TRAVEL PERU

2010-03-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

The region of Ica is located south of Lima. Its long coast with dry desserts, rich valleys, and enigmatic sand dunes have been home to several species of animals and ancient Peruvians for hundreds of years. Ica was home of the Nazca and Paracas cultures. The first one ruled the southern area of Ica (200 AD – 700 AD) while the second one ruled the northern area of Ica (500 BC – 200 AD).

The Nazca Culture left us a huge legacy and a lot of examples of their progress. Some of these examples are the Nazca Lines, the Aqueducts of Cantayoc, the administrative and religious center of Cahuachi, and their ceramics. The Paracas Culture left us their beautiful textiles and ceramics and their cranial surgery as well. Some textiles are in perfect condition.

Ica holds the first coastal natural reserve of Peru. The Natural Reserve of Paracas covers a total area of 335,000 hectares. The Candelabrum and the Ballestas Islands can be found in this area. The Candelabrum is an ancient figure drawn in the sand that is 100 meters tall. In the Ballestas Islands it is possible to observe several species of birds, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and more. If you spend a night in Paracas, you should stay at a hotel located in the beautiful bay of the same name. A tour to the Ballestas Islands is recommended.

The only oasis of South America is located in Ica. The Huacachina Oasis is a beautiful tiny town surrounded by sand dunes. In town, you will find three hotels and a couple of small lodges where you can relax and may go for a ride in a buggy. From November to April make sure you bring a bathing suit. Ica is the main producer of wine and pisco in Peru so you might spend an extra day to visit some wineries in the area.

Nazca is a favorite visitor's spot in Ica. Nazca was home of the Nazca culture. The inhabitants of Nazca were great farmers and they built the aqueducts of Cantayoc to irrigate their land. These aqueducts are still being used by local farmers. They also made the Nazca Lines which are huge pictures made in the ground. Why were they made is an unresolved matter. The best way to see the lines is by plane. Most of the companies offer a 40 minute over flight. During this period of time it is possible to observe 13 of most famous Nazca Lines. The hummingbird, the spider, the monkey, the dog, the hands and the astronaut are only a few of the figures that are going to impress you. You should take a pill to avoid dizziness.

Nazca, the Huacachina Oasis and Paracas can be reached by small private planes and by road. It is the most common and economical way to go to these places by road. From Lima to Paracas, a non-stop bus takes about 3 and a half hours. To go from Paracas to Ica, it takes about an hour and a half and from Ica to Nazca, it takes about 2 and a half hours. From Cusco to Nazca a bus takes about 15 hours and from Arequipa to Nazca a bus takes about 8 hours. Please make sure you are traveling with a safe bus company.

2010-03-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

MANCORA

Mancora is a coastal small town located in the region of Piura and northern Lima. Piura shares a border with Ecuador and has usually very nice weather. The coast of Piura provides a quarter of all of the fish eaten in Peru. Ernest Hemminway was attracted to this Peruvian region and came to Peru in the 1950’s to fish and film part of “The Old Man and the Sea”.

Mancora is located less than 4 degrees away from the equator line. This location allows for Mancora to have sunny days and great weather all year round. Its warm and clear ocean water makes Mancora a great place to relax or let some adrenaline run. Mancora is great for surfing, wind-surfing, snorkeling, diving or fishing. Mancora is very popular among Peruvians and Ecuadorians. From April to November, there are not many locals around and beaches are not busy because it is considered the off season.

Just three hours from Mancora, it is possible to find the Mangals of Tumbes. Throughout the year, 200 species of birds can be seen here. A regular tour takes about four hours. The natural thermal bath of Mancora can be reached in a four hike, 2 hour horse ride, or 30 minute mototaxi ride. As in many other small coastal towns in South America, the pace of life is very slow and laid back. Good accommodation in town is limited and there are not luxury resorts despite the beauty of the place. This is a great place to get in touch with nature and just relax.

You can visit Mancora by air or ground transportation. A plane can be taken from Lima with non-stop service or from Trujillo or Chiclayo with one stop in Lima. The airport of Piura is located 81 miles from Mancora and the airport of Tumbes is located 56 miles away from Tumbes. Piura receives more flights than Tumbes per day. There are several bus companies operating routes coming from Lima and Guayaquil, Ecuador. Some ground transportation companies are not serious about safety so please make sure you travel with a reputable bus company. From Lima to Piura a flight takes about 2 hours while a non-stop bus takes about 18 hours. A bus from Chiclayo takes about 7 hours.

2010-02-27T14:54:00.000-08:00

HUANCHACO

Huanchaco is a small town located about 15 minutes from downtown Trujillo. This is a quiet town with a nice pier and a beautiful, long beach. During the summer months (January to March), Huanchaco receives a lot of visitors from all over Peru. Huanchaco is known for its canoes made out of reeds called “Caballito de Totora”. Locals have been using these canoes to surf the waves for hundreds of years. These canoes were used by the inhabitants of Chan Chan. It is entertaining to watch the local fisherman majestically surfing the waves in their "Caballitos de Totora".

Huanchaco is popular among surfers. There are a couple of surfing schools in town. These schools rent out all necessary equipment during summer and winter time. Huanchaco is a great point to include in a Peruvian surf trip. Other points are Punta Hermosa and San Bartolo in Lima, Chicama and Poemape in la Libertad region, Pacasmayo in Lambayeque region, and Mancora or Cabo Blanco in the region of Piura.

Accommodation in Huanchaco is limited and service is slow but the restaurants offer great local dishes not to be missed.

2010-02-25T19:14:00.000-08:00

CHICAMA

Chicama is a small town located in the region of La Libertad about an hour away from Trujillo, the capital of the region. Chicama is also known as Malabrigo. Fishing is the main activity in town and the pier provides a magical view. Getting to Chicama is easy and the road is in good condition. A local bus can be taken from Trujillo. Weather in Chicama is similar to the weather in Trujillo and Huanchaco.

Chicama is famous because it holds the longest "left" wave in the world. From the breaking point, this wave can run for about a kilometer or even more. Usually, the wave is well-shaped and fast and it is smaller than 6 feet. When the wave is bigger than 6 feet, it is possible to surf a perfect tube. During the winter, you will find only locals and just a few surfers. It is believed that this long wave was first seen in 1965 when the Hawaiian Chuck Shipman observed it from the window of his plane when flying back home.

“El Hombre” is the most famous person in town. He has been welcoming surfers at his lodge and house for over 30 years. This is a very small lodge with basic accommodations. In town you will find about 7 different places to stay. There are only a few places to purchase groceries.

2010-02-24T21:20:00.000-08:00

LIMA

Peru's economy has continued to grow since 2001. Progress has brought Lima beautiful and interesting malls such as Larcomar. Larcomar was built on the edge of a cliff that overlooks the ocean. Shopping at Larcomar or just eating at one of the great restaurants located in the mall are some of the activities you will enjoy in there. The Gold Museum located in Larcomar is a great palce to visit as well.

The history of Lima started hundreds of years ago. The Lima culture ruled the Lima region from 200 AD to 700 AD. They built many cities and ceremonial centers around Lima. One of these ceremonial centers is located in Miraflores and is known as Huaca Pucllana. This ceremonial center has well preserved plazas and a perfect pyramid. The Huaca Pucllana restaurant located next to the ruins is a recommended visit. This tourist attraction is open daily.

The archeological site of Pachacamac is the biggest ceremonial center built by the Lima Culture. Pachacamac is located about 45 minutes from Miraflores. At the ruins, you will be able to observe some original walls of the ceremonial temple as well as some rebuilt walls. The ruins are located in the Lurin Valley where tasty "Chicharron de Chancho" (fried pork) can be enjoyed.

Caral is one of the new attractions of Peru. Caral has been declared the oldest city of America. It is believed that Caral was inhabitated from 2600 BCE to 2000 BCE. In Caral, it is possible to observe the remains of several pyramids and ceremonial centers. The main pyramid is as big as 4 soccer fields and it is as high as 54 feet. Caral is a great place to start learning about Peru and its long history. Caral is located 2 and a half hours from Lima by car.

The arrival of the Spaniards in Peru determined the beginning of a new and enriched culture as well as the beginnging of the most important Viceroyalty of South America. Once Francisco Pizarro founded Lima on January 18th of 1535, the history of downtown Lima started to be written. Downtown Lima is a mixture of colonial and republican buildings. A visit to the Cathedral, the Main Square, San Martin Square, the Catacombs and San Pedro Church are all examples of the Spanish heritage and are a highly recommended tourist's stop.

Lima also offers a magical spot for birdwatchers. "Pantanos de Villa" is a protected natural reserve where 250 different species of birds can be observed during the year. This proteceted area is located about 20 minutes from Miraflores and should be visited with a guide during the daytime.

Miraflofres and San Isidro offer the best of the Peruvian cuisine. In Miraflores, you can try a wide variety of restaurants that offer Peruvian specialties like "lomo saltado" or "ceviche." After eating, you might visit the handcraft markets of Petit Thouars or look for adventure such as paragliding in Miraflores. A flight of half hour will let you enjoy the boulevard, Larcomar, and part of Miraflores. The Magic Circuit of Water is the latest attraction of Lima.

From December to May, Lima offers the best weather. Accommodation in Lima is very ample.

2010-02-23T19:41:00.000-08:00

AREQUIPA

Arequipa is located south of Lima in a rich valley 7,740 feet above sea level. The city is divided by the Chili River and there are three volcanoes surrounding the area. When Garcí Manuel de Carbajal arrived to Arequipa in 1540, he called the city “Beautiful Ville of Arequipa.” Since then, Arequipa has been the second most important city in Peru.

During colonial times many Spaniards decided to settle in Arequipa. Quickly, Arequipa became an obligated stop for travelers coming from southern regions. Many churches and local mansions were built around the city. These buildings were built out of a white volcanic stone. The art used to build the Cathedral, the Church of Yanahuara, La Compañía, the Moral Mansion, the Monastery of Santa Catalina (built in 1580), and others will impress you. Most of these buildings are located in downtown where your hotel should be located.

Three hours away from Arequipa, the Colca Valley and the deepest Canyon of the world are located. At each side of the canyon there are Andean towns and millenary terraces as well as several natural hot springs with medicinal properties. On the way to the Valley, a vast amount of Vicuñas, Alpacas, and Llamas can be observed at their natural habitat. In addition, the Andean condor can sometimes be observed flying in its natural habitat. Finally, hiking towards the Oasis of San Galle located in the Colca Canyon is available. This 2 Day hike will take you into de the Canyon through a couple of Andean communities. The Colca Valley is located about 12,000 feet above sea level.

If you love food and the taste of great flavors, Arequipa is your choice. Arequipa is home of the best regional food in Peru. Famous chef Gaston Acurio inaugurated one more of his signature restaurants called "Chicha" in Arequipa in 2009. If you are in Arequipa, you should stop by.

If you are looking for adventure, you might do some rafting at the Chili River or climbing to the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. The National Sanctuary of "Las Lagunas de Mejia" are great for bird watching. 205 species of birds can be seeing here during one year (80 of them are residents and can be observed all year round). In one day, it is possible to observe among 30 and 50 different species.

Finally, Arequipa will help you to start your acclimatization process while you enjoy a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO.

2010-02-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

MACHU PICCHU TOWN

Machu Picchu Town is also known as Aguas Calientes. This is a very small town originally settled in 1901 by a few farmers. The railroad from Cusco to Machu Picchu was first built in the 1920’s. Nowadays, the railroad covers a total area of 110 kilometers. In order to visit Machu Picchu by train, it is necessary to stop at this town because it is the closest town to Machu Picchu and the train station is located here. The train station is located next to the marketplace and is less than a 5 minutes walk from the bus stop.

Machu Picchu Town is located at the base of Machu Picchu and Putucusi mountains and the Vilcanota River pass next to town. Tourism is the main activity in town and the variety of hotels and restaurants range from luxury hotels and restaurants to backpacker lodges. Prices at this town can be double that of the prices in Cusco. If you would like to spend a night in town, please make sure you book in advance because decent, safe accommodation is limited.

In town, you will find several internet cafes, minimarkets, handcraft stores, and restaurants. ATM’s are available in town at a few places. Once you get to Machu Picchu Town, you might take a bus to reach the ruins of Machu Picchu or hike up to Machu Picchu (About 1 hour and 30 minutes will be needed for this hike on average.) The entrance fee to Machu Picchu and bus tickets should be purchased in town as well as train tickets (during the high season, you should purchase your train tickets well in advance). For more information about the ruins of Machu Picchu, please click here.

If you have a day or more to spend here, you might hike up to Huayna Picchu or Putucusi Mountains. Both of them offer magnificent views of Machu Picchu as well as a lot of adventure. If you would like to hike Huayna Picchu, you will need to have an entrance ticket for Machu Picchu and sign-up for one of the two entrance times (only 200 people are allowed to sign up for each entrance time). If you would like to go for Putucusi, you will need to walk on the railroad going south and take the stairs located to your right (after you pass the last building, it will take about a minute to get to the starting point). Some climbing is included in both hikes. If you suffer from vertigo, please do not hike any of these treks. The Inkaterra hotel has a beautiful orchid garden which you should try to visit. The Museum of Machu Picchu is also a recommended place to visit. The hot springs of town are very popular for locals and tourists as well.

During the last few years, Machu Picchu town has opened up an alternative route. This route includes a car ride of about 6 hours (From Cusco to the Hydroelectric of Santa Teresa) and then a train ride of 45 minutes or a hike of about 3 hours (From the Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu town). It is important to know that a portion of the car ride is by a dirt road and that the train runs early in the morning and in the afternoon. Santa Teresa is well-known for its beautiful natural hot springs and its canopy. If you decide to hike from the Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu Town, you should visit the Mandor Gardens.

2010-02-21T18:06:00.000-08:00

CLASSIC INCA TRAIL FACTS

The vast Inca’s Empire was connected by an extense Inca trail system. The Classic Inca Trail is the most popular trail in Peru. This is the only trail that has as final destination, Machu Picchu. There are several places from where it is possible to start the Inca Trail, but the most popular one is the Classic Inca Trail which consists of a hike of 4 Days and 3 Nights.

The Classic Inca Trail is located in Cusco, Peru. If you would like to hike the Inca Trail, you will need to have permit because the Peruvian government only allows 500 people per day. The only way to get a permit is by hiring a registered tour operator or a travel agency working directly with a tour operator. All tour operators and travel agencies offer packages including the permit and other services. It is important to get book your Inca Trail with a travel agency or tour operator that is going to provide you the service that you are paying for.

The Classic Inca Trail starts at the kilometer 82 where the small Andean community of Piskacucho is located. Piskacucho is located about 8,500 feet above sea level. On the way to your first campsite you will be able to observe the Urubamba River, beautiful nevadoes, and the ruins of Huillcaraccay, Patallacta, and Pulpituyoc. Wayllabamba is the name of your first campsite and is located about 10,160 feet above sea level.

The second day of the Inca Trail is the most difficult one because you will hike at a constant incline until you reach the first pass named Warmiwañuska or Dead Women’s Pass which is located about 13,770 feet above sea level. This is the highest point of the Inca Trail and you will be able to enjoy a beautiful view. Your second campsite is named Pacaymayo which is located about 11,800 feet above sea level. This is a a magical spot where you will enjoy of the mystical view provided by a sky full of stars.

The third day of the Inca Trail is the most beautiful one. A magical path is going to take you to your next campsite named Wiñaywayna (Sometimes, the National Institute of Culture assigns the Phuyupatamarca camp site). Right after starting the day, you will visit the ruins of Runkurakay and then you will recah to the second pass named Runkurakay located about 12,330 feet above sea level. On the way to your last campiste, you will visit the ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca. Once at Wiñaywayna, you might visit the ruins of the same name.

The fourth day of the Inca Trail, you will wake up very early and then you will start your hike at about 5:30a.m. in order to arrive at dawn to the Gate of the Sun or Intipunku which is located about 8,920 feet above sea level. If it is not cloudy, you will have an incredible view of Machu Picchu. Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will take you to the main temples and rooms of Machu Picchu for about two hours. Later on, you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo and then a transfer will drive to your hotel in Cusco.

Hiking the Inca Trail is an amazing experience wich you will never forget in your life. In order to be ready to hike the Inca Trail, you should acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco. Also, you should be in shape to really enjoy the trek. If you are not used to hike, the service of a an extra porter should be hired to carry your personal belongings.

2010-02-20T21:08:00.000-08:00

INCA TRAIL REGULATIONS

Inca Trail Regulations, introduced in 2002, limit the number of trekkers and prevent trekkers from doing the trail independently. The number of trekkers permitted has been limited to 500 persons per day. This number includes tourists, tour guides, porters, and cooks. This means that only about 200 tourists per day hike the Inca Trail; therefore we recommend reserving your place far in advance.

The only document required to hike the Inca Trail is the permit issued by the National Institute of Culture (INC). This permit is personal, non-transferable and non-refundable and includes the entrance fee to Machu Picchu. Reimbursement of the Inca Trail permit is not possible under any circumstance.

When booking the Inca Trail, you MUST provide full names, passport numbers, ages and nationalities of all those going on the trip.

Passport information is verified by government officials at start of the trek.You can provide an old passport number, but you must bring it with you to the trek, unless your new passport contains the old passport number. If the original passport number you booked with does not match up, you will be unable to start the trek. A fee is charged to get your new passport number in your permit.

Incorrect information on travelers permit will result in the refusal of their entrance permits and to the trail; no reimbursement of fees will be made in this case. Government representatives will verify, at the checking point the first day, that information on your passport and Inca Trail permit match up. If information does not match up, you will not be allowed to start the trek. However, minor mistakes such as a letter of your name, wrong gender or age will be accepted to start the trek.

To be entitled to a student discount on the Inca Trail permit, a valid International Student Identification Card (ISIC) must be provided. No other forms of student identity are acceptable. A scanned copy of your ISIC must be provided. If a copy of your ISIC is not provided, you will be charged the standard trek price. You must bring your ISIC to the trek as it will be checked by government officials.

Inca Trail permits can be bought 360 days before the trip begins. We can take reservations with more time in advance, but we cannot guarantee availability. The permits will be purchased as soon as available.

The classic Inca Trail (4 days/3 nights) and the shorter 2-day Inca Trail will be closed each year during February to allow conservation projects to be undertaken as well as to give the vegetation a chance to recover. Machu Picchu will remain open as usual.

We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before starting the trek to ensure you are acclimatized to the high altitude

2010-02-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

CHICLAYO

Chiclayo is the capital of the Lambayeque region which is located north of Lima and Trujillo. Chiclayo is the forth most important city in Peru. Chiclayo is a land with several attractions. Chiclayo was part of the Mochica Culture settled in the Moche Valley from 100 AD to 800 AD and the Chimu Culture which ruled the area from 1200 AD to 1465AD. These are two of the most important ancient civilizations settled in Peru.

In Huaca Rajada, located east of Chiclayo, it is possible to visit the pyramids where the Royal Tomb of Sipan was found in 1987. The Museum of Huaca Rajada is located where the tombs were found. The museum holds some of the original pieces found in this tomb and other tombs. At this museum, you will also observe some representations of the original pieces. The area is under constant excavation. In 2008 a tomb was found by the team managed by Walter Alva, a famous Peruvian archeologist. The Royal Tombs of Sipan have been compared with the burials found in Egypt. All of the evidence found in the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, in the tomb of a priest, and the tomb of the old Lord can be observed at the beautiful Royal Tombs Museum of Sipan. This Museum is located in the town of Lambayeque which is about 30 minutes away from Huaca Rajada. Allow yourself at least a couple of hours to observe the Royal Tombs of Sipan.
The pyramids of Tucume are a complex of 26 pyramids made out of mud bricks. Some of the areas are under excavation. A short 25 minute hike will take you to the top of one of the pyramids to enjoy the amazing view.

Chaparri is a beautiful private natural reserve managed by the Andean Community of Muchik Santa Catalina de Chongoyape. The locals have decided to protect the area and some species in danger of extinction such as the Andean Bear, the Andean Condor, the Sechuran Fox, the White-Winged Guan, the Tumbes Tyrant and the Guanaco. The reserve is open daily from 7:00a.m. to 5:00p.m., but it is important to book in advance because there are a number of limited spaces per day. There is a lodge where it is possible to spend a night and be closer to nature.

Pacasmayo is a popular beach for windsurfers and surfers. Windsurf is great in this town because of the strong winds in some areas. There are only a couple of decent places to spend the night in town. Chiclayo is the nearest town to Pacasmayo and it takes a little more than an hour to get there.

Accommodation in Chiclayo is developing quickly, but there is still limited good and safe accommodation in town. If you are visiting Trujillo, Chiclayo is only a couple of hours away and should be visited.

2010-02-18T14:47:00.000-08:00

TRUJILLO

Trujillo is located in northern Lima. One of the attractions of Trujillo is its long, rich and beautiful coast. This beautiful coast was once home to two of the most remarkable civilizations settled in America. The Mochica Culture settled in the Moche Valley from 100 AD to 800 AD. The Mochicas built the Temples of the Moon and the Sun which are currently under excavation. The Temple of the Moon is open to public and the walls of the pyramid have several painted symbols and human representations.

Later on, the Chimu Culture ruled the area from 1200 AD to 1465 AD when the Inca Tupac Yupanqui conquered them. The Chimu culture built the biggest mud city in the world. Chan Chan had a capacity of one hundred thousand people in an area of 18 square kilometers with some walls as high as 9 meters. The city had streets, plazas with ramps, big houses, palaces, warehouses, water reservoirs, deposits and cemeteries. Chan Chan was added as a Unesco World heritage in 1986. Nowadays, it is possible to observe some original walls, but most of them are covered by layers of walls that depict what was carved on the original walls. Some of the plazas have still kept their original design and can be visited.

Trujillo holds one of the best regional cuisines in Peru. Great restaurants can be found around downtown and Huanchaco. Eating at a local restaurant and then walking around downtown Trujillo is charming. Another attraction of Trujillo is the weather. Trujillo is known in Peru as the city of the eternal spring because it is usually sunny.

In Trujillo, it is possible to observe one of the most popular dances of Peru. Marinera is the most romantic and graceful dance of Peru. This elegant and stylized dance is a must see if you are in Trujillo.

Surf is very popular in the La Libertad region where Trujillo is located. People from all over the world come to this region to surf the longest "left" of the world. This wave can be found in Chicama. Chicama is located about an hour and half from Trujillo. The town is also known as Malabrigo. Poemape and Huanchacho are very popular among surfers. In Huanchaco, it is possible to find a couple of surfing schools which provide wetsuits and boards.

If you decide to visit Trujillo, you should stay near the downtown area. If you have some extra days, you should spend a night in Huanchaco to observe the beautiful sunset and the local fisherman surfing the waves on their local reed canoes known as “Caballitos de Totora”.

2010-02-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

SALKANTAY TIPS

If you have decided to hike the Salkantay Trek, please make sure you read this section. The Salkantay is a beautiful trek covering Andean valleys, snowy peaks, the Andean jungle, and Machu Picchu. This amazing trek is considered a moderate to difficult hike for which you need to be prepared.

First, the Salkantay Trek covers a total distance of about 55.5 miles (89 kilometers) – the Short version is about 10.5 miles (or 17 kilometers) shorter - and reaches a maximum elevation of about 14,760 f.a.s.l. (4,600 m.a.s.l.). The trek starts at about 9,180 f.a.s.l. (2,850 m.a.s.l.) which means that in one day and a half, you will gain an elevation of about 5,580 f.a.s.l. (1,750 m.a.s.l.) These are two good reasons to be in good physical shape and used to the altitude of a high altitude city such as Cusco before starting the trek. It is recommended that you stay in Cusco or another high altitude city a couple of full days prior to starting the trek. In addition, you might choose to take high altitude sickness pills or chew coca leaves during the trek. If you get the symptoms of altitude sickness (strong headache, nausea, stomachache, and sometimes nose bleeding), try to drink a lot of liquid, and either have a very light meal or eat nothing at all. You should be feeling better the next day.

Second, since you will be hiking through several ecological steps, you will be encountering different climates and will need to be ready for it. For instance, the first day will be sunny in the beginning and very cold at night (below freezing) with almost no chance of rain. The second day will be below freezing in the morning, windy at midday with a low possibility of rain, and cool at night. The third day will be warm during the day and cool at night with a possibility of rain. The fourth day will be cool at morning with a possibility of rain and warm at midday. All these weather changes require you to bring the necessary gear to make this trek an enjoyable experience. Some of the basic gear you should bring are an impermeable or rain poncho, waterproof hiking boots, sun screen, hiking hat, sun glasses, light jacket, warm jacket, long and short sleeves shirts, gloves, hat, wool socks, thermal underwear and a good sleeping bag (good for 15 Fahrenheit degrees or less).

Third, campsites are dark at night so make sure you have a good flashlight. The sky at night is spectacular and if you want to spend a while outside looking at the stars, please make sure you have a good supply of batteries.

Finally, remember to bring insect repellent, a bathing suit, a small backpack to be carried during the day, an adventurous attitude and lots of energy.

In order to fully enjoy this once in a time experience, we recommend that you follow these instructions. Travel Insurance is highly recommended for this trip and a copy of it may be requested.

2010-02-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

SALKANTAY TREK

Cusco covers a total area of 70,015.30 Km2. In this beautiful land, it is possible to find colorful Andean valleys, snowy peaks, small and big lakes, rivers, waterfalls, coffee plantations, the beautiful Andean jungle, hundreds of Inca and pre-Inca sites, and several Andean communities. These Andean communities are connected by thousands of paths. Some of these paths have been used before the Spaniards arrived to Peru. One of these paths is the one connecting the Andean valley of Mollepata with the Santa Teresa town located in the Andean Jungle. This path in tourism is well-known as the Salkantay Trek. After the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is the most beautiful and popular one. Indeed, the magazine National Geographic Adventure rated the Salkantay Trek as one of the best 25 treks all over the world.

There are two different ways to hike the Salkantay Trek. The first one is by staying at beautiful lodges along the way and the second one is by staying at tents and the last night at a lodge or hotel. The most popular one is the second one. Whatever you choose, the Salkantay Trek will challenge you and astonish you.

Our company offers two Salkantay Treks: The Short Salkantay Trek (4 Days / 3 Nights) and the Long Salkantay Trek (5 Days / 4 Nights). In our opinion, the second one is the most beautiful one because the hot springs of Cocalmayo, located in Santa Teresa, and the ruins of Llactapata can be visited. From Llactapata, Machu Picchu can be observed from far. Both hikes include one night at a hotel in Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes, and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.

The Long Salkantay Trek can be considered as a moderate to difficult trek because the distances to be walked in total are in average 89 kilometers or 55.5 miles. Also, the highest point reaches about 4,600.00 m.a.s.l. or 15,000.00 f.a.s.l. Our company is prepared to provide the necessary equipment, nutritional meals, bilingual guides, and staff to make of your experience, the best one.

2010-02-12T19:45:00.000-08:00

MACHU PICCHU

Machu Picchu was made public in 1911 once the explorer Hiram Bingham arrived there. When Bingham was taken to Machu Picchu by locals, some of them where using some of the terraces to cultivate their harvests. Machu Picchu was never found by the Spaniards. Since 1911, Machu Picchu has been the reason of many studies, articles, and books.

In 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the new wonders of the new world. Machu Picchu is located on top of the Machu Picchu Mountain at 7,800 feet above sea level. Machu Picchu is surrounded by several mountains. The closest one is the Huayna Picchu Mountain and hiking to the top provides a spectacular view of Machu Picchu. Only 400 people are able to hike to the top of the Huayna Pichu Mountain per day. The peak of the Huayna Picchu Mountain is about 350 feet higher than Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu has several terraces, rooms, temples, and chambers. It is believed that the Incas left Machu Picchu to go further towards the jungle to hide from the Spaniards. There is not a definite answer about its purpose. One theory says that Machu Picchu was an observatory because during the winter solstice at dawn the sun shines through the “Torreón” located at the Sun Temple. This is only one of mysteries of Machu Picchu. Also, it is believed that Machu Picchu is full of energy.

There are two ways to arrive to Machu Pichu. One is by taking the train and the other one by hiking the Inca Trail or an alternative trek. Definitely, the most spectacular one by far is by hiking the Inca Trail. Arriving to Machu Picchu after three days of hiking is just one of those things that you will never forget for the rest of your life. If you would like to get more facts about the Inca Trail trek, please click here.

The train can be taken from Cusco or Ollantaytambo towards Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes is the nearest town to Machu Picchu. It is recommended to stay one extra night in Aguas Calientes. By staying one extra night, you will be able to come back to Machu Picchu the next day or visit the town of Santa Teresa and enjoy the hot springs of the town.

You will be able to go from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu by taking a bus or hiking to the top of the Machu Picchu Mountain. At the top of the Machu Picchu the Sancatuary Lodge is located. Spending a night at the Sanctuary Lodge will provide you a magical experience, however, it is a pricy hotel because of its location.

Whenever you decide to go to Machu Picchu, please make sure that you choose a company that you can trust in and takes care of the environment.

TRAVEL PERU

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TRAVEL PERU ideal location in South America offers one of the most diverse environments around the world. In Travel Peru it is possible to find 84 of the 117 life zones, including the Amazon, the deepest canyon in the world,
the highest navigable lake, beautiful nevados, and sunny beaches all year round.

This diverse environment was the home of thousands of cultures, such as the oldest civilization of America, known as the Caral Culture, located in the Supe Valley (north of Lima) about 5000 thousand years ago. The Moche Culture withits astonishing Royal Tombs of Sipan in Lambayeque; and the amazing Empire of the Incas. Today, Peru has 29 million inhabitants distributed among 25 regions. Each region in Travel Peru has its own culture and customs, a diverse gastronomy, beautiful scenery, and a large variety of flora and fauna. Despite Travel Peru amazing variety, most of its tourists are looking for a visit only to Machu Picchu and Cusco. After their arrival, the majority of them discover that they have missed a great opportunity to experience more of Travel Peru diverse wonders. When you plan your trip, remember that Travel Peru is much more than Machu Picchu and Cusco. Don’t let your lack of knowledge limit your enjoyment of this amazing country.

Let us help you get the most out of your visit. Our native Peruvian staff has selected our best trips to Travel Peru , which you can find below.

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