In a thrilling celebration of its 51st year, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is set to take flight once again, and this time, Balloon Fiesta Live! is gearing up for its 7th year of bringing audiences unrivaled ballooning excitement. This beloved event, known for its mesmerizing display of colorful hot air balloons, promises to deliver unforgettable moments as it soars […]

More travel is on the horizon as Ecuador and Galapagos Islands have just loosened travel restrictions. As of last week, the regulations to arrive in Ecuador and the Galapagos islands were updated for visitors. All travelers entering to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands will no longer need to present a RT-PCR or antigen test, or a vaccination certificate. This is wonderful […]

In the latest in travel news, Uruguay is no longer requiring the 9 months maximum for the vaccines to enter the country. This is exciting news because with lightened restrictions, this means more opportunity for tourism.   Here’s what you need to know about the most recent regulations for travelers entering Uruguay: 1. Foreigners must be properly vaccinated with the appropriate […]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of daily visitors allowed to enter Peru was cut to 2,244 in 2020. However, the Ministry of Culture has increased the capacity to 4,044 visitors per day, effective until December 31, 2022, in order to consider the need to revive the tourism industry. This action will enable tourism to resume in Cusco and […]

This is the news we’ve all been waiting for… Australia is open for tourism again and we can’t wait to welcome you there!   With the news of Australia uplifting their travel restrictions, vaccinated Yampu Travelers can now finally experience Australia with an endless array of adventures without the need to quarantine. Take a look at some of the details […]

Join Yampu Tours Cofounder, Monica Irauzqui on a special episode all about travel on The Open Highway podcast!   A topical conversation podcast hosted by Eric Paul Erickson, The Open Highway show brings the discovery of the open road into the discourse of modern conversation. Much like the old days when we would sit down at a roadside diner and […]

Social Distance in the beauty of Chile and Argentina. No quarantine required with proof of vaccination and negative COVID test.   Exciting news! As of November 1st, 2021 international travelers are welcome in Argentina and Chile. The two countries will be lifting their once-required quarantine requirements with proof of negative COVID test results and proof of full vaccination.   The […]

Exciting news! Canada is to ease border measures for fully vaccinated Travelers starting with those from the US, followed by travelers from any country who have been fully vaccinated. On September 7, 2021, provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favorable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders for discretionary travel by travelers from any country who have been fully vaccinated with Government […]

Yampu Tours is proud of our dedication and commitment to the wellbeing of our destinations around the globe, including Ecuador and its enigmatic Galapagos Islands. Our efforts, while focused heavily on protecting the incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos, are also aimed at providing sustainable economic growth to the small but remarkable communities living and working in the archipelago.   Our local naturalist guides and crew members have been […]

It’s the news we have all been waiting for. Vaccinated Americans can now travel again according to new CDC guidance.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance on Friday to say those that are fully vaccinated can travel within the U.S. without the need for testing for the coronavirus and can bypass quarantine upon arrival to […]

Good news! The Peruvian government ordered the lift of the mandatory 14-day quarantine for foreign or non-resident passengers entering the country.   This rule declares that passengers with negative antigen test results of COVID-19 will not have to quarantine. The sample test is taken at entry in the country; that is, at the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima or at […]

Monica Irauzqui recently had the chance to catch up with Clevelanders, Ken Dworznik, and Ted Klopp on their podcast “Two Middle-Aged Men in Cleveland”. On the show this week, the three discuss the distribution of the COVID vaccines, how travel and tourism are affected and what unique travel spots Monica recommends as a travel expert. Tune in to the episode […]

Monica Irauzqui recently sat down with InEye Technologies’ founder, Preethi Natarajan to discuss how Yampu is thriving during the current pandemic including giving back by starting new classes for travel professionals. Watch the full interview below!      A 100% Woman-owned small business, InEye Technologies provides world-class travel products and accessories for a worry-free travel experience.   Many of […]

#postponedontcancel #savetourism It is known that those who work in the travel industry are being hit hard right now. The impact goes beyond the flight attendants and travel agents but affects the naturalist guide in the Masai Mara, the talented weavers in Cusco, down to the man pushing the elotes cart in Mexico City. All of these people rely heavily on tourism […]

During these uncertain times, we would like to express our appreciation for you and our partners over the last twenty-two years. Without the support of you, our clients, we would not be where we are today. Since our founding in 1998, we have witnessed tragedies across the world and have faced difficult times alongside our travelers over the years. Like […]

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation is dedicated to helping orphans, victims of abuse, survivors of trafficking, indigenous children and at-risk youth break their cycles of abuse and poverty through technology-based education, job training and job placement assistance and commit to every program for life. On October 18, 2019 Orphaned Starfish Foundation (OSF) held their 15th gala at the Cipriani Wall Street […]

Traveling like Royalty and Keeping it Green; Prince Harry Launches Sustainable Travel Initiative   Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, recently launched a new Sustainable Travel Initiative to better improve global tourism in favor of the environment and local communities. Collaborating alongside massive travel companies including Skyscanner, Booking.com, and Visa, Harry’s new project, known as Travalyst, aims to promote sustainable […]

With the unsettling news of the country of Brunei introducing a ‘Death by Stoning” law as punishment towards those part of the LGBTQ+ community, Yampu would like to inform our travelers that we do not, and will not, operate with any hotels owned by the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA).   The hotel operator Dorchester Collection, owned by the Sultan of […]

Brazilian Government Waives Brazil Visa requirements for US Citizens The Brazilian government recently announced that American, Canadian, Australian and Japanese citizens will have visa-free entry by June of this year. Visitors who have a valid passport will no longer be required to apply and pay for a visa to enter Brazil, whether it be for business or leisurely travel. Visitors […]

The luxury fashion firm LVMH, holder of Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, has continued its way into the luxury travel industry with a purchase of the upscale hotel and leisure company, Belmond. While continuing to offer its iconic luxury products globally, the once primarily fashion-driven company has set its eyes on the industry of Luxury travel as higher-end clientele look […]