Destinations – Luxury Travel to Peru, Galapagos & Bolivia

Discovering the 12 Most Breathtaking Waterfalls in South America

Molly Krifka — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 00:00:38 +0000

“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

Caño cristales Mario Carvajal

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.

Discovering La Ciudad Perdida: Everything You Need to Know about the Lost City in Colombia

Theresa Galles — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 15:57:49 +0000

Much of the magic uncovered in a private journey to South America lies in its windows into the past. Some of the most awe-inspiring human civilizations reigned in South America from as early as Caral in the 26th – 20th century BC on the northern coast of Peru to the Incas, who forged their sweeping empire starting in the early 1400s until the Spanish conquest in 1532.

And although the Incas only made it as far as Ecuador, and just barely, other societies were flourishing on their own and much earlier. La Ciudad Perdida in Northern Colombia, or the Lost City in English, is one of these windows into a civilization built 650 years before the Incas created Machu Picchu.

Join us on our unfolding of the incredible history, mystery, and fascination tucked within the Lost City Colombia, and learn about how you can visit on your custom-designed trip.

The most frequently asked questions about Colombia’s Lost City

When it comes to a “lost city” nestled into an imposing mountain range surrounded by dense jungle vegetation, it’s only natural for potential and intrigued visitors to have a couple of questions. If and when you do visit this unique corner of Colombia, you are in for an authentic experience, to be sure. And we want to answer all of your potential questions to get you there.

1. What is it?

Colombia’s Lost City’s other name is Teyuna, which is also its original name before its rediscovery in the 1970s. Archaeologists have concluded that the Tairona civilization built this impressive settlement around 800 CE and think that anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000 people lived here. Exploring these terraces naturally ignites the imagination, especially with the right private guide.

Teyuna is comprised of around 250 terraces fashioned from mud and stone, which once served as the foundation for houses across a swath of 300,000 square meters. And the most incredible part? These terraces are tucked away and just barely visible, peaking through a thick web of jungle vegetation worthy of an Indiana Jones reboot.

2. Where in Colombia is La Ciudad Perdida?

The Lost City, Colombia, is located in the northeast corner of the country in the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountain range, a fascinating part of Colombia in its own right. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park covers 383,000 hectares and claims an extreme altitude range starting at 0 feet above sea level and soaring to over 18,900 feet above sea level.

3. Who lived there?

Against the backdrop of more renowned Central and South American civilizations like the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas, you may be surprised to learn that the Tairona civilization was one of the fiercest and accomplished around. Local culture and communities still proudly refer to their ancestry tied to the Tairona and uphold a deep connection to their land and the natural world.

The Tairona staved off the Spanish conquest for an impressive 75 years, a longer period of time than any of the empires mentioned above could manage. And in addition to their superior war tactics, they were also known for their advanced agricultural techniques, metallurgy, pottery, and canal building and construction.

4. How to get to Colombia’s Lost City?

One of the reasons La Ciudad Perdida offers an immersive experience like no other is that you will need to take the “road less traveled,” so to speak. In other words, the only mode of transportation you have available to you is your own two feet.

You will follow a winding tropical and then mountain jungle path and finally climb just about 1,200 stone steps to reach Teyuna. The starting point for this worthwhile and wonderful experience can be found in the small town of Mamey on the northern stretch of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

What activities or tours can you do in the Lost City, Colombia?

You can still thoroughly enjoy a visit to the Lost City even if archaeology isn’t your passion. From the reconnection with nature on the 4–6-day trek to two breathtaking national parks in this area and visits with local communities along the way, this destination offers something for almost everyone, and especially for wildlife lovers!

The trek to the Lost City

The trek to the Lost City is the main event for many travelers. It spans a total of 28 miles round trip through the unparalleled scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. And our travel experts can cater this trek to your travel party depending on your timeframe; however, you will need at least 4 days.

For those who want to savor this journey as much as possible, we can tack on a couple days of hiking and camping, which also allows you to go at a slower pace, and take in the spectacular scenery. The trail bobs and weaves through mountainous terrain and follows the Rio Buritaca (the Buritaca River). We honestly recommend five days minimum, so you can enjoy every step without feeling rushed.

Connect with the descendants of The Tairona civilization

You have your choice of a private or small group guide before embarking on this adventure. However, either way, you will most likely have the privilege of being guided by a member of one of the local Wiwa communities and direct descendants from the great Tairona Civilization. You will also have the opportunity to meet a few local Wiwa communities on the road to Teyuna.

Discover the magic of the Sierra Nevada Mountain

The Sierra Nevada Mountain just so happens to be the world’s highest coastal mountain, and the beauty and diversity of its unique ecosystem will blow you away! This is the perfect destination for eco-conscious travelers looking to minimize their impact and re-connect with nature.

The ethereal Howler monkey’s call and countless bird songs provide the soundtrack as you trek through the Sierra Nevada, as well as the bubbling serenity of the 29 main rivers flowing through this mountainous jungle terrain. For all of these reasons and more, UNESCO declared this area a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve in 1979.

Bird watching

This incredible swath of Colombia between the Caribbean coast and the Sierra Nevada Mountain range also happens to be a bird watcher’s paradise! Some of the more notable species are the mountain parrot, the paujil, the condor, and the chicken hawk. In fact, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta claims a whopping 635 bird species total, with 36 of those species endemic to this area.

List of everything you have to know before going to the Lost City in Colombia

Before embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, we have a few final considerations to make sure you know what to expect and how best to prepare. When planning the journey to the Lost City, it’s essential you manage your expectations about the difficulty, know when to go, what to pack, and what vaccines you need.

The road to the Lost City is not for the faint of heart

Almost everything you read about visiting the Lost City in Colombia will most certainly highlight the ultimate difficulty of the trek. But this caveat is usually followed by a version of: “it’s entirely worth it!”

Much of this struggle can be attributed to the intense uphill climbs in the hot humidity of the jungle. Therefore, we advise taking as many local hikes as you can where you live in the months leading up to your trip so that your ankles and tendons especially become stronger.

The best seasons to do this route and what to pack

Although you could technically embark on the road to the Lost City year-round, we highly recommend aiming for the dry season from December to March. Considering the already challenging nature of the trek itself, you won’t want to tack on added hardship with muddy loose trails and heavy rainfall.

Packing light is a must. You will have a mule carrying the weight of all camping supplies; however, you will be responsible for your daypack and all of your essentials. Make sure you bring a dependable bug spray, sunscreen, a lightweight brimmed hat, sturdy hiking boots, electrolyte or rehydration tablets, and a headlamp.

The Sierra Nevada jungle is the home of indigenous groups

Remember that the route to the Lost City of Colombia winds through ancestral lands of the local Wiwa communities. So, you will most likely have the chance to eat some of your meals in these communities and connect with some of the people there who know more about this place than anyone else. In this way, you take part in regenerative tourism and help communities reclaim autonomy over their heritage.

What vaccines do you need?

The only vaccine you will need to get before hiking to the Lost City is the Yellow Fever Vaccine, and make sure you get it at least ten days before your arrival. However, there is no malaria in this area, so you don’t need to worry about taking any preventative malaria medication.

Dengue Fever is also quite common in this area, and although there is still no vaccine nor medication to prevent it, you can take plenty of preventative measures while hiking. Always have your bug spray on hand, and no black! Mosquitos are primarily attracted to black, so loose/light-colored clothing is the way to go.

We hope you trust us when we say making the rewarding and challenging journey to Colombia’s Lost City will inevitably become the trip you relive with your loved ones for years to come! So, start making those wonderful memories soon, and contact us today to learn more about incorporating La Ciudad Perdida in your personalized travel experience to Colombia!

Eternal Spring Returns How Medellín Overcame Its Dark Past

Molly Krifka — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 09:24:42 +0000

Medellín, Colombia, is known as the City of Eternal Spring. The year-round sun, beautiful foliage, and balmy temperature of Medellín make it a destination worthy of a wander. However, a mere ten years ago, the handful of tourists who ventured to Colombia steered clear of Medellín. And just under thirty years, well, forget about it! The name Pablo Escobar successfully put a stain on Medellín’s reputation as one of the most dangerous places on earth. But despite its tumultuous past, Medellín now represents one of the most innovative cities in the world. Eternal spring has returned to the heart of Medellín in more ways than one, making it an exciting addition to your South America travel bucket list.

The Birth and Death of the Medellín Drug Cartel

With hit series like Netflix’s Narcos, the Medellín drug cartel’s intricacies have become widely known. But a quick refresh tells us the following:

From the early 70s into the early 90s, the Medellín cartel had the U.S. and global cocaine markets under its thumb. Making roughly $100 million a day, the immense economic power concentrated in the cartel allowed Escobar to corrupt several Colombian police officers and politicians through the years.

This cocaine trafficking empire took off in the 70s on the heel of the higher demand for psychoactive drugs in the United States. Escobar had already made a name for himself as a successful businessman and local hero to Medellín. He also donated large sums to underserved neighborhoods and children in need. So, as a businessman at that moment in time, Escobar decided to capitalize on the growing desire for cocaine. He began to not only grow the coca plant in Colombia but also refine the crude coca paste into powder. Mules then carried the drug into the United States on their person. Eventually, he incorporated experts in flight trafficking (Carlos Lehder and George Jung) into the cartel, so they could exponentially smuggle more cocaine at a time.

The cartel continued in this manner, growing, evolving, and adapting in their smuggling techniques, as they started to gain international attention. This was especially true as soon as the cartel’s crimes unrelated to drug trafficking came to light. It is unclear how many lives they took. But the estimate is around 4,000, most of whom were police officers, members of rival cartels, journalists, Colombian political officials, and judges.

After many theatrical maneuvers on Escobar’s part (such as orchestrating his surrender to a luxury prison of his own design, which he then easily escaped), the U.S-funded Colombian paramilitaries were finally able to track his location and assassinate him in 1993. At this point, there were many others at the Medellín cartel’s helm, but Escobar’s death signaled the beginning of the end.

Rebuilding Community in Medellín

Escobar began as a hero to Medellín residents, and by the time of his death, he had become their worst villain. After reconciling this fact, and their deep trauma in the aftermath of so much violence, Medellín residents began to heal.

They began this healing process and restored their sense of pride through innovative and successful public projects. Such as their pristine and highly organized metro system, one of the first public projects to go up in the aftermath of the drug wars in 1994. The Medellín Metro remains one of the world’s best public transportation systems.

Following the metro, the cable cars went up, along with inspiring innovations like the unique air-purifier disguised as a tree called eco-árbol. You can also bare your soul and shed your shoes in Barefoot Park, surround yourself with hundreds of orchids at the Orquideorama, and frolic in the Plazoleta de Esculturas amongst twenty-three of Fernando Botero’s masterworks. With these projects and countless others, Medellín slowly but surely became interconnected once again.

The now-faded memory of the Medellín drug cartel has not dampened Medellín’s spirit; because after all, with spring comes rebirth.

The Coffee Triangle

Marisol Machaca — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:28:15 +0000

The Coffe Triangle

Explore Coffee Triangle on Your Terms

The Coffee Triangle, also known as the ‘Eje Cafetero’ locally, is a region in Colombia, on the western end of the Andes Mountains, that is famous for producing excellent coffee. The hot and rainy climate and rich volcanic soil here are ideal for growing coffee, and the steep valleys make much of the area difficult to reach. As more people learn about the stunning scenery, historic architecture, and coffee here, more people visit this magical place.

The three points of the coffee ‘triangle’ refer to three departments in the region – Caldas, Quindio, and Risaralda. Coffee in Colombia was first produced in the east, however in the mid nineteenth century, it was brought to Caldas where it took off as one of the most successful and profitable crops for local farmers. This success soon spread to the neighboring departments of Quindio and Risaralda, and nowadays, the majority of Colombian coffee comes from this area.

This area has long been a popular destination for Colombians to visit because of its beautiful mountain scenery and tranquil atmosphere. People from outside of Colombia’s borders have started to discover the coffee region as a destination as well, also enjoying the charming architecture.

Because of the terrain here, it is also growing in popularity for outdoor activities like rafting and kayaking on the rivers in the area. The steep-sided valleys also attracts hikers, as these paths offer phenomenal views that make the hikes well worth the effort.

You can also visit the Coffee National Park, which is divided into two sections – an area with the coffee museum, traditional coffee buildings, and a theater show exploring the history of coffee, and then a theme park on the other side, complete with amusement park rides. The two sides are divided by a walkway made up of a coffee garden and bamboo forest.

The coffee region of Colombia is definitely a must-see for anyone traveling through Colombia who loves coffee. Talk to us today about adding this lovely area to your personalized trip through Colombia!

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Bogota

Marisol Machaca — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:55:56 +0000

Bogota

Explore Bogota on Your Terms

Colombia’s capital city is developing a new reputation as one of Latin America’s most exciting and diverse cities. Full of friendly locals, an emerging culinary scene, fantastic museums, and interesting neighborhoods, travelers who come here are in for a wonderful time.First, let’s talk museums. You can visit Bogotás Museo del Oro, or Gold Museum, which is arguably the most famous museum in Bogotá, and likely all of Colombia. This museum is home to more than 55,000 gold artifacts, which is the biggest display of gold artifacts in the world, the majority of which were found in Colombia itself. You can also visit the Museo de Botero, home to Fernando Botero’s unique works, which depict animals and people with large, round, even fat features.

Close to these museums, you’ll find La Candelaria, Bogotás most historic and lovely neighborhood. With its wooden balconies overlooking the streets and doorways painted in bold colors, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to the colonial era.

One thing that you are sure to notice as you travel through this city is the incredible street art adorning the walls. In recent years, laws against graffiti in Colombia have relaxed, which has encouraged talented street artists, both locally from Colombia, and internationally. There are projects and exhibitions all over the city which promote urban and contemporary art. One of the best ways to appreciate the street art of Bogotá is with a guided tour, which can provide expert insight, and show some of the best murals in the city.

If you enjoyed the Gold Museum, you will also need to visit the Lake of Guatavita, which is the site of the legend of El Dorado, and holds a special place in Colombia’s history. This lake is where many of the artifacts from the Museo de Oro were discovered, including the Muisca raft. The Lake of Guatavita is outside the city, easily accessible by your private transport.

These are just a few of the items you can visit in Bolivia’s vibrant capital. Ask about adding a few days in Bogotá, exploring its museums, beautiful and interesting neighborhoods, as well as experiencing nature and legends outside the city.

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Cartagena de Indias

Marisol Machaca — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 14:35:06 +0000

Cartagena de Indias

Explore Cartagena de Indias on Your Terms

This warm and sultry Caribbean port city was founded in 1533, strategically placed between the Magdalena and Sinú rivers. It became the main port for trade between Spain and its empire in the Americas, establishing its importance in the early 1540s. During colonial times, it was the key port for exporting silver to Spain, and importing slaves from Africa to the Spanish Americas. Also, as it was a walled city (ciudad amarullada), they were able to repel invaders and pirates. Today, people are welcomed to this UNESCO site by lovely tiled roofs, breezy balconies, and flower-filled courtyards.

Cartagena has much to offer any traveler, with a ton of things to see and do. You can wander the Old Town, which is the part within the walls. Here you will find colonial buildings, churches, and plazas, including the Plaza Bolivar, known as the heard of the Old Town. Here you can sit and watch the world go by, with performers playing traditional Colombian music.

You can also visit the Playa Blanca, the most famous beach in Cartagena with is turquoise waters and golden sands. From here you can also travel by boat to visit the Rosario Islands, an archipelago about an hour south of the Bay of Cartagena. Here you may be able to kayak through mangrove tunnels, snorkel or scuba dive, or just enjoy the soft sand and bright blue waves.

Cartagena is full of history as well. You can visit the Inquisition Palace, which shows a darker side of the city’s history, with displays of some of the instruments used by the Spanish Inquisition, as well as pre-Colombian, colonial, and independence-era art. You can also visit the Museo de Oro y Arqueología, which contains an interesting collection of gold artifacts and pottery from the Sinú culture.

With its perfect weather, extensive history, and beautiful beaches, Cartagena is definitely a must for anyone visiting Colombia.

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Colombia

Marisol Machaca — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 23:13:51 +0000

Customized Luxury Colombia Tours

Experience a Custom-Designed Luxury Trip to Magical Colombia

Customized Luxury
Colombia Tours

DEFINE HOW YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE LUXURY IN COLOMBIA

With options to hike through cloud forests, wander coffee farms, sip a latte overlooking the city, enjoy the perfect weather on the beach, or a bit of everything Colombia has to offer, you really can’t go wrong with a trip to this bewitching country.

A trip to Colombia is a journey through time, including the modern capital of Bogota with its famous street art, the verdant coffee region, beautiful national parks, Medellín, known as the City of Eternal Spring – Medellín, the old Colonial port city and beaches of Cartagena, and so much more!

Signature Colombia Itineraries

Although your itinerary will be entirely personalized to your interests and requests, we’ve pulled together a few sample Colombia tour itineraries to give you an idea of what’s possible. Whether it’ll be a luxury tour of Colombia or a family vacation, these itineraries are a great starting point for your trip planning.

ADVENTURING THROUGH PAST & PRESENT COLOMBIA

10D / 9N

EXPLORING THE WONDERS OF MAGICAL COLOMBIA

10D / 9N

A HONEYMOON ADVENTURE IN WONDROUS COLOMBIA

16D / 15N

TALK TO A DESTINATION EXPERT

1.561.283.1727

LET'S PLAN YOUR TRIP

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REACH OUT TO A TRAVEL DESIGNER

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DESTINATIONS TO DISCOVER IN COLOMBIA

Before we get started on helping you to piece together your perfect Colombia vacation, take a look at some of Colombia’s most beloved destinations for inspiration as to what you would like to see included on your Colombia luxury tour.

BOGOTA

COFFEE REGION

CARTAGENA

MEDELLIN

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA

Local Time
(COT (UTC−5 ))

Bogota, Colombia Capital City

Colombia Population: Approx. 48 million

Official Languages: Spanish, English, Palenquero

Official Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)

7 designated UNESCO sites

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FEB

MAR

APR

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When to travel to Colombia? Being near to Ecuador where the Equator lies, the climate is quite stable. The dry season runs from December to March, and it’s recommended to avoid a visit in the more humid season from April to November, when heavy rains are likely.

It is better to adapt travels to these indications, and to take into account differences in regions: for example, the Amazon with its tropical and humid climate; cooler at altitude; semi-desert in Guajira. Mid-December to mid-January brings Colombian vacations, and so can be busy country-wide. For the Andes, April to June and September to November are the rainy season, and so it’s recommended to come in other months where you can enjoy a temperature of 18-24 degrees Celsius (64-75 Fahrenheit).

In the capital Bogotá the climate can be a little less welcoming than other corners, with a rainy season of April-May and September-December, and temperatures of 12-18 Celsius (53-64 Fahrenheit. For the coast, it’s best to look to the dry season between December and March, a nice 27 Celsius (80 Fahrenheit) and a refreshing breeze. Talk to a Kuoda travel designer today to find out when is the best time for you to experience the best in luxury travel to Colombia.

Minimizing Culture Shock in Peru

Thomas Adams — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 10:30:27 +0000

So your custom trip to Peru is about to begin! You’re packed and ready to board the plane, and in a few hours you’ll land in what may well seem like a whole new world! We’re here for you with a list of some of the differences you’ll encounter, to help you avoid culture shock. Although part of the fun of traveling is experience new cultures, we figure it may help you feel less like an alien and more on top of things, if you know a bit about what to expect on your Peru vacation.

1- Closer personal space

As a culture, there’s a shorter distance in personal space. Peruvians stand closer, touch more frequently, and in general don’t mind accidentally nudging each other, or you, in passing. In contrast, there’s greater distance and separateness, and more regard for “individual space” among people from western countries. You may feel uncomfortable at first. I became accustomed to the greater intimacy and missed it when I left.

2- Health, Sanitation, and Safety

There are different rules in place in Peru for health and sanitation. For example, due to sensitive plumbing in many buildings, it is normal to be requested to discard toilet paper in a trashcan next to the toilet, rather than flush it. This may seem off-putting to some folks, but one does become accustomed.

Drink and brush teeth with only boiled and bottled water during your visit Most hotels and tourist restaurants are already savvy. Eat at food stands at your own risk. To avoid nasty organisms, be extra careful about ice and raw fruits and veggies.

Electricity is 220 volt, so remember to check your items so as not to destroy them when plugging into a wall socket in Peru. Transformers can be purchased to avoid ruining your electronics with a powerful surge.

3- Shopping and Transportation

In Peru, there are mom-and-pop shops on every street. This makes shopping for small items relatively convenient. Eggs are sold by the egg, tea bags by the bag, etc. Shops of one type often appear in one location. So, all of the juice ladies are in one section of Mercado San Pedro in Cusco, all of the electricians in one place, etc. Competitors, often loudly touting their goods, create a cacophony trying to attract your business.

Getting around in Peru is relatively easy. Taxis are inexpensive, and buses even cheaper; however, it is wise to get the phone number of a reputable taxi company and use them exclusively. If you plan to hail a taxi on the street, it is recommended to only use officially registered taxis. How to recognize one? Unfortunately, taxi regulations are not universal in Peru and are established by each municipality. That said, most taxis in Peru are either yellow or white. Moreover, registered taxis should have a taxi sign fixed on the roof of the car and license plate number painted (or a sticker) on the side of the car. When you exit a cab ALWAYS REMEMBER to check the seats for your items.

If you choose to have the experience of riding a bus or combi, which costs less than a US dollar, be prepared for the bus caller! This is the person who assists the driver by letting everyone know the route: it’s amazing how many syllables can be fit into a thirty-second spiel. Western safety standards are nowhere in site. Ride at your own risk!

4- Authenticity and Animals!

One of the most charming parts of your Peru trip will be the sight of folks wearing colorful traditional dress, leading alpacas and llamas through the streets. In Cusco, Inca walls, staircases, and cobblestones are a part of the infrastructure that’s traversed on a daily basis. The contrast of the new with the ancient is intriguing and fascinating. (Also, guinea pigs are food.)

5- The chaos is part of the fun.

The lines are not as straight, nor the structures as symmetrical, generally speaking. You might notice that traffic rules are loosely obeyed and yet accidents aren’t as common as you would think. A friendly din, and a loud and boisterous chaos are characteristic of many places on Peru: a quality of vitality and excitement goes along with this seeming disorder. Although it may seem overwhelming at times, there’s an excitement to being part of the noisy and vibrant life in Peru.

To hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on your Personalized trip to Peru?

Thomas Adams — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 15:59:41 +0000

Here is your checklist: you have decided which travel agency to use (checked); taken time off from work (checked); gotten your appointment to see your doctor for medical advice (checked); and mentally prepared your packing list (checked) as you’re getting ready for your custom trip to Peru, the adventure of a lifetime. Before you forget, there is one more thing on your checklist that would require your decision: should you climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña during the Machu Picchu portion of the trip? Both of these options are offered as an additional hike during your visit to the ancient “lost city” of the Incas.

The citadel of Machu Picchu, in and of itself, is amazing. You will be able to experience the mystic beauty of these ruins “lost in time” simply by exploring the area with your private English-speaking guide. But you will, additionally, have the option of going on one of two great hikes up either of these two mountain peaks, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña. In this article, I’ll lay out some of the differences between the two options, in order to help you and your companions choose which hike works best for you. Nevertheless, you should be in decent physical shape in order to take either hike.

First, let’s discuss Huayna Picchu, which, granted, is the more popular of the two hikes. The Huayna Picchu hike is the steeper ascent, and there will be places where you will need to use your hands. Going up Huayna Picchu, you’ll gain 290 meters (951 feet) in elevation, and the total hike up and down should take in the neighborhood of two hours. At its peak, you’ll reach an altitude of 2,720 meters (8,923 feet.) There are some very steep Inca staircases, ancient stonework, and tunnels on the way, and the last bit at the end has a stone ladder you’ll need your hands to climb. This hike will be the more crowded of the two, and the ascension is a bit steeper. The path is narrow, so it will be difficult to turn around and maneuver in any direction except forward and ahead, especially if there are quite a few other hikers present. There will be some sheer drops and scary moments along the route; however, once at the top, you’ll gain a wonderful panoramic view of the ruins.

On the other hand, Machu Picchu Montaña offers a more gradual ascent and takes a bit longer. There is more natural scenery, but fewer ruins and manmade features on this trek. This is a three-hour hike, during which you’ll ascend a total of 621 meters (2037 feet). There are fewer folks taking this option, so if avoiding other tourists is one of your priorities, this could be the better choice for you. Should you feel the need to turn back at any point, with fewer people and a somewhat wider path in most places, you will have that option. Machu Picchu Montaña ascends more gradually, but ends up at a higher altitude than Huayna Picchu (3051 meters at its peak, or 10,009 feet). So when you reach the top, you’ll be able to look down on Huayna Picchu Mountain and the entire citadel of Machu Picchu.

Both hikes will have some difficult places, sheer drops, and tricky moments.

And while both are somewhat challenging hikes, you will surely feel a sense of achievements when you reached the top of the peaks.

To summarize:

Huayna Picchu: more Inca stonework and ruins, less overall ascension, shorter, steeper hike, narrower pathways, amazing view, and more fellow travelers.

Machu Picchu Montaña: longer hike, more gain in altitude, fewer manmade (Incan) features, even more of a view than Huayna Picchu, and fewer fellow visitors to contend with.

Which you choose depends on your personal preference. Both choices offer a spectacular view of the incredible Inca citadel on your Peru Luxury Trip!

*A permit is needed for either hike, and must be arranged in advance, as each hike permits 400 visitors per day.

Stay A Little Bit Longer in Cusco on your Private Peru Vacation – Part 3

Thomas Adams — Fri, 24 May 2019 18:36:36 +0000

In the previous articles of this series on staying longer in Cusco on your private Peru vacation, I discussed about visiting museums and galleries and shopping. Now we’re onto food, everyone’s favorite subject!

Over recent decades, Peru has gained a well-earned reputation as a center of gastronomy. World-famous Peruvian chef, Gaston Acurio, has devoted himself to bringing renown to Peruvian cuisine with the result that Peru’s gastronomy is now on the radar in many cosmopolitan areas in the world. Cusco, as the most visited South American city, is home to a great many wonderful restaurants, cafés, and eateries of all kinds. A few of which, I’ll describe in this article. Prepare to indulge in some of the most delightful flavors and textures during your Cusco holiday!

Criollo is the name of the gastronomy that’s evolved in Peru over centuries. Influenced by indigenous, Spanish, African, Asian, and Western European culinary styles and ingredients, it’s a cuisine like no others in the world. Fresh, natural ingredients and the liberal use of local herbs and seasonings, such as huacatay, muña, and cilantro, as well as yellow ají peppers, are among its trademarks.

Here are a few restaurants with traditional and modern takes on Criollo food.

Greens Organic Restaurant

Located just off the Plaza de Armas, Greens serves a variety of dishes prepared from locally sourced, organic ingredients. Known for their friendly service and creative menu, this restaurant also offers vegan and vegetarian options. The smoked trout appetizer I had here was to die for!

Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse

This impeccable, elegantly decorated restaurant is located half a block from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Chef Marcelo Batata serves up hot stone-grilled meats, sublime salads, and a variety of side-dishes using traditional Peruvian ingredients with an imaginative flare.

Chicha

Known for its delicious food and generous portions, Chicha is a Gaston Acurio restaurant located on Plaza Regocijo near Cusco’s main square, serving traditional Peruvian dishes with a gourmet twist. For meat lovers, there is Sancochado, cooked in broth with three types of meat and a hearty mixture of root and leaf vegetables. It is served with house-made sauces for dipping. Save room for dessert. I had the Chocolate Balloon. It was creamy, crunchy, and absolutely delicious! A take on the classic stuffed apple dessert.

Kion

There’s a large and vital Chinese population in Peru that immigrated here beginning in the late 19^th century. The cuisine they brought fused over time with Peruvian ingredients to create a unique Chinese-Peruvian type of gastronomy known as Chifa. Of the many Chifa restaurants in Cusco, Kion stands out for its masterful presentation of the diverse tastes and textures. Fresh and colorful ingredients are the hallmark of this type of cooking.

The abovementioned restaurants are in the upscale and touristic category. During your private Peru vacation, you might also find it fun to visit some of the local establishments and rub elbows with the Cusqueñans that frequent them.

Yola

For a taste of delicious Criollo food in a restaurant made popular by locals, try Yola, known for its generous portions of delicious traditional Peruvian food at very reasonable prices. Some of their most popular dishes include lomo saltado (stir-fried beef over rice), aji de gallina (shredded chicken served with a creamy yellow pepper sauce), and milanesa de pollo (lightly breaded fried chicken cutlet). Yum!

Pollo a la brasa (wood-fired chicken) is Peru’s universal go-to food, kind of what hamburgers are like in the States. A great local choice for this well-seasoned, crisp-skinned delight is Nesedy’s, with several locations around Cusco. The chicken is served with papas fritas (fried potatoes) and a variety of sauces. Ketchup is available if you ask for it, but it’s more common to find Cusqueñans dipping their fries in mayonnaise! Another great option is Don Belisario’s, which also has a few locations around town.

We hope you enjoy the options we’ve provided for both upscale and local Cusco eateries during your private Peru vacation!