Newsletter June 2023

Destinations of the month

June is the start of the dry season, temperatures begin to rise, which means it’s a great time to hike in the mountains, explore tropical beaches or visit the incredible Galápagos Islands without the wet season’ rains.
On the coast, it is also the start of the humpback whale season, especially in the coastal regions of Puerto Lopez and Isla de la Plata. It is an incredible opportunity to observe these marine giants in their natural environment

Celebrations:

The party of Inti Raymi is June 22^nd, locals celebrate the winter solstice. It is a colorful and festive event with traditional dances, costumes and ancestral rituals to honor the sun and nature.

On the 23^rd, many locals gather in Otavalo for the start of the San Juan festival which will last 3 days.
This commemorates gratitude to nature for the fertility of the land and abundance of the corn harvest.

Inti Raymi

Also known as the “Festival of the Sun,” it is an Inca religious ceremony that was held in Cusco, Peru during the Inca Empire. It was one of the most important ceremonies of the Inca religion and was celebrated on the winter solstice, which falls on June 21^st in the Southern Hemisphere.
During Inti Raymi, the Inca ruler would honor the sun god, Inti, and offer sacrifices to ensure a good harvest for the coming year. The ceremony involved a procession from the Inca temple to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where a large bonfire was lit. The Inca ruler would then offer sacrifices to the sun god and make predictions about the future.
The ceremony was banned by the Spanish conquistadors when they arrived in Peru in the 16^th century, as they saw it as a pagan ritual. However, the ceremony was revived in the 20^th century and is now celebrated every year as a cultural event that honors the Inca heritage.

The Jungle

Welcome to the Ecuadorian jungle, a mysterious and fascinating place that offers a unique travel experience. The lush jungle is home to diverse flora and fauna, breathtaking landscapes and indigenous cultures rich in tradition.
One of the best ways to experience the Ecuadorian jungle is to visit one of its nature reserves. They offer various hiking trails, boat trips,wich lead you to breathtaking waterfalls and natural pools as well as wildlife observation to see animals such as howler, monkeys
parrots, toucans, anacondas and jaguars.
The jungle is also home to many indigenous communities who have preserved their traditions, culture and way of life for centuries. You can visit these communities and learn more about their way of living in harmony with nature. You can also participate in activities such as pottery making, traditional dancing and local food. On site, you can taste dishes based on freshwater fish such as skewers, tropical fruits, plantains…