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Adventure Travel in Peru – What ASTA the Travel Association have to Say

Mar 152012

White Water Rafting on the Urubamba Valley, in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru

Rafting in Peru

Whether your clients prefer their adrenalin kick on water, mountains or sand, Peru offers plenty of opportunities for travelers wanting adventure.

One of the most challenging activities is hiking the legendary Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu, part of a vast network of trails built by the Incas. There are various options, with different starting points, but most popular is the four-day trek to the Inca city of around, with three nights camping. Though it’s hard work, the beautiful scenery — cloud forests, open meadows and snow-capped mountains — spurs hikers onward, while Inca ruins along the way whet the appetite.

At 3,400 meters, Colca Canyon is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, so anyone who chooses to descend its depths is in for a real adventure. Once you make it to the bottom, after a four- or five-hour trek, there’s a choice of accommodation. An early wake-up call the following morning ensures trekkers reach the top of the canyon for sunrise and glorious views of the surrounding Andes.

Sand Buggy - Huacachina

Huacachina, a short distance from the town of Ica, is geared up for activities in the desert. Locals take groups out on sand buggies into the giant dunes for an exhilarating ride before supplying sand boards to plummet down its vertical drops.

Whitewater rafting is also popular in Peru, with the Tambopata and Apurimac Rivers among the best spots for riding the rapids. Near Cusco, whitewater rafting in the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley is certain to provide thrills.

Excerpt from ASTA Network Magazine 2009.
www.asta.org

Travel to Peru – What ASTA the Travel Association have to Say

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Mar 152012

Inca ruins of Pisac

With history, wildlife and intriguing cities in abundance, its little wonder Peru has caught the attention of US travelers looking for something beyond the usual holiday experiences. According to operators, Peru has become one of the most popular South American countries, with its myriad attractions offering visitors a cultural and diverse vacation.

Peru has many highlights, but its biggest draw is its culture and heritage: archeological sites are scattered around the country, with many dating back to the Inca Empire (1500-1200BC), a civilization renowned for its architecture. The most famous is Machu Picchu, the preserved ruins of an ancient city attracting a million visitors each year.

The country is also geared up for adventure travel, with trekking high on the agenda and most visitors keen to follow the legendary Inca Trail passing through incredible scenery and past Inca ruins to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Mara Seminario, director of tourism, PromPeru, says: “The US is an integral market for Peru and we’re continuing to see an increase in visitor’s year-on-year. Our living ancient history, vibrant culture and diverse outdoor adventure landscape, coupled with our favorable exchange rate, new luxury accommodation developments and world-class cuisine, appeal to US travelers’ desire for an exotic, once-in-a life time experience. It also has the added benefit of exceptional service and modern amenities.”

PromPeru is continuing to invest in the US market, to encourage more travel agents to sell Peru; it has recently opened a new PrornPeru representation office in New York to provide sales support, background materials and educational training for the trade.

Aranwa Boutique Hotel, Cusco

As for the destination itself, Peru has seen many developments over the last year, with new Peru hotels opening on a regular basis, particularly boutique and luxury properties. Aranwa Hotel & Wellness Boutique, a restored manor house from the l6th and l7th centuries featuring a Jacuzzi in each room, is due to open in the city of Cusco later this year.

Despite the global recession, Peru is still attracting US visitors. Gary Murphy, president of Brendan Vacations, says: “South America, especially Peru, continues to see strong sales. Our clients are seeking enriching cultural experiences and Peru delivers on this.”

Excerpt from ASTA Network Magazine 2009.
www.asta.org

Best Places to Visit in Peru – Peru Tour Planning

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Mar 052012

Introduction to Lima

Once reputed to be the most beautiful and cultural city in Spanish America, Lima was founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. For the next two centuries the city was the political, commercial and ecclesiastical capital of the Spanish viceroyalty which also at one stage or another encompassed Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile and Argentina. The wide streets were lined with grand mansions, the shops were full of luxury goods from as far afield as Asia, the churches were numerous and ornate and the city boasted the first university in the New World. A major earthquake in 1746 and the establishment of other viceroyalties in Buenos Aires and Bogota signaled the beginning of Lima’s decline from the dizzying heights of power and wealth it had reached. Lima today is a sprawling and lively city which retains many fine colonial buildings but is overwhelmingly a modern metropolis complete with smog and crazy drivers.

For more information about Lima, visit our comprehensive Travel Guide to Lima in Peru.

Introduction to Arequipa

Arequipa, the ‘White City’, is Peru’s second city and is situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes. It is an architectural delight with numerous colonial churches and mansions, many of which were built with a pearly white volcanic stone. This may be where the nickname of the ‘White City’ comes from, although some people believe that this name derives from the fact that during the colonial period the city was populated by high class Spaniards rather than indigenous or mestizo (mixed race) people.

For more information about Lima, visit our comprehensive Travel Guide to Arequipa

Introduction to Colca Canyon

The Colca Canyon is held by Peruvians to be the second deepest canyon in the world (it is nearly 1km from cliff edge to canyon floor), whilst a slightly deeper canyon called Cotahuasi just a little further north. It is a spectacular place with steep, darkly forested sides, and the Rio Colca snaking its way around the gorge far below. The hills around were intricately terraced by the Incas and still farmed today by the local Cabana and Collagua peoples who live on both sides of the canyon in traditional villages. There are also Inca burial chambers on the hillsides, and the whole area is watched over by the volcanoes of Sabancaya and Ampato. Due to its rural location, the Colca Canyon is one of the coldest places in Peru by night. During the winter months (June to September) temperatures can plummet to below freezing point. Lodges and hotels will provide fire places, electric heaters and an abundance of blankets to mitigate this but it is not uncommon to have to wear warm layers in restaurants and in your room. Thankfully during the day, it is pleasantly warm and temperatures should reach the low 20′s Celsius.

For more information about Lima, visit our comprehensive Travel Guide to the Colca Canyon

Introduction to Condor Cross

Condor’s Cross (Cruz del Condor, otherwise known as El Mirador), situated on top of one of the steepest sides of the Colca Canyon. It is in these forested slopes that the families of giant condors nest, and you are more than likely to see several take to the air and glide on the thermals. It is a place where the condors can swoop surprisingly close to the gathered observers, meaning that this can be a truly magical experience as the wingspan of these mighty symbols of the Andes (and the largest flying bird in the world) can reach 5 meters.

Introduction to Puno / Lake Titicaca

Puno is a town strung around the cold north-western shore of Lake Titicaca. It is not a particularly appealing town, but it is the place to begin trips out onto the legendary lake.

The highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca is a deep blue and icy cold expanse of water that has played a vital role in the myths and legends of the ancient Inca and Aymara cultures. Still today it is believed to be sacred to the indigenous people that live and work around its shores. Legend has it that it was from its waters that the sun god commanded his children Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo to rise, and they then created the Inca Empire.

For more information about Lima, visit our comprehensive Travel Guide to Puno

Introduction to Cusco

In the late 15th Century Cuzco was a glorious city, befitting its title as capital of the powerful Inca Empire. Designed in the shape of a puma, with its important buildings constructed from volcanic rock and decorated with gold, the city was a masterpiece of layout and engineering. Its Quechua name of Q’osqo means ‘Navel of the World’ and this derives from the fact that the city was the hub of a vast network of roads and trails that spread out into virtually the whole of South America. When the conquering Spanish arrived, they stripped the city of its treasure, and built their own city on the solid Inca foundations. This makes for a fascinating mix of architecture in the beautiful city of Cuzco today, where nearly every street reveals Inca walls, arches and doorways underpinning colonial churches and houses.

For more information about Lima, visit our comprehensive Travel Guide to Cusco

Introduction to The Sacred Valley of Incas

The astonishingly picturesque valley between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo was at the spiritual and commercial heart of the Inca Empire. It is part of a long river valley that starts upstream of Cuzco in the south, and continues right on into the jungle before the Urubamba River (or Vilcanota as it was known to the Incas) merges with other Amazon tributaries.

The winding and fertile section known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas lies to the north east of Cuzco and is guarded throughout by ancient Inca citadels set high in the sides of the mountains, and in particular the Inca fortresses of Pisac and Ollantaytambo which stand watch at either end of the valley. It is a beautiful and traditional area that is not always as widely visited as it should be, as many people pass through from Cuzco on the way to Machu Picchu and do not stop to explore the valley.

It is an area of cultivated patchwork fields, locals in colorful traditional dress (that in some cases has changed little from the pre-Conquest days) going about their daily lives, bustling markets, elegant Spanish haciendas and breathtaking Inca citadels, temples and fortresses.

For more information about Lima, visit our comprehensive Travel Guide to the Sacred Valley

Online Travel Guide to Peru
This site has been put together by travel professionals living and working in Peru, and is full of destination ideas, things to do, places to stay and restaurant reviews! Take some time to read through our Peru Travel Guide for other ideas, and contact us should you have any questions.

Cusco and Surrounding Areas, Readers Review

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Jan 162012

Plaza de Armas Cusco, Peru

Cusco is a beautiful city, and if you arrive by plane your first glimpse of it will be the high mountains surrounding the wide valley floor with Cusco nestled in between. My trip from the airport to the centre of Cusco was a little scary, as the taxi drivers like to drive fast, and a two lane street can quite easily become a 5 lane street when the traffic builds up. But don’t let this put you off. If you weren’t up for an experience, you wouldn’t have come to Peru! The whole place is bustling constantly, and there lots of people walking around and just as much traffic. Coming from a place where everyone drives cars, to see so many people walking around made Cusco appear intense, but after a few days here, I got over that and began to look past the hustle bustle, and notice the beautiful plazas, colonial buildings and wide elegant main streets and narrow cobbled side streets.

The Plaza de Armas is the main square with colonial buildings which is used as a great meeting place, crammed with shops, cafes and restaurants, including an popular American bar called Norton’s and another popular Irish pub called Paddy’s which serves fantastic food, to impress any homesick traveller. Both bars are in the same corner of the plaza and easy to find

Rumi Punku Hotel Good 3 star

I stayed in the San Blas area of the town, starting only two blocks behind the Plaza de Armas. My hotel of choice was the Rumi Punku, which catered to my every need, even ones I didn’t know I had until I needed it, for example, luggage storage, laundry, free internet, 24 hour access, heaters, hot showers & cosy beds. San Blas, which extends upwards towards Saqsayhuman is the artistic quarter of Cusco. Here you will find many more galleries, cafes, musicians and Shaman. It’s a chilled out area of Cusco.

On my first day in Cusco, and after a lovely cup of coca tea, we decided to take a stroll up to the Christo Blanco (a large white statue of Christ overlooking the city). Whilst we took it slowly, it’s probably not recommended to do such a trek without spending a few days taking it easy and acclimatising to the altitude first! Likewise, many drinks and hygiene products, (ie deodorant etc) are bottled at sea level, and like you, are not use to the change in pressure, beware that you contents might jump out of the bottle when you take off the lid!

San Blas Cobbled Street

Having explored the wider city more, the food markets can be an eye opening experience, the artisan markets are filled with beautiful presents to take home, and definitely don’t be afraid to explore the alley ways which are disguised as narrow shops entrances, as you will likely end up in the back of the stop which opens out on to courtyards surrounded by more shops or steps leading up to a cafe.

Around the touristy areas in Cusco, mainly surrounding Plaza de Armas, you will no doubt be approached by a local trying to sell you something. This might be a child wanting to shine your shoes, or an art student wanting to sell some art, or a farmer’s wife trying to make some extra money by selling sweets, cigarettes and woollen hats. If you choose you buy something, I’m sure you will get a good deal, but if you don’t want to, politely say, “No gracias” and walk on.

Many of the buildings in the city are built on the foundations of Incan buildings, and often you will see the fine block-work rising up a meter or so. There are also several museums dedicated to the history of Peru and a it is worth while making time to visit Korikancha on the Avenue del Sol.

Inca Wall - Cusco

Cusco is also a good central location to visit other Incan citadels nearby. A few I visited and recommend are the beautiful ruins of Pisac (which boast spectacular views and a daily artisan market in the town). Also take time to visit Saqsayhuman, an Inca site high above Cusco and the mysterious moon temple near Q’enqo. The wonderfully designed and preserved irrigation channels of the agricultural terraces of Tipon are worth exploring. My personal favourite are the three circular agricultural terraces at Moray, where you are able to climb down in to the centre to experience for yourself the change in temperature from the highest to the lowest terraces and discover the ingenious of the Incas.

Cusco is also the setting off point to Machu Picchu, whether you choose to go by train or walk the Inca trail.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Peru
Our travel professionals have written about many other exciting tourist attractions in Peru. Take some time to read through our comprehensive Guide to Peru for information on other places to visit.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Readers Review

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Jan 162012

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

I had booked my place on the Inca Trail well in advance and had chosen to go with SAS travel. On arrival in Cusco I visited their office to confirm that I would like a porter to carry my bag for me. The porters can carry a maximum of 9kg of your equipment, including the sleeping bag and ground mat which I also hired. A few days before the departure date, the trek operator held an evening briefing, so we could meet our guides and the other people in our group. The guides ran through the complete 4 day Inca Trailwith our group in detail and left us with no illusions about how difficult and challenging the trail would be.

We had an early start on day one of the Inca trail. The bus took us from a meeting place in Cusco to Ollantaytambo where we had a comfort break before travelling to km68 where we had another break for breakfast. The food was delicious, and as explained to us, the meals throughout the trek are calculated carefully to ensure that each person had the correct amount of carbohydrates and sugars they needed at the right time of the day to help them complete the trail.

At km68 we set off on the Inca Trail, passing immediately though the first check point of the trail, where we were able to get our passports stamped. The first section of the trail was flat and not too taxing, and we were warned to be aware of the porters walking by and try to keep to the left, so the porters could pass us easily.

Inka Trail Porters

These porters are amazing. They carried all the food, (including trays of eggs), water, tents, baggage, tables, stools, cooking equipment and crockery and mostly in sandals. They don’t really walk either, it’s more of a trot, which I was astounding to see, especially when I had been struggling just to walk due to the altitude. Our porters rushed ahead to set up lunch for us. They erect a food tent with tables and stools inside and had lunch almost ready by the time we arrived. After lunch we set off whilst the porters pack up. They soon overtook us again to reach the camp site ahead of us. They set up all the tents and began to prepare dinner just as we arrived.

The campsite was located on some old Inca terraces with a toilet block next to the river. A local came along with some beer for sale, which some of the group welcomed with gusto. The guides entertained us with games and stories after dinner before we headed off to our tents for some sleep.

The Andes are extremely cold at night, and despite wearing a hat, gloves and scarf to bed, I was still cold. We were woken in our tents by our guides with a warm cup of coca tea in the morning and after a quick wet wipe wash we went to the food tent for hot porridge, and pancakes for breakfast.

Inca Trail - Trail Head

Day two was the most challenging, as we climbed over the infamous “Dead Womans Pass”, a 4200m pass. The guides were fantastic. One stayed at the front of the group and the other at the back. I am not the fittest of people so I was far behind the front runners, but my guide offered help and encouragement, even offering to carry my day pack for me, which was full of water! I have to admit day two almost broke me! Eventually I made it and on the other side of the pass, after a speedy decent, lunch was a welcome break. The afternoon saw us climb two more passes, which seemed so easy in comparison to the mornings walking.

Close to our next campsite, there were some small Inca ruins to explore, but I chose to carry on to the camp ahead of my walking companions and porters from other tour groups helped me find my way to my tent. That evening the sky was clear and the stars were so dramatically vivid and colourful. It was so magical.

With day three came some early morning mist which burnt off quickly with the sun. The hiking was generally a decent towards our last camp. I remember this section of the trail being the most picturesque, as the path levelled out a little (although as our guide constantly reminded us – this is the Andes, there is no “flat”!) and wound round the edge of the cliffs, overlooking a vast valley. The scale of the view was only realised when a helicopter appeared below us and looked tiny, but also we could tell it was high above the valley floor. This section of the trail was more forested than the previous sections, and so magical and remote, it wouldn’t have surprised me if I saw a few hobbits running by.

Winay Wayna

The last evenings camp site boasted hot showers (for the price of a few soles), a food hall and small bar where all the tour groups ate and relaxed before the early start the next morning. Our group also had a presentation with our porters and we were introduced and showed our appreciation to them all. A short walk from this camp site is the wonderful Incan citadel of Wiñay Wayna. It’s truly stunning and despite the number of groups at this camp site, we were the only ones to visit this site.

A very early rise the following morning allowed us to get to the check point before it opened. Once it had opened at 5.30am, all the groups were keen to be the first to get to the Sun Gate, and weather permitting would get their first glance of Machu Picchu. The path here was narrow and didn’t allow for much overtaking, so there was some pressure to walk quickly until there was space enough to pass or be passed. My lasting memory of this two hour trek is the set of steps leading up to the Sun Gate. I felt like I needed the skills of Spiderman to get up them! Steep and uneven doesn’t describe them, but it was wonderful to reach the top for that magnificent view.

Camping on the Inca Trail

After a short track down to Machu Picchu we passed through the final check point and had our passports stamped again. After a quick snack, our guides took us on a tour of the whole site, explaining the beliefs, hierarchy and expectations of Inca’s in their everyday lives. The location of Machu Picchu is outstanding, and the views from this mountains are phenomenal. You can’t even imagine how the Inca’s managed such a feat of engineering. Some of the braver members of our group took up the challenge to climb Huayna Picchu (there is a limit to the number of people who are able to climb this famous mountain which is the back drop to the classic Machu Picchu postcard.) Other parts of the site include the moon temple and the extremely precarious looking Inca bridge.

Around lunchtime we took a shuttle bus from the front of the luxurious Sanctuary Lodge Hotel adjacent to the citadel, down the zig zag road to the town of Aguas Caliantes below. After a buffet lunch in a local restaurant we had several hours to kill before we caught the train back to Ollantaytambo. Some of the group visited the hot springs from which Aguas Calientes gets its name, and the rest of us investigated the market place.

Machu Picchu Early in the Morning

The train journey back from Aguas Calientes was in the dark, but entertainment was provided by the on board staff. I can’t explain this experience; you’ll have to take the trip to find out! At Ollantaytambo, we exchanged the train for a bus to take us back to Cusco town centre.

That evening we celebrated completing the Inca trail by meeting in Paddys Irish bar on Plaza de Armas for a few well deserved local beers!

Arequipa, Monastery de Santa Catalina and Mama Juanita, Readers Review

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Jan 122012

Arequipa - The White City

I only had one day in Arequipa, The White city, and decided to visit some Museums. Arequipa’s main square, Plaza de Armas, has beautiful white colonial buildings, is bustling with life and colour, and feels much brighter and fresher than the Plaza de Armas in Cusco. The taxi journey to the first museum was interesting. The taxi drivers in Arequipa, are just as crazy as elsewhere in Peru and the journey is made more challenging by the cobbles throughout the city!

Santa Catalina Monastery

The first museum I wanted to visit was the museum of Juanita. Juanita was the Incan princess who’s frozen body was found in 1995 after an ice cap melted on a mountain over 6000m and discovered by rock climbers, and thought to be a sacrifice to the gods. The museum housed many stunningly beautiful Incan artefacts which included the colourful clothing Juanita had worn. Eventually we came to the room where Juanita’stemperature controlled cabinet is. Her appearance is a little shocking, and simply adds to the mystery and intrigue of her story and sets your imagination racing. It’s a fascinating museum.

Mama Juanita Remains

The second place I visited was recommended to me, and I’m so pleased I had the opportunity to visit. It’s the Monastery de Santa Catalina. I only had a limited time here, and whilst the personally guided tour usually takes an hour (which is free, but you are expected to tip), my guide agreed to take me on a tour for 30 minutes (although I was keen to tip her for the full hour!!). She showed me all the highlights of the monastery, and gave me a wonderful insight in to the lives that the nuns who lived here had to endure. The monastery itself is a beautiful, peaceful place with a labyrinth of cobbled streets inside an enclosed wall. A definite must when visiting Arequipa.

Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada Jarvis, Lima Airport Peru, Readers Review

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Jan 122012

Costa Del Sol Ramada Jarvis Lima Airport

Costa del Sol Ramada Jarvis Aiport Hotel, Lima, Peru

I have stayed at the Costa del Sol Ramada Jarvis hotel twice now, and as an independent female traveller travelling alone, it is of great comfort to know that it is directly opposite the airport arrivals exit. It was suggested that I could have hung out in the airport over night before my connecting flight to Cusco, but to be honest I was a bit worried about the safety aspect and after a 12 hour flight from Europe; I really wanted a hot shower and a decent bed to sleep in. After running the gauntlet of taxi drivers calling to me “lady – taxi – lady” and wanting to drive me in to Lima, I made it to the elegant reception of the Lima Airport hotel. All the staff were very efficient and helpful and the porters were cheerful and chatty. Whilst my face got redder & redder with the humidity of Lima, the porter was kind enough to set the thermometer in the room to a more manageable level before leaving me to it.

The room was standard, clean, tidy and very pleasant. The view from the window was of the airport car park! But I wasn’t there for the view. Room service was great despite the lateness of the hour. Only “snack” items were available as opposed to the full menu after a certain hour, but it was good grub and just what I needed to fill my tummy.

Bedroom

I didn’t stay long enough to enjoy the delights of the rest of the hotel, the bar, the restaurant or gym, but I slept well, in a comfortable sound proof room. It’s slightly more expensive that I’d normally pay for a night in a hotel, but for the reassurance of safety, comfort and proximity to Lima airport was worth every penny. I will by staying there again in the future.

Click the link for our Peru guide review and more information on The Costa del Sol Ramada Jarvis Airport Hotel, located at Lima Airport.

Peru Guide – theonlyperuguide.com
This site has been put together by travel professionals living and working in Peru, and is full of destination ideas, things to do, useful travel information, places to stay and restaurant reviews! Take some time to read through our Peru guide for other ideas, and contact us should you have any questions or suggestions.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, Tambopata National Park Peru, Readers Review

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Jan 112012

Reserva Amazonica - Inkaterra

Having decided I wasn’t ready to deal with all the bugs the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest had to offer, I booked my 4 day 3 night stay tour with the more expensive Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, where I was reassured by my Peru travel agent I’d have a fantastic experience.

Upon arrival at Puerto Maldonado Airport (after a flight from Lima, via Cusco) I was met by my guide from Inkaterra. After a short bus ride with other travellers in the Inkaterra bus, we arrived at the butterfly farm. I didn’t understand the relevance of its name until my return, when I had some time to explore the butterfly enclosure behind the reception area. We were given a complimentary cold drink whilst we filled out some paperwork, and after storing our luggage that we didn’t want to take with us in their secure lockup, we took another bus through the bustling town of Puerto Maldonado to the port.

Our guide entertained us with facts about the town, the Madre de Dios River and the reserve whilst waiting for our boat to arrive to take us the hour trip down the river to the reserve. Luckily, the reserve is not within a malaria area at the time of writing, but other mosquitos are rife, and it’s wise to take lots of bug spray, especially when on the river. Upon arrival at the reserve, the staff all came to the riverbank to welcome us. It was a nice touch.

Boat Launch - Reserva Amazonica

We were directed to the dining area for our orientation talk, and we were put into groups and allocated a guide. As I was travelling alone, I was joined up with an American couple in a very small group. We were then given time to chill out in our cabinas before our first guided experience that afternoon.

The cabinas are elegant, simple, and cleverly designed so you do not overlook other cabinas. Made from polished wood and with thatched roofs, the cabinas stand on stilts. The front third is enclosed by fine mesh and therefore open to the elements. This made it very atmospheric, and a great space to relax in the hammocks or lounge chairs. The back two thirds are enclosed by walls and is the bedroom with a 4-poster bed (from which hangs a mosquito net). The shower is off to one side and the toilet to the other.

As the whole site is a research centre and aims to be environmentally friendly, the electricity is only on at certain times of the day. Luckily they provide a flashlight. Oil lamps are lit for you, one on your porch and the other in your lounge area. Oil lamps are also lit along the paths joining the cabinas to the restaurant, so you can find your way around in the evenings.

Anyway, back to our guided experiences! The whole group needs to agree on which experiences to take, so we opted to take a tour of the local jungle. I expected to see animals galore, but as pointed out to me, the jungle is very large, and most of the animals hangout in the protected areas where people are prohibited.

Our guide was very knowledgeable about the flora and insect life which was second to none, and so fascinating. That evening we took a dusk boat trip to see caiman which was a little disappointing as the most we saw was the reflection of the eyes of a baby caiman.

The trip to the Jungle farm was also interesting, so see how chocolate grows, and all those other fruit and veg you buy at the supermarket, and never considered if it grew on a tree or plant!

Cabinas - Inkaterra

The experience to see the giant otters was phenomenal. After an hours hike through the rainforest where we spotted a pair of macaw, bats, caterpillars and various other insects, we arrived at the lake and jumped in the canoe. Our two guides paddled us around the stunningly beautiful lake pointing out a variety of birds including three types of heron, bats, caiman, and we even got out the boat to chase after some howler monkeys we could hear! Eventually the giant otters came out to play and whilst we weren’t allowed to get too close the experience was unforgettable. We were extremely lucky to see the otters as not every boat on the lake that day saw them.

We also went fishing for piranha, which was fun (a little stick and fishing wire) and I’m pleased to say the fish were smart enough eat the bait without being caught!

Our final experience was to see a native family. I am in two minds as to whether I enjoyed this experience. I am happy that tourism benefits families like these in extreme poverty and it was nice to meet the family, play games with them but it felt like an intrusion into their life and that they were just going through the motions with us. The American couple I was with also felt slightly uncomfortable with this experience, but I guess we need to remember that it is a real family and not a Disney ride.

The food at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica was spectacular, the menu was varied and nothing was too much trouble for the chef and waiters. Whilst I was happy to eat alone, the waiters made a point of chatting to me, so I was never alone for long!

Inkaterra Tree Top Canopy

One evening I decided to have a spa treatment, and after deliberating over the array of treatments on offer, I opted for a cold stone treatment, (the stones had been cooled in the Madre de Dios River). I showered before my treatment and waited to be collected and taken to the treatment room. The room was right on the riverbank. And unexpectedly the room was open to the river, with only mesh to make up the wall. It was amazing to see the sunset over the river, whilst having the treatment, but what I didn’t account for was being bitten to shreds whilst half naked! Ouch!

If I hadn’t have enjoyed all of the above enough, the friendly macaw who flew around between the cabinas each morning shouting “hola” to wake us up or the brazil nuts (meant for the visitors) which were fed to the local rodent, or the butterflies which massed on the salty riverbanks in their various distinctive bright colours have definitely made this trip to the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica memorable for life.

Written by: Karen | Bristol – United Kingdon

Peru Guide – theonlyperuguide.com
This site has been put together by travel professionals living and working in Peru, and is full of destination ideas, things to do, places to stay and restaurant reviews! Take some time to read through our Peru guide for other ideas, and contact us should you have any questions.

Cusco Tourist Attractions – Korikancha Full Review

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Jan 092012

Korikancha - Cusco

When the Spanish Conquistadores invaded in Peru over 500 years ago, Peru changed for ever. Much of the grandeur and splendour of the mighty Inca Empire was destroyed in a matter of months. Inca sites like Machu Picchu and Choquequirao were lost for centuries to the dense Amazon Jungle, but others like Ollantaytambo and Cusco were reduced to rubble as the city fell into the hands of the Spanish army’s. Korikancha in Cusco was no exception, and as one of the Incasmost spiritual and key buildings it was doomed to be destroyed.

Built by the finest Inca masons Templo del Sol (Temple of the Sun) at Korikancha was the most sumptuous temple in all of the Inca Empire, and more than 4000 priests and their servants lived there. Korikancha meaning ‘Court Yard of Gold’ in Quecha (the original Inca language), was dedicated to the worship of the Sun God Inti. The temple was constructed from the finest highly polished stone reserved only for the most important Inca buildings. It was adorned with life-size gold figures, solid gold altars and walls decorated with gold banding. Legend even told of floors and walls completely covered with gold. Korikancha also had a large solid gold sun disc that reflected the sun’s rays, bathing the temple in light. A life size replica of the disc can be seen in Lima at the Museum of the Nation.

Spanish chronicles depicted the opulence of Korkanca as – fabulous beyond belief, but interestingly in South America gold was abundant, and

Convent of Santo Domingo

unlike the Spanish the Incas never thought of gold as a valuable; simply a beautiful material perfect for decoration. Ironically, much of the gold at Korikancha was used by the Incas to pay a ransom the Spanish demanded for the life of the kidnapped Inca leader Atahualpa.

When Cusco finally fell to the Spanish, Korikancha was destroyed, and over the next century the Catholic Convent of Santo Domingo was slowly built in its place. The Spanish made use of the superior Inca engineering, incorporating the intricate and interlocking stones as foundations for the new convent. Over the following years earthquakes severely damaged the convent, yet the well-constructed Inca foundations withstood the test of time, and only in recent years have the stone started to move.

Inti Sun Disc

Located just a 10 minute walk away from Cusco’s main square – Plaza de Armas, Korikancha is a must see for all visitors to Cusco, and is usually included within the standard city tour. Entrance to Korikancha is not included as part of the Boleto Turistico General (General Cusco Tourist Ticket), and must be purchased separately.

Location: Plazoleta Santo Domingo, Cusco, Peru
Phone: (084) 222-071
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am – 5:30pm; Sun 2 – 5pm

Machu Picchu and Galapagos Tour Combined

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Dec 302011

Galapagos Islands

Have you ever thought about combining the best of two South American destinations and creating a trip of a life time? Well many people do, and by far the most popular choice is combining Peru and Ecuador to create a Machu Picchu and Galapagos Tour.

There are many things to consider when planning a Machu Picchu Galapagos Tour, so we have put together a top ten list of things to research to help things run a little more smoothly. It is probably best to leave the final arrangements to a professional travel agency, but being armed with some insider’s knowledge will help you ask the right questions and get the best tour for your money.

1) How many days have you got? - This is really important to know, as you will probably need a minimum of 10 days, ideally 12 or more. Don´t try to fit too much in a short period or you won’t do any destination justice.

2) What time is best to travel to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu? - In the Galapagos you have high and low seasons, meaning that tariffs for cruises will change depending on when you travel. Check with your travel agent or cruise operator to see when the tariffs change; by playing around with your travel dates you may save yourself some money. Also in the Galapagos, the wildlife and seas change depending on the season. Check out our month by month guide to the Galapagos for further information. At Machu Picchu it is best to avoid November through until April as this is the rainy season.

3) Galapagos or Machu Picchu first? - This is really a personal choice, but it is probably worth getting a quote on the flights between Peru and Ecuador, as flights can be expensive depending on the route you take. Budget $250 – $600 for a return / one way flight.

4) Big Boat or Small Boat in the Galapagos? - Again this is probably a personal choice and there are pros and cons to both sizes. Bigger cruise ships typically offer more communal spaces, more services plus more spacious cabins and types. Smaller boats can offer a more intimate experience with a more personalized service. The decision is really yours. Some also say that catamaran boats offer more stability in bumpy waters, so this might also be something that you might want to consider.

Machu Picchu

5) Additional hidden costs for Galapagos Cruises! - There are some costs which are not always obvious when travelling to the Galapagos. If you are booking your trip through a travel agent, then you might want to ask what is included and what is not.

$90 upwards: fuel surcharges. Several years ago, when fuel prices rose suddenly, cruise companies introduced a fuel surcharge. Although prices have fallen since, the surcharge remains in place. Prices vary depending on the cruise company and cruise duration.

$100 Galapagos Park Tax: this is a local TAX which most travel agents will not include within the price of tour. This tax is paid in person at either Quito or Guayaquil airport. It is $100 per person.

$10 INGALA Tourist Control Card: any person visiting the Galapagos must pay this additional fee. Price per person. This may or may not be included in the price of a tour.

Ask about what meals and drinks are included.

Confirm if snorkeling equipment is included within the price or not. Most cruise companies will rent equipment to you and it can be quite expensive.

6) Flights for my Galapagos Machu Picchu Tour – You will need to include several carefully planned flights in your tour itinerary for the trip to run smoothly. Remember, try to avoid too many flights in a row, and plan your tour so that you have a couple of buffer days to absorb any unforeseen delays that you might encounter. LAN and TACA Airlines are the two principle carriers between Peru and Ecuador. Flights from Ecuador to the Galapagos are best purchased with your Galapagos Cruise or with your travel agent. Galapagos airlines have special agreements and tariffs with most cruise companies. Flights to the Galapagos only operate from Guayaquil and Quito in Ecuador (you must fly to Ecuador mainland first). All Galapagos flights follow the same route: Quito – Guayaquil – Galapagos – Guayaquil – Quito.

7) Hotels in Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu is located 4 hours by train from Cusco the nearest major city, and therefore you will probably want to stay one night. The citadel of Machu Picchu is perched high above the Urubamba Valley, and therefore all but one of Machu Picchu´s hotels are located in a small village called Aguas Calientes 30 minutes below the citadel. Aguas Calientes is a rather unique village, and all hotels there are extremely over priced for what they offer. To avoid disappointment it is best to be prepared to pay 2-3 times more for a hotel here than you would in Cusco. The Sanctuary lodge hotel is the only hotel located at the citadel of Machu Picchu, and although very good it is very expensive. Expect to pay from $700 per night. See our Peru guide section on hotels in Machu Picchu.

8) New Rules for Entrance to Machu Picchu – In July 2011, the governing body of Culture in Cusco (DRC) changed the entrance rules for Machu Picchu. Now entrance to the citadel is limited to 2500 people per day, tickets for hiking Huayna Picchu must be purchased in advance, and are limited to 400 people per day, split into two entrance times 7-8am and 10-11am. Talk to your Peru travel agent about what is included in your package.

9) Land based Galapagos – Not many people know that there are also many hotels in the Galapagos, and that land based tours are possible. Often visitors to the Galapagos prefer the facilities and comfort of a modern hotel to that of a cruise ship. Daily excursions to other islands nearby can easily be arranged through your hotel or a local travel agent. Land based tours are also a superb option for scuba divers as most diving companies operate from Land based premises.

10) How much does a Galapagos Machu Picchu Tour Cost? – This is a really big question! There really are many options to choose from, including hotel level, class of cruise, duration of cruise, additional tours in Peru and Ecuador, flight tariffs etc….expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 – $8,000 per person, including all internal flights but not your international flights from home.

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