Right in the thick of the Wildebeest Migration

Posted on: February 16, 2012

December through March is the best time to see the wildebeest migration, we are right in the middle of it! The best places to see this amazing natural spectacle are the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area; during these months these areas are filled with enormous herds of both wildebeest and zebras.

The Peruvian Paso Competition: April 2012

Posted on: February 16, 2012

The tradition of the Peruvian Paso Horse competition dates back to June 1929. Today the contest that celebrates the elegance and tradition of the Peruvian Paso Horses is still running strong. This year the week long National Contest will be held at the Mamacona Hacienda of Pachacamac, south of Lima, beginning on April 19. Chalanes, the Peruvian Paso rider, will gather from all over Peru and internationally to compete throughout the week.

Yampu Tours at the NY Times Travel Show

Posted on: February 15, 2012

Visit Yampu Tours March 3 – 4 at booth # 555 at the NY Times Travel Show. This year the Travel Show will be held in the Javits Center. The show is open to the public Saturday from 10:00am – 6:00pm; and on Sunday from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Join Yampu Tours on Saturday 3/3 for a Pisco Sour demonstration at 1pm and on Sunday 3/4 at 12pm for a discussion on the latest in travel to Latin America.

Tambo del Inka: Best Hotel in South America

Posted on: January 21, 2012

Tambo del Inka, Yampu Tours’ deluxe accommodation in Peru’s Sacred Valley, recently received TripAdvisor’s ‘Traveller’s Choice Awards’ for 2012 as the Best Hotel in South America and the 9th Best Around the World. The Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is known for its beautiful décor that duplicates the landscape, culture and ancient traditions of the Sacred Valley. Tambo del Inka is also the only accommodation in Urubamba with a private train to Machu Picchu.

Kuelap Fortress to become Peru's 'Machu Picchu of the North'

Posted on: January 03, 2012

Kuelap Fortress in Chachapoyas, located in the Amazon region of northern Peru, is in the works of becoming the ‘Machu Picchu of the North’. Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, José Luis Silva, announced plans to increase tourism to the important archaeological site. Nearby the Kuelap Fortress are other archaeological remains and the mighty Gocta Waterfall, one of the world’s highest.

Luxury Tierra Patagonia opening in 7 days!

Posted on: December 14, 2011

The new luxury Tierra Patagonia is scheduled to open in just 7 days! With a history of sophistication and class we are certain this newest addition to the Tierra line of hotels is certain to pamper you! Let us guide you to the Chile’s remote Patagonia region while staying in luxurious accommodations!

Cartagena Hosts International Music Festival

Posted on: December 13, 2011

Cartagena is preparing to host the International Music Festival early next year from January 5th – 14th, 2012. Organized by the Victor Salvi Foundation, the annual festival promotes classical music by drawing crowds to appreciate the live music and offering classes.

The Start of the Great Migration

Posted on: November 28, 2011

The Great Migration is one of the best times to see wildlife in Africa as thousands of wildebeest and zebras depart from the Masai Mara on the Kenyan boarder and travel south over Tanzania’s Serengeti. This infamous and breathtaking natural spectacle will last over the next several months as the herds of herbivores search for fresh grass in the Serengeti. Their Migration comes to a highlight in February and March as calving season arrives before they return north, back to the Masai Mara Reserve.

Tiwanaku Ceramics found at Machu Picchu

Posted on: November 21, 2011

Peruvian Archaeologist Jose Bellido Huidobro has recently discovered various ceramic pieces from the Tiwanaku culture at Inti Watana (Sacred Rock) at the peak of Machu Picchu. This discovery suggests that the Tiwanaku people could have been on the mountaintop citadel before the Incas.

Cartagena - Trip Advisor's 11th Most Recommended Destinations in Latin America

Posted on: November 20, 2011

Millions of travellers worldwide have voted Cartagena, Colombia the 11th most recommended destinations in Latin America. This recent vote is further proof the touristic appeals of Colombia including a sun-soaked Caribbean Coast, infamous coffee and beautiful plantations, and a rich culture and interesting history.

La Casa Concha Museum opens in Cuzco Peru

Posted on: November 17, 2011

La Casa Concha Museum opens in Cuzco Peru showcasing the archaeological pieces from Machu Picchu recently returned by Yale University. The Peruvians have been requesting the artifacts back for a long time and this is a happy moment in Peruvian travel. The people from Cusco, tourists and researchers are all delighted to have the artifacts back in the Andes of Peru. It is a small museum taking not more than an hour to visit and we encourage people to take a look. Schedules for visits are:

Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 17:00hrs

Saturday: 09:00 hrs – 13:00 hrs

Sundays: Closed

Today is Responsible World Tourism Day!

Posted on: November 09, 2011

In celebration of World Responsible Tourism Day we would like to share with you the Top 10 Tips for Responsible Travel we have learned over our 14 years in the industry. Please visit our Blog for more details!

Top 10 Tips for Responsible Travel

Morgan's Rock, Mexico and Central America's Leading Green Hotel

Posted on: October 28, 2011

Morgan’s Rock has a very active involvement with the native community, employing nearly all locals. In addition, they have created an alliance to improve the quality of education in 6 nearby rural schools. This program provides workshops for the teachers to improve the quality of learning in this area. Morgan’s Rock invites its guests and visitors to make donations through school supplies to support the cause, and offers community visits.

South America's Leading Green Hotel: Kiaora Eco-Luxury Resort

Posted on: October 25, 2011

Kiaora is built to facilitate guests’ interaction with their surrounding environment through awareness and education. The Eco-Luxury Resort utilizes many sustainable actions including: solar energy, local water treatment, local employees, and a team trained by Ecological Awareness Programs, and many others.

South America's Leading Green Destination: Machu Picchu

Posted on: October 25, 2011

Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was rediscovered just over 100 years ago by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu, set at 2430 meters above sea level high in the Andes, is a popular destination for visitors worldwide for personal revelations and introspection. Recently, the Peruvian government placed new restrictions on the amount of visitors allowed on the ancient site daily in an effort to preserve the ruins.

South America's Leading Tourist Board: PromPeru

Posted on: October 25, 2011

PromPeru has created several campaigns with companies worldwide to promote tourism in Peru. They have done a great job with all their new marketing, including an innovative advertisement “From Peru to Peru” visiting Peru, Nebraska teaching the locals why they should be proud to be ‘Peruvian’. PromPeru has also been at the forefront of the exploding Peruvian cuisine which has become a global trend with Lima at the culinary epicenter.

Ecuador's Leading Spa Resort: Arasha Tropical Forest Resort & Spa

Posted on: October 25, 2011

Arasha is a deluxe rainforest accommodation combining world-class services with invigorating activities for the mind and body. Only 2 hours outside Quito, this remote lodge allows for complete relaxing in a pristine location. The lodge has great features including chocolate and coffee tours, wellness experiences, and eco-educational experiences including nocturnal bird-watching and a guided tour down the Caoni River.

Peru's Leading Resort: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge

Posted on: October 25, 2011

The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel located adjacent to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. The Lodge boasts amazing views of the ‘Lost City’ and a renowned restaurant with the freshest Peruvian cuisine. The Lodge offers treks and tours to Machu Picchu as well as some of the lesser known and more remote sights in this pristine mountain region.

Pumulani: 2011 World Travel Award Winner

Posted on: September 20, 2011

Pumulani was voted Malawi’s Leading Hotel for 2011 by the World Travel Awards. Yampu offers the Pumulani as the 5-star option for the Lake Malawi Beach Extension from Zambia!

Lake Malawi Beach Extension

Hiram Bingham, World's Best Train.

Posted on: September 19, 2011

The Hiram Bingham Train by Orient-Express was voted the World’s Best Train by Condé Nast Traveler. Once aboard, passengers enjoy a gourmet menu inspired by the best products of the Andes and the traditional Peruvian pisco sour while enjoying the fantastic scenery from Cuzco to Machu Picchu. The ride is also made unforgettable by live performances on board from talented musicians.

Machu Picchu artifacts return to Peru

Posted on: August 30, 2011

Between 1912 and 1916 several thousands of fragments and artifacts were taken from Peru to Yale University by Hiram Bingham for research purposes. At the beginning of 2011 these pieces have begun to return to Peru where they are being displayed at Casa Concha in Cuzco’s main plaza.


As more artifacts are scheduled to arrive in December of 2012, the UNSAAC is in the process of building a new museum and research center in Cuzco to permanently house the ancient relics.

The 7 Wonders of Quito

Posted on: August 29, 2011

From April 15th to July 31st, 2011 some 14,000 inhabitants of Quito, Ecuador voted for their favorite historical and cultural locations in the city to be named “The 7 Wonders of Quito”. These wonders are labeled to highlight the important cultural heritage of the city as voted by the locals.

The winners included: Chimbacalle Train Station, La Compania de Jesus Church, San Francisco Convent, Basilica, Virgin of El Quinche Sanctuary, Independence Plaza, and the Virgin of Quito Statue.

Colca Canyon, Peru

Posted on: August 19, 2011

Independent Traveler lists in a new survey that travelers and vacation-goers are listing the Colca Canyon in southern Peru as a top 10 in off the beaten path destinations!

Colca Canyon is about twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States and home to the great Andean condor. Let Yampu guide you there!

http://www.yampu.com/en/trips/lima-cuzco-machu-picchu-arequipa-colca-canyon-and-lake-titicaca/

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Posted on: August 04, 2011

The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge was ranked # 3 today in a CNN poll of the top 7 Resorts with Spectacular Views in the World.

The Ngorongoro Crater is included in all of Yampu’s Tanzania Highlight Tours as a must see destination, with the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge as the 5-star accommodation! Please browse our site or ask your Yampu Travel Consultant for more details.

New Restrictions on Machu Picchu

Posted on: July 26, 2011

Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Inca ruins. As of July 20th, 2011 no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them.

These entrance reservations will be subject to availability. If you are interested in visiting Machu Picchu we strongly recommend that you plan your trip in advance, with at least two months minimum. Upon confirmation of your travel plans, we will set forward to confirm your entrance to Machu Picchu. Yampu will continuously work to ensure that you have the experience of a lifetime!

Costa Rica's Rainy Season: A Prime Time to Visit

Posted on: July 13, 2011

The rainy season in Costa Rica, from May to mid-November, is actually a good time to travel to this popular Central American destination. During this season the landscapes thrive and become lush with greenery; the flora, including orchids, are in full bloom; and the rivers and rainforests team with rich and exotic wildlife. The rain, which typically only arrives for a few hours daily, results in a low tourism season from these months which leads to lower airfare rates, better hotel choices, and fewer crowds.

Cala Luna Boutique Hotel to reopen October 2011

Posted on: July 07, 2011

Cala Luna Boutique Hotel will reopen for the season in October 2011. Located at Langosta Beach on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the hotel is a wonderful and luxurious retreat. Make sure to visit the nearby protected Las de Baulas National Marine Park between November and January for the leather-back sea turtle nesting season.

Peru's first Northern Peruvian Food Festival

Posted on: June 25, 2011

Mega Plaza Norte in Lima, Peru is hosting the first annual Northern Peruvian Food Festival. For 11 days, until July 3rd, guests are able to enjoy the best dishes from local restaurants and businesses that specialize in classic northern Peruvian cuisine.

An honory exhibiton at the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Posted on: June 15, 2011

The Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is hosting a special exhibition in honor of Machu Picchu’s centennial anniversary. The Sumaq has an exhibition at the hotel of Hiram Bingham’s exploration of Machu Picchu including several original photos from the exploration. The exhibition is open now and scheduled to run until December 31st, 2011.

Inti Raymi tickets almost sold out

Posted on: June 13, 2011

Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is a unique opportunity for travellers to interact with locals in Cuzco during this spectacular and colorful event. The festival, the 2nd largest in South America, falls annually on June 24th. This year 3,850 tickets where offered and, as of June 11th, 80% of tickets have been sold. The Inti Raymi festival incorporates reenactments of ancient Incan celebrations for worshiping the Sun God, Inti, during the winter solstice to mark the New Year.

Erupton of Puyehue-Cordon Caulle in Chile

Posted on: June 08, 2011

This particular complex of volcanoes in southern Chile has been dormant over several decades, but Tuesday’s eruption has ended that streak. The eruption is still ongoing, and experts say it may last for a few more weeks. The ash has proven to be most problematic temporarily grounding flights in Argentina and Chile and potentially delaying the opening of the ski slopes in Chile.

Yampu travelers currently delayed by the eruption can rest assured that Yampu will continue to provide superior service and problem solving skills during this unforeseen dilemma.

Torres del Paine to expand its conservation area.

Posted on: May 24, 2011

Chile’s National Forest Corporation, is currently working to expand Torres del Paine to include a conservational buffer zone and a transition zone. The change, suggested by UNESCO, would allow for increased promotion of good environmental practices, clean production agreements, certification processes and other instruments to promote sustainable land use, research, and international cooperation.

International Literary Festival in Paraty, Brazil.

Posted on: May 24, 2011

The 8th annual International Literary Festival will be held in Paraty, Brazil July 6th. The festival celebrates Brazilian literature and other forms of artistic culture including photography and film. The festival is a truly fantastic opportunity for travelers to embrace local Brazilian culture and art.

New tour of Huaca Pucllana Ceremonial Complex

Posted on: May 13, 2011

The pre-Incan complex, the Huaca Pucllana used from 500-800 AC by both Lima and Wari cultures, has begun operating a new tour of the on-site museum. The tour includes the pyramidal Temple, and the seven different levels where Priests would receive offerings to the Gods. Also included, the tour passes through an indigenous nature area with native plants, crops, and animals such as llamas and guinea pigs.

Yampu Tours nominated as 2011 Leading Tour Operator in South America

Posted on: May 12, 2011

Yampu Tours has recently been nominated as Leading Tour Operator in South America for 2011, and the voting has begun! As last year’s winner we are extremely proud to be nominated again. To submit your vote please visit the World Travel Awards site and help announce Yampu’s leading and customized service!

http://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote

Lima, Peru's new culinary hot spot

Posted on: May 11, 2011

Recently, Restaurant Magazine published its annual S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants list for 2011. For the first time two Peruvian restaurants are among the elite selected. Both located in Lima, Astrid & Gaston by Chef Gaston Acurio and Malabar by Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino use indigenous ingredients to conceive dishes with local and international influences.

Witness the colourful Corpus Christi and Inti Raymi festivals in Cusco, together for the first time in 68 years.

Posted on: April 24, 2011

Due to a late Easter this year, two beautiful festivals in Cuzco will line up together for the first time in 68 years: The festival of Corpus Christi on June 23rd followed by Inti Raymi on June 24th. Corpus Christi is a traditional and religious festival that falls 60 days after Easter celebrating the body of Christ. Inti Raymi is also a religious ceremony of the Inca Empire honoring the Sun God, Inti. Both festivals are extremely beautiful and a wonderful and unique opportunity for travelers to experience traditional Peruvian culture.

New luxury cruise ship to launch this week on the Peruvian Amazon River

Posted on: April 18, 2011

This week the M/V Aria luxury cruise ship will make its first trip down the northern portion of the Amazon River in Peru traveling to Pacaya Samiria Reserve. The Aria can accommodate up to 32 guests and provides travelers the ability to experience the wildlife of the Amazon in complete luxury. The Aria is fully equipped with an observation deck, an outdoor lounge, exercise room, and beautifully decorated suites with panoramic windows.

The dining experience aboard the Aria is exquisite and offers fine dining while deep in the Amazon jungle. Chef Pedro Miguel is one of Peru’s most accomplished Chefs and serves dishes to guests entangled in Peruvian and European influences.

Corpus Christi Festival

Posted on: March 25, 2011

This year’s Corpus Christi festival falls on June 23rd. The religious festival is largely celebrated around the world, but has become progressively centralized in Cusco, Peru.

The festival Corpus Christi is a celebration of the Last Supper of Christ with a large ceremonial procession of Saints and Virgins from surrounding districts around the city’s Main Square. At night the religious celebration becomes more animated during an overnight vigil with dancing, local music, and a large feast of traditional Peruvian meals to honor the Eucharist, or Last Supper.

At dawn the religious procession begins again as the Saints enter the Cathedral to receive homage and offer blessings.

The feast and festival of Corpus Christi was declared a cultural heritage of the Peruvian nation in late 2004 and today remains one of the most important expressions of Peruvian culture.

Peru's sustainable energy

Posted on: March 24, 2011

Peru currently uses a total of only 8,000 megawatts of electricity annually. A modest amount by any means, Peru is still working forward to decrease that amount. Recently the Peruvian government has been researching sustainable electricity and has begun to look at harnessing the raw and natural power of the Amazon River. The country’s ambitious environmental plan hopes to turn Peru into a regional energy hub exporting electricity to both Brazil and Chile.

Cuzco's Chamber of Tourism proposes three new routes into Machu Picchu

Posted on: March 20, 2011

Cuzco’s Chamber of Tourism announced this March that they are reviewing a proposal to construct three new routes into Machu Picchu. The three new train passageways would cater to the different interests of the travelers that come to Machu Picchu. The mountain citadel is a popular historical destination because of the ruins but also popular amongst avid birdwatchers and travelers seeking to experience Peruvian culture. Currently there is only one passageway into Machu Picchu, other than the several day hike on the Inca Trail. The addition of three more passageways would not only accommodate travelers’ interests but increase their safety by adding exits in the event of unforeseen disasters.

New museum opens in El Calafate, Argentina focusing on Patagonia's glaciers

Posted on: March 15, 2011

Glaciarium opened its doors this January 2011 in El Calafate, Argentina. The modernly designed museum is the first of its kind in South America and is dedicated to increasing awareness and protecting the area’s surrounding Patagonian Ice Field. The museum has three main pavilions that feature a climate change and glaciology exhibits and a 120 person capacity cinema that will feature films from Canada’s Mountain Film Festival, regional artist exhibits, and cultural events.

Glaciarium is located only three kilometers outside of El Calafate and close to Los Glaciares National Park. Due to its prime location and the recent increase in Argentina’s tourism industry, Glaciarium is hoping to become the area’s next must-do destination.

Also featured at Glaciarium is a bar built entirely of regional Patagonian ice. Looking towards the future, the museum is hoping to add another pavilion that features a Paleontological Hall that examines dinosaurs and other prehistoric life forms that previously occupied Patagonia.

Santiago de Chile, # 1 destination in 2011

Posted on: March 08, 2011

From a list of 41 destinations Santiago Chile, the country’s capital, was picked as the best destination for travel in 2011 by the New York Times. Despite the earthquake in February 2010 that rocked Chile, Santiago is bouncing back with a lively up and coming cultural scene with top class restaurants and boutique hotels such as the newly opened “W”.