Useful travel info for Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia

Altitude sickness while traveling in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador What you need to know while travelling on high altitude locations When you travel to Peru, Bolivia, or Ecuador, you are likely going to travel at an higher altitude than your body is used to. One of the things you have to be prepared for while you travel to higher altitudes and/ or climbing mountains in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia is altitude sickness or “soroche”.  The cause of altitude sickness is because on higher altitude there is less oxygen in the air around us and usually the air is drier. Our body needs to make more red blood cells to compensate the lesser amount of oxygen. For most people the process

Information about Machu Picchu and joining Machu Picchu Tours: If you want to visit Machu Picchu, but don’t know yet where to start, we can recommend reading the following useful and interesting information about Machu Picchu. The Machu Picchu ticket price for only entering the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is at the moment of writing (April 2025) still 152 Soles, around 40 US$. This ticket is officially only valid for max. 2h 30 min. while following one of the 10 designated walking circuits. To climb either the Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain, you need to buy a special ticket for 200 Soles (around 52 US$)! When you hike the Inca Trail it is NOT possible to climb either

The Fairtravel4u Guide to the Galapagos Islands Information Lying 970 km (600 miles) west of the Ecuadorian coast on the equator, the Galapagos Islands consist of 6 main islands, 12 smaller islands and over 40 small islets. The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands that originated about 10 million years ago. Since their formation 10 million years ago, to their discovery in 1535 by Thomas de Berlanga, the Spanish Bishop of Panama, the Galapagos Islands were completely isolated from the mainland. Throughout the millennia, a large number of birds, reptiles, insects, and plants drifted or flew to its shores, creating the unique flora and fauna found in the Galapagos today. The Islands have never been connected to a

Amazon Jungle Info This post provides you with more information about the western Amazon Rainforest, including: Madidi National Park Beni Biosphere Reserve and Serere Sanctuary in Bolivia Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, close to Iquitos, Peru Manu (Biosphere) Reserve Tambopata Candamo Reserve and Bahuaja-Sonene National Park in Peru Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and Yasuni National Park in Ecuador Madidi National Park Was created in 1995. Officially The PN (Parque Nacional) and IMNA (Integrated Management Natural Area) Madidi covers 18,957.5 km2 (1,895,740 ha, or 4,5000,000 acres) of which 12,715 km² come under the heading of National Park and 6,242.5 km² are categorized under the Integrated Management Natural Area. This area ranges from the Amazonian lowlands of the rivers Heath and Tuichi, at 200

14 Quick Travel Safety Tips to Travel Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia These safety tips will help you to prevent many potential problems during your travels in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia Our first important travel safety tip is not to worry too much while traveling. A careful but relaxed mindset will already prevent most problems. Read also our separate articles with extended information and tips about safety in Peru and safety in Ecuador. 1- Make pictures Before you go traveling, it can be very useful to make photos of your most important documents and send them to your mailbox, in case you get stolen from everything. If you arrive in a new country it is also useful to make a copy

Volunteer Work in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia Recommendations to find Volunteer work If you look on the internet you can see that ‘volunteer work’ is growing fast in popularity and many tour agencies have noticed this. Even big tour operators now offer 3 weeks Peru, during which their customers can see the highlights of the country and do a few days of volunteer work… You can argue that even a few days of help is better than no help, but our experience with sustainable volunteer work is that you already need several days to actually get to know the job. Our biggest complain however is that several travel agencies offer volunteer work to earn more money. Volunteer work is becoming

Understanding the Different Types of Entrance Tickets for Machu Picchu Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites and a bucket-list destination for travelers visiting Peru. However, many visitors are surprised to discover that there is not just one entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. In recent years, Peru’s Ministry of Culture has introduced several ticket types and visitor circuits to help protect the site while improving the visitor experience. Choosing the right ticket is essential because each option provides access to different areas of the citadel, viewpoints, hiking trails, and archaeological sectors. Some tickets sell out months in advance, especially during the high season. This guide explains the main Machu Picchu ticket options and helps you determine

What says Chatgpt about Fairtravel4u? Since more and more people use AI to (help) plan their holiday, I decided to ask Chatgpt the following question: “What do you know about travel agency Fairtravel4u?” Without any editing (besides adding the phrase ‘Chatgpt about Fairtravel4u’ for SEO value), this was the answer I received: Chatgpt about Fairtravel4u Fairtravel4u is a small Dutch travel agency focused mainly on customized trips in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. From what’s publicly available about Fairtravel4u, it appears to be a legitimate registered business rather than a scam operatioWhwnn, but it’s also a very small company with a limited online footprint. Below I will provide more information about this travel agency. What stands out positively about Fairtravel4u The

Lake Titicaca: The legendary lake between Peru and Bolivia Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, Lake Titicaca is one of South America’s most fascinating natural wonders. Shared by Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca attracts travelers from around the world with its breathtaking scenery, rich indigenous culture, and ancient history. Often referred to as the “highest navigable lake in the world,” Lake Titicaca sits at an elevation of more than 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) above sea level. From floating islands made entirely of reeds to mysterious Inca legends, Lake Titicaca offers an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in nature, archaeology, or cultural heritage. Where Is Lake Titicaca? Lake Titicaca is located in the middle of South America, on the Andean High

Discover the floating Uros Reed Islands in Peru The Uros reed islands are among the most fascinating cultural destinations in South America. Floating peacefully on the shimmering waters of Lake Titicaca near the city of Puno, these handmade islands represent centuries of tradition, resilience, and innovation. Visitors from around the world travel to Peru to experience the unique lifestyle of the Uros people and explore one of the most extraordinary communities on Earth. The history of the Uros It is believed that the Uros culture originated around 1500 BC. What is not clear is if they originated from the Amazon, before settling on the shores of Lake Titicaca. If they already lived on the shores of Lake Titicaca at 1500

Whale Watching Ecuador: A complete guide to an unforgettable experience Ecuador may be famous for the Galápagos Islands, but from its mainland coast, another natural spectacle draws visitors from around the world! Each year, between June and September, Ecuador’s Pacific waters become the stage for one of nature’s most breathtaking migrations! Whale watching tours in Ecuador offering travelers a front-row seat to the awe-inspiring behaviour of humpback whales! The diversity of Ecuador Ecuador is one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions. Its unique geography, geology, topography and climate have earned the country a label of being megadiverse. This is a title not many nations can claim. Thirty different species of whales and dolphins have been documented in Ecuador’s waters, which

Romantic Trips in Ecuador: A Hidden Gem for Couples Ecuador is often underestimated as a travel destination. Yet, when it comes to unforgettable getaways, romantic trips in Ecuador offer a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and intimate experiences. This small yet incredibly diverse country in South America is perfect for couples seeking adventure, relaxation, and meaningful moments together. Why Choose Romantic Trips in Ecuador? Ecuador stands out as a destination where you can experience multiple worlds in a single journey. From misty cloud forests to sun-kissed beaches and charming colonial cities, romantic trips in Ecuador cater to every type of couple. Whether you prefer exploring nature or indulging in luxury, Ecuador delivers an intimate setting far from overcrowded

Travelling with Children: A Practical Guide for rewarding Family Adventures Travelling with children can be one of the most rewarding experiences a family shares, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. With the right preparation, mindset, and flexibility, family travel can shift from stressful to genuinely enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul journey, understanding how to approach travelling with children makes all the difference. The benefits of travelling with children Travel exposes children to new cultures, languages, foods, and perspectives. These experiences help develop curiosity, adaptability, and confidence from an early age. Beyond education, family travel strengthens the family bonds through shared memories and adventures. Should you travel with your children? As you

Understanding Long Bus Journeys for Seniors Long bus journeys can be uncomfortable for all travellers, but even more so for senior travellers. Long-distance bus travel is often viewed as an economical and practical option, especially when travelling in Peru or Bolivia. Backpackers frequently travel overnight to save time and money for a hostel. However, long bus journeys for seniors can present a unique set of challenges that go far beyond simple inconvenience. For older adults, what should be a straightforward trip could turn into a physically demanding and emotionally taxing experience. But there are ways to improve the travel experience. Physical Discomfort and Health Concerns One of the most significant issues with long bus journeys for seniors is prolonged physical

The origin of the alpaca The story about the origin of the alpaca begins thousands of years ago in what are now called Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador. High in the Andes Mountains, where the air is thin and the earth touches the sky, is where the history of the alpaca begun. Wild vicuñas and guanacos Long before roads and borders existed, wild herds of vicuñas and guanacos roamed freely across the rocky plains. They were swift, shy, and perfectly adapted to the harsh mountain life. Early humans who settled in these regions watched them carefully. They noticed their thick, warm coats—soft enough to protect against freezing nights and strong winds. Domesticating vicuñas and guanacos At first, these animals were

Ecuador, an Adventurous Travel Destination My colleagues and I know already for many years that Ecuador is one of the most adventurous travel destinations in the world. But now, on March 5, Ecuador finally received international recognition. The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) at ITB Berlin 2026 named Ecuador “Destination of the Year for Adventure Experiences”. This prestigious award recognizes the country’s unparalleled diversity, Why Ecuador Is an Adventurous Travel Destination For travelers looking for excitement, discovery, and unforgettable landscapes, Ecuador is widely considered an adventurous travel destination. Despite being one of the smaller countries in South America, Ecuador offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and activities that attract explorers from around the world. From towering and smoking volcanoes

Tips for senior travellers This article is a practical guide filled with helpful tips for senior travellers. Travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences at any stage of life. The past few years saw an increase in senior travellers around the. This can partly be explained by an aging population of the wealthy countries, but also by a shift in finance and mentality. Especially in Western countries many middle aged and elderly people were able to build up robust savings. When they are looking at their retirement, or recently retired, they decide to take advantage of their additional time and savings and explore the rest of the world, before it is too late. Typical senior travellers Generally speaking

Bolivia trips for senior travellers Many senior travellers are cautious about planning a trip to Bolivia. Most of them worry about safety in Bolivia, the significant elevation changes, long travel distances, and limited comfort. These are all valid points to consider. But with the right itinerary, thorough travel planning, and helpful local support, traveling in Bolivia can be enjoyable for all ages! Bolivia is an Authentic Travel Destination for Travelers Bolivia is probably the most authentic country in South America. Estimates of its indigenous population vary from 38% to as much as 62%! This depends on how and when someone is classified into one of the 36 official ethnic groups. I can recommend to watch the Origenes Show in Sucre

Ecuador Trips for Senior travellers Many senior travellers are cautious about planning a trip to Ecuador. They often worry about safety and the significant elevation changes in Ecuador. But with the right itinerary, thorough travel planning, and helpful local support, tours in Ecuador are suitable for all ages. Furthermore, Ecuador is a popular destination for retired Americans who no longer wish to live in the United States. This demonstrates accessibility for seniors in Ecuador. Ecuador Travel for Seniors: A Complete Guide for a Wonderful and Safe Travel Experience As the name suggests, Ecuador lies on the equator. This creates a temperate climate and a wealth of biodiversity! Despite being one of the smallest countries in South America (yet seven times

Peru trips for senior travellers Many senior travellers are still a bit cautious about planning a trip to Peru. Most of them worry about safety, high altitude and long travel distances. But with the right tour itinerary, good travel planning and helpful local support, traveling in Peru can be enjoyable for all ages! Peru Trips for senior travellers: A Complete Guide for a Safe and Enjoyable Travel Experience Peru is one of South America’s most enchanting destinations, famous for its many ancient civilizations, dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Each year, thousands of elderly travellers explore Peru—and many report it as one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. With thoughtful planning and the right pace, Peru can

Protests in Bolivia While traveling in Bolivia, you have to be prepared to adjust your travel itinerary in order to avoid protests in Bolivia. Road blocks and protests against the Bolivian government are not uncommon. Luckily, as in Peru and Ecuador, they are usually announced in advance, so people can take their precautions. The protests often involve mine workers, transport companies, farmers and other indigenous people. Bolivia is divided Almost 50 precent of the Bolivian population is of indigenous origin, but they are only sparsely represented in Bolivia’s national politics. This often causes lack of confidence in the government and protests against the government. Between Bolivia’s independency from Spain in 1825 and 2006, Bolivia had even more different presidents, than

Protests in Ecuador While traveling in Ecuador, you have to be prepared to adjust your travel itinerary in order to avoid protests in Ecuador. Road blocks and protests against the Ecuadorian government are not uncommon. Like in Peru, they are usually announced in advance, so people can take their precautions. The protests often involve transport companies, farmers and other indigenous people. CONAIE CONAIE (the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador), is Ecuador’s largest indigenous rights organization. They are also the most vocal and powerful group when it comes to protests in Ecuador. Many of its members are hard working farmers and craftsmen/ women who live below the official poverty standards. When its members are really opposed to decisions from the

Protests in Peru While traveling in Peru, you have to be prepared to adjust your travel itinerary in order to avoid protest in Peru. Road blocks and protests against the Peruvian government are not uncommon. As in Ecuador, they are usually announced in advance, so people can take their precautions. The protests often involve farmers, mine workers, drivers and/ or students. But in 2017 there even was huge protest from teachers, who demanded better salaries. Corruption in Peru That the people in Peru aren’t happy with their government, shouldn’t come as a surprise. Peru’s ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) remains low. Besides that, 81% of Peruvian citizens believe that corruption has increased in the past six years. And

Should I use AI to plan my vacation? Should you use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to plan your vacation? More and more people use ChatGTP and other forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help them with a wide range of tasks. This year we even had our first clients who used ChatGTP to plan their travel itinerary in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. To be fair, at first sight these travel itineraries looked like they were copied from a travel website. But a closer look revealed small, but significant flaws in these itineraries. Flaws in AI travel itineraries for Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia Yes, the travel route was possible. And these routes would allow you to visit the main touristic highlights during

Train to Machu Picchu: PeruRail vs. Inca Rail The travel distance between Cusco and Machu Picchu is around 118 km (73 miles). Some travellers take the bus and hike to Machu Picchu, but by far, most travellers take the train to Machu Picchu. Or, more correctly, they take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes and then take the bus, or walk the last 8 km to Machu Picchu. Two companies offer reliable train services to the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo): PeruRail and Inca Rail Both provide a variety of options to suit different travel styles to Machu Picchu, from budget to luxury. The railway from Cusco to Aguas Calientes Many Peruvian railroad

Cueva de los Tayos: From Neil Armstrong to Will Smith – A Cave of Enduring Mystery Hidden beneath the dense Ecuadorian Amazon lies Cueva de los Tayos, one of the most mysterious and fascinating cave systems on Earth. Known for its enormous underground chambers, legends of lost civilizations, and whispered tales of alien contact, the cave has drawn adventurers and researchers for decades. Among them are two unlikely figures: Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the Moon, and Will Smith, Hollywood actor and global icon, who visited the cave as part of a National Geographic docuseries.Their visits — separated by nearly half a century — underscore the enduring mystique of this remote location and highlights its unique place

The origin of cacao and chocolate When I first brought chocolate from Ecuador back to the Netherlands, some people would ask me: Chocolate from Ecuador, is that any good?” When you know the answer, it seems a strange question, but before I went to Ecuador, I might have asked the same question. In Europe we refer to Belgium and Swiss chocolate as being the best chocolate. But when you think about this, it is actually odd. The main ingredient of chocolate is the cacao bean, which doesn’t grow in Belgium or Switzerland. So where does cacao come from? The origin of cacao Although there were genetic signs that the cacao tree comes originally from South America, it was long thought