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/

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

How To Haggle Like A Pro In Any Latin American Market

Roll your sleeves up, it’s time to make some purchases on your Latin American vacation! It could be a market stall, back-street shop or wandering vendor. Whatever the custom in your country, you are practically expected to haggle for prices or pay much more than you should. Here are some tips to help you have fun and get a good price.

Getting your haggling head on

First of all, expect prices to be flexible and don’t feel worried about asking for a discount.

• Vendors will try their luck and ask for a much higher price than normal, so you should try your luck and ask for a much lower one!
• Remember that negotiating is not arguing; you’re not aiming to get into a screaming match, but trying to find a fair price for the item that is acceptable to both parties.
• Don't be embarrassed about asking for money off! Being price savvy is not being cheap.

Preparation

As with any good negotiation, you shouldn’t walk into things cold.

• Work out how much you want to spend; haggling is the process of getting the best possible value for that amount of money.
• Research the product you want to buy - typically Latin America markets and shops are full of the same items, so you can do a price survey in a couple of other locations.
• If you can, bring someone with you who speaks the language.
• If not, bring a calculator to show numbers (the universal language) and do conversions if you are not totally familiar with the local currency
• Dress down and don’t give the impression of someone with a lot of money to spend.

Beginning the negotiation

A much as you may want to discuss price, never jump straight into it...

• Build rapport with vendor, and show an interest in their business, life and country whilst remaining polite and positive.
• If you notice something you like, never show interest. During the haggling process never appear needy and be prepared to walk away empty handed (sometimes this even helps as part of the negotiation).
• Price-wise, what is good for one is good for all - out of respect for the vendor negotiate quietly so no-one else can hear and don’t shoot off at the mouth about the deal that you just got.
• Allow the vendor to sell their product - this will relax them.
• Make sure the vendor makes the first offer, no matter how much they ask you for the opening price!

Getting down to business

OK, the first move has been made. Now comes the fun part!

• Establish their baseline price - go as low as possible in your counter-offer! Expect a dramatic response, as it’s all part of the haggling game...
• At no point in the negotiation should you mention your budget!
• Have an excuse to walk away if the haggling gets too intense - maybe you’ve got to meet friends or your tour group is waiting.
• Don’t say anything after your counter-offer until the vendor replies - silence is awkward, but golden.
• Check the quality of the product - if you can see any flaws, angle for an extra discount!

Closing the deal

It’s all agreed - counter-offers have gone back and forth and you’re both finally set

• At this point you should really commit to purchasing to honor your verbal contract. Many Latin America vendors are poor and it is unfair to commit to a price without purchasing.
• However, when the final price is fixed, there’s no reason not to try and go for low-value extras or accessories to throw in with your purchase. You should try to do some research into these before you begin your negotiation as well.

Do you have any other tips for haggling in Latin America? What are some of your haggling experiences?

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

 

10 Reasons You Need A Latin American Vacation Right Now

If you’re reading this, you are struggling with a decision. You want a vacation, probably to Latin America, but there seem to be a hundred reasons not to go. Maybe you are worried that there’s not enough money in the bank, or you are concerned about losing your job in the current economic climate if you “slack off”.

At a time like this, you need a motivator! Instead of focusing on reasons not to travel, turn things on their head. Lets look at ten great reasons to book your Latin American vacation and start getting excited!

1) For starters...having something to look forward to
It’s good to be excited in anticipation of something. Preparations, speculating what will happen, the impending freedom and escape...it will make the last couple of weeks as work so much easier!

2) Be able to step back and look at the bigger picture
A vacation is a break - a pause from routine, a chance to get away from regular life. If you leave on vacation with a problem or decision that has been bothering you for ages, you won’t have the distractions that normally prevent you from getting some head-space. With time for yourself, the decision or solution to your problem will come much easier.

3) Get the health benefits
Countless studies have proved that people who use their vacation time enjoy the benefits; reduced chances of heart attack, depression, mental fatigue...the list goes on. Think of it as a more pleasant alternative to a grinding gym routine or chewing salad for the rest of your life.

4) Come back from your vacation a different person
On vacation you’ll be exposed to countless new experiences, places and people. If you open yourself up to Latin America, it has the potential to change your world perspective. From spiritual retreats in the Sacred Valley of Peru to fireside discussions with indigenous Guatemalans, you’ll see a side of life you’d never get close to in an office cubicle.

5) Challenge yourself and become tougher for it
Travel is hard. Well, as hard as you want it to be. Everyone has their own comfort level, and travel helps you push that - maybe you never knew you could dance the tango, or could do a four day trek. You’ll come back from vacation a stronger person for the challenges that you’ve faced.

6) Put your Spanish lessons to good use
Been struggling with Spanish for a while? There’s no better motivation to practice than using your language skills in a conversation with someone who doesn’t speak English...

7) Be the envy of your friends
Don’t deny it; there’s always a kick of satisfaction when people ask you about your vacation...and you have some incredible stories to tell them. It also helps that while you were away exploring Latin America, not a great deal changed at home!

8) Get closer to the friends or family that you travel with
Real life sometimes takes away the time that we’d otherwise spend with friends and family. If you decide to travel with other people, it’ll be a wonderful opportunity to re-establish a bond. The relationship will grow from your shared experiences.

9) Discover the beauty, ridiculousness, surprise and variety of the world
Be inspired, get creative, laugh at the craziness of Latino life that you’ll encounter. Things certainly won’t be the same as your home country...

10) Return to everyday life refreshed
With all the things that your vacation has to offer, you’ll be going back to life at home feeling refreshed, energized, ready to take on the coming months - quite different from the person who left a few weeks previously!

Are you struggling with the idea of cutting loose and booking a vacation? What are your concers? What other benefits have you got from vacations in the past?

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

 

 

 

Stories from the Escape Artists - The Hall Family's Inca Adventures

Altitude and children in Cusco!  A heady mix…

“It’s not altitude its attitude,” my youngest says, as he runs up the narrow streets with me out of breath lagging behind.  Both Him and his sister have been quite taken with the people and culture of the Andes. Their sheer excitement for adventure has made the trip varied and memorable for us all, particularly our stay at Machu Picchu.

It is as magical and captivating as I imagined, although my mental image never featured the steep terracing around the site with no barriers! Nonetheless the children were smart and cautious with a little encouragement from the grown ups.

On the second day at the site the children wanted desperately to walk to the Sun Gate steps, the entrance to the city from the Inca Trail. My son with boundless energy at 7 years led the way, followed closely by his 9-year-old sister. Towards the top of the trail many people passed us surprised to see the children let alone on this high path that clings to the mountain. It was only a matter of time when we realized why, the last section being precariously narrow with steep steps and a handrail!

“Stick to the wall and slow down!” I shouted, ever the voice of parental control.  Meanwhile under my breath it was a different story.  A constant muttering of, “Easy girl, you can do it” calmed my jangling nerves until we reached the top.

Our reward was a spectacular view and a gratifying sense of achievement, the children mesmerized whilst sitting on the edge of the high terrace and asking a million questions about this ancient city and civilization.  If only they took this much interest in history classes at school…

Travelling with a family can be a challenge at times, but the benefits that I know the kids will get from our experiences make the effort worthwhile.  I have to say that things would have been much harder without the assistance of Escaped to Latin America – they took care of all the logistics, leaving us to enjoy our vacation.