passion, you will be pleased to know that Hotel Refugia relies on local produce from the Rilan Peninsula. Here they have kept tradition and environmentally sound farming methods alive. The resident chef creates dishes using the very best surf and turf coupled with delicious house wines which were selected from the best Peruvian vineyards.
For those in search of a bit of adventure, the Hotel Refugia offers a variety of full-day or half-day excursions that range in difficulty. Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk or a more challenging multi-sport activity, the hotel would be be happy to accommodate.
If you are in search of the ultimate hotel set in a Latin paradise, look no farther than Hotel Refugia Chiloe. It literally has something for everyone and will leave an impression on you with the relaxation, cuisine and possible experiences that are available to its guests.
If you consider yourself a foodie, you will definitely want to pay a visit to Peru. This South American country is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. While in Peru, you absolutely must try a dish called, “Pachamanca”. This traditional dish is prepared by baking different ingredients together in an oven which has been dug into the ground. In Peruvian history, this method of cooking is a way of honoring mother earth. Pachamanca is still widely prepared in Peru, so you would not miss out on sampling it if you decided to tour the country. Each region of Peru has its own flavors and methods of cooking, so it is recommended to travel to different areas in the country.
If you are planning on traveling the country in search of culinary delights, consider traveling to Peru’s capital city of Lima. Here you will find amazing restaurants such as the famous Astrid & Gaston. The chefs here are experts in Peruvian specialties and make some delicious ceviche. The next stop you should make is in the mythical city of Machu Picchu. After you are done taking in the historical sights, you can savor a gourmet meal aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham train as it travels to Cusco. This trip is wonderful because not only do you get to dine on amazing food, you also have the opportunity to take in the vast Peruvian landscape as well.
Anyone who claims to be a lover of fine food owes it to themselves to visit Peru. Here you will find flavors that you won’t forget and you are sure to try an recreate them when you return home.
If you are planning to travel to Peru, there is one property in Cuzco that you absolutely must check out. The Palacio Nazarenas is a luxurious boutique hotel that brings together modernity and history. This hotel was once a 16th-century convent, but now has 55 oxygenated suites, the city’s first infinity pool and a gourmet restaurant serving modern Peruvian cuisine.
While this hotel is extremely modern, there is evidence of its historical ties all around. During the excavation process, architects and archaeologists discovered ancient Inca treasures, including an original Incan sandal. Original Incan walls were also discovered and have been carefully preserved beneath the glass floors of treatment rooms at the hotel’s spa. Another unique thing about the Palacio Nazarenas is that the hotel’s library serves as a museum for various artifacts discovered during the hotel’s initial construction. Touring the library is truly an enriching experience. You might also notice the wonderful art on the walls of the hotel. These pieces are very rare as they are survivors from Cuzco’s Spanish colonial days. If you are more interested in traditional Peruvian culture, the hotel hosts informational sessions with experts in different areas of Peruvian life. Here you can learn from traditional shaman, sommeliers or even historians. If you are a history buff, you definitely won’t want to miss these sessions.
For travelers who want a sense of history while staying in modern amenities, the Palacio Nazarenas is a great choice.
Peru is a wonderful country with vibrant culture and heritage. Destination Specialist Marco sat down with us to answer a few questions about why travelers should include Peru on their “places to visit” list.
Q: Can you tell us about some of the more interesting places to visit in Peru?
A: Travelers will definitely want to visit Machu Picchu which is also known as “The Lost City of the Incas”. It is world famous and is included as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Another very cool place to visit is the Amazon River. This is the largest river in the world and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. There are tons of other great places to visit as well like the Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon.
Q: Is there a specific time of year that is ideal to visit Peru?
A: The weather in Peru is nice all year long, but it’s especially beautiful from April until mid-December.
Q: What are some things that Peru is best known for?
A: When people think of Peru, they often think of Machu Picchu, the Amazon, and the Andes Mountains. However, Peru is also very well known for its biodiversity, cuisine and strong cultural heritage.
Q: You say Peru is well known for its cuisine, can you tell us more about that?
A: Yes! Peruvian food is very diverse and delicious. There is more to it than what was inherited from the Pre-Colombian cultures. The cuisine of Peru is has influences brought over by the Spanish, Muslims, Africans, French, Chinese, Japanese and the original European settlers. Travelers should be sure to try lomo saltado which is a hybrid stir-fry of beef, tomatoes, peppers, and onions with soy sauce and fried potatoes.
Q: Are there any indigenous people in Peru?
A: There are still a few native groups of people still living in Peru who have their own distinct language. For example, the Quechua People are the biggest group of Peruvian natives that exist in Peru today. There is also the Aymara who live near Lake Titicaca. There approximately 92 separate and distinct languages spoken in Peru.
