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sustainabilityTravel Tips

Protecting Our Planet Starts with You – 9 Things You Can Do

by Giardino Tours January 27, 2024

Protecting our Planet starts with you!

“Throughout the time, man enjoy and took the necessary space to be able to coexist with the nature, currently things are different and it is necessary to make a “space” for nature in the world of man”

This week we commemorate mother earth. However, there is not much to celebrate. Despite the fact that, as an indirect effect of the pandemic, the cleaning of the beaches, the contamination of fossil residues and the care of wild fauna were a bit better compared to the pre-pandemic time, now we observe that threats to the environment continue and we are generating new ones.

Here you will find 9 easy tips that you can add to your daily routine to Protecting Our Planet.

1.- Do not use face masks unnecessarily

We know that in the current situation our health is important, however the huge use of disposable surgical masks leaves a large amount of waste. We must therefore try as much as possible to use reusable masks.

Surgical masks are made of polypropylene non-woven fabric, produced from ethylene, which is a chemical compound derived from petroleum or natural gas.

That’s why they take around 450 years to decompose.Among the recommendations published by the main national and international health authorities, in GTF M. Camps we want to highlight the following:

  1.  The masks should be left in a safe place for 24 hours before throwing them into a garbage can, for example, inside a waste bag. This serves primarily to prevent anyone, who has to handle garbage, to get infected.
  2. It is Important that before placing the surgical masks in a garbage container, that you cut the two rubber bands that hold the mask around the ears. In this way you will be able to avoid that, in an unwanted way, if this mask ends up in our seas and oceans, it does not behave like a net-trap for the animals.

2.- Save on electricity consumption

You can start by unplugging all electrical appliances when you don’t use them or you finish using them, for example, unplugging your cell phone or laptop charger when the battery reaches 100 percent, unplugging the microwave after heating food, and even unplugging the fan, the television etc … Remember that plugged-in appliances continue to consume electricity and it is important Protecting Our Planet.

Another action that will help you take care of the environment is to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Also, you should check that when you leave the house there are no lights on. It is important that you change all the bulbs in your house for ones that are low energy consumption

3.- Recycle and educate about garbage

Take the time to separate the garbage and especially we must create a culture of environmental care at home.

For this reason, we must have a discipline to separate waste into: those that can be reused or reinserted into the production circuit (paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, etc.) and on the other hand those elements that cannot be reused (broken glass, napkins, sanitary waste, etc.).

Also It is also important to educate ourselves about this problem. When you expand your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources and Protecting Our Planet.

4.- Buy food from your area.

The transport of food from one area to another pollutes a lot. Whenever you can, consume products from nearby areas, your city or your region that will help also to Protecting Our Planet.

 5.- Save and Take Care of Water.

Water is a natural resource that cannot be wasted. In this sense, there are small actions that can help you take care of it such as taking a 5-minute shower, recycling rainwater, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes, can make a huge difference.

Likewise, it is very important not to throw food, oil residues and cleaning products into the house pipes (kitchen, bathroom, etc.), to prevent that the water get contaminated.

It is important to check that in your home all pipes work well.

6.- Plant trees and prepare your urban garden

The best hobby in the world is to be in tune with nature and what better than to start in your own place, planting trees if you have a large garden or planting potted plants if you don’t have much space. The important thing is to enjoy this hobby giving life to the planet and more oxygen to your place.

Another way is to start your own garden and enjoy to obtain your own food, you will feel a joy and mixed feelings when you see how the fruit of your dedication is growing and this hobby not only helps the planet but also your health because your products at home are the best guarantee of not having additives such as hormones or pesticides.

In addition, from your garden you can create your own compost. This brings a series of benefits to your garden, providing more nutrients for your plants to grow strong and reducing the generation of garbage.

7.- DO NOT buy single-use products – Buy reusable ones

Always buy products that you can reuse. We must end with the use and throw away life style.  The world is not disposable.

Buying single-use items such as disposable napkins, plates and cups, as well as plastic bottles and containers, makes the planet sick and generates garbage which is a huge problem.

Use reusable cloth bags or biodegradable bags instead, and if for any reason you have a plastic bag, don’t throw it away, keep it in your car or purse, etc., And try to use it as much as possible. Remember the idea is not to generate more garbage and plastic production.

8.- Be creative and Reuse materials

The best way to Protecting Our Planet is also in the power of our imagination.

With a little creativity you can reuse and give new life to the most varied materials.

Each of us can find the best way to reuse and recycle. How about and using this challenge to use it as a game at home for every weekend?.

Finding and creating a new way of using something that you thought to throw away is also the best way to Protecting Our Planet.

9.- Practice sustainable tourism

If you love to travel the world, do sustainable tourism. This is one of the actions to protect the environment with which you can venture through the 5 continents respecting the environment that surrounds you and learning to be a Responsible ecological traveler.

It is important that you travel with hotels or travel agencies that practice or have sustainability as a mission of the company, that you know their sustainable activities, perhaps being able to volunteer, that they have recognized certifications, etc.

Let’s together Protecting Our Planet . We don’t have a Planet “B”
In this beautiful home called Earth, there are the most indescribable landscapes, that surely, we all want to keep enjoying.  It is up to us to maintain its beauty.

The change begins in our homes. Let us be responsible citizens and remember that we all need our mother earth.

Giardino Tours – Blog

#ITravelwithGiardino #OneTripManyExperience #Safetravel

Our Activities and Volunteering:

[vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”2926,2931,2895,2925,2932,2894,2898,2900,2924,2930,2933″ img_size=”full”]Check these usefull links:

Peru Packing List post Covid-19: 5 Items that You Need to take to your Peru Trip

Tips for a Responsible Peru Travel Experience!

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Colca CanyonCulture & TraditionsFeaturedTravel Tips

Embroidery in the Colca Valley a Cultural Heritage of the Nation

by Giardino Tours June 25, 2021
“On August 17th, 2018, was published on the newspaper “El Peruano” the knowledge and practices associated with embroidery in the Colca Valley a Cultural Heritage of the Nation”

“The recognition was granted for its important technical richness, historical, traditional and artistic value of the iconographic and symbolic contents that they communicate, which are strongly rooted in the Collagua and Cabana worldview, as part of a process of empowering identity of the culture of the population of the Colca valley. ” – Andina 2018

If you are going to visit the Colca canyon, you will be surprised not only by the affection, the spectacular views of the valley, the depths of one of the deepest canyons in the world, the flight of the condor, the joy and gastronomy of its people, but in addition, the parade of colors of their crafts, especially that of their traditional costumes, which represent the identity, love, art and pride of the region.

Undoubtedly it can be affirmed that the craftsmanship of the Colca valley is extraordinary, due to the high development achieved, but very particularly that development is appreciated in its textile art of embroidery.

Through folklore, the Colca people express their culture through symbolic representations related to ecology, their cultural, social, geographical and historical environment and, therefore, are important elements of cultural identity and / or ethnic heritage.

We will find skirts, shirts, hats, blankets, sweaters, chullos (hats), gloves, stockings, scarves, ponchos and other beautifully embroidered fabrics which all reflect the uses and customs of the men and women of Colca valley and their close relationship with nature.

This art also reflects the spirituality of the local people, where the iconography and polychrome, with colorful works, shows the richness and art of the Andean cosmo-vision.

The technique for embroidery work is called the “maquinasca” (sewing machine), which is a widely known technique in the southern Andean region. The artists take the machine and begin to embroider hearts, chamomile and cantuta flowers, sparrows, etc.

In addition, and according to the client’s requirements, other representative products of the region such as “trout” can be added to the work. Sometimes, to give it a more elegant touch, the artists complement their work with industrial fabrics, gold and silver silks and ornaments of different colors.But beyond the craft itself, as a result of a work, at the center of all this is the human factor, the craftsman, who with their artistic hands turns every product into unique pieces in which they express their creativity and imagination but supported by the realities of their daily and ancestral life.

And this is the most prominent factor in the inevitable association of tourism with the crafts of the destinations that we visit.

All type of Crafts offers to the travelers the opportunity to take home “the stories”. Each Souvenir is more than a thing, is the “memory” that transform itself to a open book, that talk to us with all the symbols through which the territories visited murmur magical stories to travelers and their environment.

Today’s traveler not only wants to see places but also to experience them, feel that they are part of their life for a moment, living the culture, their artisans and their manifestations.

The magnificent Colca region has many reasons for you to visit it, but without a doubt, it is also the place that allows you to bend time, find calm and awaken in each one of us the passion for life details.

Write down the “Colca canyon” among your great travel destinations, here you will find thousands of reasons to live the legend! And consider to spend more then one night to enjoy experiences full of emotions, respect and learning.

We are waiting for you!

Giardino Blog

#ITravelwithGiardino #OneJourneyManyExperiences

 

Other links:

8 highlights of Arequipa – Tips to enjoy Peru’s prettiest city

Peru Packing List post Covid-19: 5 Items that You Need to take to your Peru Trip

Peru Travel Restrictions Covid-19: Updates to Government of Peru

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Peru Great Destinations

Tambopata National Reserve: How to visit this amazing destination

by Giardino Tours March 22, 2021

The Tambopata National Reserve is the dream place for any nature lover, It is one of the most precious biodiverse areas of our Peru.

The Tambopata National Reserve (RNTMB) is located south of the Madre de Dios River in the Tambopata and Inambari districts of the Tambopata province, in Madre de Dios department. It has an extension of 274 690.00 hectares and its most common ecosystems are aguajales, swamps, pacales and river side forests, whose natural characteristics allow local people to take advantage of natural resources.

Tambopata is home of 632 species of birds, 1200 species of butterflies, 169 species of mammals and hundreds of species of trees and plants. On the other hand, it is also home of many local communities such as the Ese Eja native community with thousands of indigenous families residing in that place.

We present here the best-known tourist routes for Tambopata Natural reserve.

Sandoval Lake

This is the most visited tourist destination in the Reserve and with good reason.

If your plan is to spend a relaxing moment full of peace and connection with nature, this lake is the perfect destination. It is considered the most beautiful lake in the Peruvian jungle with 3 km long by 1 km wide and a depth between half a meter and 3 meters.

In its waters you will find a large family of giant otters that can be seen hunting or resting on the logs. There is also an observatory tower for a panoramic view and due to its richness of mangroves and palm trees you can observe a large number and variety of birds that makes the place a truly paradise.

Macaw clay lick

Who has not shared in Instagram photo where the Macaws are stapled to the wall and are a feast of colors? – Well in this Collpa you can live the experience live and make it one of “your photos”.

This visit to the Macaw Clay Lick offers an impressive show of color and sound (Special between 5:30 and 9:00 am). The clay licks are low cliffs caused by the erosion of the rivers which exposes mineral salts and organic components which are used by the great diversity of macaws and parrots as a complement to their diet.

There are several clay licks, but the best known and frequented by travelers are “El chuncho” and “Colorado”, their access is by river (canoe) and along the way you also will enjoy the diversity of the nature observing sachavacas, ronsocos, squirrels, monkeys and others.

Indigenous communities

The best thing about traveling is getting to know new cultures and traditions. The communities that inhabit this reserve are already partly used to the visitors and many of their members are part of the reserve’s protection programs.

With the communities we will be able to share their traditions and culture in a respectful way, thus living a very pleasant experience. Within these communities are the Eje Esa, the Harakbut and the Matsigenka, among others.

Activities:

The reserve offers programs of all kinds and for all types of travelers: Specialized tourism, family tourism, programs for children, adventure tourism, botanical, etc .

The reserve offers everything that a nature and adventure lover loves: walks, river rides, search for the river wolf, piranha fishing, talks for children about Biodiversity, night walks, Observatories, bike rides etc . Check here the activity offers of some of the most sustainable Lodges and choose the one you like the most.

How to visit and what should I consider for a healthy experience in Tambopata Natural Reserve?

The first thing you should do is find out about the lodges, research centers and Lodges that offer complete sustainable programs within the reserve.

Remember that it is important that your trip does not generate a negative impact, but rather helps us to promote responsible tourism.

We as travelers have great power “Your trip with the right company not only gives you a spectacular experience, but also contributes to making the reserve sustainable and protected.

The starting point is the city of Puerto Maldonado (From Lima and Cusco you can arrive by plane) Once there, a representative of the Lodge where you have made your reservation, will be waiting for you to transfer the boat to your respective Accommodation and thus start to your purchased program.

  • Tour Programs in the Jungle normally include Full board service, so it is important that you bring with you only what you need for the excursions and personal medication.
  • Electric power in most lodges is operated by generators that are turned on in the morning, around lunch, and for dinner. When you arrive at your hostel, the staff will inform you the electricity time schedule. Do not forget that the 0 V voltage will not work in Peru, in Peru we use the 220V.
  • The Weather conditions in general is hot and humid. In Tambopata, the average daytime temperature is between 78F and 93F (24C and 31C). The nighttime average is between 66F and 78F (20C and 24C).
  • Most travel agencies or Lodges have an office in Puerto Maldonado where you can leave the luggage that you do not want to take with you for the expedition in the jungle.
  • Also a great tip is to bring spare batteries (we recommend that you bring 3 spare batteries).
  • Make sure you have enough storage on your card, because most people take more photos than what they expect.
Due to the pandemic, all lodges in the Amazon forest now must apply a strict bio-security protocol. Please check direct with your lodge or with your travel consultant  about this information and verify that the regulations are being followed.
It is important to take care not only of your health, but also the health of all people in the communities that you’ll visit.

Check here our Travel List and Tips for a Trip to Peru with all Information that you will need before the trip ;)Ready to visit Tambopata? – An amazing experience is waiting for you!

Giardino Tours – Blog

 

#ITravelwithGiardino #OneTripManyExperience

 

Sources:

Monica. (23 de febrero de 2020).  / Sernap: Reserva de Tambopata.

 

Other links that may interesting for you:

Peru Packing List post Covid-19: 5 Items that You Need to take to your Peru Trip

Tips for a Responsible Peru Travel Experience![vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_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”]

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FeaturedPeru Great DestinationsTravel Tips

Santa Catalina Monastery: What you need to know for your Tour in Arequipa

by Giardino Tours March 3, 2021
Have you ever heard of a city within a city?
In Arequipa we find a clear example of this, an architectural wonder that captivates those who visit it.

“The monastery of Santa Catalina occupies a territory of 20,426 m2 and was opened on September 10, 1579, just 39 years after the foundation of Arequipa city”

This incredible monument is located in the historic center of Arequipa. It served as a cloister for Dominican nuns from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and still houses a small religious community today.

The complex is built from volcanic ashlar stone and is organized into cloisters, houses, patios, square, a gallery and a small chapel.

History

Viceroy Francisco Toledo granted the licenses for the foundation of the “Private Monastery of Nuns of the Order of Santa Catalina de Siena”, however the foundation was in charge of a person outside the religious sphere.

This person was María de Guzmán, widow of Don Diego Hernández de Mendoza, who donated all her properties in order to create the beautiful place that we  can enjoy now.

Today16 nuns still living in the Monastery, who offer advice, sell articles made by themselves and above all, they pray constantly for the peace of the world.

In 1944 the monastery was recognized by the National Institute of Culture as the national heritage of Arequipa and Peru, and in year 2000 it was also with Arequipa city recognized as a cultural heritage of humanity (UNESCO).

It should be noted that it was not until 1970 that the monastery was opened to the public. Its multiple restorations have made it one of the city’s greatest cultural attractions today.

The monastery of Santa Catalina is considered a citadel within another city, because in this there are: six streets, three cloisters, a square, the church, the gardens, the cells, the courtyard of silence, the kitchen, a laundry, the church , vaults and even a small exclusive cemetery for the nuns of the monastery.

“This convent should not be missed, even if it has had an overdose of colonial buildings. Occupying an entire block and guarded by imposing high walls, it is one of the most fascinating religious buildings in Peru ”- Lonely Planet.

Architecture

“When you walk through the monastery of Santa Catalina it is very clear to us why it is the main monument of Arequipa architecture”

The monastery clearly presents the three styles of architecture that we can find in Arequipa city, the baroque, neoclassical and neocolonial.  It was built using the volcanic stone of ashlar and joined by lime, sand and pozzolana.

When you are entering to the monastery, the intense colored walls stand out at first glance. According to the Architect Marizol Velasquez Gutierres (specialty in art), the color used in the architecture of the Santa Catalina Monastery is not the natural color of the material (ashlar stone), but the color based on pigments that has the property of changing its appearance (wall painting).

“According to its use, it can be classified as flat wall painting and decorative wall painting. In the Monastery of Santa Catalina  coexist both, inside and outside the spaces, which configure it as an urban complex “

The colors that we can find in the monastery are indigo, blue, predominantly in the cloister of the Naranjos, the red ocher color for most of the streets, the white color for the novitiate cloister and the interior of the cells, the color orange ocher for the entrance and the main cloister, among others.

Velasquez Gutierrez also indicates this image was not always the same over time, because the quality of the color allows changing the appearance of the architecture according to fashions, remodeling, extensions, maintenance and also for health reasons, as evidenced in the polychromies hidden in the walls.

On the other hand, the decorative wall paintings of the interiors contain religious and floral designs and are the result of technical, social, historical and environmental facts.

How to visit Santa Catalina Monastery:

From March 1 you can visit the monument in the following ways:

1.- Virtual Tour: Virtual Tour with 7 chapters about its history. You can book a virtual visit of the place through the official website of the Monastery of Santa Catalina.

It is a way to anticipate the excitement of your next visit in which you can directly appreciate the majesty of the place.

2.- Direct visit to the Monument: From March 1st you can visit the Monastery with a fixed date and hour using the service of booking of the Monastery website.

*If you want to book a specialized guide please call 958 348 214

Open: Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00. – * LAST ENTRY 4:00 p.m.

Closed to the public  Easter Friday, December 25 and January 1

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – COVID -19

The Monastery of Santa Catalina has developed a strict biosafety protocol, to enjoy a safe and pleasant visit. You can read all the protocolo here .

The sale of tickets will be online and with reservation of time. Payments can be made with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Dinners Club, Unionpay and Maestro.

Giardino Tours Blog

@GiardinoToursPeru

#ITravelwithGiardino #OneTripManyExperiences

 

Sources

Gutierrez, M. V. (27 de Enero de 2020). Universidad Catolica San Pablo.
Monasterio de Santa Catalina. (septiembre de 2020). Monasterio de Santa Catalina.
Lonely Planet_ArequipaOther Links:

Colca canyon Travel Guide: 7 Questions about Colca Tours

Peru Private Tours: 7 fantastic reasons to take a Private Service

Arequipa Treasures: Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve

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Travel Tips

Peru Private Tours: 7 fantastic reasons to take a Private Service

by Giardino Tours March 1, 2021

Peru Private Tours: 

Our Government has already begun with the re-activation of the tourism sector. Since March 1, it is already allowed in some places to take sightseeing tours.

But there is always a concern about what is the safest way to travel now and without question, it is recommended to make these visits minimizing all risk and especially if we travel with our family.

And… What if we told you that you can enjoy a tailor-made tour in a private service?

Apart that some private tours may cost a bit higher than group tours (SIC), they offer other advantages full of unique experiences, with an original and different look at the destinations that you visit in an great and personalized style of “information-entertainment”.

Here are 7 reasons why is a great and fantastic option to take a private tour in Peru!   🙂

1.- Making according to your way of travel

Private tours offer the possibility to design and customize your experience. To choose a route and itinerary from a range of options that we can find, to determine the duration of the tour and to decide where to start and end according to what suits us best.

2. Keep it as a family / Friends

Group Tours SIC (Seat in Coach) offers the possibility of making new friends as many travelers come together in one transport.

However, we may also like a more intimate experience and explore a destination with your loved ones at your own time and space. On a private tour, the only participants are you and your friends and/or family, so you’ll surely take countless memories of this experience.

In addition, the private tour offers a personal guide dedicated to answering every question you have. Your guide will be ready to answer any questions and inform you about any topics you want to know better. You’ll receive a number of recommendations and tips according to your interests.

The goal of a designed Private Tours is to make YOUR visit as enjoyable as possible.

3.- Tailor-made routes, exclusive for you and family

If we have family and are planning to travel, we usually ask our travel agents if the “youngest” can participate in our tours.

A three-hour tour can be a nightmare for children, and uncomfortable for parents who have to take care of them. But on a private tour you can choose the duration and route that interests you, so that the little ones have a good time too, as well as add activities that are more interesting for the children and so the parents maximize their experience as well as pleasant and memorable.

Also in the case there is someone with mobility problems, whether with a wheelchair, baby stroller or crutches, on a private tour you will be free of worries.

By booking a private tour you can inform in advance to your travel operator of the specific needs of your group / family and your agent will make a route that perfectly suits these special needs and provide all extras that you requiere.

4. The perfect gift

The truth is that today there is no better gift than the gift of knowledge.

When you invite to another friend / family to join you for a Private Travel experience is that exactly what you are giving.

Why buy a thing, when you can enjoy a life experience?

5.- A Guaranteed of departures

Another huge advantage of the private tour is in the answer to the question;

When?
The answer is… anytime!

Private tours are a service exclusive for you. So it is possible to start the trip on any day, depending on your convenience or when your flights and hotels are available.

6.- Flexibility

With a private tour, you decide how you use your time and you can adjusted your schedule according to your needs.

If you see a spectacular place and would like to make a stop to take some pictures…NO PROBLEM!

7.- Security:

Maybe one of the major reasons to book a Private service.

Today one of the most important advantages that you can manage in a Private Tour is your safety during the trip. In a Private tour you are preventing that people you don’t know join your trip.

Your agent elaborate a tour that is 100% customized and todays you must be sure that they offer all the biosecurity measures against the coronavirus.

Also, If something doesn’t make you feel safe during the trip, you can communicate it to your travel agent and they will pay special attention to your concerns, adjusting the journey to your needs.It is important that at the time of booking a tour or trip to Peru, you take some time to make a review of the reputation of the Tour Operator with whom you decide to make the trip.

 

Serious and formal companies offer more guarantee of quality service, a 24/7 personal attention and efficient logistics and bio securities protocols in all fields. Only then will you have an unforgettable experience!

Giardino Tours – Blog

 

@GiardinoToursperu

#ITravelwithGiardino  #OneTripManyExperiences

 

links  of interest:

Tips for a Responsible Peru Travel Experience!

Peru Packing List: 5 Items You Need to bring1

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Peru Great Destinations

Taquile Island: Details and great Tips for your Tour

by Giardino Tours March 1, 2021

Taquile Island, another jewel of Titicaca Lake

Set within Lake Titicaca, Taquile Island has a colorful history and a distinct culture.

Taquileans are so well-known for intricate and well-made handwoven textiles that in 2005 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared them to be a “Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage.” These textiles are a character-defining element of their culture .

Taquile: Nature, culture and knitters

Taquile island is home of a Quechua population of about 2,000 people who are mainly farmers, fishermen and above all renowned weavers.

By the age of seven, boys are proficient knitters. In fact, the entire family is involved in knitting or weaving. Children knit “chullos” (hats), gloves and finger puppets of condors and llamas, common animals of the Andes. Women hand-spin the soft fleece of the sheep and alpaca into fine yarn for sweaters and blankets.

The island offers beautiful landscapes of hills, stone archways and, of course, the blue water of lake Titicaca around it.

The locals grow crops like corn, beans and quinoa on the pre-Incan terraces that cover its hilly terrain. Thanks to a largely vegetarian diet, the locals are said to live an average of 90-100 years.

The island is largely untouched by modernity with not even a bicycle to be seen in the island.

In July, villagers observe the Feast of Santiago Apostol with music and dancing. Whether celebrating weddings or religious holidays, there is always a reason to enjoy the folk music and dance that is an important part of island life.

Taquileños run their society based on community collectivism and on the Inca moral code „ama sua, ama llulla, ama qhilla“ (Quechua for “do not steal, do not lie, do not be lazy”).

The island has a radio station and is equipped with generators. Islanders have elected to use solar panels to generate energy.

Location:

Taquile Island is located 36 Km (22 miles) away from the city of Puno. It takes a 2 and half-hour boat ride to arrive in the island’s main dock.

The island highest elevation is 4100 m (13451 feet); it has a length of 5 Km (3.10 miles) and a width of 1.5 Km (0.93 miles). To walk across the island takes about two hours.

Tours to Taquile island

You can enjoy Taquile in 2 forms:

A full day Excursion:

These tours has a departure in Puno and begin with a visit to the floating island Uros before continuing to Taquile.

During the visit to Taquile visitors follow enjoyable paths that gradually take them to the main village or to other more remote sectors of Taquile. These other paths of access to the main village allow you to catch spectacular views of Lake Titicaca.

Many tours try to avoid climbing up the 535 stairs that take the visitors to the main village, but it is unavoidable to walk the stairs down to go back to the main dock.  So it is very important you have a good physical condition and good boots to walk.

Also a demonstration of traditional Andean weaving is the highlight of this visit.

A 2 days Excursion with a Overnight in Taquile:

If you decide for an overnight experience in Taquile Island,  (Normally with a previous visit to Uros floating islands) you can take your time and visit interesting sights with a host family, such as monuments to Pachamama (Mother Earth) , which are especially fascinating during Taquile’s wild festivals.

Enjoy the sunset and sunrise. 😉

Staying with a family gives you the chance that a local family will open its doors to you and you’ll get a glimpse into the Taquile lifestyle and the family’s dynamics, all topped off with a delicious homemade meal.

Additionally, you must know that the island’s tourism is operated exclusively by its inhabitants, so you’ll get first-hand knowledge from locals who know the area.

We highly recommend that you book your tours with a serious and formal travel agency. Please get informed about the company where you are going to take your tour in order to ensure that the tours are realized in a sustainable way and if handling is in accordance with the respect of the local rules and activities of the island.

@GiardinoTours

#ITravelwithGiardino #OneTripManyExperiences

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Travel Tips

Tips for a Responsible Peru Travel Experience!

by Giardino Tours February 16, 2021
Responsible Peru Travel experiences:  Peru is one of the most beautiful and interesting countries of South America, help us to take care of it. Please organize and travel in a responsible form!.

RESPONSIBLE PERU TRAVEL TIPS:

1.- When are you planning your trip, choose those providers that offer guarantees of quality and respect for human rights and the environment.

2.- Also make sure that the companies that you hire during your trip are formal and established; because it means that they pay taxes and this support the growth and development of the country.

3.- Plan your route to minimize carbon emissions – travel by train or public bus where it is possible, minimize internal flights.

4.- Pack the right PPE gear. (Personal protective equipment). Bring Hand sanitizer and bring masks for you and your family.

BEFORE YOUR TRIP STARS

  • Read about our culture and learn a few words in spanish – traveling with respect earns you respect.
  • Remove all excess packaging – waste disposal is difficult in remote places like Valleys, rivers or traditional towns.
  • Take to your trip rechargeable batteries for camera or other electronic devices; if not, please return the old batteries to your country. In Peru battery recycling is difficult and in many places almost impossible; please do not forget that one battery can contaminate 40 liters of water.

If you dont know how to manage a old battery during your trip, please talk to us to inform you where and how is the best way to dispose  them.

  • Take a Reusable Botle of Water and a cloth bag. – Check a Full Post about this topics here.
  • Take with you Solid Shampu (You can not imagine the amount of bottles of shampoo and soap that our travelers leave in hotels.)
  • Ask to Giardino Tour agent or your Travel agent for specific tips for responsible travel in your destination.

DURING YOUR TRIP

  • Buy local products and use local restaurants.
  • Take tours where you know that hire a local guide – you’ll discover more about local culture and lives, and they will earn an income.
  • Remeber that “cheap prices” does not means “quality and fair prices” in many cases you are supporting informality or abuse of employes and providers.
  • Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods, or ancient remains or artefacts.
  • Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places – if you have a doubt ask for advice or don’t visit.
  • Hire a bike or walk when convenient – its a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions: Support the walking tours offered by your local tour Operators.
  • Use water sparingly – its very precious in many regions and tourists tend to use more than local people.
  • Try to minimize waste generation. They are a source of contamination.
  • If you walk in a natural area, make sure that the only trace that you left behind is your “footprint”.

If you are interested in taking part in some social support during your trip to Peru; Giardino Tour Operator works with and organizes different actions to support our communities and the enviroment.  Please Check our website “Social Responsibility”.

Also Giardino Tour Operator works with the children’s house “Hogar de Cristo – Arequipa” a non-profit organization that help children who work on the streets and the organization of “Medicos Solidarios Arequipa” a group of professionals that work to reduce the contamination of health personnel during pandemic Covid-19.

Contact us to learn about the different ways and possibilities that you can help and participate in our social activities. 🙂

  • Remember that local people have different ways of thinking and concepts of time, this just makes them different, But is nothing wrong with that – cultivate the habit of asking questions. Be a curious and deep traveler, and take the advantages of this rich experience in Peru.
  • When you buy gifts and souvenirs look for products that are expressions of local culture. This promote the economy of the people and their cultural diversity.

Try to contribute during your trip with your presence to the development of responsible and sustainable tourism for a healthier planet and solidarity.

WHEN YOU GET BACK

  • Write to your tour operator or hotel with any comments or feedback about your holiday, and especially include any suggestions on reducing environmental impacts and increasing benefits to local communities.
  • Support good and Reliable Tour Operators using the Media like Trip advisor, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc…Positive comments motivate. Remember that is our goal that you get back home with great experiences and memories about our Country.
  • If you are no happy with a service, inform your agent immediately and ask for an explanation and more infos.
  • If you’ve promised to send pictures or gifts to local people remember to do so!

Giardino Tours Team.

Responsible Peru Travel Experiences@GiardinoToursPeru

#ItravelwithGiardino #OneTripManyExperiences

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