It is unlikely that the soaring altitude and sheer magnificence of the Andes Mountains inspired “Stairway to Heaven.” This signature work of the virtuoso rock band Led Zepplin is arguably the best rock ballad oh, maybe Ever. Those guitar riffs live on, even if Lake Titicaca isn’t their spiritual home. However, the lake, situated in the Andes at an elevation of 12, 500 feet (3800 […]
Bustling crowds, traditional Peruvian music and dancing throughout the streets, grandiose costumes and vibrant theatricals are hallmarks of one of South America’s grandest festivals, Inti Raymi, the Quechua name for the “sun festival.” This traditional Inca celebration, held on June 24 each year, is still commemorated today with modernized re-enactments that draw fascinated onlookers from all over the world. For […]
By Ellen Lutwak Whether a fine artist, a weekend watercolorist or an art enthusiast, a creative mind always needs to be refreshed and recharged. Travel is the go-to reset button. A change of scenery inspires the artist in all of us – with new sights, sounds, tastes and scents. But you knew that. Yampu Tours recently ventured west […]
By Ellen Lutwak Ask 10 people to define “spiritual travel” and you will hear 100 responses. That may sound like a Zen proverb – and enlightened adventurers will offer answers as simple as they are complex. In the context of travel, there are so many paths to take. At the core: transformation. “Travel itself is always a […]
Symbolism & Legends Non La A non la is the traditional Vietnamese conical hat covered with leaves. According to legend, during a rain storm a giant woman descended from the wearing on her head four huge round leaves as large as the sky itself and stitched together by bamboo sticks. The hat protected the people. Then, the giant messenger from […]
In the year 1836 the cemetery of Bogota was established in the outskirts of Bogota. Yampu recommends a visit to the Central Cemetery as essential if you want a deep understanding of the country and the Colombian culture. It is a place of history and religion, a place of magic, miracles and faith. Here lie the remains of many important […]
Yampu Operations Manager, Jessica Veliko, returned last month from a trip to Peru, the country that inspired Yampu Tours’ beginning. She returned with more than just incredible pictures, stories, and chocolates- she came back with exclusive insider tips and must-sees for adventurers looking to travel to Peru. The trip began with an overnight flight to Lima with a connection to […]
Leading Tour Operator in South and Central America Unveils the Motivations and Ideals Coexisting Within the Yampu Name January 7th 2016, Monica Irauzqui, Vice President and Co-Founder of Yampu Tours is an expert in customizable travels in South and Central America, India, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica. She is a multi-awarded authority at designing themed itineraries including culinary, spiritual, adventure, and […]
It’s not the typical time for a vacation with the pending holidays, but sometimes it’s the perfect time to escape. Fall lets you recuperate right before that hectic time of year. It lets you take advantage of those built up vacation days that must be used before the New Year. Perhaps you don’t need a reason, and it’s just time […]
Larco Herrera Museum offers an amazing overview of Peru’s remarkable history through its variety of ceramic vessels, textiles, gold and silver ornaments. The museum was originally a house that Jose Larco Hoyle bought to transform it into a museum in homage of his beloved father, Jose Larco Herrera. This house is a beautiful colonial building located in a unique vice-royal […]