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Someone posted on an Expats in Peru group today suggesting that we end the year on a positive note and think of things we enjoy about living in Peru. (This group often seems to be used as a place to vent about what people DON\u2019T like.) As I love living here, and people visiting always ask me what it\u2019s like and why I love it, I figured it was time to start framing a proper response. The first time I visited Peru, I fell in love. I can see people nodding knowingly, anticipating the rest of that sentence… happens […]<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
The main thing that\u2019s new for the 2018 Inca Trail is that permits have already gone on sale, as of October 5th. This is a huge departure from earlier years in which they did not go on sale until the beginning of the year. Each business day will cover successive months until the 17th, when permits will be available for the entire year. If you\u2019re thinking to hike the trail during the busier months (May, June, July, August), you\u2019ll want to get your plans together now. For us, we\u2019re looking at some different options in how to offer this once […]<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
By Maureen Santucci Why part one and when is part two coming out you ask? Vamos a ver, como siempre\u2026 as always, we\u2019ll see. Here\u2019s why: The new rules go into effect as of July 1, 2017. Doing this in the midst of high tourist season is sure to cause a fair amount of chaos, to say the least. So it\u2019s quite possible that the rules will be modified as we go along and find out what works and what doesn\u2019t. In addition, not all the details have been well disseminated, so even those of us with travel agencies […]<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
By Maureen Santucci While I admit that I usually have a pretty easy time making myself comfortable anywhere, it would be hard not to feel at home at Villa Elisa in Arequipa. My first visit here will definitely not be my last, and I found myself wishing that I had a week to spend just writing and gazing out at the hummingbirds flitting through the gardens. The boutique hotel was built adjoining a house that was constructed by a German family in 1947. The downstairs of the home is where you will be welcomed by the friendly […]<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
Ok, so I\u2019m biased. I\u2019ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best guides in the area, so for me the answer is a resounding YES!! But I\u2019ll explain a bit about how it works here, and you can decide for yourself. First of all, something I had no idea of before I first visited here, the licensed guides have degrees in tourism. They don\u2019t just go through some quick training program like a summer intern at a museum. They are fully educated, not just on history and culture, but also on the local flora and fauna. Of […]<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>
By Maureen Santucci Ok, not really. But a lot of people don\u2019t realize how it works, so let me break it down for you. First of all, hiking on the trail requires a permit which must be purchased through a travel agency licensed to provide service on the Inca Trail. Unique Peru Tours does not have an Inca Trail license, however, we work closely with a local agency that does. Basically, we\u2019ve vetted them for you so you can be sure that they will provide the same quality service that we do ourselves, and you will go with one of […]<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>