Vermilion Routes

Cuzco, a movie set

zenhost — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 05:00:04 +0000

Are you a fan of Transformers? And even if you are not, this seventh installment called ‘Transformers: the rise of the beasts will catch you. This is one of the most anticipated this 2023, one of the reasons is due to the use of unique landscapes and locations in which it takes place. The chosen setting, on this occasion, is Cusco, Peru, a territory that holds mysticism and unparalleled beauty. Peruvian culture was present in the film with dances and typical costumes, but without a doubt what stands out the most is its tourist potential.

The Plaza Mayor of Cusco or Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Pedro, Sacsayhuamán and of course, Machu Picchu were the chosen settings where the beauty of this place exalts the culture of this country. The Inca culture comes to life in the Peruvian capital where its legendary past is still preserved, which is why it has been recognized as Cultural Heritage of Humanity, World Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Capital of America.

In this historic center you can see buildings with the old Spanish colonial city and admire beautiful colonial balconies and buildings that keep the artistic legacy. The Plaza de Armas has a religious and historical value where the Basilica Cathedral and the company of Jesus rises. Its main attraction is the two-meter Inca monument. Inside, you can find more than 400 Cusco-style art paintings, pieces of jewelry made of solid gold, as well as jewelry.

You can visit the Coricancha, the most important worship center of the Inca period, where they worshiped the stars, the moon and the sun. The Inca Museum, with an enviable collection of Inca and pre-Inca objects, as well as the Casa Concha Museum, which exhibits objects found in Machupicchu, are other quite attractive alternatives.

Other tourist places where the film was filmed were: the Alto Shilcayo Viewpoint, areas of the Chazuta and Shapaja districts, the La Unión waterfalls in La Banda de Shilcayo, the Ahuashiyacu waterfalls and a space at kilometer 12 of the highway to Yurimaguas.

Cusco has several natural, geological, cultural and historical jewels to explore.

You can practice sports such as climbing in Ausangate, also known as the sacred mountain, but you can also experience multiculturalism in the Sacred Valley, which has colorful towns or you can also visit Awanakancha, the only South American camelid theme park.

And you want to live this unforgettable experience on a movie set, Peru is waiting for you. We have several packages for you to get to know Cusco and its main tourist attractions, check them here.

Quito is one of the best destinations in South America

zenhost — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 04:59:47 +0000

Ecuador received 14 awards in the twenty-fourth edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA) South America edition. Quito, its capital, was recognized as the leading tourist city in South America, at the Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2022 event, at Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica.

This city has the best preserved and most extensive historic center in Latin America and inside it houses a great diversity of pictorial and sculptural art, which is why it was named among the first cities as Cultural Heritage of Humanity. That is why cultural tourism has been promoted based on responsible heritage management, artistic production and cultural and creative industries.

And it is that in the streets, squares and parks (public space) you can find different artistic expressions that attract tourists with plays, music and dance. In this city there are 32 museums, 24 churches, 6 chapels, 7 convents, 6 monasteries, 13 squares and other places of interest that jealously guard their history and traditions. That is why it has been designated the American Capital of Culture in recognition of its expressive and artistic wealth. Quito is home to legends that describe its baroque and mystical culture.

Among the churches that stand out the most are:

• The Cathedral characterized because it can be distinguished by having a rooster on its dome, which has given rise to legends. It has various architectural styles, among which stand out: Romanesque (with semicircular arches), Moorish (in ceilings), Baroque (the altarpiece), and Neoclassical (in the choir section and stone episcopal chair). In addition, it has an important artistic value, possessing a rich collection of paintings and sculptures representative of the Quito School.

• La compañia de Jesus church is an architectural and artistic icon, it is the masterpiece of the Quito and Latin American Baroque. Its extraordinary façade is carved in volcanic stone and inside there is a mixture of decorated altarpieces, tribunes and pulpit, covered in gold leaf with magnificent carvings.

• The Basílica del Voto Nacional has frontal towers that reach a height of 272 feet, while the Tower of the Condor (rear) is 239 feet. It has a neo-Gothic style and its chapel has stained glass windows. On its facade you can see a representation of the variety of orchids from Ecuador.

And this is a small part of what awaits you when you get to know the «Little Face of God», because you can also take a gastronomic tour, since there are «huecas» (restaurants) with the best flavors and traditions of this city, but we’ll talk about that later.

Put together your travel package and discover the wonders of Quito or hire one of our packages.

Live Galapagos and discover its wonders

zenhost — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 04:59:28 +0000

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1978, the Galapagos Islands, located 603 miles from the coast of Ecuador and made up of 13 large islands, have been recognized for the great biodiversity they house. 98% of this territory is part of the Galapagos National Park, which is a protected area and only 2% for the local people.

The “Enchanted Islands” are the result of tectonic activity and it is estimated that the formation of the first island took place more than 5 million years ago. The most recent islands, called Isabela and Fernandina, are still in the process of being formed (the most recent volcanic eruption was recorded in 2009).

Until 2015, more than 2,900 extant marine species have been reported, of which 18.2% are endemic. «More than 45 endemic bird species, 42 reptiles, 15 mammals, and 79 fish, live in Galapagos and coexist harmoniously with the local population,« Unesco reports. The region was the habitat of Lonesome George, the last specimen of the Pinta Island giant tortoise race, extinct on June 24, 2012. Galapagos still preserves 95% of the originally recorded biodiversity, thanks to efforts carried out by the State Ecuadorian and other organizations for their protection.

Tourism is the most important economic activity on the islands due to the number of sites to discover and live a unique experience. There are several islands where there are different activities to do. Santa Cruz, for example, we will have the opportunity to get up close to the giant tortoises that roam in their natural habitat. There are also underground lava tunnels where you can see one of the geological wonders of the volcanic islands.

Tortuga Bay, a paradisiacal beach with white sands and turquoise waters, named in this way, for being an important nesting site for the black sea turtle. It has an area with white water and another with calm water, the latter ideal for snorkeling.

The Charles Darwin Station, where you can observe giant tortoises in captivity and learn about the breeding program for this iconic animal.

LA LOBERÍA is a coral sand beach that has been named for the large number of sea lions that rest on its rocks and sand. It is one of the places where you can practice surfing.

Playa de los Alemanes is beautiful for its beige sand, where you will spend an afternoon on the beach and in the sun. The salt mines is another interesting option until you reach the CRACKS, which is a rock formation which houses a natural pool of turquoise water, where you can take a refreshing bath and snorkel accompanied by beautiful colored fish.

Isla Santa Fe is a central island surrounded by an incredible bay with turquoise water. This island is protected by a natural barrier of rocks, over which colonies of sea lions and hawks can be seen flying over.

La Galapaguera is a giant tortoise breeding center managed by the Galapagos National Park on Isabela. In this center you can learn about the biology of the giant tortoises or Galapagos, which give the islands their name, as well as observe various species of tortoises on Isabela Island in captivity.

These are just a few options of what you can do or visit in the Galapagos. If you want to know more about our tour packages, contact us and pack your bags for the best experience of your life.

Meet Ecuador from the heart of the jungle

zenhost — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 04:58:48 +0000

Have you heard a night concert of frogs? Have you crossed extensive rivers and observed pink dolphins? Have you lived with ancestral cultures and learned about their customs? This is just a small sample of the adventures that you can live in the heart of the jungle in Ecuador.

This country has the largest number of rivers in the world, so its importance worldwide is enormous (40% of all fresh water on Earth flows through the Amazon basin), and despite only having about 2% of the Amazon, this has been enough to enrich the region with a huge potential in terms of flora and fauna.

In several towns in the Amazon community tourism is developed, which has allowed several tourist sites to be renewed and have the attention and comforts to the delight of those who visit it.

According to the CODESPA Foundation, «Rural community tourism is characterized by placing communities at the center of tourism activity, which incorporates and transmits their organizational forms, their cultural, ancestral, and rural productive practices as key components of tourism products.»

You will be able to access the jungle and discover its beauties hidden among trees and giant waterfalls, its mythical stories and above all its biodiversity. In its waters you can perform rites of spiritual cleansing and connection with nature.

Ecuador has been recognized as the largest exponent of orchids in the world with 4,200 specimens. The Amazon is also home to various animals such as the jaguar, leopard, tapir, capybara, anaconda, and thousands of frogs (in fact, it is where several new species such as the glass frog have been discovered).

In several towns in the Amazon community tourism is developed, which has allowed several tourist sites to be renewed and have the attention and comforts to the delight of those who visit it.

Thus, for years in the eastern sector, community tourism networks have been developing that allow visitors to discover the jungle in the company of native guides with a focus on knowledge and respectful interaction with the environment. Travel by boat through its rivers, visit the Kichwa communities in the area and learn about their traditions and customs.

An example of this way of doing tourism is in Tena, in the Ahuano parish, where the alligator lagoon is located, which, as its name indicates, is inhabited by a large number of alligators and where local guides will accompany you on the boat tour. In the communities he learns the preparation of their food such as chicha, river fishing and the medicinal powers of plants.

The Avenue of the Volcanoes

zenhost — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 23:58:02 +0000

For those who are adventure lovers, The Avenue of the Volcanoes is the perfect option to discover and travel, here you can do different activities such as: climbing, hiking, cycling, camping, horseback riding, among others.

On the tour to the volcanoes you will be able to observe the natural beauty, flora and fauna distinctive in each area. Ecotourism will allow you to carry out recreational activities in these natural areas with a focus on environmental sustainability.

This route was discovered by the German scientist and geographer, Alexander Von Humboldt in the 19th century. Its name is due to the symmetry and perfect alignment of the volcanoes and snow-capped mountains and it extends for approximately 200 miles.

We begin this tour by Chimborazo (20564 ft).- It is the highest mountain in Ecuador and the furthest spot from the center of the planet.

The volcano is located within the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve, it is surrounded by large hectares where various species of animals inhabit. The achupallas and vicuñas give life to the impressive Andean landscape.

Cotopaxi (19347 ft).- The highest active volcano in the world and the second highest in Ecuador. Its name is believed to mean » neck of the moon».

Its snow surrounds its fearsome smoking crater from which strong eruptions have roared. The tour of its foothills towards the José Rivas refuge (15958 ft) or the visit to the Limpiopungo Lake, are currently some of the favorite activities.

On this lake are beautifuls trails and meadows where you can see horses and wild bulls, and some species of birds. In addition, from this place you will have a spectacular view of the Cotopaxi volcano (depending on the weather).

Antisana: the largest glacier in the country is found in the snow-capped Antisana at 18.713 feet above sea level. Its peaks, in general, remain covered with snow due to the precipitations that come from the Amazon basin. The volcano with two summits can be admired from the Papallacta area or also from the Mica lagoon, where it is possible to go hiking, cycling, camping or mountain activities where the Andean landscapes will be part of the attractions.

Los Illinizas: Los Illinizas are two peaks at the same volcano. The Twin Mountains is the best place for people who is looking to prepare to climb higher snow-capped peaks. In the Illinizas Ecological Reserve, visitors can carry out recreational and tourist activities.

Quilotoa: this volcano is known for the turquoise blue waters that give life to the famous Quilotoa lake. A magical place that will leave many with their mouths open when they see such a natural spectacle. The lake is the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred hundreds of years ago. The crater lake has trails that lead to places where the diverse Ecuadorian flora and fauna inhabit.

Tungurahua (16.479 ft): the colossus known as «Garganta de Fuego»it means Throat of fire is another of the active volcanoes in Ecuador. For years, it has been in the process of eruption, disturbing the populations of the surrounding communities. The volcano is part of the Sangay National Park, its is 500,000 hectares it is possible to admire approximately 3,000 species of plants and 580 species of animals.

These are just a few examples of the volcanoes and tourist sites that exist in Ecuador, since according to the EPN Geophysical Institute,now we know are 27 potentially active volcanoes have been recorded in Ecuador, including the volcanoes of the Galapagos Islands. A curious fact is that the slopes of the volcanoes are usually very fertile, which is why the populations generate agriculture. Come and learn more about its particularities and enjoy an experience like no other in Ecuador.

Here we leave you information about our packages of The Avenue of the Volcanoes so that you can start this incredible adventure thanks to Vermillion or build your travel package and choose which places you want to visit.