At Yampu Tours, we believe the most memorable journeys combine extraordinary destinations, authentic experiences, and seamless planning. Jose Irauzqui (President and Co-Founder) and Monica Irauzqui’s (VP and Co-Founder) recent adventure through Ecuador and Colombia reflected that approach, taking them from the heart of the Amazon Rainforest to the wildlife-rich waters of the Galápagos Islands and the vibrant culture of Medellín […]

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2026. Central and South America span more than 18 million square kilometers, connecting two oceans and encompassing some of the most diverse landscapes on Earth. Even better, for many travelers, these destinations are relatively close and easy to reach, often with minimal time zone changes, making […]

Ready to indulge in the world’s finest culinary experiences while exploring iconic destinations?   With Yampu Tours, your dream trip can now include reservations at some of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2025, including Maido in Lima, ranked #1 in the world, where Japanese and Peruvian flavors come together in a one-of-a-kind Nikkei fusion. Whether you’re savoring steak in […]

Looking to get more out of your travel budget in 2025? Yampu Tours has curated a list of cost-effective destinations where your money will go further without compromising on experiences. And the best part? Bring your friends along, and the costs can be shared to maximize savings! Our guides can tailor your trip to your tastes, helping you create the […]

Why Reviews Matter When Choosing a Tour Company When planning a trip, reviews play a crucial role in selecting the right tour company. At Yampu Tours, we take immense pride in our 5-star Trustpilot rating, which reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence. With 27 years of experience since 1998, we have perfected the art of crafting seamless, immersive, and unforgettable […]

At Yampu Tours, we’re thrilled to announce the winners of the annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2024, conducted by Travel + Leisure. A historic landmark property in Cusco has topped the list, with other winners hailing from various parts of Peru, Colombia, and beyond.  Looking at the rankings for the best hotels in Central and South America’s urban hubs, […]

Central and South America continue to captivate travelers with their vibrant cultures, delectable cuisine, and rich histories. Each year, Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards” survey asks readers to share their favorite travel experiences, and the 2024 results are in! Over 186,000 readers cast more than 700,000 votes, revealing the top 10 cities in Central and South America that offer […]

Are you yearning to explore the world without straining your budget? Look no further! Here’s the list of 21 phenomenal destinations where your money can go a long way in 2023. These countries offer not only awe-inspiring experiences but also a favorable exchange rate that promises unforgettable adventures without breaking the bank. From pristine beaches to captivating cities, let’s dive […]

The Prestigious World’s Best Awards The World’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure hold an esteemed position in the travel industry. Every year, the publication invites its readers, who are passionate travelers and connoisseurs of extraordinary experiences, to participate in a comprehensive survey covering various aspects of travel. From hotels and resorts to cities and cruise ships, respondents share their […]

Raising a teenager is as easy as nailing Jell-O to a tree. Planning a vacation with teenagers, however, doesn’t have to be so tricky! We all know that teenagers are not so easily amused nowadays, with social media and Fortnight taking precedence over family time, so it certainly takes some careful planning to appease their adolescent angst. For a smooth […]

These are some of the TOP Museums in the world according to Yampu’s expert travel consultants. If you haven’t yet visited the Met, the Louvre or the Smithsonian, you at least know the names of these prestigious houses of art, science and culture. Basking in their shadow of success are numerous museums that are equally worthwhile when traveling outside of […]

Colombian health officials declared the end of the Zika outbreak in the country on Monday. The virus has affected nearly 10,000 people since September 2015. Since then, the number of cases of Zika has been reduced to about 600 per week and the Ministry of Health in Bogota has declared the epidemic to be over. Although there are still cases […]

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 […]

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), destinations at high altitude are at “minimal risk” for Zika virus, since the disease-carrying mosquitoes can only survive in humid climates. In this case, “high altitude” is considered to be 2,000 meters (roughly 6,500 feet). That means Mexico City; Quito, Ecuador; La Paz, Bolivia; and Bogota, Colombia are all cleared […]

Monica Irauzqui, VP of Yampu tours, was at the LA times Meet the Experts Event this past weekend sharing her Top Ten Adventure Trips in South America to an enthusiastic crowd of adrenaline seekers.  We all love a relaxing afternoon on the beach, and soaking in local cultures through leisurely strolls through cobblestone roads, but every now and then, it […]

Yampu Tours is very excited to announce that we have won the Leading Tour Operator in South America from the World Travel Awards. Furthermore, this is our 4th year running with such a great recognition! For over 15 years, Yampu has been designing trips of a lifetime to South America. Focusing on what we believe are the most important sites […]

If you will be in Latin America this holiday season, or more specifically New Years, we have combined a list of our favorite places to ring in the New Years in Latin America. Cuzco, Peru At midnight join thousands of people gathered at the Plaza de Armas Major square to witness the famous Maria Angola bell on the Cuzco Cathedral […]

Colca Canyon, Peru Colca Canyon in Peru is the world’s second deepest canyon with an average distance of 100 kilometers between the high mountain peaks and the Colca River below.  The canyon rests in the southern end of Peru in the Colca Region, originally conquered by the Incas in the 15th century.  This natural Peruvian wonder is filled with pre-Colombian […]