In the “new normal” of travel, travel agent certifications carry more weight than ever before. We are seeing weekly shifts in COVID-19 sanitary protocols, along with local vaccination rate developments. So, you want to make sure your travel agency not only keeps you informed but anticipates these changes, so you can book your private tour with as much confidence as possible.

Safe Travel certifications concerning COVID-19 are the newest addition in travel accreditations and only the tip of Kuoda’s credential iceberg. This article covers what type of certifications Kuoda Travel maintains as a top travel agency for curated journeys in South America and how these certifications provide crucial support before, during, and even after your trip!

What are certifications for?

When we say “travel agent certifications,” we refer to an umbrella term that includes certificates and/or “stamps” for having accomplished or earned something, like carbon neutrality or becoming an accredited institution. And this also includes the relationships an agency maintains with distinct travel associations who back what they do, such as the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).

Travel agencies who maintain their memberships with associations like the ASTA (see below) are generally far more trustworthy than those who don’t. Essentially, the more a travel agency cares about connecting with associations and earning certifications, the more they demonstrate a passion for growing, learning, and continuing to provide the best possible service imaginable.

This is precisely why at Kuoda Travel, we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with our accreditations. Furthermore, we continuously analyze where we can become even more sustainable and equally promote luxury and custom-designed travel experiences that are simultaneously eco-conscious and responsible in every sense of the word.

Which certifications & accreditations do we have?

We’ve had some of the following certifications almost since the inception of Kuoda Travel and have added others more recently to adapt to the shifting needs and pressing issues within the travel industry. Needless to say, all of these accreditations have only further bolstered our ability to build meaningful experiences in our beloved Peru and other South American countries.

Safe Travels Stamp – World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)

It goes without saying that human beings will not let something like a pesky pandemic hinder our intrinsic call to travel. We are in the process of adapting and will adapt, so we can continue to safely connect across the globe. This is why the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has risen to the challenging occasion and created something called a Safe Travels Stamp.

Destinations and travel businesses (agencies, hotels, restaurants, airports, shopping centers, etc.) can register and incorporate this Safe Travels Stamp into their individual protocols. Once they do, they are protected by a living document updated regularly according to CDC and WHO COVID-19 sanitary guidelines.

 

Carbon Neutral Seal – Green Initiative

The Green Initiative is an organization and sustainability specialist recognized and recommended by United Nations-Climate, that awards one of the most internationally renowned carbon-neutral seals. In October 2020, Kuoda Travel was awarded this seal for reducing our carbon footprint to zero.

We achieved this essential milestone through both in-house efficiency efforts and partnering with external emission reduction initiatives. Ultimately, considering our home base in Cusco, Peru, we place an incredible amount of value in our conservation efforts and sustainable travel practices.

 

IGLTA Member

We are a proud member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). IGLTA has been an empowering organization working to advance the safety and equality of LGBTQ+ travelers and businesses worldwide since 1983.

We want to make sure our clients feel safe and seen, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. So, becoming a member of IGLTA has allowed us to stay on top of LGTBQ+ friendly destinations, service providers, and accommodation throughout South America.

 

TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice and Certificate of Excellence

When it comes to a travel agency’s rating and clout, few organizations know better than TripAdvisor. This is why we feel honored once again to have been awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence five years in a row starting in 2015, and also the TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice award in 2020.

The TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award only recognizes the very best in the travel industry, sifting through millions of reviews and opinions. These reviews touch upon a business’s customer satisfaction, quality, terms of service, and many more categories to determine who can claim to be a top travel agency.

 

American Society of Travel Advisors Member

To travel with integrity, you should seek out a travel agency like Kuoda Travel that allies with travel organizations epitomizing integrity and professionalism. The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is one such organization. ASTA advocates for travel experts and the traveling public alike. As a result, their logo is recognized around the world as an endorsement for reliable travel companies.

 

Latin American Travel Association Member

The Latin American Travel Association is all about bringing sustainable and regenerative tourism to Latin America. As one of the most critical membership associations for travel to Latin America, LATA holds the following three objectives at the heart of its mission:

“1) Promote and grow travel to Latin America, 2) Be the authoritative voice in the UK for Latin America Travel and Tourism, 3) Encourage best practice and increase standards across all aspects of travel in Latin America.”

 

APTAE (Asociación Peruana de Aventura, Ecoturismo y Turismo Especializado) Member

When it comes to minimizing impact for travel and tourism to Peru, the Asociación Peruana de Aventura, Ecoturismo, y Turismo Especializado (APTAE for short) reigns supreme. This Peruvian organization has been striving to improve adventure and specialty tourism in Peru since 1981. In recent years APTAE has also become a leader in promoting eco-friendly travel in the country.

 

Adventure Travel Trade Association Member

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) remains the most extensive global network for adventure travel specialists. Unlike some of the other associations above, the ATTA is a private, for-profit trade group that relies on its members to advance sustainable adventure tourism practices.

 

PromPeru Member

PromPeru is a unique collision of the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism and Trade and Ministry of Culture and stands for “Promocionar Perú” (Promote Peru). As the leading tourism commission in Peru, they create campaigns (such as Marca Perú) and hold members events to promote Peru’s unique ecology, destinations, cultural biodiversity, and gastronomy.

 

World Travel Awards Nominee

The World Travel Awards is as much of a household name in the travel industry as the Oscars are in Hollywood. Since their birth in 1993, they have curated a cross-section of awards categories for the travel and hospitality industries. We have now been nominated for four years in a row as the Best Peruvian Agency, and we honestly couldn’t be happier about this.

 

What guarantee do you have with these certifications?

To drive the point further home, a genuine travel specialist will seek out and sustain the endorsement of internationally-recognized travel organizations and associations such as ASTA, WTTC, LATA, among others. This endorsement comes in the form of certificates, stamps, and seals that should be easily advertised and recognized on an agency’s website.

When you see these stamps and logos, you are guaranteed 1) safety, 2) excellence, 3) integrity, 4) top customer service, and ultimately 5) an authentic experience. At the end of the day, we all want these guarantees, especially when booking the trip of a lifetime to a part of the world we aren’t personally familiar with.

 

Why choose Kuoda Travel?

In addition to all of the above travel agent certifications, we have also honed our ability to be as detail-oriented as possible in our travel planning. This means we prioritize your interests and preferences above all else. Our travel designers construct each itinerary to not only match your expectations, but also exceed them.

All the while, you can rest assured that booking a trip with Kuoda means you are also prioritizing purposeful and sustainable travel to South America. So, if you are considering a private journey to Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, or Colombia, contact us today to get the planning started!

“Water is the driving force of all nature.” – Leonardo da Vinci

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a waterfall’s delicate mist gently floating all around you, in contrast to its undeniable force. This striking opposition is precisely why waterfalls can so easily capture your heart and imagination. And where best to experience this magical energy than amongst the most breathtaking waterfalls in South America. 

There are almost too many out-of-this-world waterfalls in South America to choose from, but our travel experts have narrowed it down to the top twelve. From Argentina to Chile, through Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil, all the way to the tippy-top of Colombia, each of these cascading beauties offers something unique and adds an authentic experience to your private journey.

The top twelve waterfalls in South America 

We have broken our list of the twelve must-see South America waterfalls down by country, starting at the southern tip of the continent in Argentina and working our way up to Colombia. And the draws of each waterfall range from the geography of that particular region to the size of the waterfall itself and the local culture and folklore surrounding these natural wonders.

Argentina | Los Amigos Waterfall and Chorillo del Salto

These first two Argentine waterfalls can be found in one of nature’s most coveted playgrounds: Patagonia! This incredible 260,000 square mile expanse between Argentina and Chile has become synonymous with eco-conscious travel in the past couple of decades and remains one of the most spectacular demonstrations of the natural world in all its glory.

To get to the Los Amigos Waterfall, you must travel to the world’s most southernmost city in Tierra del Fuego, called Ushuaia. Ushuaia is a spectacular destination in and of itself, home to five quirky penguin species, including the Magellanic penguin, endemic to Patagonia. The trail to Los Amigos Waterfall is 2.7 miles through breathtaking Tierra del Fuego scenery.

Further north lies the Chorillo del Salto, also known as the Cascada del Salto, in the town of El Chalten. The Chorillo del Salto was formed from the melted glacial snow accumulating in the grand Fitz Roy Massif. Exploring this waterfall also means hiking through the starkly beautiful glacial mountain landscape of El Chalten.

Argentina + Brazil | Iguazú Falls 

The next waterfall on our list may need little to no introduction: Iguazú Falls! Many people plan their personalized travel experience in South America around the great Iguazú Falls, and with good reason, seeing as it is the world’s largest waterfall system. Argentina claims roughly 80% of the 275 individual waterfalls, and Brazil the remaining 20%.

Our travel designers recommend staying physically on the Argentine side because you can make a simple day trip to the Brazil side to see the renowned Devil’s Throat waterfall. And the National Park of Puerto Iguazú in Argentina deserves to be well-traversed.

Chile | Cascada Apoquindo, Salto Grande, and Salto el Claro

Visiting Cascada Apoquindo in Chile is an excellent addition to your private itinerary, especially if you are also planning on spending some concentrated time in Santiago, Chile’s capital city. Cascada Apoquindo is in the Parque Natural de Aguas de Ramón east of Santiago and lying against the Andes Mountain Range. If you love multi-day hiking trips with the reward of a waterfall at the end, the Cascada Apoquindo is for you!

Getting back into the Patagonia region, but this time within the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park, we encourage you to consider the lookout over the Salto Grande waterfall. Salto Grande means “big jump” in Spanish, and this particular big jump of gushing water lies against the stunning Pehoe Lake. But the water itself flows from another lake, Lake Nordenskjöld, before falling 10 meters into Pehoe.

Our final must-see waterfall in Chile is called Salto el Claro, which lies in Pucón City, in the Araucanía region, home to Villarrica Volcano and beautiful Villarrica Lake. Salto el Claro, also known as the “hidden waterfall,” is an off-the-beaten-path destination for the ages. You also have the option of arriving by car, hiking, or biking from Pucón – a great choice for some added adventure!

Bolivia | Las Siete Cascadas

Sucre, Bolivia is an up-and-coming tourist destination for many reasons, including the footprints of 15 different dinosaur species and precious colonial architecture. However, there are also ample opportunities to escape into nature. If you’re looking for another easy day trip while in Sucre to dive into Bolivia’s natural surroundings, hike a little, and see a precious waterfall, Las Siete Cascadas hits the spot.

Peru | Gocta Waterfall

Gocta Waterfall in the Chachapoyas region of Peru was only rediscovered and made known to the international community in 2005. It also happens to be the world’s third tallest waterfall! This impactful water flow falls from 2,530 feet high and can be seen from several unique vantage points. You can either hike or horseback ride to Gocta; and for a luxury travel experience, you can stay in the Gocta Andes Lodge.

Ecuador | Peguche Waterfall 

Reaching the small but mighty country of Ecuador further north, you have the chance to visit a sacred waterfall with immense cultural significance in the Otavalo province. The Peguche waterfall is about 50 feet tall and most known as an indigenous ceremonial site, where community members cleanse their bodies before the Sun festival called San Juan or Inti Raymi (in Peru).

Otavalo is also home to the largest indigenous market in South America. So, you can easily pair your time here with a visit to the market before or after your hike to Peguche with your local guide, who will regale you with the captivating legends also associated with this waterfall.

Colombia | Caño Cristales, Tequendama Falls, and La Chorrera waterfall 

You will find the final three waterfalls on our list in Colombia, and they are nothing short of striking. Let’s start with Caño Cristales, which is technically not a waterfall but an ethereal multi-colored river. Traversing the otherworldly landscape of Caño Cristales, you will notice baby waterfalls here and there, so we couldn’t bring ourselves to leave it out; what a unique natural phenomenon!

This brings us to the Tequendama Falls, also known as the Salto de Tequendama. A visit to Tequendama makes for a memorable vacation because of the chilling and thought to be haunted Hotel Tequendama overlooking the falls. Local Muisca indigenous communities also believe the legend of this site that their Gods formed the falls to alleviate the flooding that prevented them from building their villages.

Finally, we have La Chorrera waterfall, which is by far Colombia’s highest waterfall and sixth-highest in Latin America at almost 2,000 feet. After a serene two-hour hike through the cloud forest of Colombia, you will reach La Chorrera and also pass some exciting sights on the way, such as the “monkey stones” – Simian-like rock formations – and another small waterfall called El Chiflon.

So, just this once, we encourage you to go against the words of the wise women of TLC and go chasing waterfalls in South America! Please contact us today to learn more about incorporating some of these forces of nature into your curated journey through South America.

You can officially say hello again to Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and very soon to Argentina and Chile! As South America’s borders open up once more, tourists are dusting off their bags, and we are ready! Getting back into international travel is incredibly exciting and still a bit nerve-wracking after the rocky year and a half we’ve all navigated. And flexible travel has become an essential component.

So, for booking a personalized travel experience to South America in this “new normal” of travel, we know that protecting your trip is your number one priority; it’s ours too, considering the daily ups and downs of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, we want to make sure all of our new guests feel entirely at ease booking a trip, knowing they are covered in the event of any emergency.

In this article, we highlight all of the reasons why flexible travel and booking with a flexible travel agency like Kuoda is more crucial than it’s ever been. Furthermore, we cover what you can do to make sure your itinerary is as flexible as possible during the planning process and what we are doing to build every curated journey to South America with this in mind.

Why do you need flexibility on your next trip?

We all remember the days of scouting the best deal on an itinerary, a flight, or a cruise because, after all, those days aren’t so far behind us. And finding those deals was exhilarating. But the catch was that these special rates usually included some sort of “limited time offer” or condition, which ultimately limited flexibility.

Can you imagine being locked into a trip of this nature during a global pandemic? We can’t either, and we really don’t want you to have to imagine it. To fully enjoy and relax into a trip to South America in this context, booking something flexible and custom-designed is invaluable. In addition, having the assurance that dates can be moved without penalty in the event of an emergency out of your control is priceless.

What is “flexible travel” about?

First and foremost, we can’t talk about flexible travel without mentioning the traveler’s frame of mind. A flexible headspace goes a long way when it comes to planning a trip, especially right now, considering all the valuable lessons we’ve learned in this pandemic. For instance, we’ve learned that a perfect or memorable vacation can look several different ways; and maybe even radically different from how you initially imagined it.

If your first choice of activities or destinations is still not open yet in South America, you can still find so many other options you might not have considered the first time around. Instead of bumps in the road, you can think about these changes as happy accidents. After all, such deviations could turn out to be an even better choice for your travel party, making room for more authentic experiences along the way.

For instance, the coveted 4-day Inca Trail trek only just re-opened in July 2021. However, the 2-day Inca Trail hike has been open since the second half of 2020. This last leg of the Inca Trail is just over 6 miles (compared to the 26-mile 4-day trek), only takes about 6-7 hours to complete, and its highest point measures 8,924 feet above sea level (compared to the whopping 13,780 feet above sea level on the 4-day Inca Trail).

Therefore, those who had their heart set on climbing the 4-day Inca Trail and opted for the 2-day Inca Trail were still able to savor unparalleled and sweeping Andean views, explore fascinating Inca ruins, and arrive triumphantly at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu, all while avoiding the harsh effects of super-high-altitude trekking. Freeing up those two extra days also makes room for more destinations in your itinerary, like the Peruvian Amazon or the Sacred Valley.

Another vital aspect of flexible travel means making sure the Terms and Conditions are clear before booking. We recommend reviewing the Terms and Conditions policy before putting down any sort of deposit and also talking with your travel designer on the phone, if possible, to clarify any details about postponement or cancellation where necessary.

How can you maximize flexibility during your trip?

Travel insurance is a must. Some travel agencies offer travel insurance plans directly; however, we’ve found this isn’t the best option for our clients because those plans are usually limited to whatever will yield the best commission for the agency. So, you will actually be able to find the most competitive deals and more flexible options by booking a travel insurance plan separately.

And even though we don’t provide travel insurance, our travel experts can help you navigate different plans and give as much guidance as possible. For instance, in this “new normal” of international and luxury travel, we highly recommend booking a “Cancel for Any Reason” travel insurance package.

You also want to be careful when booking your international flight. Look for airlines that are sticking to their coronavirus pandemic flexible policies through 2022, at the very least. For instance, Delta Airlines currently does not charge any cancellation or change fees for both domestic and international flights leaving from the U.S.

Finally, consider including hotels or accommodation with more personalized service and care. We only work with the top 3*, 4*, and 5* properties in each destination. So, if you book a trip with us, you know that all of your hotels will be up to date with the necessary health and safety protocols, as well as flexible postponement policies until the pandemic is declared over.

What types of trips are the least flexible?

Cruises tend to have the strictest postponement and cancellation policies, which is mainly tied to keeping set departure dates and maintaining a sustainable profit. And although this is mostly the case with longer week-long cruises, this is also still the case with Galapagos and Amazon cruises in Ecuador and Amazon cruises in Peru.

The good news is that you can still travel to the Galapagos or the Amazon jungle, have a deeply meaningful experience, and avoid booking a cruise, at least until the pandemic is more uniformly under control. In the Galapagos, there are some fabulous hotel options and Island-Hopping programs, and incredibly unique and eco-conscious luxury jungle lodges in the Amazon.

Lastly, try to minimize the number of domestic flights or layovers built into your trip because, depending on the airline, those flights might be difficult to change at a moment’s notice. And depending on the location, a full-day road trip can add some exciting local flavor and character to your trip. You will be able to make meaningful stops in local communities and connect with local culture.  

Another benefit of prioritizing land travel, either in private transport or even train travel, is that you ultimately produce a lower carbon footprint during your trip. Because along with flexible travel, eco-friendly travel is here to stay, and our planet will be much happier for it in the long run if we all do our part in any way we can, big or small.

We may be dealing with this pandemic for a few years yet, but the great news is that we are now fully equipped to keep traveling in the meantime. And making wonderful memories on a private journey to South America is the best cure for pandemic blues.

Contact us today to learn more about our flexible booking policies and start planning your private travel experience in the “new normal!”

Carnival is a festival of many names. It is referred to as Fat Tuesday in English, Mardi-Gras in French, and Carnaval in Spanish or Portuguese. But whichever word you use, Carnival has become an exciting international phenomenon extending from both Catholic and, many scholars think, ancient Rome or even Sumer cultural traditions.

Ecuador Carnival (Carnaval or Carnavales) is one of the nation’s most electric celebrations, with residents anxiously marking their calendars in preparation every year. Let’s take a look into what makes Ecuador Carnival tick compared to the layered string beads and Cajun feasts in New Orleans Mardi-Gras, or fantastical feather costumes of Brazilian Carnaval. Perhaps, you will feel so inspired to plan your next Ecuador trip during Carnival!  

What is the Ecuador Carnival, and why is it held?

Ecuador Carnival aligns with the Roman Catholic calendar and tradition. But what’s truly special and unique about Carnavales in Ecuador lies in how local communities have always made the tradition their own, mixing Catholic origin post-conquest with pre-Hispanic cultures and traditions.

The earliest recorded evidence of Carnival in Ecuador is from newspapers dating back to 1860. These stories cite people celebrating by having water fights on the coast and flour fights in the Andean highlands. Then from the early 1900s, there are reports of kitchen staff and cooks saving their eggshells until Carnival to fill with colored water, seal with wax, and use in a good-natured water fight during the celebration.

Today, Ecuador Carnival means two full days of unbridled joy manifested in water and foam fights, allegorical figures on parade, and lots of feasting before Lent. For Kichwa communities in the Ecuadorian Andes, it is also a time to celebrate the end of the solar year and give thanks to Mother Earth.

When do people celebrate Carnival in Ecuador?

According to the Roman Catholic Calendar, the two official days of Ecuador Carnival are the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday in late February or early March. And until 1963, Kichwa communities of the Sierra (highlands) celebrated Carnival a month earlier in connection with the Pawkar Raymi festival, in which they celebrate the solar New Year.

1963 marked the year that the dictator Ramón Castro Jijón forcibly changed the date of Carnival in the Andes to give preference to the Church and the Catholic meaning of the celebration before Lent. However, despite this discriminatory ruling, Kiwcha communities never stopped celebrating Pawkar Raymi and still do every year to mark the solar New Year.

Must see places during the Ecuadorian Carnavales

Ecuador is an incredibly culturally and geographically diverse country, and it is also quite a compact one. So, the fact that Carnival regional celebrations in Ecuador are as similar as they are distinct makes for an enlightening and rich experience.

– Quito

As Ecuador’s high-altitude capital, Carnival celebrations in Quito do not disappoint. The most typical signs of Carnival in Quito include 1) children of all ages wielding cans of foam and not afraid to spray any unsuspecting passerby, 2) lively water fights, and 3) surprising flour bombs.

– Guaranda

Guaranda, together with Ambato, are the Ecuadorian regions known for the most representative Carnival celebrations. In Guaranda, they pull out all the stops. We’re talking streamers filling every corner, flower pedals galore, flour and water games, lavish floats promenading through the streets, dances, and live music.

No one sleeps, and they don’t care! The giddy happiness of being covered from head to toe in a combination of water, confetti, foam, and powders is only matched by the incredible parade of food. Carnavales in Guaranda is the most anticipated event of the year.

– Ambato

Ambato, Ecuador, celebrates Carnival with their own regional name for the festival: La Fiesta de las Frutas y las Flores (The Fruit and Flower Festival). In Ambato, you won’t need to dodge any water balloons, buckets, nor foam spray, because, in Ambato, people only play Carnaval games with flowers, as well as eat plenty of locally harvested fruit, and dance the night away.

– Guayaquil

Being on the coast and having one of the most pleasant climates in Ecuador affords Guayaquil an entirely different kind of Carnival. Thus, Guayaquil holds the Ecuador Carnival, probably most reminiscent of Brazil.

Carnival in Guayaquil wouldn’t be complete without the famous parades showcasing la reina de carnaval (the queen of Carnival) and the local city mascots of Juan y Juanita Pueblo. There is also a parade dedicated to ornately decorated giant ships representing different aspects of Guayaquil local culture; this parade is called el naútico en la isla Trinitaria.

Other fun tidbits about the Ecuador Carnival

In addition to the raucous flour and water games, ornate decorations, larger-than-life floral arrangements, never-ending parades, and palpable excitement in the air, Ecuador Carnival would never be the same without specific foods, music, dance, and traditional costume.

– Food and beverage

Each region boasts its own distinct recipes and variations on the classic foods served during Ecuador Carnival. Some of these classics include la fritada, savory fried pork stewed with orange juice, cumin, garlic, onion, and other local spices, and the chigüil, a snack made of cornmeal, stuffed with cheese and wrapped in corn leaves – not the husk, but the green leaves of the stalk.

Throughout the country, people drink plenty of beer and other types of recognizable libations during carnavales; however, the two beverages represent the festivities above the rest: jucho and canelazo. The former is a hot non-alcoholic beverage made from a type of black cherries called capulí in Ecuador and Peru, apricots, and plenty of spices like cinnamon and clove, while the latter is a hot alcoholic beverage made from cane alcohol, cinnamon, and other spices.

– Popular music and dance

Dance and live music are ubiquitous during Ecuador Carnival. Coordinated dancers lead the way, promenading down each street as live bands trail behind each dance troupe. Every individual becomes entranced by the local melodies.

On the Ecuadorian coast, you will hear traditional Afro-Ecuadorian sounds of the marimba. In contrast, in the central Andes, traditional flutes, string instruments, and bombo drums dominate. Guaranda even has a traditional song dedicated to Carnival with the refrain, “Qué bonito es Carnaval,” How beautiful is Carnaval!

– Traditional costumes

Just like the party itself, the costumes are loud and incredibly colorful. The dancers color-coordinate within their troupe, so if the dress is predominantly yellow, they will wear yellow hats and plenty of embroidered flowers. Some costumes are even meant to represent giant flowers or fruits of all kinds.

If you’re thinking of taking a trip to the equator, visiting the Galapagos, and/or any of the other incredible sites Ecuador has to offer (such as Volcano Alley!), consider coordinating it with Carnival.

For just a couple days in late February or early March, depending on the year, you can indulge your inner child, let loose in the streets, dancing and playing, and living for the festive moment! Contact us to learn more about how to incorporate Ecuador Carnival into your next vacation.

It’s been a buzzword since the 1980s, but now it’s official, eco-tourism is here to stay! Eco-tourists’ efforts over the past forty years to bring sustainability into the travel industry have become an essential driving force against climate change.

Considering the tourist industry accounts for about 8% of the globe’s carbon emissions, being eco-conscious while traveling can make a crucial positive impact. But how can one become an eco-tourist? Is it as intimidating as it sounds? It turns out, even the smallest actions you can take to incorporate green travel into your trips are pretty attainable.

It comes down to calculating how your trip conserves environmental resources to offset the carbon emissions inevitably created by most current forms of transportation. This calculation essentially translates to staying in eco-friendly hotels, packing light, choosing destinations focused on conservation, and much more!

In this article, we cover all of these essential details to help you become an eco-tourist during your next private travel experience to South America!

Why be an eco-tourist?

1. You will contribute to the preservation of local environments

One of the principal slogans of eco-tourism is “leaving a place better than you found it.” There are numerous ways you can do this during a custom-designed trip to South America. In doing so, you are automatically doing your part to promote preserving that place for both tourists and local residents.

Make sure to include plenty of local day hikes and seek out “off-the-beaten-path” trails. While hiking these scenic routes through local villages in the Peruvian Andes, or Patagonia, you may also see trash strewn along the path. It’s a good idea to carry an extra plastic bag with you to pick up this trash as you go.

Visit as many national parks as you can! In South America, there are over 300 amazing national parks to choose from, and bringing tourism to these national parks ensures their survival, renewed interest locally, and further conservation.

2. You will gain more authentic experiences

When navigating more local/less-touristy trails and communities, you are guaranteed to connect more with local culture. Making these connections inherently brings a more authentic experience to the table, as you learn about customs and environments both inherently different and similar to your own.

3. The travel stories you collect will inspire others

When you travel with purpose, and in a sustainable way, your experiences and anecdotes are sure to have a ripple effect amongst your friends and family when you come back home. This incredibly positive influence makes eco-tourism itself more sustainable and will hopefully pull us further in the right direction to stop climate change in its tracks before it’s too late.

How to pack as an eco-tourist

First and foremost, packing as an eco-tourist means packing as light as possible. When it comes to international travel, you will inevitably have to book some flights, and the weight of your bags really does matter. According to Delta, “It has been estimated that the amount of jet fuel used to move an object is 4% of that object’s weight per hour.” So, the more you pack, the more fuel you use.

Our travel experts have a few suggestions in terms of the specific items you should add to your eco-friendly packing list. Of course, the following are a must: a reusable water bottle, reuse your plastic bags from previous trips (e.g., Ziploc bags), chemical-free sunscreen, just a handful of outfits that you can layer and create different combinations from, and a small and lightweight daypack, sturdy and light hiking boots or trail sneakers, and a headlamp for jungle tours.

Where to stay while eco-conscious

We work with several incredible eco-lodges and properties. In fact, most of the hotels we work with at this point have shifted their primary focus to sustainability. So, in this section, we would like to particularly highlight the Sacred Valley, the jungle of Ecuador, Uyuni, and the Galapagos, which are all incredibly eco-friendly destinations in their own right as well.

The Sacred Valley of Peru offers the perfect backdrop for those looking to reconnect with nature in Peru. The soaring Andes overlook one of the world’s most fertile valleys, and the temperature is quite pleasant and temperate year-round. Some sustainable hotels to keep in mind for your next custom-designed eco-trip are Las Qolqas Eco-Resort in Ollantaytambo and Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba.

In Ecuador, you have a very comprehensive and extensive list of eco-hotels to choose from. Some of our favorites are the Mashpi Lodge in the cloud forest, the Napo Wildlife Center in the Amazon rainforest, and Finch Bay Galapagos hotel in Puerto Ayora in the Galapagos.

Finally, Kachi Lodge in the Salar de Uyuni (the world’s largest salt flats!) is the first of its kind. They are the first 100% eco-friendly lodge in Uyuni that doubles as a luxury travel experience and space station. Okay, so they aren’t really a space station, but their one-of-a-kind sleeping domes were built to optimize stargazing in Uyuni, which is already some of the best stargazing in the world!

Where to go as an eco-tourist

A good number of places in South America are now contributing to an eco-friendly vision; however, one country that really takes the cake in this arena is Ecuador! The Ecuadorian government and the tourist industry have worked together to raise awareness about eco-tourism for decades; this is why Ecuador has been designated the World’s Leading Green Destination multiple times.

Of the many incredible national parks found in South America, Ecuador claims 11, which of course, includes the Galapagos Islands. You also can have immersive experiences in quite a range of landscapes because these national parks span the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes, and the Galapagos Islands. Don’t miss the Cotopaxi National Park, home to the “Avenue of Volcanoes!”

What to do on an eco-friendly trip

Outdoor activities, outdoor activities, and more outdoor activities! The benefit of filling your private travel experience with plenty of nature time is two-fold. First, outdoor and adventure activities alike tend to use fewer non-renewable resources, like fossil fuels. Second, they also allow you to reconnect with nature, an energy and feeling you can take with you when you return home.

Some examples of fantastic outdoor and adventure activities in South America include biking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, zip-lining, skiing in Patagonia, and lots of hiking! In addition to these activities, it’s important to limit the number of domestic flights included in your private itinerary and instead opt for trains, private transport, and catamaran cruises!

How to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling

If there is one takeaway about how to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling, it’s this: travel less, take longer trips! In our fast-paced world, we know this is easier said than done. But if you can try to apply this mantra when you can, you will be wasting less on the whole and also helping to regenerate cultural resources, contributing to local economies more sustainably as well

Another important thing you can do is travel with a responsible travel agency like Kuoda Travel. We have maintained a sustainable mindset since our inception in 2007 but have been applying it even more so in recent years as we continue to see the devastating effects of climate change. This is why in 2020, we got our carbon neutral certificate through Green Initiative!

After reading these tips and tricks on how to become an eco-tourist, we hope you feel as inspired as we do to keep traveling and to make it green! So contact us today to learn more about putting together your sustainable and private curated journey to South America.

Safety and tourism have always gone hand-in-hand. After all, we have grown accustomed to saying: “Have a safe journey,” or “safe travels.” Travel is, of course, incredibly exciting, and one of those exciting components means stepping out of your comfort zone, trying something new, and taking some risks.

This is why having a safety net is crucial, and even more so in 2021 as we all head into our own versions of a “new normal.” In other words, guaranteed safety while traveling has become more critical than it’s ever been. And this might mean embarking on more private travel experiences, avoiding group tours, and booking with a company like Kuoda that has your best interest at heart always.

In this article, we break down what this stamp actually means. We also explain why it’s so essential in the new normal of travel so that you can feel incredibly confident in booking a custom-designed trip to South America with us and not have to worry about a thing!

What is a “safe travels” stamp or certification?

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has stepped up to the plate during this pandemic to create the world’s very first “Safe Travels” stamp. They launched this stamp, which is a type of certification according to global COVID-19 safety protocols, so we can all navigate this uncertain climate with more ease and still create wonderful memories while traveling.

The safety protocols built into this stamp form part of a living document. Because, as we all know, new information about COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-02 virus is constantly coming to light as experts learn more about the science behind this new disease and the virus that causes it. This living document is updated regularly according to WHO and CDC guidelines.

Something worth noting is that this stamp does not reflect the current infection rate of COVID-19 in any particular destination. Therefore, just like the vaccines against COVID-19, having the “Safe Travels” certification does not guarantee 100% safety against the disease. However, it is a crucial added layer of protection for all travelers to be on the same page and respect host destinations, local culture and communities.

Who the gets “safe travels” certification?

Essentially two umbrella categories designate who can receive this “safe travels” certification: destinations and businesses. Businesses can include travel companies, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, attractions (like archaeological sites – e.g., Machu Picchu), car rentals, transportation, airports, and outdoor shopping centers.

Once a destination or business decides to apply for the “Safe Travels” stamp, they don’t necessarily need to become members of WTTC. Instead, they can contact their corresponding industry association or public authority, who will then coordinate with WTTC to obtain the stamp. In this way, the public and private sectors are constantly working together to ensure safe travels for as many people as possible.

Why is Kuoda a “safe travels” tour operator?

Even pre-pandemic, we always prioritized our guests’ safety. The vehicles we use are all incredibly safe brands, which could pass an inspection with flying colors any given day. The restaurants we work with are only the best options in each destination. Everyone covets an authentic experience with cuisine, especially in a destination like Peru, but food safety is also paramount.

We include only the very best accommodation from 3* boutique to 5* luxury properties, and our incredible team of knowledgeable travel experts and guides know how to anticipate your needs. In keeping with these tried-and-true standards, we’ve now added the “Safe Travels” stamp to our certificates! Our guides, drivers, and all of the hotels/restaurants we work with adhere to the latest health and hygiene protocols.

Our certificates also include a TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award from 2020 (the sixth year in a row) and a nomination from the World Travel Awards as Peru’s Leading Tour Operator for 2021. Lastly, we have a carbon-neutral certificate through the Green Initiative because sustainability is another one of our company’s pillars, which factors into each and every curated journey we create.

What are the safe travel destinations in South America?

Currently, there are 80 destinations across the Americas, Europe, Africa, The Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands that have received their WTTC “Safe Travels” stamp. Within South America, these destinations include Argentina, Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador! We craft personalized travel experiences to all of these countries, and for the new normal of travel, we recommend the following in each country/region.

Now is the time for exploring Patagonia, especially if you’re an eco-conscious traveler! The natural wonderland of Patagonia spans Argentina and Chile, and you can partake in unique outdoor activities on both sides. For some spectacular trekking, head to Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia, and for the world’s best whale-watching, consider adding a visit to the Peninsula Valdes in Argentina.

The coveted 4-5-day Inca Trail trek in Peru opened again on July 15th and is one of the most authentic trekking experiences you can have in the Andes. This original Inca Trail belongs to the original road system called the Qhapaq Ñan during the Inca Empire. The Qhapac Ñan spans over 40,000 km. The multi-day Inca Trail trek is the 43-mile stretch of this road network leading to Machu Picchu and is impeccably preserved.

Colombia is another South American destination known for its natural majesty and biodiversity. For those who love beautiful beaches, national parks, and the ocean Tayrona National Park is heaven on earth. Tayrona National Park lies between Colombia’s Caribbean coast and the base of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountain Range.

And sandwiched between Peru and Colombia, Ecuador is another country that should make it onto your bucket list if it hasn’t already. Ecuador was one of the first South American countries to welcome back international visitors during the pandemic, and the Galapagos Islands, in particular, have remained incredibly safe and protected.

We recommend booking your luxury trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands as soon as you can help re-stimulate the archipelago’s economy. The cruises are up and running again, and the Ecuadorian government has completed its COVID-19 vaccination rollout for residents. You won’t be required to have the vaccine to visit; however, we do recommend it, seeing as their population is quite isolated and vulnerable.

Safe experiences create the best memories

Some of us know all too well that something like food poisoning, an accident of any kind, fever and chills, or any other type of illness can instantly overshadow all of the positive experiences during your trip. But, on the other hand, we recognize that meaningful travel experiences are all about taking the good with the bad; the trick is to make sure the bad doesn’t surpass the good.

This is the ultimate goal of the WTTC “Safe Travels” stamp, to join forces in the tourist industry across the globe and confront this pandemic head-on. Every destination and business that has collaborated on this idea, of course, is looking to reactivate tourism, and at the same time, make sure your travel experiences are protected as much as possible.

International travel most certainly will bounce back because travel is something uniquely human. We love to learn about other corners of the world first hand, to take in the unique differences and the resounding similarities among us. Thanks to the WTTC “Safe Travels” stamp, and other collective local efforts, we can make sure we keep taking care of one another and keep traveling!

Contact us today to learn more about how to craft your perfect vacation to South America in the new normal; our travel designers are excited to hear from you!

Sustainable travel is one of those pressing issues that has been creeping up on society for years and can no longer be ignored or pushed aside as a “niche” market. On the contrary, making the travel industry sustainable is imperative to the welfare of both our planet and our fellow humans. One silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it has shown us this undeniable truth, and now we can act!

Considering tourism has shown to be one of the fastest-growing industries in our lifetime, it is no surprise that it has become one of the most destructive for both the environment and host communities. Tourism has traditionally depended on limited natural resources and has also posed a threat to local socio-cultural structure, especially in developing nations.

Many people still ask, “But what does sustainability even mean? Is it actually attainable or a symptom of wishful thinking?” Put simply, something is sustainable when it doesn’t take more than it gives. And this is most certainly possible through even the smallest actions. In this article, we want to highlight the ways in which you can travel with purpose in South America and join the sustainable revolution!

1. Think about sustainability during the planning process

– Research what your travel agency is doing to join the sustainable movement

The good news is, most agencies have received the message and are changing bit by bit to become even more sustainable. Kuoda travel has always put sustainability in the foreground of our personalized travel experiences, and in 2020 we officially became a carbon-neutral agency through the Green Initiative.

We have also made the constant commitment to partner with sustainably-minded hotels, lodges, restaurants, and other micro-agencies that provide adventure activities, etc. This means their infrastructure is eco-friendly. They work collaboratively with local communities and pay fair wages to create authentic experiences that directly give back to the local economy.

– Limit the amount of domestic airfare in your itinerary

In this fast-paced world, we have become quite accustomed to taking even the shortest flight to save time. Between some destinations, like Quito (or Guayaquil) and the Galapagos in Ecuador, these domestic flights make sense. There is literally no other way to get to the Galapagos, and in this case, flying is more than justified.

But a flight isn’t necessary between other destinations, such as Cusco to Juliaca (the closest airport to Lake Titicaca), especially when you can savor unparalleled scenery on a full-day road trip through the Peruvian Andes. Therefore, we recommend always asking your travel designer if road travel is possible, what it entails, and also extending your trip by a day or two if it means cutting down on flights if you can.

– Avoid voluntourism

It’s counter-intuitive, but volunteering for short periods of time, especially in developing nations, actually does more harm than good. This phenomenon, known as “volunteer tourism” or “voluntourism,” typically manifests in teaching English, building houses, or volunteering in orphanages for limited periods of time and is open to anyone – no professional training required.

Tourists who engage in this type of activity have all the best intentions, but the reality is these actions don’t encourage sustainable change but instead stifle sustainable development. Voluntourism essentially discourages self-driven local projects and often results in poor infrastructure due to the amateur nature of volunteers.

In order to regenerate cultural resources and promote regional sustainable practices, local people need to feel empowered, not continuously disadvantaged and underprivileged in the eyes of volunteers. So, if you have the intention of making a genuinely positive impact on your 1-2-week trip in South America, buy from local artisans and vendors, don’t haggle, and show sincere interest in learning about local culture.

– Seek out lesser-known destinations

Almost everyone plans their travels using a bucket list of top destinations for each country, and we don’t think this trusty bucket list should go anywhere! But in addition to your bucket-list items, such as Machu Picchu, Iguazú, The Galapagos, and the middle of the world monument in Ecuador, sustainable travelers should ask about and consider including off-the-beaten-path places.

For instance, in Peru, you can visit Inca archaeological sites that are as steeped in cultural heritage and history as Machu Picchu, yet still, hardly receive any tourists. The ancient city of Kuelap is the jungle region of Chachapoyas is one example. And while you’re there, you can also check out the incredible Gocta waterfall, recently made known to the world in 2005 and the world’s third tallest waterfall!

2. Research Sustainable Destinations in South America

We could write pages upon pages about the growing sustainable destinations in South America. However, we want to highlight six of our favorites for you to consider on your next curated journey, and inspire you to do some research of your own, starting with one of the most astonishing natural laboratories in the world: the Galapagos islands!

On the Galapagos Islands, the animals keep the humans in check. The strict protective policies preserve one of the most fascinating natural enclaves on earth and the hundreds of endemic species who call it home. The Tayrona National Park in Colombia is another eco-tourism treasure between the Caribbean Coast and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria, and nicknamed “Colombia’s Yellowstone.”

Yet another national park that boasts incredible biodiversity and hardly any visitors is Madidi National Park in Bolivia’s Amazon rainforest. Or, if you’re more of a winter person, the near-Antarctic chill of Patagonia, a fascinating region spanning Argentina and Chile, offers an immersive experience in nature like few others on this planet.

3. Remember sustainability extends beyond the environment

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) describes sustainable travel as: “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.” This is why it’s essential to remember that sustainability means so much more than eco-conscious or “green” travel.

A key term to look out for is “community-based” projects or initiatives. What do community-based travel programs look like? You’ll find some excellent examples in the Amazon, where certain lodges have fostered collaborative relationships with local indigenous communities, who take on partial or full ownership, and generate internal autonomy for future generations.

The Posada Amazonas lodge in the Tambopata Amazon reserve of Southern Peru is one of three lodges by Rainforest Expeditions but is unique in its community-based model. The Ese Eja native community of Infierno has gained ownership of the Posada Amazonas Lodge, which lies on their ancestral land. As a result, all of the guides at Posada Amazonas are members of the community, in addition to every single staff member.

The Ecuadorian Amazon also has its fair share of eco-lodges, many of which are owned and run by local indigenous communities as well. For example, the Achuar Nation has owned the Kapawi Lodge here since 2008. Everyone who stays here learns about the Achuar way of life, being one with the forest, and living in complete balance with one’s natural surroundings; the lodge’s unique architecture reflects this idea, as do the activities deep within the jungle.

4. Talk with us about our sustainable travel initiatives

We recognize sustainability isn’t static; in other words, any person or company can and should continue to become even more sustainable over time. And we have made it our mission to keep learning and growing towards ultimate sustainable travel in everything we do.

In addition to being carbon neutral and working with sustainable hotels, lodges, restaurants, and operators, we have our own collaborative community-based project with a local community in Chinchero, Peru. The women of this small Quechua community are master weavers and hold demonstrative workshops for any of our guests who wish to learn more about their intricate ancestral designs and traditional dyeing techniques.

Contact us today to learn more about how to create meaningful travel experiences together while minimizing your carbon footprint, traveling with integrity, and leaving a positive impact wherever you may wander in South America!

On the heels of Peru’s 200th birthday, we feel like celebrating! And as Peru’s top travel agency, our entire team at Kuoda Travel lives and breathes Peruvian pride. In this article, we want to share all of the ways Peru is one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations.

From internationally-renowned cuisine to confounding Inca architecture, family-fun activities, natural magnificence, adventure tours, and a whole lot more, Peru really does have something for anyone looking to make wonderful memories, diving into immersive experiences in Peru!

1. Lots of Adventure!

If you are an adrenaline junkie, or even just someone who likes to sprinkle a little adventure on their travels now and again, look no further than Peru for your next trip. Kuoda’s adventure itinerary is fully customizable (like all of our itineraries), and our travel experts know exactly how to personalize each program to align with your specific adventurous side.

Do you like to kayak or stand-up paddle? You can do both on Lake Piuray in the Sacred Valley, completely surrounded by glaciers. How about tandem paragliding? Lima’s coast offers a magical view for paragliding and surfing, for that matter. For even better surfing, head north to the idyllic beaches of Mancora and Tumbes. Mountain biking in the Andes is another favorite, and of course, trekking.

For multi-day treks, you have a couple fantastic options. The Inca Trail needs no introduction and is one of those authentic experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. In addition to the Inca Trail, you can embark on the Lares Trek, a community-based hiking experience that allows you to connect with local culture, or the Salkantay Trek to get a look at some of Peru’s sacred glaciers up close.

2. Ancient civilizations – Inca and Pre-Inca

We can’t talk about the wonders of Peru without touching upon the awe-inspiring architecture and artifacts of the Inca Empire and civilizations predating the Incas. Cusco was the former capital of Tahuantinsuyo (the Quechua name for the Inca Empire), so if you’re a history or archaeology buff, you’ll want to spend some time here during your private tour with Kuoda. 

The veritable zigzag fortress of Sacsayhuaman can be found on the outskirts of Cusco city. Walking down from Sacsayhuaman, you will encounter living Inca foundations in the city’s historic center. Qorikancha, for example, is an incredible Inca temple that was completely hidden and covered by a Spanish colonial church called Santo Domingo and revealed again during the big earthquake of 1950.

The great mystery remains how exactly they moved the boulders between 90 and 125 tons and then carefully nestled them together without any space peeking through. Their architecture also famously aligns with the natural surroundings and solar calendar; nothing about Inca architecture is by chance. This is especially noteworthy in the Sacred Valley sites and Machu Picchu.

If you want to go further back than the Incas in your travels, you can take a 4–5-day trip up and down the coast from Lima. The ancient civilizations of Chan Chan and Caral lie north of Lima, dating back to 600 and 5,000 years ago, respectively. And the famous Nazca lines, giant geoglyphs permanently etched in the sand lie south of Lima and date back to 2,000 years ago.

3. Commune with nature

In the uncertain age we find ourselves in, and most of the world still in an active battle with COVID-19, we’ve learned that now more than ever is the time to re-connect with nature. Peru offers a unique backdrop for eco-conscious travel because you can get up close and personal with the stoic Andes Mountains, the curious Amazon jungle, and the immense coastal desert all in one trip.

In Peru, nature is still very much in the foreground of daily life for so many people, and this connection is contagious. At Kuoda Travel, we keep this in mind when creating each and every private travel experience, prioritizing regenerative tourism, and allowing space for our guests to travel with purpose.

4. Rich living culture

Peru is a country like too many in this globalized world that still feels the aftershock of some tough institutions extending from the past – namely imperialism, colonialism, colorism, and sexism. But that’s why it’s even more important to reflect on and highlight Peru’s diverse cultural forces that have lifted the country up despite decades of injustices.

Quechua and Aymara communities of the Andes, Amazon indigenous groups, Afro-Peruvian, and Japanese and Chinese-Peruvian citizens come together as the country’s heartbeat. We always aim to honor Peru’s living cultural diversity through our highly personalized programs every step of the journey. In addition, we collaboratively work with local communities so they have a platform to connect with travelers and share their unique stories and cultural heritage.

5. Some of the world’s best food!

Hands down, Peru claims the best food in South America due to diverse cultural traditions, endemic ingredients, and a highly complex flavor profile. Peruvian restaurants dot almost every corner of the globe at this point, so you could seek it out wherever you are, but why not take the opportunity to try the real deal on a private journey to Peru?

One of Peru’s most coveted dishes, lomo saltado, was inspired by Peruvian Chinese restaurants called Chifa. Lomo means tenderloin, and saltado means “jumping.” This dish is cooked in a wok with green onions, tomatoes, Peruvian aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper), onion, soy sauce, vinegar, and oyster sauce, then served with French fries and white rice. It is the ultimate Peruvian stir-fry!

And most superfoods, some you might have already heard about, are geographically from Peru! Quinoa, amaranth (kiwicha), Andean Lupin (tarwi), maca (aka the “Peruvian Ginseng”), Sacha Inchi filled with Omega-3, the Camu Camu fruit chock full of Vitamin C, and over 4,000 varieties of potatoes!

6. The perfect romantic getaway destination

If you are a couple looking to spend your honeymoon or anniversary somewhere unforgettable, Peru should be at the top of your list! Kuoda Travel is the best luxury travel company in Peru, so we know a thing or two about how to make your trip the most romantic it can be – it all comes down to the details.

Imagine a riverside picnic for two in the Sacred Valley, the Andes Mountains on all sides, followed by a couples massage in the award-winning Kallpa Spa in the five-star resort Tambo del Inka. Then you splurge on a luxury train ride on the Hiram Bingham and a night at the Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel next to the Machu Picchu citadel. And you return to Cusco to your incredible room in Belmond Palacio Nazarenas.

You can also opt for an intimate Amazon cruise in the northern jungle region of Iquitos and finally complete your celebration of love by spending four sun-soaked days on the peaceful Mancora beaches, horseback riding into the sunset.

7. Up-and-coming LGBT destination

LGBT movements continue to inspire positive change throughout South America. The LGBT community of Peru is not only part of this movement but has also been fighting for their rights from the fascinating Amazon city of Iquitos for decades. Iquitos has been a safe haven for LGBT individuals across the country since the 1980s and continues to be a welcome environment to residents and travelers alike.

The 2021 Peru elections have also made history electing the very first openly lesbian congresswoman in Peru, Susel Paredes of the Purple Party. Kuoda Travel not only supports these initiatives pulsing through the country, but we are also members of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) to ensure that all of our guests feel safe during their travels in Peru.

8. A perfect destination for families

In recent years, Peru tourism has not only catered to families but has started to excel at it! As a responsible travel agency, we are sensitive to families’ needs during their trip to make it a fulfilling travel experience for everyone.

Our family tours include interactive half-day activities embedded throughout the itinerary to keep you moving and the little ones engaged. Depending on how old your children are, you could try zip-line, horseback riding, stand-up paddleboarding, river-rafting, chocolate-making, communing with exciting wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest, and more!

Our team of guides is incredible, and we work with quite a few who are great with kids. They know how to bring Peruvian culture and history alive in their storytelling and don’t hold back with the fantastical details. They also know when to pause and let you share these special moments together, creating wonderful memories you’ll cherish as a family for life.

If we haven’t convinced you yet, please contact us, so we can gush even more about the endless possibilities for your curated journey to Peru. This is what we love doing, crafting meaningful experiences for anyone and everyone to connect with our Peru. ¡Qué viva Perú!

The Galapagos Islands have become synonymous with biodiversity and wildlife conservation, and with good reason. This 19-island archipelago is home to over 4,000 animal species, 40% of which are endemic – meaning they are found nowhere else in the world! When Charles Darwin landed in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island in 1835, his theory of evolution could finally take root and start to materialize. And the rest is history.

Today, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno continues to serve as the Galapagos’ capital city and port and is the second-most populated point in the archipelago after Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. But the laid-back surfer energy of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno compliments the remaining islands nicely, where the animals reign and the humans are simply guests in their kingdom.

There are quite a few reasons why an overnight, or two, in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the perfect addition to your Galapagos adventure. In this article, we would like to highlight the following four reasons in particular!

4 reasons to discover Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (Ecuador)

1. Pairing Puerto Baquerizo Moreno with Guayaquil

The only way to directly fly into or out of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is through Ecuador’s coastal city, Guayaquil. And Guayaquil, in its own right, has so much to offer in terms of beautiful weather, diverse sights, and experiences on Ecuador’s pacific coast. Some of the top Guayaquil attractions include the breathtaking beaches of General Villamil, the Malecon 2000 lively boulevard, and the fantastic restaurants stocked with the freshest seafood and traditional Ecuadorian dishes.

Guayaquil is also Ecuador’s largest city. Their international airport receives just as many, if not more, flights from the United States as Quito. The direct domestic flight from Guayaquil to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is just about two hours. Whereas if you were to start in Quito, you will always have a layover in Guayaquil before arriving in Puerto Baquerizo; and the total travel time is more or less six hours.

2. Unique and luxurious accommodation in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno hotels do not disappoint! A trip to the Galapagos Islands means you will either be taking a cruise from one island to another or staying in a hotel on Puerto Ayora or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and then taking day excursions to nearby islands. This is called Island Hopping. And many consider Puerto Baquerizo Moreno the best spot for island hopping because of the fabulous accommodations here; the following three hotels are some of our absolute favorites.

The Golden Bay Hotel and Spa strives to provide a five-stay luxurious stay in the Galapagos. Golden Bay offers impeccable hospitality, an excellent restaurant, a minimalist design, and minimal environmental impact as an ecological property focused on sustainability and humanism.

Hotel Casa Opuntia is an intimate first-class hotel with an excellent location. They are positioned right across from some of the most coveted sea kayaking circuits in the archipelago, in addition to two of the best surfing breaks.

Seaside Inn is another quaint property with premium oceanfront views. The hotel itself is actually a boutique villa with a clean-cut modern design and a fabulous pool. Some of their suites even have direct access to this pool and jacuzzi, overlooking the serene ebb and flow of the tide.

3. Prime surfing spot in The Galapagos

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is known for being the adventure activity hub within the entire archipelago and is especially a surfer’s paradise. For catching the best waves, you will want to plan your trip between December and March and head to Punta Carola Beach for its famous ten-foot waves!

There are also plenty of beaches for surfers of all levels, including beginners, such as the Manglecito Beach, typically pumping out six-foot waves, and plenty of sea lions to cheer you on! La Lobería and Tongo Reef are two other popular surfing beaches worth mentioning; all of these beaches are less than thirty minutes away from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno’s city center!

4.Prime diving spot at Kicker Rock

If you are a licensed scuba diver looking to get in some quality advanced diving time while in the Galapagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the place to be. There are a couple of exclusive diving cruises you can book well in advance for your trip; however, the benefit of staying on Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is that you will be able to take a diving day-trip to Kicker Rock from your hotel. We still recommend booking this in advance, but the benefit is that spots aren’t as limited.

Kicker Rock is considered the best diving spot in the entire archipelago, right off the coast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The depth ranges from 30-130 feet, and the difficulty ranges from moderate to advanced, which is the case for all diving in the Galapagos. What makes Kicker Rock truly special, though, is the abundance of marine wildlife in this one spot. You should expect to see hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, eagle rays, sea lions, and schools of Salema fish, just to name a select few.

So, if you already know you want an island-hopping program and/or have a couple extra days on hand for your Ecuador adventure, consider Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Whether you are island hopping or someone who enjoys a bit of downtime during your travels, this extremely relaxing place allows you to rest and reflect on your multitude of quirky animal encounters in the Galapagos – with the famous blue-footed boobies, for instance!

Contact us to learn more about customizing your once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Galapagos and how to incorporate its capital port into your bespoke itinerary.

“Paucartambo, Paucartambo, ahí te dejo mi recuerdo, kutimunaykama.” (Paucartambo, Paucartambo, I leave my memories with you, until I long to return) – From the song “Paucartambo”

by Pueblo Andino

In July, this refrain rings through the Peruvian Andes to pay homage to one of the most exciting Peruvian festivals year-round: Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo. Every year, from July 15th-19th, the Virgen del Carmen Festival in the Cusco province of Paucartambo becomes a major focus for thousands of locals and tourists alike.

This year, the festivities are on hold yet again due to the ongoing struggle with COVID-19 in Peru; however, the spirit of Paucartambo is as alive as ever. In this article, we recount some of the most exciting moments of the Paucartambo festival and relate a bit of its history filled with ornately orchestrated dances, live music, fireworks, and plenty of chela (beer).

Virgen del Carmen History

While the details of the legend escape many festival-goers, the heart of the story is quite consistent. So, how and why did Carmen became la patrona (patron saint) of Paucartambo? As the legend goes, it all started in the 13th century, when a local wealthy woman was heading to Paucartambo to trade a silver dish and came across a beautiful, bodiless head.

More bewildered than frightened, the woman decided to place this head on her dish. Suddenly, the head began to speak to the young woman and said her name was Carmen, and that she was a virgin. The virginal head, so the legend continues, calmly conversed with this woman and told her not to fear her, but quite the opposite: to trust her.

Soon, the people of Paucartambo began to ask Carmen for wishes related to the health and happiness of the community. Then, the residents of Paucartambo witnessed rays of light emanating from her head, and shortly after that, she performed many miracles within the community.

As a result, every year, in the middle of July, the festival lives on to extend Carmen’s bounty of miracles to Paucartambo and now to many other surrounding Peruvian provinces, including Cusco City.

What is the festival in Paucartambo like?

La Virgen del Carmen is not only one of the largest festivals in Peru, but it is also hands-down one of the happiest and most colorful! Annually, people from many distinct corners of Peru (but mainly from the department of Cusco) make their way to Paucartambo. Spiritual, catholic, and cultural pilgrims cram into a town with one central plaza and many narrowly winding streets.

Sleep isn’t a priority for most festival-goers, and often their sleeping arrangements are rudimentary; this said, more complete accommodations will definitely be arranged ahead of time if you book the experience through Kuoda. But don’t be surprised to find most sleeping in tents or in mattresses on balconies that overlook the festivities, or really anywhere with an available square of space.

When you enter the festival, you will find nonstop revelry complete with incessant fireworks and plenty of free-flowing alcohol. The masked characters swirl around you in a perpetual haze of beer, chicha, and pure joy in this five-day celebration of La Gran Mamacha Carmen.

About six o’clock in the evening on the 17th marks the middle of the festival, and there is a definite pause amongst the pilgrims and dancers alike. The wealthier members of Paucartambo are each assigned a dance and donate all of the money necessary towards their party space (which doubles as a lodging space), food, and alcohol.

This phenomenon is called a cargo. And so, all of the dancers rest, eat and drink in their respective cargos at this point of the festival. It is typically acceptable and even expected to “crash,” said cargos. So, don’t be surprised if you are pulled onto the dance floor to try your hand at the twirling huayno steps alongside the dancers.

Principal characters and dances

Much like the Festival of Qoyllur Rit’i (Snow Star in Quechua), which takes place in late May or early June depending on the year, the beautifully adorned comparsas (dance troupes) of Paucartambo and their accompanying band of musicians hardly stop moving. The majority of these sixteen dances in total are caricatures from different periods from Peruvian history.

Although we would love to go into the history, costumes, and unique story behind each dance, we do want to leave some to the imagination for you to discover on your own someday. For now, we would like to highlight six dances in particular: Qhapac Qolla, Saqra, Chunchachas, Qhapaq Negro, Qhapaq Chunchu, and Maqta.

Qhapaq Qolla

Accompanied by llamas and adorned with multi-colored ribbons, the Qhapaq Qolla dancers represent the moment of encuentro (encounter) with the head of La Gran Mamacha Carmen. They symbolize those with the most faith in Carmen, the most devoted.

The Qhapaq Qollas are not alone in telling a rich and intricate story of the history and culture of Peru. Something worth noting is every dance in the festival is unique in movement and costume, and information about the origin and characteristics of each one is provided in the form of large posters on a wall in the central plaza of Paucartambo.

Saqra

Saqra means “devil” or “demon” in Quechua. This particular dance comes from the Republic in Peru, which extended from their year of independence in 1821 to roughly 1930. During this period of Peruvian history, there were quite a few land disputes between Peru and the neighboring countries of Ecuador, Chile, and Bolivia.

The dance itself is a fantastical and fun interpretation of the demons trapped in purgatory. There are three types of devils to contend with, 1) el diablo corporal, 2) la china saqra (the girl devil, as china, means “female” in Quechua), and 4) los soldados. All of the devils dress head to toe in colorful silk garb, resembling a joker’s clothing, multi-colored manes, and horned plaster masks.

Chunchachas

The Chunchachas are the only comparsa comprised entirely of women, who dance in twelve pairs. The origin of this dance reaches back to the Qosñipata Valley, at the entrance of the Manu National Park in the Southern Peruvian Amazon jungle. The Chunchachas represent the native communities of this area who would travel each year to Paucartambo to honor Carmen.

The dance was MIA in the festival for many years until the 1990s, when it made a comeback and is now one of the most coveted dances of Paucartambo. The women wear a type of Amazon crown, an ornate chest plate representing the Virgin Carmen, and two woven chuspas (purses) carrying wayruro seeds for good luck.

Qhapaq Negro

The Qhapaq Negro dancers pay homage to the former Afro-Peruvian slaves, who were brought over from the coast and Bolivia to work in the gold and silver mines in Paucartambo. As legend has it, these slaves already held la Virgen del Carmen in high regard before ever stepping foot in Paucartambo, which is why they are considered some of the most devoted dancers within the festival.

Qhapaq Negro dancers wear white billowy shirts, ornately embroidered colorful vests, pitch-black plaster masks, and a type of pillbox hat, also embroidered. They carry noisemakers and sing the most hauntingly beautiful melodies in both Quechua and Spanish, referencing their suffering as slaves and devotion to Carmen.

Qhapaq Chunchu

You may have noticed this is the third dance with the Quechua word Qhapaq, meaning “royal.” The Qhapaq Chunchu, the Qhapaq Qolla, and Qhapaq Negro are considered the most emblematic protagonists of the entire Paucartambo festival. The Qhapac Chunchu dancers represent native jungle communities, much like the Chunchachas.

This dance is unique because there are various roles cast amongst the dancers. You will be able to spot the “rey chunchu,” the king, and leader of the dance by his gold crown, in contrast to the feather crowns of the other Chunchus. There is also a kusillu (monkey) and a child known as the “reicito chunchu,” meaning the little king.

Maqta

Put simply, Maqta dancers are the loveable buffoon of the festival as an exaggerated caricature of the campesinos, or farm workers, of Peru. The dance originated in the department of Ayacucho, east of the department of Cusco and Peru’s folkloric heartland.

Maqta dancers weave through the festival in their own goofy dance and then wander off to play harmless tricks on unsuspecting onlookers. Sometimes they even launch into highly entertaining and dramatic monologues. Their costumes, bursting with color, consist of a chu’llo (earflap hat), a plaster mask sporting a joyful expression, a multi-colored vest, and a wool whip.

For these five days in Paucartambo, no one seems preoccupied with their worries, day jobs, or their “stuff.” Instead, sheer alegría (happiness) pulses through the crowds. All in all, if you choose to make the journey to Paucartambo, as part of your cusctom  Peru tour for this extraordinary celebration in mid-July, you are sure to leave your memories behind until you long to return, as the song goes…