Inca Trail Trek Alternatives

Read our blog entry on some alternative treks to Machu Picchu, sometimes there just isnt space on the Classic Inca Trail....

http://peru-tour-packages.com/peru-trekking/

Weekend Antics - High Altitude Fishing

What we got up to this weekend.....

http://escapedtolatinamerica.com/blog/?p=33

Very interesting blog by Robert on the Ice Festival

http://escapedtolatinamerica.com/blog/

Manu Cloud Forest - Cock of the Rock

Visiting the Manu Cloud Forest is not just about seeing the national bird of Peru, the Cock of the Rock, the whole experience is a bit of an adventure!

http://www.escapedtoperu.com/english/manu-cloud-forest-road-trip.html

Peruvian Airlines suspended for 90 days!

 

On the evening of the 18th August the Peruvian Ministry for Transport and Communications (MTC) suspended the operations of Peruvian Airlines, one of the four major carriers within Peru for a minimum period of 90 days without introducing any contingency plan for the thousands of affected passengers. This came without any warning and has clearly caused serious disruption.

It may be possible that some or all of the cost of these flights will be reimbursed but there is no guarantee of this nor has any time frame been given. We are waiting on more news and communications to clarify matters.

Clients of ours that will be affected by this have been notified and alternative flights are being arranged. Such last minute changes are outside the control of tour operators like us and this situation highlights the need to purchase travel insurance before your tour as this will cover such incidents.

Galapagos Islands Tightens Restrictions.

Great BBC video explaining the restrictions of visiting one of our best selling destinations, the Galapagos Islands.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/fast_track/9554939.stm

New Peruvian Banknotes

New designs of Peruvian bank notes have hit the streets, we enclose the new and the old so that when you have them both in your hands, dont panic, they are both legal tender. Here we are showing the 10 and 20 sol notes, new version above the old one.

Pisaq Market in the Sacred Valley, Peru.

The market at Pisaq is a popular stop on a Peru tour package. The market is not just about handicrafts but as you can see in the video many country people come in to the town to sell their goods to each other.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTjZsAzLZqA

BBC Article On Travel Insurance - Read It Before You Go!

This recent article from the BBC sums up why we tell our clients to purchase travel insurance, take a read before you travel with us or anyone else. 

http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20110718-is-travel-insurance-right-for-you/1

Paucartambo Festival Videos on our YouTube page!

Videos from the Paucartambo festival this weekend, Gary, Malka, Seppe and Robert went to visit, and Saby from operations was actually dancing;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v​=Adb5YwG3Jq4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v​=h5Ow9KwEFhw

Anne and Hugh´s Travel Diary - Nazca

 

We arrived late in the afternoon at the village of San Pablo to visit the Museo Maria Reiche. This is the former home, research base and now resting place of the German born Dr. Maria Reiche, Phd, who devoted her whole life to studying the Nasca Lines and fighting to get them protected and preserved for all time.

It is a fascinating place with copies of her original notes and diagrams on display, along with photos and graphs explaining how the Nasca constructed an underground irrigation system that fed a series of deep well water channels in the area.

The Museum was added onto her original one room house, which still contains the original furniture she used. If you look inside, it has been set up to show her (a sculptured manikin of her), sitting at her typewriter desk working, with all her sketchs and survey drawings (copies of the originals now stored in the Peruvian National Archives) hanging from the wall.

On the east side is a new gallery with Nasca Pottery and aerial photographs of the Nasca Lines.  In the garden at east end is the tomb where she was laid to rest after she passed away.

Her work was instrumental in getting the Nasca Lines recognised as a World Heritage Site.

From here it was a short drive up out of the valley this small museum and town was in, out onto the broad flat Nasca Plains.  Here we stopped at a viewing tower set up to allow people to look down on the Nasca Hands and the Nasca Bush.

This is one of the driest places on the Earth.  It has not rained on these plains for centuries, which is why the Nasca Lines have lasted such a long time.  Recently there was an unseasonal heavy rain storm in the hills to the east.  The flash flood that resulted from this deluge did do some damage, which the aerial photos I took next morning will show.

We then proceeded south east to the City of Nasca, arriving just after sunset.  Our hotel here was a Casa Andrea, quite lovely and comfortable.

After checking in we went out to a local restaurant for supper before turning in for the night.

Good night to all from Nasca, Peru

Read more about the mysterious Nazca Lines here http://www.escapedtonazcalinestours.com/

Annual Construction of the Qeswachaka Inca Rope Bridge

Robert from the Cusco sales team recently went to see the unique annual Inca rope bridge construction near Cusco and shares his experiences and photos with you. Check out the link below:

http://www.escapedtoperu.com/english/qeswachaka-inca-rope-bridge.html

Colca Canyon - Condors and Natives

Blog post by Gary

My wife Malka and I have recently returned from a trip to the Colca Canyon area of Peru and I felt like sharing some of our experiences and knowledge of this lovely area with you all.

Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world and is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US. The deepest canyon is said to be the Cotahuasi which is actually next door to Colca! The main attraction for our clients visiting this area is the ease with which they can see the largest land-living bird, the Andean Condor. Each morning during the dry season the Condor Cross viewpoint is visited by hundreds of tourists eager to see the spectacle of often half-a-dozen or more condors swooping on morning thermals. 

I personally have been very lucky in that many times I have seen more than 10 of these majestic birds flying around, but be aware that at other times you may only see a couple of them, you cant get nature to order of course but this place is the most accessible point in Peru to view the birds.

Malka and I were taking it easy while we were there and I had a break from the office but we did re-visit and stay at some of the hotels we use for our clients, not just as somewhere to stay but also to re-check the standards and services of each hotel. For value for money our favorite is the Colca Lodge. The awkward transfer to this hotel is more than made up for by the comfortable rooms, great spa and the best feature, their own hot springs right in the hotel grounds. It is a real pleasure to wander down to the pools in the cold evening air in your fluffy robe and slippers, immerse yourself in the soothing hot water with spectacular views of the valley and stars, and enjoy a cocktail before dinner. A great experience which we recommend to all our clients.

For those looking for luxury however the Casitas de Colca is a superb, high-end pampering experience. This Orient Express property is simply sublime with guest having their own houses to stay in, each one with a sumptuous level of comfort and facilities. If you want to splurge on luxury this is the place, have a look at my video of the room we were in with its own private outdoor hot pool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcRX6S_VDvQ

The little villages in the Colca valley are fascinating too, many still cling to age-old traditions and the rivalry between the two sides of the valley and canyon are still evident in the hats that the women wear. The two cultures, the Collaguas and the Cabanas, have different styles of hats, one being more of a cap style and the other with a wider round brim. The women always wear them, and not just for the tourists. As you walk arounf the villages you will see what rural people have done for hundreds of years, in many areas of the Colca valley life continues in much the same way as it always has. 

This is a beauftiful place that the majority of visitors to Peru dont get chance to see, if you have the time in your itinerary i highly recommend it and as you can see, its not all about the condors!

Peru Vacations - Is It Worth Visiting Colca Canyon?

So, you’ve got to that part of your Peru vacation planning where you can’t decide which places to visit and what you may need to cut out in order to fit with your timeframe. It’s difficult as there are so many options in a country as diverse as Peru, that someone planning their trip can get overwhelmed.

One great option to include in your trip is a visit to the Colca Canyon in the south of Peru. This article will help you decide if you should include it in your Peru vacation or not.

What is the Colca Canyon?
The Colca Canyon was formed by the Colca river, and is located about 160km northwest of Arequipa. Most visitors use Arequipa as the base for trips to the canyon, which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and is considered the second deepest in the world.

Who goes to the Colca Canyon?
The Canyon has plenty of options for outdoor types and adventurers as well as those who simply enjoy spectacular scenery and traditional towns and villages. There are many popular treks around the Canyon, from two day circuits on well maintained paths to seven day routes that require an experienced guide. Rafting, mountain-biking, climbing and horse-riding are also popular. You can also take a dip in the ‘La Calera’ thermal baths whilst enjoying the superb scenery.

Wildlife enthusiasts have a near guarantee of seeing the largest land-based bird in the world, the giant Andean Condor. Visitors to the ‘Cruz Del Condor’ viewpoint in the early morning can see these huge birds swooping past the lookout point over the precarious drop into the base of the Canyon, 1.2 kilometers below.

How much time do I need to visit the Colca Canyon?
Including travel from Arequipa and then on to Lake Titicaca or back to Arequipa, three days are a good length of time. However, if you want to take more time to investigate Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, there is plenty to do to fill up any additional days! Alternatively if you are pushed for time the canyon can be visited as an overnight trip. A day trip from Arequipa is not recommended due to the travelling time involved.

What else can you combine with Colca on a Peru vacation?
Based in the south of Peru, the Colca Canyon is near to the impressive Lake Titicaca that sits on the border with Bolivia. Visitors can visit the various islands dotted around the lake and see the hand-woven floating reed houses that the local people still live on.

Also in the south and easy to combine in a circular route from Lima is Cusco and the Sacred Valley; the ancient centre of the Inca Empire. From there it is possible to travel to the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu, perhaps hiking the last 46 kilometers along the popular Inca Trail or one of the alternative routes.

Also relatively easy to include in your circuit are the Nazca Lines, a mysterious collection of ancient geoglyphs carved into the Nazca desert. Shapes range from simple geometric forms and lines to animal shapes like monkeys, birds and lizards. No-one is really sure why the lines exist, or who put them there.

The Colca Canyon is most commonly combined into a tour taking in Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. To this route you can easily add the southern coast and Nazca Lines and/or the Amazon Rainforest depending on the time you have available.

Have you visited the Colca Canyon? What did you think?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Escaped to Peru sponsors Peru´s most successful cricket team

 

The Cusco-based Tour Operator Escaped to Peru, part of Escaped to Latin America, is proud to be a sponsor of the Peruvian national cricket team as they enjoy their best ever result in international competition in Costa Rica.

The Peruvian national cricket team has enjoyed its best ever tournament in Costa Rica and the Tour Operator Escaped to Peru is proud to have been a sponsor and is a constant supporter of the development of this sport within Peru.

The recent ICC Americas Division III tournament was held in San Jose, Costa Rica between the 14th and 18th of March and featured 6 Latin American teams seeking promotion to the second division. Peru competed against teams from Belize, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico and the Falkland Islands and on pitches that were slow with huge boundaries all the teams battled with the local conditions and struggled to score runs. The Peruvian team played extremely well to beat every team except the eventual group winners, Belize.

Gary Sargent, the Managing Director of Escaped to Peru, is normally a member of the squad but missed this tournament due to work commitments. He explains "The current team is made up of mainly ex-pats like myself who have been nationalized". Gary goes on to say "We are actively promoting the development of cricket amongst Peruvian born young men and women and we are sure that within a few short years we will be able to field a complete team of native Peruvians". Until that happens the nationalized members in the side will continue to represent Peru in a sport that is not yet fully recognized by the Peruvian authorities despite being supported by the ICC, the world governing body.

Some of the private bi-lingual schools in Lima such as Markham and Hiram Bingham are running cricket coaching for their kids, both male and female, and recent junior tournaments bode well for the future. Anyone who is interested in finding out more about cricket in Peru can contact Gary via his office.

Machu Picchu - How To Guarantee A Better Vacation Than Anyone Else

One of the most iconic sites in Latin America is Machu Picchu. Whenever someone thinks of taking Peru vacations, the classic photo of the Inca citadel sitting high in cloud forest comes to mind.

However, it’s no secret that Machu Picchu has large numbers of visitors all year round. If you’d like to visit the site and get a unique experience that is probably better than most other visitors, here are some tips.

1) Get there early
The idea of dragging yourself out of bed at 4.30 am may not be very appealing, but it will be worth it when you find yourself at the front of the queue for entrance to the site. You’ll also get the opportunity to be one of the 400 visitors with permission to climb the spectacular slopes of nearby Huayna Picchu, as this is only available to early arrivals.

2) Start from the wrong end
Most visitors to Machu Picchu take a conventional path around the site, working their way up the nearest terraces to the guard house to take their own version of the iconic photo of the site with Huayna Picchu in the background. You’ll get a dose of near-solitude if you head straight to the other end of the site near the base of Huayna Picchu and work backwards.

3) Arrive by foot
It may be hard work, but you’ll feel rewarded when you finally get to the site instead of rumbling along in a bus with everyone else. Two main options exist:

Option 1: The Inca Trail
A 3 or 4 day hike along the best-preserved section of ancient Inca highway, the route takes you through an incredible variety of landscapes before finishing at the Sun Gate that overlooks the site. It’s a very popular route, so make sure you book up to 3 months in advance...

Option 2: Walking from Aguas Calientes
If you are staying in the nearby village of Aguas Calientes, it is possible to walk up to the site first following the river then using a steep flight of stairs through tropical foliage. Visitors are recommended to make an early start and to carry a flashlight.

4) See the site from all angles
Check out the site from more than the classic Gate House angle. Try climbing Machu Picchu mountain itself – this is a fairly strenuous climb but offers fantastic views from the top of both the site and the surrounding mountains.

Other options for a different angle on Machu Picchu include looking down from Huayna Picchu and making the 45 minute walk back up the Inca Trail from the main site to the Sun Gate. You’ll be surprised how few people make the effort...

5) Get a good guide
There are a lot of conflicting theories about Machu Picchu’s history, and it is easy to get spun a tall tale by a guide. By travelling with a reputable tour operator you can get escorted around the site by an expert who puts a lot of time and effort into staying on the cutting edge of discoveries about Machu Picchu. This will definitely give you a unique perspective on the site. Be sure to choose a fluent English speaker!

6) Stay the night in Aguas Calientes
Try to avoid the typical scenario of cramming a trip to Machu Picchu into a single day. If you are prepared to stay the night in nearby Aguas Calientes you’ll have the benefit of a peaceful afternoon on the site after all the day trippers have left to rush back to Cusco. You’ll be amazed how much quieter the site is towards the end of the day. This also allows you to get to the site when it first opens on the following day.

Have you got any other tips to have a unique trip to Machu Picchu? What was your visit like?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Galapagos Tours - 5 Mistakes To Avoid

If you’re thinking about visiting the Galapagos Islands, you’re in for a treat. Made famous by Charles Darwin’s voyage on the Beagle in the 19th century, the Islands lie 972 km west of mainland Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. Undiscovered by mankind until relatively recently, you’ll see a fantastic range of flora and fauna in ecosystems that exist nowhere else on the planet.

However there are a couple of pitfalls to travelling to the Galapagos Islands and also while you are on your stay. Here are five things you are best avoiding.

1) Missing your plane from Ecuador
The vast majority of tourists arrive at Galapagos by plane. It is only possible to reach the islands by a flight from mainland Ecuador starting in either Quito or Guayaquil. International flights do not go directly to the Islands. If you are flying, make sure your seat doesn’t get given away to someone else by:

• Checking in more than an hour before take-off
• Planning your international arrival to Ecuador at least a day before your departure flights to the Galapagos to give yourself time between connections (If you miss the start of your cruise there is no way to catch up!)

2) Taking a tour with an unqualified guide
Conservation on the islands is of critical importance, and the best people to maintain standards are the tour guides. They should help keep you on the marked pathways and assist in communicating and enforcing conservation rules.

Visitors to the Galapagos Islands should be guided at all times by a qualified individual.  There shouldn’t be any more that 16 people in your group, to allow for proper control and guidance of tourists.  They should also provide information about general water safety and monitor all swimming and snorkeling.

3) Touching animals
It’s tempting, but visitors should not interact with animals on the Galapagos Islands. The majority of animals on the Galapagos have no reason to fear humans, and consequently will allow visitors to get very close without bolting.  

However, you should go no closer than within two meters of animals, as in some cases they will follow you, leaving their nests uncovered, exposing eggs or chicks to the sun.  Additionally, no animals should be fed or baited on water or land.

4) Introducing new species to the islands
Introducing any exotic organisms to Galapagos could have a devastating effect on the ecosystems that exist in a state of delicate balance.  Any food, animal and vegetable products as well as seeds, plants or fresh flowers should be declared before leaving the airport at Quito or Guayaquil so that a trained inspector can deem if they are safe or not. Live animals in any form are also not permitted.  

The same principles apply for inter-island trips; each island is its own unique ecosystem, so introductions between islands can be just as destructive to the natural process of things as items from the mainland.

5) Lighting fires
In 1985, Isabel Island suffered severe damage from negligence with smoking and fire lighting. Amazingly, the same thing happened again almost a decade later in 1994.  Even though a beach fire seems like the perfect end to a day on an exotic island adventure, visitors should resist the urge to build a camp fire.

Are there any other things that visitors to the Galapagos Islands should avoid? What are your Galapagos vacation experiences?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Peru Vacations - 11 Tips To Remove Luggage Stress

 

One of those necessary annoyances of travelling to Peru or elsewhere in Latin America is planning the luggage that you will carry. You don’t want to end up lugging around giant suitcases of empty space, but you don’t want to be breaking zippers either.

Here’s some helpful advice on sorting out your luggage for a Peru vacation.

1. Pack light with spare capacity. You will probably fill up your luggage space as you travel with purchases and gifts for friends and family back home.
2. Treatment of luggage in Peru is no better or worse than anywhere else - take a sturdy suitcase, soft-sided resilient backpack or hold-all (depending upon the nature of your trip).
3. You will also need a day pack which should be taken as hand luggage providing it falls within the permitted dimensions.
4. An easy way to free up space - you will NOT need a clean set of clothes for every day of the trip as all good hotels have laundry facilities and laundries can also be easily found in any tourist destination.
5. It is useful to have luggage that can be locked to stop people quickly rummaging through your belongings. (Do note that traveling through the US customs may break your lock to check the contents of your bags).
6. Check luggage requirements for all the airlines that you may be using on your vacation - these are constantly changing, so have a look at their website to avoid being caught out.
7. For hand luggage, the maximum weight varies between 6 and 10kg. The rules may differ on your return journey. Items such as laptops are often counted as separate from your hand luggage allowance, so take advantage of this in your packing!
8. If any of your flights involve a change of plane, there is always the possibility that you and your checked luggage will arrive separately. Make sure you plan a day on arrival at a fixed address that can receive your forwarded luggage when it arrives.
9. Try to use distinctive baggage that will be easier to describe if it goes astray, and label your bags clearly with your name and hotel destination.
10. If you are moving fairly quickly on to your next port of call add this information to the luggage label. Place a duplicate label inside each piece of luggage.
11. Due to the climatic diversity of Peru you may need a variety of clothes to suit the coastal desert, the high Andes and the Amazon Rainforest depending on your itinerary. Layers are more practical than thick jumpers and mean that the same clothes can be used in all three climatic zones. Check the high and low temperatures before you travel and the likelihood of rain.

Some additional guidelines for baggage allowances
Note: these can be subject to change, so make sure you check your airline’s website!

• Baggage allowances vary from one carrier to another.
• Infants have no baggage allowance, but parents are allowed to carry a reasonable selection of items for the baby, free of charge.
• Children (aged 2-11 years inclusive) normally have full adult baggage allowance.
• Club and First Class passengers have a higher baggage allowance than Economy Class, usually around 30kg in total.
• As a very general rule, most international carriers as well as domestic carriers in Latin America allow a maximum of 20kg in Economy Class, for both internal and international flights.
• If you are taking a small domestic flight, airlines operating planes with fewer than twenty seats often have a limit as low as 5kg.

Do you have any other useful tips for packing for Peru vacations? Did you ever have a bad luggage experience?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Machu Picchu - 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Too

Have you heard of Machu Picchu? If not, you’ve probably never heard of Peru, or South America! Machu Picchu is a famous Inca Citadel located in the Andes mountains of Peru.

It is a destination that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists a year on Peru vacations. Here are five reasons why you should follow in their footsteps and go and see Machu Picchu for yourself.

One of the 7 wonders of the world
In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the new ‘Seven Wonders Of The World’ in a worldwide internet poll involving millions of people. Other sites included the Taj Mahal in India, Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Colosseum in Italy and the Great Wall of China in...China.

If there was ever a place to see before you die, Machu Picchu is globally recognized as one of your best options.

An incredible setting
2,430 meters above sea level on a mountain ridge in cloud forest, Machu Picchu was hard to find and was never discovered by the Spanish conquistadors. Despite improved access for the high numbers of tourists, visitors can still get a sense of the remoteness of the site.

Visitors to the site can stare down over dizzying drops to the Urubamba river that churns through a deep valley surrounding the site. Peaks rise up on all sides, covered in thick vegetation. There is no substitute for visiting Machu Picchu and getting a true sense of what it must have been like for the Inca inhabitants hundreds of years ago.

Adventurous access - the Inca Trail
Machu Picchu isn’t just a site, it is a destination. For travelers with a sense of adventure and a desire to test their legs, Machu Picchu can be accessed by a 3 or 4 day trek along a section of the ancient Inca highway known as the Inca Trail.

The route passes through cloud forest and Andean tundra, climbing over 4000 meters on mountain passes in full view of snow-capped peaks. It is impressive, which is why it books out quickly - if you’re interested, get in touch with a tour operator at least 3 months in advance to reserve your space.

See it while it is still around
On the World Monuments Fund 2008 list of the 100 Most Endangered Sites, Machu Picchu showed up. With the number of annual visitors in the order of hundreds of thousands, the site is degrading under the physical effects of so many tourists.

Geological surveys on the site have revealed that certain areas are in danger of collapsing - if you want to visit one of the most iconic sites on the planet, you may not have much time left.

See the classic photo for yourself
Almost everyone has seen the famous photo of Machu Picchu - the Inca ruins perched on top of a mountain ridge with the impressive steep slopes of Huayna Picchu mountain in the background.

However, no photo can give you the full impression of the site. The only way you’ll ever appreciate the majesty of Machu Picchu is to visit it for yourself!

Have you been to Machu Picchu? What did you think?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Sometimes clichés really do say it best, and expect the unexpected does the job when trying to describe our Peru experience. When we booked our vacation with Escaped to Latin America we harbored the usual, reasonable expectations:  that our flights would be reserved properly—they were; the hotel staff wouldn’t be surprised to see us when we showed up—they weren’t; we would enjoy learning about a country we’d never visited before—we did; and the memory card on the camera would be chock full of amazing photos—it was. Having our expectations met is certainly notable but in the end, it was what we weren’t expecting that made our trip unforgettable.

 We didn’t expect our driver, Eduardo, to stay with us until we were safely checked in to our hotel, or wait in line with us the next day at the airport until he was satisfied we were properly checked in for our flight to Cusco and had waved us through security with paternal concern.

 We didn’t expect a personal meeting with Freddy, our Inca Trail guide, the night before our trek. He came to see us at our hotel, got to know each of us, made sure we were physically and mentally prepared for the trek, and patiently answered all of our questions.

 We didn’t expect to have Freddy anda bevy of porters all to ourselves, anticipating and attending to our every need for the entire trek; we didn’t expect every meal to be a multi-course extravaganza that was so delicious we asked our cook, Dimitri, if he would come home with us and be our personal chef (he politely declined); and we certainly didn’t expect to wake up every morning and have a steaming cup of coca tea handed to us before we got out of our sleeping bags.

 From the planning stages with Zara who catered to our every request and patiently customized our trip exactly the way we wanted it; the many tour guides like Philippe and Silvia who engagingly shared Peru’s cultural and historical delights with us; our nightly chats with Freddy, when we played cards, learned new ‘Quechuan words, and exchanged cultural anecdotes; to our exit team that handled last minute travel glitches with calm professionalism; our escape to Peru far exceeded our expectations.

 We thoroughly enjoyed the culture and people of Peru and anticipate more opportunities to travel in Latin America. When we do start planning that next adventure, the first item on our ‘to do’ list will be contact Escaped to Latin America; and we will definitely be expecting the unexpected.

7 Things To Avoid On A Peru Vacation

Peru is an incredible travel destination, which is why so many people take Peru vacations and Peru tours every year. But just like anywhere else in the world, Peru has its problems. If you’re taking Peru vacations, here are seven things that you should be careful to avoid.

1) Getting denied entry
Conditions are always changing in Latin America to be able to visit a country, and Peru is no exception. International relations, disease outbreaks and changes in regulations can mean that even if you book a flight to Peru you won’t necessarily be allowed to enter the country. Check your government website for visa and vaccination requirements at least a couple of months before your departure date to make sure the Peruvian government has no reason to keep you out.

2) Health scares
Health problems can come in all shapes and sizes, from physical injuries to getting malaria. The best option is to have as many situations as possible covered and to make sure that you have travel insurance to cover medical emergencies and repatriation. Be sure to check the small print on your policy to find out what you’re really covered for and what you must do in the event of a claim.

3) Pick-pockets
Peru has some great markets like the Witches market in Chiclayo or the popular market in Pisac near Cusco. However if you are negotiating a crowded market place you could be the victim of pick-pocketing, something that frequently happens to tourists. When out and about be sure to leave your valuables in a secure place back at your hotel. Any essentials that you must carry should be in a money belt under layers of clothing. Also try not to flash money or valuable objects around in public as this will attract the attention of thieves.

4) Stomach trouble
Traveller’s belly has soured a few Peru vacations over the years. The best way to avoid sickness is by being careful about what you eat, and particularly the water. Tap water in Peru is not drinkable, so stick to bottled water and avoid ice and foods such as salads that can be washed in tap water.

5) Altitude sickness
Peru’s mountainous regions are spectacular but very, very high! To avoid getting altitude sickness try not to make big jumps in altitude over short time periods. If that can’t be avoided, make sure you plan a few rest days at higher altitude before attempting any exercise. Try to avoid alcohol and drink lots of water to stay well hydrated in your first few days at altitude.

6) Large bills of money
A common problem in Peru is the lack of small change that people have. Even trying to use a relatively small note to pay for something may create problems for many store-owners. Try to carry money in small denominations - you can change large bills at banks or when making bigger purchases.

7) High tourist season
The problem with being a popular tourist destination is that there are a lot of tourists in Peru! Businesses tend to raise their prices around the times of year that lots of tourists visit and popular sites can be very busy. If you would like a quieter vacation try to avoid the months of July and August and mid-December to mid-January.

What other things should be avoided in Peru? Is there anything else that you should be careful about?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Peru Tours - Custom Designed Vs Group Tours

If you’re considering options for Peru tours, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by choice. Something that can narrow things down for you is deciding between a custom designed vacation or a group tour. This article explains the differences and the benefits of each option so you can choose the best one for you.

Group Peru tours - what are they?
Group tours are fixed routes with set dates that are filled by travel agents or tour operators. They generally have a large capacity and the people booking onto the tour will not know the other travelers in the group (unless a large group books together and fills up the tour).

What are the benefits of group Peru tours?
Lower cost - as many people are doing the same thing, it should normally be possible for the tour agency or tour operator to get a lower price for the tour per person particularly when using larger chain hotels.

Good for visiting very popular sites - most countries where tourism is popular like Peru, have sites that everyone visits such as Machu Picchu. If you’d like to base your trip around these sites and don’t mind a fairly generic visit and the possibility of being in a crowd, group tours can be a good option for you.

Meet other people - if you’re up for meeting new people on your travels, then a group tour could be for you. You’re going to be spending the duration of the tour with other travelers that you’ve never met. You have to be lucky with who ends up in your group, but you could end up making some great new friends.

Custom designed Peru tours - what are they?
Custom Peru tours are those which you design in conjunction with your Peru tours operator. You decide how long you travel for and when, where you visit, what sort of accommodation you use and how much time you spend in each place. Your Peru tours operator will offer you advice and expertise on your options, but you ultimately get to decide. By having complete flexibility in your vacation planning the tour will be tailored to your tastes and interests.

What are the benefits of custom Peru tours?
Flexibility - you get to control all the elements of your tour. Instead of fitting in with the fixed schedule of a group tour, you can leave out places you don’t want to visit or spend more time in places that you’re excited about visiting.

Accommodation – on group tours operators tend to use large hotel chains. If your preference is for smaller more personal hotels with local character then a custom tour can accommodate this.

Visit places not on major tourist routes - group tours tend to only take people to the big tourist sites, but if you’ve got a lesser-visited location that you want to include on your Peru tour, a custom tour operator can make it happen. Also if you want to visit somewhere a bit different but aren’t sure where, a good custom Peru tours operator can suggest less popular places that are more off the beaten track.

Follow your interests – maybe you are an archeology buff or wildlife is your thing. A custom tour operator will design your Peru vacation to fit with your specific interests rather than the generic interests of a large group.

Great for families - typically families have a very specific set of needs and schedules and prefer to be their own group rather than part of a bigger one. If you are planning a family trip to Peru, consider going with a custom Peru tours operator. This will allow you to stay in family friendly hotels and set the itinerary and pace to suit you and your family.

Go at your own pace - the classic example is a hiking trip. In a group there will be fast and slow people, which can be a source of frustration for all concerned if people have to wait around for others or feel pressured by the rest of the group. In custom tours this isn’t a problem as you define the pace of your trip during the planning process. Equally on an excursion if you want to spend more time in a certain place, you have more flexibility and don’t have to convince anyone else to stay!

Custom tour operators may also be able to combine the best of both worlds. A tailor made vacation may include certain shared services such as a trek, excursions or shared transport where appropriate in order to lower costs and to allow you to share those experiences with a group. That way your overall itinerary is customized to your needs whilst taking advantage of some shared services.

Which option is the best for you? What other benefits are there for group Peru tours and custom Peru tours?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Ten Things To Expect On The Inca Trail

If you want to take a Peru vacation, you’re probably thinking of visiting the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu. The most famous and popular way to get to Machu Picchu is on the Inca Trail, over 30 kilometres of winding paved path that is more than 500 years old.

So if you’re thinking about Inca Trail tours, what should you expect? Here are ten important things.

1) A waiting list
The Inca trail is so popular that most people must book 3 months in advance. If you’re thinking about booking, it’s also worth remembering that the trail is closed in February for maintenance.

2) Obligatory guides
Since 2000 the Peruvian Government has made it an official requirement to trek the Inca Trail with a guide. This means the only option is to do the trek as part of a tour.

3) Poor service for low prices
When choosing your tour operator for the Inca Trail, avoid the temptation to go as cheap as possible. You’ll find yourself in large groups of twenty people or more and there’s a high chance that the tour operator will treat their Peruvian staff badly.

4) Tipping porters and guides
Even if you choose a company that treats its workers well, cooks, guides and porters will still be relying on tips to get paid a decent wage for their work. Generally accepted rates are as follows:

If you are part of a group, each group member should allow:
• US$5 per person for the porters (ratio is 1 client: 1 porter)
• US$10 per person to the cook
• US$10 per person to the guide

However, if you are part of a very small group, you may consider increasing these amounts.
If you are on a privately escorted trip, you should allow:
• US$25 for the porters
• US$10 for the cook
• US$50 for the guide

5) Difficulty with Altitude
Coming straight up from Lima and getting stuck into the Inca Trail will leave even the fittest hiker gasping for air. With the 4200m “Dead Woman’s Pass” waiting for you on day two of the four day hike, try to allow for a couple of days in nearby Cusco to acclimatise to the altitude before setting off.

6) Crowds
Guides do their best to keep distance between groups on hiking days, but expect to see crowds in campsites. Inca Trail regulations permit 500 people on the trail per day (most of whom are expedition porters and staff) so if you wanted to be alone in the wilderness, there are probably better routes to choose from in Peru.

7) Lots of rules
Want to light a camp fire? Nope. Any chance of camping outside designated sites? Nope. Walking off the trail? Nope.

Expect a set of strict rules when walking the Inca trail - if you get frustrated try to remember that a lot of people use the Inca Trail and for good upkeep a strong set of rules are necessary. If you want a more flexible trek, there are plenty of options for hikes in the same region.

8) Steps
Up, down, up down...don’t expect an easy, flat road. Inca engineers took their climbs and drops pretty seriously, so trekkers will have the benefit of kilometer after kilometer of stone steps to negotiate the mountains.

9) Early mornings
If you’re not a morning person, don’t opt for the Inca Trail. Particularly on the last day for the approach to Machu Picchu; your guide will be trying to get your group a good position amongst the others for entry into the site which will result in a cheery 5.30am wake-up call.

10) Incredible views and the trip of a lifetime
Despite all the problems and challenges, you’ll be set for a wonderful experience which keeps trekkers coming back to the Inca trail, year after year. It’ll be a decision that you’ll never regret!

Have you trekked the Inca Trail? What were your experiences?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Peru Tours - 5 Unmissable Places To Include In Your Trip

If you’re planning a Peru vacation, there’s a couple of places that you really shouldn’t miss - especially if this is your first trip to Peru. Here are 5 place in Peru that you should include in your Peru tour plans.

1) Machu Picchu
Everyone has heard of the world famous UNESCO World Heritage site, and you’ve probably seen the picture of the impressive Inca ruins rising out of the cloud forest. No matter how many times you’ve seen the image, nothing compares to actually standing and looking down over the site. If you really want to go for the traditional Machu Picchu experience, try to book yourself onto the Inca Trail, a four day trek that follows a 500 year old Inca path and finishes at the site.

2) Amazon Jungle
Half of Peru is covered by the Amazon Rainforest which provides a home to the greatest concentration of animal and plant life on earth and incredible bio-diversity. The main areas that are visited by travelers are the Tambopata and Iquitos regions which can be reached relatively easily. The Peruvian Rainforest is a truely spectacular environment even if you are not a complete animal or bird enthusiast!

3) Nazca lines
Best seen from a light aircraft, the Nazca lines are a set of ancient drawings on the surface of a desert in southern Peru  that range from simple lines to complex images like monkeys and spiders. Some figures are more than 200m across, and archaeologists are still debating hotly as to the origin and purpose of these mysterious lines as they can only really be fully viewed while flying!

4) Lake Titicaca
This lake sits 3,811m above sea level and is the largest lake by volume of water in South America and is shared with Bolivia. Visitors can navigate the lake by small boat and visit the various islands dotted around it’s vast area, as well as paying a visit to the famous Uros floating reed islands made by the inhabitants who still to this day live and work on their self-constructed homes.

5) Colca Canyon
The second deepest canyon in the world (the deepest being the Cotahuasi next door), Colca Canyon offers visitors the opportunity for some spectacular hiking and other adventure and cultural activities. It’s also recognized as one of the best places to see the famous Andean condor, the largest land bird in the world with a wingspan of 3.2 metres.

Visiting all 5 sites
Depending on the time constraints of your vacation, it’s possible to visit all these sites as part of the same trip. However, to do this independently normally requires a lot of time to organize transport and travel between the different sites (many of which are hundreds of miles apart) let alone sort out logistics once you arrive. If you are planning on taking a Peru vacation where you have less than a couple of weeks to play with and want to see this top 5 it is generally advisable to book with a Peru tour operator.

Have you visited any of the sites mentioned above? What other spectacular places would you recommend for Peru vacations

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Peru Tours - What To Bring On A Trek In Peru

The last thing any trekkers wants is to carry more than necessary. This was never truer in Peru, where trekking routes can take hikers over 5000m. Here’s some advice learnt from years of taking treks in Peru to make sure you avoid those unwanted extra kilos in your pack, but still have all the essentials covered.

A useful trick - give your stuff to someone else!
If you choose to book your Peru vacation with a tour operator, you’ll be carrying a lot less! The operator will be able to provide you with either mules and arrieros (mule drivers), or on some routes porters, to carry supplies, tents, sleeping bags, water and mattresses. This shrinks the size of your pack from 20kg to a small day pack. When you’re tackling a high pass on the Inca Trail or pushing up towards Punta Union on the Santa Cruz trek, you’ll appreciate the reduction in weight. If you are grinding up the 5200m pass on the Ausangate circuit you will certainly not be wanting to carry a gram more than you need to!

If you’re travelling independently, most major towns close to trekking routes such as Cusco and Huaraz will have a range of local tour operators. They will be able to assist you in resources for your expedition such as mules, but be careful! Some local operators have a better reputation than others. Ask around town for the best operators, or book with an external operator who already has a good trusting relationship with a expedition provider.

What you need to carry
If you’re following the suggestion above, then all you need to worry about is your day pack. When you arrive in camp at the end of a long days trekking, everything will be set up for you. All you have to worry about is eating the hot meal prepared for you and collapsing into your sleeping bag. Here’s a list of things to include in your day pack and on your person, learnt after a few years of trial and error:

1. Hiking Shoes
2. A Hat and beanie to protect you from the sun and the cold
3. Gloves and scarf for the nights
4. Sun Block & Insect Repellent
5. Some extra snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate)
6. A Rain Jacket or a Poncho
7. Towel
8. Swimsuit (recommend for routes involving hot springs)
9. Long Pants
10. Some cash in local currency
11. T-shirts that you can layer
12. Warm clothes, including jacket, fleece, sweaters and 4 pairs of socks
13. Original passport - photocopies are not acceptable.
14. Tips for porters, guides and cooks in separate envelopes
15. Plastic bags to store your spare clothes
16. Toilet Paper
17. Flashlight (and batteries!)
18. Pocket knife
19. A Water Bottle & water purifying tablets
20. A small personal medical kit

Are there any other preparations, or things that you advise bringing for a trek in Peru?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Eating Vegetarian In Latin America - Is It Possible?

 

It’s no secret, Latinos love meat. Argentina vacations will present you with doorstop-thick steaks, Peru vacations with roasted cuy (guinea pig). Every country in Latin America seems to bring its plates to the table with a portion of meat included. If you’re a vegetarian traveller, does this mean it will be impossible to travel in Latin America without having to eat meat?

Difficult, but not impossible
The good news is that plenty of options exist for vegetarians especially in tourist hot spots such as Cusco, near Machu Picchu. A plant-based diet is actually the staple food of Latin America – the Inca Empire, for example, was based around corn culture. Markets all over the continent are bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables, far cheaper than any meat alternatives.

Things to make your life easier
If you want to travel successfully as a vegetarian, here are some suggestions to make life easier.

1) Bring your own supplies as backup
Without loading your suitcase with kilos of tofu, you can at least bring a selection of vegetarian snacks to keep hunger at bay when you’re out and about. Primal Strips are the meat-free version of beef jerky and there are a wide range of protein and cereal bars available .

2) Research restaurants in destination
Especially around popular tourist destinations such as Cusco, Antigua or Buenos Aires, you’ll be sure to find options for vegetarians. The website www.happycow.net has a list of vegetarian restaurants and health food stores globally, so you can check out options for eating before arriving in your travel destination.

3) The language barrier
There may be options for vegetarians, but many restaurant staff will be steeped in a culture of meat-eating. Before you leave try to learn the words for “fish”, “chicken”, meat”, “dairy products” and “eggs”. It’s also good to know that the Spanish translation for vegetarian is “vegetariano”, so you’ll eventually be understood if you patiently explain your situation to the waiter.

Be careful with asking for dishes without meat. The translation for meat is “carne”, which normally just refers to red meat, so you could still end up faced with a plate of chicken! Explain fully what your requirements are, as it’s possible that your waiter has never heard of vegetarianism before...

4) Consider travel with a tour company
If there’s one thing tour companies are used to, it’s satisfying a wide range of dietary requirements. It would be useful to state what you can or cannot eat when asking for a tour quote, especially if booking a trek like the Inca Trail or similar active excursion. A tour company with years experience in a certain location will have good links to restaurants and options that are considerate of vegetarians. This way you’ll be able to avoid the possibility of eating rice and beans for your whole trip!

Have you travelled in any countries where it was difficult as a vegetarian? What advice can you give to vegetarians travelling in Latin America?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Safe travel - 5 Tips For More Secure Latin America Vacations

Millions of tourists take Latin America vacations and Latin America tours every year, and the vast majority have a wonderful time without any problems. However just like any other destination, travelers are in unfamiliar environments and should take care of themselves. Here are some common sense suggestions to bear in mind when on your Latin America vacation.

1) Look after your belongings
Many towns and cities in Latin America are polarized mixtures of affluence and poverty, with the result that pick-pocketing is common. If you are in a crowded environment such as the popular Semana Santa festival in Antigua, Guatemala pay close attention to your belongings.

When at restaurants keep a close eye on handbags or day-packs to prevent passers-by from grabbing your stuff.

2) Dress conservatively
In many Latino countries such as Mexico and Argentina there can be a strong macho culture, so women in particular should consider a reserved style of dressing to avoid catcalls or any unwanted attention.  

3) Don’t flash valuables
There’s a simple way to avoid becoming a target for robbery - don’t look like you are worth robbing! Avoid wearing jewelry or flashing photo or video cameras around in public places. It may not win you any style points, but wearing plain-looking clothes will also avert the eyes of a potential thief looking for a wealthy foreign target. Be careful showing cash in public and consider a money belt instead of a wallet.

4) Night-time worries
Wake up the next morning with only good memories - try to stay in groups of familiar people, especially if you are new in town. Take care with taxis, and use only official cars with other people from your group. If you find yourself alone, project confidence and look as if you know where you are going, even if you don’t!

5) Ask your government
Latin America is a diverse place, and things are changing all the time. Beyond a common-sense approach, inform yourself about the current affairs and potential security concerns of your travel destination before departure. You can check out the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk or the US equivalent www.state.gov/travel.

What other advice do you have for secure Latin America vacations?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

When Is The Best Time To Visit Peru? Find Out Here!

Planning Peru vacations? You’re probably wondering what dates you should book. The good news is that you can visit Peru anytime! The country is incredibly varied with multiple climatic zones, all of which have different seasons.

The only thing to consider when choosing your Peru vacation dates is what you want to do. Read the article to find out the best time of year to visit Peru for your chosen activities.

The “tourist season”
You’ll either be ok with more crowds and slightly higher prices, or you’ll want to avoid them. Peru's “high season” coincides with the driest months in the mountains: May through to October. The greatest number of visitors come between July and August. Airlines and hotels also consider the period from mid-December through mid-January as peak season, so expect to dig a little deeper in your wallet.

Trekking and mountain activities
An obvious one - many visitors come to Peru to walk the Inca trail and visit Machu Picchu or do the Santa Cruz circuit in Huaraz in the mountain regions of Peru amongst other great treks.

Hopeful mountaineers should visit between June to September in the highlands. During these months, days are clear with chilly or downright cold nights, especially at high elevations. Anyone visiting from December to March runs the potential risk of a wash-out under heavy rains.

Surfing and beach-side living
Summer along the desert coast is between November and March, when it is typically hot and sunny (especially in the north). Things turn cooler with a frequent hazy mist between April and October. For any water-babies, swimming is possible all year round, though the water itself (thanks to the Humboldt Current) is cool-to-cold at the best of times, except for the most northern beaches like Mancora and Tumbes.

Exploring the jungle
Amazon adventures can be conducted at any time of year, depending on your preferences. Between December and January heavy rains increase water levels, which offers distinct advantages for spotting wildlife and access by canoe to remote creeks. On the other hand, June to September is the best time of the year for some: Mosquitoes are fewer, and many fauna stay close to the rivers. Your choice...

Party time!
Peruvians love an excuse for a party, and this is reflected in the long list of national holidays when you can expect festivities and government services to grind to a halt. Consider how the following national public holidays in Peru overlap with your travel plans:

New Year's Day (Jan 1), Three Kings Day (Jan 6), Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (Easter week, Mar or Apr), Labor Day (May 1), Fiestas Patrias (July 28-29), Battle of Angamos (Oct 8), All Saints' Day (Nov 1), Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec 8), and Christmas (Dec 24-25).

There are always a selection of local festivals wherever you go, seemingly every other week!

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Begging - How To Deal With It On Latin America Vacations

If you’ve ever taken Latin America Vacations, you’ll know that sooner or later you will have to deal with beggars. An extended hand usually accompanied by a sorry looking face will put most people in a very uncomfortable situation. Wherever you are taking a Latin America vacation you can use this guidance to help you deal with someone begging.

1) Think about your motivations for giving
Why would you hand over money to someone? Is it because of the way they look, or because of a story that they have told you? Do you want to help them get out of their current situation? Are you giving to ease your conscience, or because you feel pressured?

2) Consider your options for giving
Some things to consider - all is not necessarily as it seems with beggars. Sometimes the beggar will use the money to buy drugs or alcohol. In other cases the beggar is part of a scam to persuade people to hand over money, or they are used by gangs to obtain money. The difficulty is that you don’t really know the full circumstances of the person you met a second ago.

Think about the benefit of the money that you give away. Does it really provide a benefit? After the beggar has spent the money, what will they do next? Probably return to begging. Is there a way that you can spend the same money to have a better long term effect and not re-enforce a culture of dependency?

Maybe there are local organizations that you can donate the money to that work to change the circumstances of people who would normally be begging.

Also, is there something else other than money that you could give? Maybe food or water, or perhaps you could arrange to volunteer with a local organization using your skills and time instead. These are things that cannot be easily used for other motives.

3) Make a decision
Consider the options above, and come up with a personal policy for how you will deal with begging if someone approaches you, no matter what their circumstances seem to be. If you want to provide a benefit to the society that you will visit for your Latin America vacations, make a clear choice about how you will do it.

4) Be consistent
When abroad, stick to your decision. Maybe you have decided that the money you contribute as a tourist is making enough difference, or maybe you will give away a certain amount of money each day. Remember that if you give to one beggar you may well be approached by many others. You have to feel comfortable with your decision of how to treat them all fairly.

Dealing with begging is a very difficult subject, and there are no fixed rules. How do you deal with begging?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

How To Prepare For Peru Trekking And The Inca Trail

Peru is one of the best trekking destinations in the world, no question. The variety of treks on offer, complete with stunning scenery and wildlife make it a necessity for anyone with a love for the great outdoors and a spirit for adventure.

Here are a couple of important things to consider when planning Peru vacations with the intention of trekking.

Book popular routes well in advance
The classic example of this is the famous Inca trail, a spectacular 4 day trek that ends at the World Heritage site of Machu Picchu. Conservation rules permit 500 people per day on the trail, which works out to about 200 trekkers and 300 support staff. In the case of the Inca trail it isn’t possible to do the route without a guide, making booking through an agency essential. Due to the popularity and fame of this trek permits can sell out months in advance, particularly in high season.

There are a number of different treks on offer around Cuzco as alternatives to the Inca trail, which any good Peru tours operator should be able to point out. However if you’re dead set on reaching Machu Picchu by the re-known classic Inca Trail, try to reserve your space at least three months in advance or longer if planning on trekking in peak season. Remember that the trail is closed in February for maintenance.

Other Peru trekking routes are not as difficult for bookings, but it is still worth making your reservation as early as possible.

Acclimatise
Most trekking that you do in Peru will likely be at altitude. The most popular centers of Cuzco and Huaraz are both above 3,000m so rushing up from sea-level and hitting the trails straight away will make things harder than they should be. Allow for a couple of days to rest and acclimatize when you get to altitude and you’ll find yourself enjoying the experience a lot more.

Independent or Guided?
Apart from the example of the Inca Trail, you may have the option to do a guided trek or to go independently. Whichever option you choose depends on your desire to carry weight, ability to cook on the move and your navigation skills. Trekking groups work with porters or arrieros (mule drivers) to carry supplies, tents, sleeping bags and mattresses. This shrinks the size of your pack from 15-20kg to a small day pack. This saving in weight can make a big difference when at 4,000m! Additionally if you take a supported trek your tents may be put up for you and you will be provided with three meals a day and often afternoon tea, as well as purified drinking water. Finally how are your map reading and navigation skills? If you are trekking in remote areas you could be risking your life if you do not know how to navigate in the mountains – having a guide and crew who know the route removes this worry. They will also know the best alternatives in case of injury or illness whilst on a trek.

Carrying as little as possible
Your tour operator should provide the essential camping items listed above and transport them by porter or mule, which leaves you only to worry about the items in your day-pack. After a few years of trial and error, I suggest the following (some items you will obviously be wearing!):

1. Long Pants
2. Some cash in local currency
3. T-shirts / shirts that you can layer
4. Warm clothes, including thermals, fleece / sweater & spare socks
5. A rain jacket or poncho
6. Original passport - photocopies are not acceptable
7. Plastic bags to store your spare clothes
8. Toilet Paper
9. Flashlight and batteries, pocket knife
10. A water bottle & water purifying tablets
11. Good hiking boots or shoes – well broken in
12. A sun hat and a warm hat to protect you from the sun and the cold
13. Gloves and scarf for cold nights
14. Sun block & insect repellent
15. Tips for porters, guides and cooks
16. Some extra snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, sweets)
17. Towel & wash kit
18. Swimsuit (recommend for routes involving hot springs)
19. A small personal medical kit

Are there any routes that you recommend for trekking in Peru? Are there any other preparations, or things that you advise bringing?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Latin America Tours - 6 Questions To Ask When Booking

There are a lot of tour operators to choose from when planning Latin America tours. Options range from giant international operators offering everything everywhere to the small, locally-based independents.  People searching for their Latin America vacations can quickly get confused.

To make sure you pick a reliable Latin America tours operator that is right for your kind of vacation, be sure to ask the following questions.

Where can I get referrals about your company?
Every operator should be able to point you to a testimonials page on their website, but how can you double check? Easy. Social media is on your side - check out what people have to say about the Latin America tours operator on big travel networks like www.tripadvisor.com to find out what people are really saying. If the operator can’t point you in the right direction for external reviews, maybe they’ve got something to hide...  

Who are your tours designed for?
Find out what kind of people take the Latin American tours on offer. For this you’ll need to do a bit of thinking beforehand - what is it that you want? Do you want to visit Peru, Argentina, Chile or all three? Adventurous travel? Luxury and comfort? Relaxation? Take some time to think about these things and you’ll find it a lot easier to match up a tour operator.

How much do your tours cost and what choices do I have?
This is a tricky one - some Latin America tours operators overcharge and give you inflated quotes, while others slash their costs and pay their staff and suppliers very poorly. A classic example is porters on the Inca Trail in Peru - some budget operators don’t pay the porters fairly for their work to keep their costs low. You can find out if the operator is overcharging or ruthlessly cutting costs by asking straight questions.

Are there any additional costs?
Be sure before you book if you’re going to have to pay any additional costs for meals, transport, tours, entrance fees...anything. Check what is included and what isn’t.

What safety policy do you have?
Your Latin America tour operators should never compromise your safety. In addition they should provide 24/7 support via telephone so that if you run into any problems they are never too far away to help you out.

How much am I doing for the duration of the tour?
Do you want to spend your whole trip on transport, occasionally jumping off to spend a few minutes before shooting off somewhere else? Probably not. Check that the itinerary is realistic.

With custom designed tours you have complete control over your vacation. In this case, you should ask your Latin America tours operator for help in putting together a realistic itinerary that allows you to enjoy your destination at a reasonable pace.

A final thought...
What is the attitude of the tour operator when responding to your questions? Are they friendly, helpful and enthusiastic? If not, what chance is there that they will be when you’re abroad?

What questions do you ask your Latin America tours operator when you book? What are some of the things to watch out for?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Latin America Travel - How To Choose Your Perfect Vacation

We all book Latin America vacations for...what, exactly?  

One thing is certain, we’re hoping for a perfect break. We want to be able to come back from the vacation buzzing with the benefits of our time away. If you’re planning to travel with a Latin America tours operator, prepare to be overwhelmed by choice. The best thing you can do to pick the perfect operator for the perfect vacation is a bit of self analysis.

Try asking yourself the questions below when planning to get in contact with a Latin America tour operator for an itinerary. After thinking about your answers, you should have a much clearer idea about your perfect Latin America vacation (with a reality check included).

What is your travelling style?

• How does the idea of ‘roughing it’ sound? Adventurous travel, camping, going off the beaten track, that sort of thing. Trekking the Inca Trail or five star luxury hotels?
• Do you prefer to have tours and excursions in a group, or go solo? Both have their advantages. Maybe you like something in between - someone to share the experience with, but no crowds.
• Do you prefer to follow a set itinerary with everything planned out and customized for you, or do you prefer to have free time to decide on the spur of the moment?
• Do you enjoy spontaneous travelling with unforeseen challenges, or prefer to know what to expect?

What’s your situation?

• How much vacation time do you have? Or is this a longer break? If you are short on time having a Latin America tour operator plan your trip to maximize the use of your time is surely the way to go.
• What’s your budget? Does this fit with your travelling style?

...this is a great time to check if your time, money and holiday aspirations match up...

Can you handle it?

• What’s your fitness like? You may want to go charging up glaciers in Patagonia, but will you be able to make it to base camp?
• What is your tolerance to climate? Jungle conditions like those in Ecuador are hot and humid, high altitude places like the Cordillera Blanca in Peru are cold with thin air.
• You might need to take medication during your trip - does your body have a favorable reaction? Anti-malarial medication is a classic example, required for tropical regions such as the Amazon.
• What are your language skills like? Can you look after yourself with Spanish or Portuguese?

Are there any other things to consider when thinking about perfect Latin America vacations? What kind of Latin America tours do you prefer?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Escaped to Latin America Travel on the Inaugural LAN Airlines Flight from Lima to Easter Island

LAN airlines opened a new direct route from Lima, Peru to the remote Easter Island last week and the Tour Operator Escaped to Latin America were on board.
 
Previously the main link to the most remote inhabited island in the world had been via the LAN flight from Santiago, Chile but the airline has now added a twice weekly direct flight from Lima. The inaugural flight took off from the Peruvian capital on the 9th of January and carried a contingent of travel agents, operators and hoteliers as well as a large number of eager tourists taking advantage of discounted rates.
 
Gary Sargent, Managing Director of the travel companies Escaped to Latin America and Escaped to Peru was on board and explains “This new route is very exciting as it offers the chance to combine two ancient cultures in spectacular locations more easily. This five hour direct flight connects the ancient Inca culture with that of the Rapa Nui. Shorter travel times and no extra connections mean that clients can spend more time in each destination and less time in the air and waiting at airports”. 
 
Easter Island is famous for its huge stone heads which were carved and erected all over the island hundreds of years ago by the Polynesian culture that covered the South Pacific triangle. LAN will be flying to and from Lima on Sundays and Wednesdays allowing people to visit for a few days or a full week.
 
Gary also explains that “Easter Island is not just about the stone heads, although they are truly spectacular. Clients can also enjoy sports and active pursuits such as trekking, mountain biking, snorkeling, diving, surfing and deep sea fishing plus there is a picture perfect white sand beach to relax on. You should also try the traditional “Umu” food prepared in the ancient way and enjoy the tribal dancing and music”.
 
LAN say that schedules may change after April so passengers should check with their tour operator or LAN airlines if they are interested in visiting this unusual destination.

Latin America Tours - Will Your Tour Guide Be A Liability?

If you’re considering Latin America tours, a very important part of the package are the guides who are used. They can make the difference between an incredible, unique experience and a dull walk-through. Even for sites as popular as Machu Picchu in Peru, a good tour guide can make you feel like no-one else has experienced the same Latin America vacation before.

So how do you find out if your guide-to-be will deliver a great experience? Try asking the five questions below to your Latin America tours operator when getting a quote for your trip.

Question 1: Do you use local tour guides?
There’s no substitute for a well-trained local guide. As well as having a unique perspective of their native country and surroundings, they will probably be more passionate about their home turf than a foreign guide. When asked, they will probably have a few local stories, legends and personal experiences up their sleeve to give a unique twist to your tour.

Question 2: Do your guides speak the local language and English?
Your guide won’t be much good if they can’t communicate in Spanish or the local dialect if you’ve got any questions for members of the community that you’re visiting, or if you run into trouble and need a bit of help.

Fluent English should also be a must, especially if your language skills aren’t up to scratch. At the very least you’ll want to get good value out of the guide that you’re paying for and if you can’t understand them, you’re wasting a lot of cash!

Question 3: Are they qualified in first aid?
Especially important for adventure tours or situations that take you into remote places like Patagonia, you need to make sure you’re covered if something goes wrong. Even basic first aid can stop a simple problem escalating into something major.

Questions 4: What travel experience do they have?
Is your guide a veteran, or fresh out of guiding school? Some guides (especially in Peru) like to make up answers to questions on the spot if they don’t have an answer. Whilst entertaining if you already know the answer and are just testing them, it can be annoying if all your cultural knowledge turns out to be false. It also removes the point of travelling with a guide!

Question 5: What measures does the guide take with local communities and the environment?
Are efforts made to minimize the negative impacts of tourism in your destination? Are members of the communities that are part of the tour treated respectfully? Respect for the local communities and the environment should be a consideration for your guide and tour operator.

Are there any other questions that should be asked about tour guides in Latin America? Have you had any outstanding or disastrous tour guide experiences?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Peru Vacations Essentials - Vaccinations

If you’re thinking about Peru vacations, you definitely need to get informed about vaccinations.

Nothing is mandatory to be able to enter the country, but you should receive certain injections to reduce your risks. Check out the advice below to make sure you’re prepared.

The following advice is general. You should check a government website such as the United States Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov). They will give a good overview of local developments and requirements regarding inoculations and outbreaks of disease.

Once you’ve got all the information you need, pay a visit to your doctor or travel clinic to find out which vaccinations you require, or those that need updating. You should visit 4 to 6 weeks in advance to allow time for any required vaccinations or medications to take effect.

Below is a summary of all vaccinations required for Peru vacations.

• Hepatitis A:    Recommended for all travelers
• Typhoid:         Recommended for all travelers
• Hepatitis B:    Recommended for all travelers
• Yellow fever: Needed for areas east of the Andes mountains.

Note: Yellow fever is not required for Lima, Cuzco or Machu Picchu.

• Rabies: For travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats or at high risk from animal bites
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR): Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
• Tetanus-diphtheria: Re-vaccination required every 10 years

Malaria
Despite a lot of medical research, there is still no vaccine against malaria. Whilst uncommon, if you are visiting the following regions in the north and jungle areas of Peru, you need to take precautions: Loreto, Madre de Dios, Ucayali, San Martin, Junin, Tumbes and Piura.

If you are visiting the following parts of Peru, you do not need to take precautions against malaria: Lima and its vicinity, the coastal areas south of Lima, the highland tourist areas (Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca), and the departments of Arequipa, Moquegua, Puno, and Tacna.       

Dengue fever
Mosquitoes can also transmit dengue fever. As with malaria, no vaccine is available. According to health authorities, you should take precautions if you visit the departments of Loreto, Ucayali, Cajamarca, and Piura.

What can you do about Malaria and Dengue Fever?
The best form of treatment is prevention of mosquito bites. Tourists on Peru vacations in affected areas should wear long sleeved shirts and pants. Also recommended is an insect repellant spray that contains 30 - 50% DEET. When sleeping, mosquito nets should be used in the jungle. Nets are available with additional DEET treatment.

It is also recommended that you take a course of anti-malarial medication to reduce the effects of malaria if you should contract it. Speak to your doctor about the best course of treatment, as there are several different options available and not all of them work with all patients and global malaria zones.

Do you know any other good references for Peru vaccinations online? What other precautions do you take before Peru vacations?

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Four Major Insults That Peru Has Endured

The bigger you get, the more prepared you should be for criticism. With a population of around 30 million, Peru is quite large and gets its share of criticism, both fair and unfair. Here are four memorable insults that Peru and Peruvians have endured - some are recent quarrels, others are long-running grudges.

1) The ABC television network Vs. Peru
The Internet recently lit up with conflict after a joke at Peru’s expense on the popular show “Modern Family” which airs on the ABC network.

The dialogue that resulted in online arguments was between Jay, played by Ed O'Neill, and his Colombian wife Gloria, played by Sofia Vergara.
                                   
"Now, maybe in Colombia ..." Jay begins.
"Ah, here we go," Gloria interrupts. "Because, in Colombia, we trip over goats and we kill people in the street. Do you know how offensive that is? Like we're Peruvians!"

Whoops. Some viewers managed to take the comment in the context of the over-the-top tone and ironic closed-mindedness which characterizes the show. Others, not so much.

2) Chile Vs Peru (Round 1)
If you travel in Peru then sooner or later you’ll discover the rivalry with Chile about...almost everything. One of the oldest spats is about the national drink that now belongs to both countries, Pisco, the main ingredient of the Pisco Sour.

A liquor distilled from grapes, Pisco was brought over to Latin America in the 16th century by the Spanish. The first vineyards were planted in the town of Pisco on the south coast of Peru. A fair claim to ownership perhaps?

Apparently not. At some point, Pisco (the drink) made it over to Chile and a bitter legal feud for the right to promote and produce the drink has raged between the two countries which lasts to this day.

3) Hugo Chavez Vs. Peru
Venezuela’s president always has something to say. About everything.

In 2006 on the run-up to the Peruvian elections, Chavez decided to explain his views about electoral candidate Alan Garcia.

"I pray to God that Garcia will not be president, hopefully God hears me," Chavez proclaimed, adding that Garcia was an irresponsible thief, a demagogue and a liar.

“I say it again; we are not going to have any relations with Peru if that 'caballero' is elected president because he is truly irresponsible. He is led by a demon and the North American empire and its dollars, the Peruvian oligarchy and in the mass media. He is going to be a divisive factor, an imperialistic card trying to divide to us, to prevent the union with Peru and to cause problems for Bolivia, Venezuela and any government who is going an alternative way."

Garcia has since been elected to a second term in office. International relations between Peru and Venezuela are a little frosty.

4) Chile Vs Peru (Round 2)
In the War of The Pacific towards the end of the 19th century, Bolivia, Peru and Chile were drawn into an armed conflict in a power struggle for mineral rights, commerce and territory.

Bolivia lost access to the Pacific Ocean and Peru conceded territory on its southern border. Both countries are hotly disputing the spoils of what Chile calls “las Glorias Navales” and the fight has even been taken to the International Court of Justice in the Hague.

The territory ceded to Chile is now known as the provinces of Tarapacá, Tacna, Arica, and Antofagasta in the ‘Norte Grande’. Until the provinces are returned, Peruvians will continue to view the results of the War of the Pacific over a century ago as a huge insult against their country.

Do you know of any other major insults that Peru has received over the years? What do you think of the four insults included in this article?

 

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America