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A Journey Through (Some!) Italian White Wines, One Sip At A Time

Posted by on February 25th, 2024

Embarking on a journey through the heart of Italy, I found myself captivated not only by the rich history and culture but also by the diverse and exciting world of enotecas, osterias and bacari (wine bars, small family-run restaurants and taverns) and Italian wines. Working with French and Spanish wine in the past, ignited in… Read Full Post

2023 Vaya Photo Contest Winners

Posted by on February 23rd, 2024

Vaya travelers are known for being genuinely curious and respectful, for delving into the destinations they visit with open hearts and open minds. This approach is reflected in their photographs – images brimming with warm human connection, responsible wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. That’s what makes judging Vaya’s annual photo contest so much fun. After… Read Full Post

20 Years of Vaya Adventures: Thanks from Vaya’s Founder Jim Lutz

Posted by on January 25th, 2024

Dear Travelers and Friends, Wow… 20 years!! Back in 2004, we (OK, actually it was just me) created the very first Vaya Adventure, a custom itinerary to South America for my father (thanks Dad). We’ve come a long way since then, expanding to offer stunning Polar expeditions and an array of exceptional African safaris. We’ve… Read Full Post

A Chocolatada in Huacahuasi: Sharing Holiday Time in the Remote Peruvian Andes

Posted by on January 3rd, 2024

Living in Peru has provided me with many special opportunities and experiences, one of them being included and immersed in the day-to-day lives of the hearty people who live off the land. Temperatures at high altitudes are absolutely freezing, the soil is solid, and it´s a very harsh environment.  I have personally adapted to live… Read Full Post

From Farm to Earth Oven to Table: Experiencing Pachamanca in Peru

Posted by on December 28th, 2023

Peru’s cuisine has become world-famous over the last few years, home to four of the world’s top 50 restaurants including the coveted #1 spot. But amidst the myriad of iconic Peruvian dishes, one in particular stood out on my most recent trip there – the Pachamanca. Pachamanca is much more than just a culinary experience… Read Full Post

The Best Hikes on Easter Island

Posted by on December 19th, 2023

As a South America specialist at Vaya, my favorite adventures to arrange for our travelers are those that venture to the most remote parts of the continent, the ones that instill in us a humbling sense of our small place in such a vast world. Easter Island, the tiny dot of land 2,500 miles off… Read Full Post

Exploring South Africa With My Teenage Daughter

Posted by on November 3rd, 2023

Sometimes it seems almost impossible to get all five members of my family (me, my wife Carly, and our three kids) on an international trip together because somebody has a conflict with soccer, dance, summer camp, a piano recital, or something else.  So I decided I’m going to take a different strategy and pick off… Read Full Post

Africa’s Northern Five

Posted by on October 24th, 2023

I will never forget the first wild animal I ever saw in Africa. Seventeen years ago in Tanzania, we were only about 30 minutes outside of Arusha, our arrival city, when a zebra appeared just off the side of the main road. There was much excitement and pointing and our poor guide had to pull… Read Full Post

What to Expect on a 6-Day Cruise in the Western Galapagos

Posted by on October 23rd, 2023

Sea lions and giant tortoises and marine iguanas, oh my! The Galapagos conjures images of bizarre creatures and windswept volcanic shores. It is this and so much more. As the archipelago is a protected national park, the best way to explore is to take a small ship cruise with a naturalist guide. In July ’23… Read Full Post

Elusive Northern Wildlife: What You May See on an Arctic Cruise

Posted by on October 20th, 2023

The Arctic, situated at Earth’s polar north, is a land of vast ice and snow. An Arctic cruise will take you through drifting pack ice to see massive frozen walls and calving glaciers. It will also give you an opportunity to spot unique and magnificent wildlife. You likely won’t see teeming animal throngs the way… Read Full Post