Amazonas Explorer Blog
The 9 Best Peruvian Souvenirs
So! You’re visiting Peru, and on the hunt to bring back some momentos, some great souveniers either for yourself or for a loved one back home (maybe even just for the office). But what do you get? You’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice if you arrive […]
Amazonas Explorer Climate Action Plan
At Amazonas Explorer, we began our climate action plan back in 2007 when we joined 1% for the Planet. Since then, we have been building on what we started, working hard to minimize the negative impact we leave, and maximize the positive impact left behind. We […]
A Comprehensive Guide to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the reason Peru is so high up on many travelers lists, but with so much to know, it can be overwhelming to plan your trip to the citadel. This comprehensive guide to Machu Picchu covers most of everything that you will need to […]
Why are there Protests Happening in Peru in 2023?
Peru has seen some big protests in it’s history- and it’s welcoming in 2023 with some more. Find out everything that is happening and how it might affect you and your trip to Peru below. What Caused the Protests in Peru? Update: 31st March (FINAL UPDATE) […]
Getting to Machu Picchu: Train, Bus, or Trek?
There are three main ways to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu: by train, bus, or hiking. Each method has its advantages, and which is right for you will depend on a variety of factors. From cost, time constraints, challenge level, and how comfortable you are […]
Pallay Punchu: Peru’s forgotten Rainbow Mountain
A few hours’ drive from Cusco, Pallay Punchu overlooks Laguna Langui, a hub for trout fishers from the lakeside town of Layo. The dramatic peaks of Pallay Punchu represent what many adventure seekers truly fall in love with while visiting Peru. The mountain peaks and dips […]
How to Be an Ally Traveler to Indigenous Peoples of Peru
Peru’s geography makes it one of the most beautiful countries in South America. The Amazon Rainforest covers over 60% of the country, and the Andes Mountains divide the jungle and coast. Among these extreme terrains, Indigenous people have thrived for centuries. Such strenuous terrain makes a […]
Machu Picchu Tickets Sold Out? Here’s What To Do
Peru is high up on any world-travelers list of must-visit destinations, and there’s one place that every single person who arrives in Peru wants to visit. Machu Picchu. But, to do that, you need your Machu Picchu ticket. Every year, June, July, and sometimes even August […]
Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail: Which is for You?
The Salkantay Trek and the Inca Trail are undoubtedly the two most famous treks in Peru, and arguably South America. Both treks go to the mystical Machu Picchu, and both treks are tough multi-day hikes. But which is the harder trek? And which suits you best? […]
Inti Raymi: The Peruvian Festival of the Sun
Inti Raymi is the biggest festival in Peru. It takes place once per year and honors the most important God in Inca civilization: Inti, God of the Sun. By extension, the Inti Raymi festival is the Peruvian celebration of the sun. What is Inti Raymi? The […]
Complete Travel Guide to Cusco
If you go to one place in Peru, it’s pretty likely that it will be Cusco, as it is the gateway to Machu Picchu. But that’s not the only reason you should visit Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The whole area is overflowing with things to […]
Drinking Water in Peru
Drinking water in Peru is an interesting topic of discussion. It’s not advised to drink tap water owing to the bacteria and chemicals in it. But what happens if you drink tap water in Lima and Peru? Where does Peru get its drinking water from? And […]
Can you travel to Peru Without Being Vaccinated?
Update: There are no longer any vaccine requirements to enter or travel around Peru. The quick answer to the question about traveling to Peru while unvaccinated is yes, you can. But you will encounter some issues and/or additional costs if you choose to travel to Peru […]
Peru: Where to Visit, a Complete Guide
It’s an undeniable fact of life that Peru has countless incredible locations. But, where should you visit in Peru? Which cities should you visit, is Peru safe, is it expensive? There are many great questions, especially when beginning to plan your trip to the ancient land […]
The Inca Trail: 2023 Complete Guide
Travelers from all over the globe have their sights set on the magical Inca Trail. But how much do you really know about it? Indulge yourself in our complete guide to the Inca Trail and discover all the information that you could possibly need to know […]
Altitude in Peru: Your Complete Guide
The meaning of altitude is one that differs when referred to in different contexts. It can be spoken about in flying, in geometry, and more. However, we are here to discuss the altitude that you may experience while climbing mountains or traveling to a country that […]
Hot Springs in Peru: The 11 Best
Natural hot springs in Peru are not found everywhere, but there are some truly exceptional ones if you know where to look. The vast majority of the hot springs we share with you have a very cheap entrance fee (around 5 soles per person), and those […]
Lares Valley Trek: Everything You Need to Know
What is the Lares Valley Trek? The Lares Valley Trek is one of the popular Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu, and while opinions vary on the ‘favorite’, the Lares Valley Trek is certainly the best when it comes to getting away from the endless crowds that […]
Hiking Machu Picchu: KM104 or the Stairs?
Hiking into Machu Picchu is an iconic pilgrimage that many adventurers wish to take on as they visit Peru. There are essentially two ways to do this; hiking the final section of the Inca Trail (also known as KM104) into the ruins, or hiking the stairs […]
Choquequirao: The Ultimate Guide
The Choquequirao archeological site can be found in Southern Peru. It is an Incan site that many have likened to Machu Picchu, owing to the architecture which is typical of the Inca buildings found in the highlands. Its structure is also somewhat similar to Machu Picchu- […]
Porter Food Drops: Celebrating 1 Year.
The sixteenth of March was, for Peru, the very beginning of what was to come. At the time, there were just 38 confirmed cases of the virus in the country. Despite the comparatively low case numbers, Peruvians were met with incredibly harsh lockdown measures. Few complained. […]
Peru vs Costa Rica: Which is better for families?
Costa Rica and Peru are both popular family vacation destinations, and for good reason. Both are Latin American countries and ecotourism havens with mountains, beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But if you’re looking at a map as you plan a family vacation, you’ll quickly find […]
Peruvian Elections: What’s Going On?
Updated Information here Who are the Candidates in the Peruvian Election? On the 6th of June 2021, the Peruvian elections will take place. Peru has already had the first round of the election, where the initially large number of candidates was slimmed down from sixteen to […]
Where to find a COVID test in Cusco, Lima & more
COVID testing in Peru can be tricky if you’re not local. This article will outline places where you can go to get easy, fast, and safe covid tests in Cusco, in Lima, and in Arequipa. Each of the testing facilities listed is legally permitted to perform […]
How to Complete Peru’s COVID Health Affidavit
How to Complete Peru’s Health Affidavit Please Note: The Travel Affidavit is No Longer Required to enter Peru. The Peruvian health affidavit must be completed 72 hours or less before you travel, and it is completed using an online form. This is a step by step […]
Our Guides: Where Are They Now?
Last March the world as we knew it ground to a complete halt. People everywhere suffered undeniably: through their physical and mental health, through a sudden loss of social life and personal routine, and of course, through a loss of work. One of the worst-hit sectors […]
Private Treks & Bubble Tours: Covid Norms
As the world awakens from its quarantine nightmare, more and more people are finding themselves hungry for a holiday. But how can you ensure to do it safely? Whether you want to get outdoors, experiencing the majesty of the Andes Mountains, or if you want to […]
Kids in Peru: Your Family Adventure
Ensuring that your family holiday in Peru is rich in memories set to last a lifetime is high on any parents priority when choosing an adventure. An adventure to Peru is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so be sure to do it to the best […]
Trekking in Peru: the Ultimate Guide
If you’ve ever been trekking in Peru or even seen pictures of where you could go, then you know that it is a one-of-a-kind destination. With hauntingly big mountains, lagoons so blue you wouldn’t believe, and a chronicled history so interesting you could lose yourself in […]
General Advice for Peru Travel
When planning your trip to Peru, there is a lot of general knowledge and advice for Peru to take on before you decide many things- what you do, where you go, what you can look forward to eating and drinking, the dangers of traveling in Peru […]
Sustainable Travel Peru: Responsible Tourism
Sustainable Travel Peru: Being a Responsible Tourist Sustainable travel is the idea of traveling in a way that leaves the place you visit in a similar or better condition than it was. This means not taking the stone you found at Machu Picchu as a souvenir […]
Peru 25 for 25 – Fundraising Event
Find out all about how we teamed up with LATA in order to fundraise for the porters of Peru. It’s no secret that COVID19 has affected almost everyone in some way. This is no different in Peru, and in particular, the Andes of Peru. For […]
The Best Off-the-Beaten-Track Inca Trail Hikes
Many people don’t realize that the famous Inca Trail hikes to Machu Picchu make up a small piece of a vast Inca road system that spans from Peru to Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Argentina. The roads connected the Inca empire and were used by Chaski’s, or […]
Our Climate Emergency Plan: The Story so Far
At the beginning of 2021 we posted a blog about why we’ve decided to join “Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency” (check it out here), and we wanted to tell everyone our history and why this effort is so important to us. Ever since Urs Bigger, the […]
Tourism Post Covid-We Can Do Better
In the last 8 years, I’ve lived in Peru, I’ve split my time raising my family between the Andes and Peru’s capital Lima. February 2020, a month before the pandemic, we moved back to Lima, choosing to live in the suburbs for more space and quiet. […]
The Myth of the Machu Picchu Sunrise
In 2013 I started selling private tours, in South America, over half of our sales were tours of Peru. It seemed that almost all travelers had a similar vision in their heads of their trip to Machu Picchu. They would wake up at 4 am, and […]
Regenerative Travel: A New Industry Standard?
Do you remember when an eco-lodge actually meant a hotel or lodge that followed principles and systems to minimize the impact on the local environment? Or when a sustainable business actually indicated a company’s ability to sustain the environment around them? Over the years it seems […]
Help Peruvian Guides During Covid-19
At Amazonas Explorer, our guides are the life and soul of any trip to Peru and right now they are struggling to make ends meet. With the international borders being closed, the 2020 guiding season has been decimated and nobody knows when tourism will start up […]
Peru’s COVID Travel Restrictions – UPDATED
The Latest Updates on COVID-19 Travel Restrictions in Peru With such regular updates about Peru travel restrictions and coronavirus in Peru, in different regions and even cities. This article will tell you everything that you need to know about current and past travel restrictions in Peru […]
Help Peruvian Porters during Covid-19
Update August 26, 2020 by Paul Cripps, Organizer On Monday 24th of August, we organised the 3rd porter food parcel drop. As you may be aware, Peru is still in the middle of its Covid peak. Fortunately all our staff are staying safe and keeping isolated but times […]
Travel to Peru Safely- Our Commitments
Travel to Peru Safely- Our Commitments As traveling opens up again, adventurers are left with a choice- do they opt for a more traditional style of traveling, or for a more private trek or bubble tour? When that day comes, you want to travel safely and […]
How to Choose a Safe Peruvian Tour Company
Everything you need to know about choosing a safe Peruvian tour company for you and your companions as you travel this magnificent country. See choosing a safe Peruvian Adventure outfitter for more specialized information. Tourism in Peru is a competitive business. In Cusco alone, over 1,700 […]
Experiential Travel in the Time of Coronavirus
Experiential travel has various definitions. For me, it means to travel with your senses fully engaged. I wrote about this some years ago. How much of our travel is fully engaged? How many times when we travel are we half there and half somewhere else? Why […]
What If I Can’t Travel Because of Coronavirus?
COVID-19 has stopped travel for the time being. But what if you already had a trip booked? What if you can’t travel because of Coronavirus? This article highlights how– if your circumstances permit– you could make a big difference to those in the tourism industry by […]
Cusco With Kids: What You Need to Know
Why visit Cusco with kids? A trip to Cusco with kids is the perfect opportunity to create a memorable family holiday. The sheer diversity of Peru is amazing. The opportunities to learn while enjoying yourself are huge. Few places in the world allow you to show […]
Villa Barranco: Redefining Luxury
Villa Barranco is one in a wave of boutique hotels to open in Lima, the Peruvian capital. Situated in the coastal neighborhood of Barranco, this hotel makes an ideal base to explore the city on foot. Museums, galleries, cafes, bars, and award-winning restaurants are all within […]
On Why Sightseeing in Peru Is Not Enough
I went sightseeing the other day, through the canyonlands of Salta, Argentina. In 37 degrees heat, it left me feeling cold. Delivered from sight to sight in an air-conditioned car, emerging to stop and stare before retreating once more and moving on to the next. As […]
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
When visiting Machu Picchu, adventurers are faced with a choice. Should you hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain? The quick answer is it’s down to personal preference (and to some extent, availability). Huayna Picchu is the slightly more ‘classic’ choice, and if you’re a lover […]
White Water Rafting in Cusco, Peru
White water rafting in Cusco and Peru White water rafting in Cusco and Peru is the perfect way to add some excitement and adrenaline to your Peru adventure (check out some of our recommended trips here!). This guide aims to outline the choice of rivers commercially […]
Is the Inca Trail Dangerous?
Is the Inca Trail dangerous? And how can you hike the Inca Trail safely? Because the Inca Trail is so popular, most visitors do not even consider these questions. But as with any adventurous activity, you should. Being informed and prepared will allow you to hike […]
How to Choose a Safe Peru Adventure Outfitter?
How do you choose a safe Peru adventure outfitter? Finding a safe Peru adventure outfitter should be the first thing you consider when choosing who to travel with. Because there are thousands of companies offering adventure travel in Peru it can be hard to know who […]
Mudslide on the Salkantay Trek 2020 in Peru
Landslides and mudslide close Salkantay Trek A large mudslide hit the village of Santa Teresa, at the end of the Salkantay Trek on 23rd February 2020. This came just days after a tourist posted videos of landslides on the Salkantay Trek on 9th February 2020. While the […]
Where to Stay in Barranco, Lima
Your complete guide about where to stay in Barranco, Lima. Barranco is the trendy younger sibling to the Miraflores district and the perfect place to base yourself if you love street art, restaurants, and the ocean view. Where is Barranco? Barranco is in Lima, the capital […]
Step by Step to Camping on the Inca Trail
Welcome to the step by step guide to camping on the Inca Trail. Here, you will find out everything that you need to know about this famous trek to Machu Picchu. What is the camping on the Inca Trail like? The camping on the Inca Trail […]
What if You Can’t Get an Inca Trail Permit?
In the whirlwind world of COVID, the Inca Trail has been closed for over a year, with just the KM104 Royal Inca trail, or the final day that walks you into Machu Picchu remaining open. However, as each storm passes, the long Inca Trail is finally […]
