Val Burnett Lacombe, AB Travel Agent | Vacation.com

Val Burnett

Lacombe, AB Travel Agent

CALL ME
Val Burnett

Val Burnett

Lacombe, AB Travel Agent

Wanderlust Getaway

CALL ME
8 Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English
Step into the vibrant world of Peru with me! Awe inspiring Machu Picchu!

Step into the vibrant world of Peru with me!

In September 2023, I embarked on an amazing journey as a Change Maker attending the inaugural GX Summit organized by G-Adventures. This trip took me through the cities of Lima and Cusco, through to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. This trip left me with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for this amazing destination.

Upon landing in Lima, I was immediately immersed in the bustling energy of the city. Over the course of the next two days, I took in the sights and sounds of Lima with my group as we explored Lima’s rich history and vibrant culture.

From Lima, we flew to Cusco, which served as our gateway for our next few days of adventures. During our first day in Cusco, we took part in a culinary class where we learned the secrets behind crafting Peru's national drink, the "Pisco Sour."  We then took part in a walking tour of Cusco, where we dived deeper into Cusco’s fascinating history and architectural wonders. 

The following day, our journey took us to Ccaccacollo, a charming village where we witnessed the intricate artistry of local weavers. The vibrant textiles they created were a testament to their rich cultural heritage. This visit was truly inspirational as I learned through the partnership with G-Adventures and Planeterra, the women of the weaving co-op were able to contribute to their families’ income but also while preserving Incan and Quechua cultural traditions. The money raised from the tours and their textile sales are used within the community, empowering the women and improving the overall quality of life in their village. Next stop was the Pisac ruins where views were simply breathtaking. Our last stop of the day was a picnic lunch, where we were treated to an amazing feast prepared by the talented Inca Trail chefs. Their mastery of creating delicious dishes including an amazing cake without a conventional oven left me in awe.

Day 3 in Cusco was another adventure as we traveled to the Ollantaytambo train station where we boarded the train that travelled along the Urubamba River and led us to Machu Picchu Pueblo. From here where we took the Consettur bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu.   Stepping off the bus, you are greeted with a breathtaking view and it feels as though you have been transported back in time.  As you walk along the stone pathways and staircases, you can't help but be in awe of the Inca civilization's engineering prowess. Machu Picchu truly is a destination that invokes a sense of wonder.  

Day 4 of our Cusco adventure took us to Cuyo Chico where we were further immersed in traditions and craftsmanship of the local people.  We began with a cooking class in the art of making empanadas, a beloved staple of the Peruvian cuisine. We then witness the age-old techniques of mud brick making where we learned it takes 30 days to make the 2000 bricks needed to build a house and another 30 days to build the house with the help of the community. We were introduced to their pottery treasures and their art of molding clay into stunning and functional pieces.   It is through these activities, that this local community flourishes by creating a sustainable future. We then ventured to the Potato Park which is another G for good initiative. This is a remarkable project that is dedicated to the cultivation and preservation of an amazing variety of potatoes that thrive in the Andes. Our day was not over, as we then made our way to the Parwa Restaurant for a late lunch. Here we were treated to an amazing lunch infused with flavors of the Peruvian cuisine. We finished off our visit with a celebration filled with traditional music, dancing and laughter with the locals of the community. Our hearts were full after an amazing day filled of culture, Peruvian cuisine and the amazing people of these communities.   

Our last day of this journey had us take part in the inaugural World Community Tourism Summit held at Cusco Town Hall that ignited a spark of change in the hearts of all who attended. We heard from many speakers, including the visionary founder of G-Adventures, Bruce Poon Tip, who inspired us with his insights and passion for sustainable travel and community tourism.   

We celebrated the conclusion of the summit and our journey with an unforgettable gold party at the Sun Temple in Cusco, a fitting ending to this the amazing journey through this breathtaking destination.

I can't wait to return to this amazing destination, where adventure and cultural immersion intertwine. 

Areas of Expertise

My Travel Specialties

Reviews

198 Reviews
Holy Land Tour. Fantastic!
Val did a great job in booking our flights to Israel. Very helpful and informative and seemed on top of everything.
Greg - Charlie Lake, BC - Traveled to Israel ~ Middle East
32 of 57 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Awesome
5 star
Vac 2022 - Bentley, Alberta - Traveled to Mazatlan ~ Sinaloa ~ Mexico
4 of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO
Amazing Adventure
Val’s thorough research, attention to detail, effective communication and overall professionalism allowed me to thoroughly enjoy my travels without any problems. She was constantly in touch, outlining options, during the planning process. The online itinerary also proved useful throughout, including when flight times changed.
Liz - Alberta - Traveled to Morocco ~ Africa
5 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO

Certifications & Awards

acta award
AmaWaterways Specialist
AmaWaterways Specialist
AMResorts Master Agent
AMResorts Master Agent
Celebrity Learning Certification
Celebrity Learning Certification
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
Holland America Line Academy Specialist
MSC Masters
MSC Masters
NCL University - PHD Degree
NCL University - PHD Degree
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Royal Caribbean University - Master of Adventure
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Windstar Star Specialist
Windstar Star Specialist

Additional Certifications

  • Mexican Caribbean Destination ELearning Program
  • Inclusive Collection Certified Confidant
  • 2025 Circle Of Excellence Award
  • Amawaterways Rivier Cruise Specialist
  • 2024 Circle Of Excellence Award
  • Air Canada Circle Of Excellence
  • Air Canada Expert - Air Canada Global Sales
  • National Geographic Family Journey Specialist
  • Certified Travel Leisure Specialist
  • Windstar Cruise Expert
  • National Geographic Family Journey Specialist
  • 2025 Circle Of Excellence Award
  • AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist

My Travel Stories

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Discover the Joy of River Cruising

Discover the Joy of River Cruising

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Experience the Magic of Europe’s Rhine River

Experience the Magic of Europe’s Rhine River

Imagine soaking in a rooftop pool or relaxing in a jacuzzi aboard a luxury river cruise ship, all while indulging in exquisite cuisine and delicious c...

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7 Incredible countries to explore on the Danube

7 Incredible countries to explore on the Danube

Central and Eastern Europe boast incredible landscapes, stunning architecture—from castles to churches to war memorials—and some of the most color...

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Step into the vibrant world of Peru with me!

Step into the vibrant world of Peru with me!

In September 2023, I embarked on an amazing journey as a Change Maker attending the inaugural GX Summit organized by G-Adventures. This trip took me t...

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Private Tour: Exploring The Yucatan State

Private Tour: Exploring The Yucatan State

Private guided tour of Holbox, Cenote Choj-Ha and Valladolid I had the most amazing time exploring the hidden gems of Yucatan State with a small pri...

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