Peru

Peru Flag 

Why visit Peru?

For the outdoor adventurous traveler seeking to enjoy Amazon rainforest, Andes mountains, archaeological sites, art, birdwatching, colonial city, coastal desert, culture, deep canyons, dense jungle, ecotourism, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, Machu Picchu, museums, natural wonder, unspoiled beaches, ruins, and surfing.

Cruzco, Peru. Photo Credit: Joaquín Enríquez/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Alpaca-wool goods, blankets, cotton fabrics, gold, leather goods, linen fabrics, miniature handmade statues, oil paintings, ponchos, pottery, silver, tapestries, walking sticks, wood products, and woven-straw goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Carapulcra (stew). Chupe de Pescado (fish dish). Jamon del Pais (sandwich). Lomo Saltado (beef). Papa Rellena (stuffed potato). Pollo a la Brasa (roasted chicken). 
• Local Drink to Try: Chicha de Jora (beer). Chicha Morada (juice). Chilcano (cocktail).
  Cusquena (beer). Inca Kola (soft drink). Mate de Coca (tea). Pisco Sour (national). 

Cuzco Main Square (Plaza de Armas de Cuzco), Cusco, Peru. Photo Credit: Alfonso Cerezo/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Human evidence dates to approximately 12,500BCE.
  
• San Marcos University (Lima) was founded in 1551.
  
• Home to the highest navigable lake in the world (Lake Titicaca). 
  
• Northern tip is within a mile of the equator.
  
• South America's third largest country.
  
• Home of largest variety of orchids in the world.
• Incan Royalty would chew coca leaf representative of privilege.
  
• Largest city, Iquitos, remains inaccessible by road.
  
• World's largest commercial supplier of fishmeal.
  
• Has the fourth largest military in Latin America.
  
• Developed a mountain biking tourism industry.
• Home to rare mammal species: jaguar, puma, and spectacled bear. 
• Diverse cultural traditions in art, cuisine, literature and music.
• Largely produces artichoke, asparagus, avocado, banana, blueberry, boron, cocoa, coffee, copper, gas, gold, grape, lead, maize, molybdenum, oil, pineapple, potato, rice, silver, sugarcane, tin, and zinc.
• Music usually includes charango (instrument). 
  
• Produced the first animated 3-D film in Latin America (Piratas en el Callao). 
  
• World's largest producer of quinoa. 
  

Colca Canyon, Chivay, Peru. Photo Credit: Adrian/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Foundation of Lima, Trujillo Marinera Festival, (February) Fiesta de la Candelaria, International Adventure Sports Festival, Juliaca Festival, (March) Festival Internacional de la Vendimia, Surco Wine Harvest Festival, (April) Festividad del Señor del los Temblores del Cusco, Lima Food Week, Lima Jazz Festival, (May) Fiesta de las Cruces, Lima Marathon, Nazca Tourist Week, (June) Inti Raymi, Saint John Festival,  (July) Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen, Lima International Book Fair, (August) Día de Santa Rosa de Lima, Lima Film Festival, Lima Half Marathon, Pachamama Raymi, (September) International Spring Festival, Mistura Culinary Festival, (October) Creole Song Festival, Lima Beer Week, Procesión del Señor de los Milagros, (November) Puno Week, and (December) Santuranticuy.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Day, International Workers' Day, Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Independence Day, Battle of Junín, Santa Rosa de Lima, Battle of Angamos, All Saints’ Day, Immaculate Conception, and Christmas.

Tarapoto, Peru. Photo Credit: Maik Alexis/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Rainy Season is October - April.
  
• Do not expect deluxe accommodations.
• Known to lack high standards of service. 
• Sanitation standard levels may pose an issue for the inexperienced traveler.
• Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, Huaraz, and Puno are at high altitude. 
  
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Surf Season is February - September (north) and March - December (south).
• Prevalent diseases: Dengue, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Hepatitis A and B, Leishmaniasis, Malaria, Rabies, Tuberculosis, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Zika.
• Exporting artifacts or antiques is illegal.
• Air pollution is a significant problem in major cities.
  
• Ambulance services are not present throughout the country.
  
• Avoid use of "ceremony” or “spiritual cleansing” due to known strong hallucinogen substances.
• Many popular destinations are remote.

Machu Picchu, Peru. Photo Credit: MLbay/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $30,000USD.

Subject to earthquakes.

• Best Time to Visit: May - September
• Coldest Months: December - March
• Hottest Months: May - September
• Peak Season: June - September & December

Lima, Peru. Photo Credit: Julia/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Abiseo River National Park, Arequipa, Chan Chan, Cusco, Historic Centre of Lima, Huascaran National Park, Lima, Machu Picchu, Manu National Park, Nazca Lines, Saqsaywaman, Sitio Arqueológico Chavín de Huántar. 

Machu Picchu, Peru. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

Paraguay

Paraguay Flag

Why visit Paraguay?

Best known for birdwatching, camping, culture, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mission ruins, national parks, nature, riverboat rides, shopping, waterfalls, and wildlife.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Cotton hammocks, embroidery, harps, lace, leather goods, linen, pottery, and wood products.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Chipa (bread). Chipa Guasú (cake). Kosereva (molass (molasses). Mazamorra (corn mush). Paraguay Cheese. Pira Caldo (fish soup). Sopa Paraguaya (cornbread). Soyo (meat soup). Vori Vori (soup).
• Local Drink to Try: Cocido (tea). Pilsen (beer). 

Fun Facts

• Has no major mountains.
• Lost nearly 33% of its territory to Argentina and Brazil.
• Known as one of the cleanest hydropower electricity.
• Military forces consist of the Air Force, Army, and Navy.
• Second largest producer of stevia in the world. 
• Basketball and football are popular sports.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Carnival, Dia de San Blas, (March) Holy Week Festival, (May) Verbana de San Juan, (July) Nanduti Festival, Trans Chaco Rally, World Friendship Crusade, (September) Festival of Alfalfa, Oktober Fest, Ypacaraí, and (November) Festival del Poyvi.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, National Heroes Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Labour Day, Independence Day, Chaco Armistice Day, Founding of Asunción, Boqueron Battle Victory Day, Virgin of Caacupe, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• Considered a developing country.
• Airport Departure Tax applies.
• Many businesses are closed on Sundays.
• Use sunscreen as the sun is strong.
• Home to noteworthy lakeside beaches.
• Generally has 2 seasons dry or wet.
• Divided into 2 regions "Occidental Region" (aka: Chaco) or "Oriental Region".
• Avoid public demonstrations.
• Tourism is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections do not commonly occur. 
  
• Traffic regulations are known to be ignored amongst Drivers.
• Guaraní and Spanish are both their official languages.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries. 

Aregua, Asunción, Paraguay. Photo Credit: David Ress/Unsplash

• Best Time to Visit: March - May & September - October
• Coldest Months: May - August
• Hottest Months: November - February
• Peak Season: September - December & April - May

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.   

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea Flag

Why visit Papua New Guinea?

Ideal for the well experienced international traveler seeking to a unspoiled destination to enjoy beaches, birdwatching, cave exploration, culture, dense jungles, hiking, kayaking, natural landscapes, rivers, saltwater fishing, scuba diving, trekking, unspoiled nature, volcanic mountains, whitewater rafting, wildlife, and wind sailing.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, colorful fabrics, drums, handwoven string bags, masks, pottery, reed trays, shell goods, and wood carvings. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Dia (dessert). Kaukau (sweet potato). Kokoda (fish dish). Mumu (national dish). Sago (pancakes). Saksak (dumplings). 

Fun Facts

• During its Gold Rush era (1852-1873) Milne Bay (Woodlark Island) gold was discovered ($500,000USD).
• Amelia Mary Earhart (1897-1939), American Aviation Pioneer plane disappeared after takeoff from Lae Nadzab Airport (LAE).
  
• Wuvulu Island was one of Jacques Cousteau (1910-1997), French Naval Officer favorite scuba diving sites.
  
• Rugby is the most popular sport played.
  
• Home to the largest orchid variations in the world.
• Mount Wilhelm is the highest peak (14,793 ft).
  
• Education is primarily provided by church institutions.
  
• Ranks third largest island country in the world. 
  
• One of the few regions near the equator to experience high altitude snowfall.
  
• One of the most linguistically diverse countries with 839 known languages spoken.

Mount Wilhelm. Photo Credit: lloyd Pupaka/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (July) Mt Hagen Show, National Mask & Warwagira Festival, Tumbuan Mask Festival, (August) Crocodile Festival, Enga Cultural Show, Jiwaka Cultural Show, (September) Bougainville Chocolate Festival, Goroka Show, Frangipani Festival, Hiri Moale Festival, Morobe Province Agricultural Show, Sepik Crocodile Festival, Tufi Tapa Tattoo Festival, (November) Arts & Cultural Festival, and Kenu & Kundu Canoe Festival. 
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Queen's Birthday, Remembrance Day, Repentance Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
  

Good to Know

• Domestic and international air tickets are very expensive.
• Best visited on an escorted tour.
  
• Crime is of concern.
• Monsoon Season is December - March.
  
• Has several active volcanoes.
• Avoid traveling alone.
• Higher inland elevation tends to be cooler.
  
• Pack rain gear.
• Carry your passport and Visa with you at all times.
  
• Dress modestly.
• Poor maintained vehicles.
• Tipping is not customary.
  
• Rainy Season is December - March.
  
• Avoid public transport after dark.
• Unexploded mines are known to exist throughout the island.
  
• Mangrove swamps stretch along the coast.
  
• Avoid public displays of affection.
• Legal drinking age is 18.
• Has only 1 hyperbaric recompression chamber in Port Moresby at (Jacksons International Airport). 
• Illiteracy is an issue.
  
• There is no rail service.
• Healthcare and medical treatment is below our western standards.
• Avoid isolated areas.
  
• Tap water is not drinkable.
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Cholera, Dengue, HIV, Japanese Encephalitis, Leptospirosis, Malaria, Measles, Polio, Rickettsioses, Traveler’s Diarrhea, Tuberculosis, and Zika. 
  

Photo Credit:  ianknabel66/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Required Vaccination from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: 20,000PGK.

Subject to earthquakes, flash floods, high tides, humidity, landslides, monsoons, and tsunamis. 

• Best Time to Visit: April - November
• Coolest Month: June - September
• Hottest Months: October - March
• Peak Season: May - June & October

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kuk

Photo Credit: Sally Wilson/Pixabay 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.  

Panama

Panama Flag

Why visit Panama?

For the traveler seeking beaches, birdwatching, canal, colonial villages, coral reefs, culture, ecolodges, deep sea fishing, golf, hiking, historical sites, mountains, natural landscape, rainforests, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, whitewater rafting, and wildlife.

Panama Canal. Photo Credit: Andrea Spallanzani/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, ceremonial masks, embroidery goods, hammocks, pottery, and wood carvings.
• Local Drink to Try: Cerveceria Nacional (beer). Seca Sour (cocktail). 
  

Portobelo, Panama. Photo Credit: lapping/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Sir Francis Drake, English Explorer (1540 - 1596) was buried at sea in a lead coffin.
• The popular Panama hats are actually made in Ecuador. 
  
• Indingious from the central area are considered amongst Americas first to make pottery.
  
• Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
  
• Santa Catalina and Venao beaches host ISA World Surfing Games.
  
• Volcán Barú (11,401 ft) is the country's highest point.
  
• Home to Central America's most diverse wildlife.
• Gatun Lake was formerly the largest man-made lake in the world.
• Second country in Latin America.
• TransPanama Trail is a long-distance hiking trail to be built connecting Colombia to Costa Rica. 
  
• Home to Central America's largest airport,Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

Panama City, Panama. Photo Credit: Mariel Nicosia/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Flower & Coffee Festival, Panama Jazz Festival, (February) Carnival, (March) Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival, Feria de David, Holy Week, (April) Feria Internacional del Azuero, Orchid Festival, (June) Festival Corpus Christi, (July) Festival de la Pollera, Festival of Santa Librada, Festival Patronales de La Virgen de Santa Librada, (August) Festival del Manito, (September) Festival de La Mejorana, International Festival of the Sea, (October) Black Christ Festival, (November) Highlands Festival, (December) El desfile de Navidad, and Sobresaltos Dance Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Martyrs' Day, Carnaval, Good Friday, Labour Day, Flag Day, Colón Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.

Isla Diablo, Panama. Photo Credit: lapping/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Considered to offer the best roads in Central America.
• San Blas Islands are known for their unique ecosystem and indigenous population.
• Baru Volcano (Chiriqui) is an active and the most photographed location.
• Ancon Hill (Ancon) overlooks Panama City with a beautiful view. 
• The Pacific beach area tends to be rougher.
  
• Mosquito Gulf area is very remote.
  
• Colon, Chiriqui province, and Panama City are considered the highest crime areas.
  
• Carry your passport and entry stamp with you at all times.
• Lago Gatun waters are renowned for peacock bass.
  
• Isla Coiba offers world-class diving.
  
• Panamanian Spanish is the local language.
  
• Darien region is traveled by air, foot or by boat due to the lack of roads.
  
• Scuba diving along Blas Islands is not permitted.
  
• Prevalent diseases: Dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria, Travelers’ Diarrhea, Tuberculosis, and Zika.
• Panama City has a Special Tourism Police Force.
  
• Avoid night explorations.
• Requires return ticket to home or onward destination.
• Mercado de Mariscos is a popular fish market.
  
• Venomous snakes exist in grassland areas.
  
• Rainy Season is May - November.
• Along Bocas Del Toro, Chiriqui provinces, and Pacific Ocean tides tend to be strong
• U.S. coins and dollars are widely accepted.
  
• Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, therefore safety inspections do not commonly occur.
  
• Medical facilities outside Panama City are limited. 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with three months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Panamá Viejo (AKA: Panamá la Vieja), Panama City, Panama. Photo Credit: lapping/Pixabay 

• Best Time to Visit: December - April
• Coldest Months: February & March
• Hottest Months: March & April
• Peak Season: December - April

Panama Canal. Photo Credit: artes2franco/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Casco Viejo, Chagres and Fort San Lorenzo, Coiba, Darién National Park, Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo, La Amistad International Park, Panama City, Panamá Viejo, and Portobelo.

Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.   

Palau

Palau Flag

Why visit Palau?

Best known for beaches, camping, caves, fishing, hiking, jungles, kayaking, reefs, rocky coastlines, scuba diving, snorkeling, war ruins, and waterfalls. 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Fruit Bat Soup (delicacy). Pichi-Pichi (dessert). Tama (dessert). Tinola (soup). Ulkoy (fried shrimp).
• Local Drink to Try: Kava (juice). Red Rooster (beer).

Fun Facts

• Home to world's largest dolphin facility.
• Nation has approximately 340 islands.
  
• Red lips, teeth and tongues are caused by chewing betel nuts.
  
• One of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World.
• Home to the largest crocodile measuring 14 feet and 9 inches.
  
• Primary education is required until the age of 16.

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Shark Week, (March) International Photo Festival, and (December) Palau Challenge.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Youth Day, Senior Citizens Day, Presidents Day, Constitution Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, United Nations Day, Thanksgiving Day, Family Day, and Christmas Day.

Good to Know

• Diving spots are relatively undeveloped. 
• Koror imposes a curfew from 2:30AM - 5:00AM  Monday - Thursday and between 4AM - 6AM Friday - Sunday.
  
• Interisland ferry service from Koror to Peleliu or Angaur.
• Dynamite fishing is illegal.
• Has inadequate solid waste disposal facilities (Koror).  
  
• Suffers inadequate water supply. 
• Air service tends to be spotty.
  
• The only hyperbaric chamber is located at Belau National Hospital (Meyuns, Koror). 
  
• Medical specialty care requires travel to  Hawaii, Philippines, or Taiwan.
  
• Passing a slow-moving vehicle is illegal. 
• National speed limit is 25 miles per hour.
  
• Tap water is not drinkable.
• Visitors $100 Environmental Fee is imposed by the airline.
  
• Due to unexploded devices adhere to warning signs.
• Cyclone Season is November - April.
• Public transportation consists of unmetered taxis.
• Firearms of any kind are strictly prohibited.
  
• Adequate routine medical care is available.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 12 months.
• Required Cholera and Yellow Fever vaccination required from select countries. 
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Subject to humidity, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tropical storms. 

• Best Time to Visit: November - May
• Coolest Months: November - April
• Hottest Months: June - September
• Peak Season: July, December, & May

Photo Credit: Jay Park/Pixabay 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.