Thinking Glocal

Monica Irauzqui, Vice President and Co-Founder of Yampu Tours, shares how customizable travel connects travelers to local communities across the world.

A Passion for Travel, Rooted in Purpose

Monica Irauzqui and her Peruvian native husband Jose founded Yampu in 1998 from a simple conviction: travel should serve both the traveler and the places they visit. What began as a passion for world discovery evolved into a mission to design journeys that match each traveler's exact needs while respecting the local environments and traditions that make those journeys meaningful. Now based in Stowe, Vermont, Yampu remains guided by that founding principle—that the best travel experiences are built on genuine connection, not extraction.

Glocal: Thinking Beyond Borders

"Offering the possibility to travelers to reach their dream journey in a comfortable tailor designed accommodation combined with supporting the local economy is something we always wanted to do at Yampu," says Monica Irauzqui, Vice President and Co-Founder. "A passion is not one if you don't live it at a 100%. I live vicariously through travelers dreams and I feed not only on their positive testimonials but also on the global and local success we bring to different communities." Yampu's mantra is to act in consideration of glocal perspectives to make people experience more. This philosophy shapes everything we do—from the properties we curate to the communities we support. When you travel with us, your journey strengthens local economies, preserves ecosystems, and creates meaningful connections that ripple far beyond your stay.

Glocal in Action

How Yampu supports communities and ecosystems across every destination.

  • Pack for a Purpose in the Andes

  • Rainforest Alliance & wildlife protection

  • Supporting local Vermont businesses

HANDS-ON PHILOSOPHY

Monica's Journey
The experiences that shaped Yampu's commitment to cultural respect and conservation.

Cultural Exchange

Cultural Exchange

Monica connects directly with local communities, learning traditions and building the relationships that inform every Yampu itinerary.

Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife Conservation

Her encounters with endangered species fuel Yampu's commitment to protecting the ecosystems travelers come to experience.

Exploration and Discovery

Exploration and Discovery

Adventure across South America's most compelling landscapes shapes the journeys Yampu designs for every traveler.

About Yampu Tours

Yampu Tours was founded in 1998 by Peruvian native Jose Irauzqui and his wife Monica. The cofounders travel frequently throughout Asia, Africa, Mexico, Central and South America with their two children, ages 15 and 17, and use their personal experiences and extensive research entwined in their business. Jose and Monica have built an expert company dedicated to international travel that departs from mainstream tourism and seeks to create personalized experiences for their clients. Yampu Tours is the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 winner of the prestigious World Travel Award as South America's Leading Tour Operator and 2014 and 2015 Central America's Leading Tour Operator.

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