Posted by Diane Valenti on Sun, May 13, 2012 @ 04:21 PM
The weather at Machu Picchu is typical of mountainous regions: unpredictable. I have experienced everything from torrential rainstorms that I thought would wash the site away to perfect blue-sky days. So how can you make sure that you are prepared to enjoy your tour of one of the world’s seven wonders?
Here are my suggestions for what you should pack when you visit Machu Picchu:
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Poncho—no matter what the weather looks like when you board the bus for Machu Picchu, make sure to tuck a poncho into your daypack. Rain can strike with very little warning. I’ve also found that a Ziploc bag to slip my camera into is helpful.
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Good walking shoes—comfortable walking shoes with a non-skid sole are a must. Many people wear hiking boots. But, hiking boots are not an absolute necessity. However, you should be prepared to walk on uneven stone pathways and stairs without handrails, both of which can become slippery when wet.
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Sun hat, sunglasses, and sun block—the Andean sun is fiercely strong at Machu Picchu. Protect yourself so that you can enjoy the rest of your time in Peru without the aftereffects of bad sunburn.
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Long-sleeved shirt and pants—make sure the shirt is made of wick-away fabric to help you stay dry. Also make sure you can zip off the lower section of the pants if the weather is steamy.
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Layered jacket—I use my three-in-one ski jacket to provide the most options. But, a shell jacket and fleece work equally well.
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Chullo hat—you can buy these typical Peruvian hats just about everywhere in the Andes. They are perfect if the weather cools off when the famous mist shrouds Machu Picchu.
One last bit of advice: to increase your chance of experiencing perfect weather, plan your trip during the Peruvian winter months of June through August and avoid Peru’s rainy season, which typically runs from December through March.
Interested in testing our weather advice? Check out our Machu Picchu tour by train.
Posted by Diane Valenti on Tue, Mar 13, 2012 @ 09:29 AM
I have been to Peru eight or nine times and have only gotten sick twice. The last time was on a bus ride that seemed like it would never end. I spent the last two hours locked in the bathroom. It wasn’t pretty.
Since then I have learned a few tricks to stay healthy while in Peru.
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Don’t drink the tap water.
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Don’t use tap water to brush your teeth.
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Avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits unless you know that they have been washed with purified water. This is becoming more and more common in areas frequented by tourists, such as Cusco and parts of Lima.
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Avoid eating food from street vendors or anything that looks suspect.
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Watch out for altitude sickness. If you know that you are susceptible to altitude sickness, have a plan for the days when you will be traveling to high altitudes.
I had altitude sickness both times I was ill in Peru. Now, I learn the altitudes of the locations I will be traveling to so that I can start my altitude medication in time to avoid another bout of soroche, as the locals call it.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you still get ill. In this case, here are some steps you can take to recover quickly.
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Prepare ahead of time by packing medication to deal with stomach problems. I always bring Pepto-Bismol, Gas-X, Imodium A-D, and Ciprofloxacin. This way I have a range of options should my stomach take a turn for the worst.
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Don’t push yourself. This may mean resting in your hotel room instead of participating in activities. It may even mean missing a hike on the Inca Trail. However, I can guarantee that you will be miserable on the Inca Trail if you have stomach problems. It is better to meet your group at Machu Picchu than to suffer through four days of intense hiking and limited accessibility to bathrooms when you need them most.
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Tell your guide that you are sick. Your guide can’t help you if he or she doesn’t know that you need assistance. In addition to administering first aid if needed, your guide can arrange to have light meals, such as chicken soup, brought to your room. He or she can arrange to have the hotel bring oxygen to your room if altitude sickness is the problem. In a worst-case scenario, you may need your guide’s help to descend to a lower altitude.
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If you need to see a doctor, check the US Embassy list of approved physicians. In Peru, these doctors are located in Lima. However, they may be able to recommend a qualified colleague in another location, such as Cusco or Puno.
It is important not to obsess about getting sick, though. After all, you don’t want to make yourself sick because you are obsessed about not getting sick. Instead, take the necessary precautions and then relax and enjoy your vacation.
Check out our options for your Machu Picchu vacation tour.
Posted by Diane Valenti on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 @ 01:45 PM
Coca is everywhere in Cusco, Peru. Many hotels display baskets of coca leaves and serve coca tea in their lobbies. Coca is the star attraction at the Coca Shop in Cusco. There you can sample a range of tasty products in which coca is a key ingredient. Coca is also an important part of ceremonial offerings.
Before I hiked the Inca Trail, I bought a small bag of coca leaves in the San Pedro Market. I brought the leaves to chew while I hiked and to share with our porters. (They really do help prevent altitude sickness.)
In this environment, coca leaves seem innocuous. However, people use these same leaves in the production of cocaine—a not so innocuous drug. As a result, when you reenter the United States from Peru, customs officers are always on the lookout for any type of coca product in your luggage.
I cannot say with certainty that bringing coca products home to the United States is illegal. (After all, you can order coca tea from Amazon.com.) However, it hardly seems worth the hassle. Better to leave coca in Cusco than to risk the ire of US customs officers when they find coca tea, for example, tucked into your suitcase.
Interested in a tour of Cusco and Machu Picchu? Check out our Andean Adventure.
Posted by Diane Valenti on Wed, Feb 29, 2012 @ 09:44 AM
The night before the 1-day Inca Trail hike, you should prepare two bags.
The first is an overnight bag for your stay in Aguas Calientes. You should pack whatever you need for the night in Aguas Calientes after the hike and for the next day when you are exploring Machu Picchu and returning to Cusco. There is only room on the train for a small bag, so your bag should contain just the essentials.
If you took Diamox to adjust to the altitude when you arrived in Cusco, you may want to pack it. Machu Picchu is a few thousand feet lower than Cusco. You might want to take Diamox before you return to Cusco so that you don't get a headache.
You might also want to pack a swimsuit if you plan to soak your sore muscles in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes. You can easily rent a towel in town.
The second bag is a backpack that you will carry during your hike. I'd recommend packing the following items:
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Passport—you must show your passport or you will NOT be admitted to the trail. Your passport must match the information you gave on your trip application.
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CamelBak—you will do a better job of staying hydrated, which is very important at altitude, if you drink from a CamelBak rather than a water bottle. It is more convenient.
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Rain poncho—even if it is sunny, you should prepare for rain. Weather can change quickly in the mountains.
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Hat, sunglasses, and really good sun block—you will definitely want protection from the sun. The first part of the trail is completely exposed.
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Insect repellent—you might need insect repellent at Machu Picchu to avoid biting flies and mosquitoes.
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Hiking poles with rubber tips—you can only use hiking poles that have rubber tips on the Inca Trail.
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Snack—you might need additional food during the hike. Pack some energy bars from home or quinoa bars from Cusco.
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Electrolytes—you will want to make sure you have energy during the hike. Shot Bloks or sports jelly beans can help.
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Bathroom kit—you might need bathroom supplies, such as a Kleenex pack, small Ziploc bag, and hand sanitizer.
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Camera—need I say more?
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Money—you will need to pay 1 sol to enter the bathroom at the base of Machu Picchu. Also bring coins and bills in case of an emergency.
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Moleskin—you might need to treat blisters.
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Extra socks—you might want to change socks in the middle of the hike.
Also make sure there is room in your backpack for your box lunch and any layers you might shed during the hike.
Are you interested in the 1-day Inca Trail? Llama Expeditions offers this option on both its Andean Adventure and Peruvian Passage tours.
Posted by Diane Valenti on Sat, Feb 25, 2012 @ 04:36 PM
If you have limited time in Peru, the 1-day Inca Trail is a great alternative to the 4- or 5-day hike. The 1-day version gives you a taste of the longer Inca Trail experience as well as some of the bragging rights.
Training:
The best way to train is to hike. On the 1-day Inca Trail, you will be hiking approximately 7 hours, with stops, on hilly terrain. If you can consistently hike 5 to 7 hours on hilly terrain at home, you will be in good shape for the trail.
You can learn more details about the trail on our website.
What to Wear:
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Hiking pants
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Wick-away shirt
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Hiking socks
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Liner socks
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Hiking boots, broken in and comfortable
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Jacket and/or fleece
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Bandana to protect your neck from the sun
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Sunglasses
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Sun block
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Hat
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Insect repellent as needed
What to Expect:
You must hike the 1-day Inca Trail with an approved travel company.
You will start early to make sure there is plenty of daylight so you can overcome any unexpected delays. You will take the train to KM 104 with your guide, cross a bridge, and check in at the control point to gain access to the trail. You must show your passport at the control point or you will not be admitted to the trail. Your passport must match the information you gave on your trip application.
The control point is also the last place to use a bathroom for several hours. The next bathroom is at the last campsite before Machu Picchu. And, the third and final bathroom is at the base of Machu Picchu. You need to pay 1 sol to enter this bathroom.
At the end of your hike, you arrive at the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu. Usually, there is not enough time to tour Machu Picchu at this point in the day. Your Inca Trail ticket allows you to come back the next day to tour Machu Picchu.
Safety Tips:
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Take your time. Hiking at altitude is more like strolling than hiking. You won't have fun if you rush too much and are out of breath the entire time. Also, please don't worry about delaying your group. No one is ever left behind.
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Stay close to the mountain. There are parts of the trail that drop off steeply, especially as you get close to Machu Picchu. You do not want to fall off the trail.
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To let faster hikers pass, step towards the mountain so that they don't accidentally knock you off the trail.
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Wear broken-in hiking boots that provide good support. Part of the trail is dirt and part of it is the old Inca stone road. This means that the ground is uneven and can be slick when wet.
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Eat and drink when you need to. Do not forget to eat your electrolytes or you may run out of energy.
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If you don't feel well or are having a problem, let your guide know. Don't suffer in silence.
Posted by Diane Valenti on Wed, Jan 04, 2012 @ 07:40 PM
It was down to the Pyramid of Giza and Machu Picchu in the recent Huffington Post poll to select the top place to see before you die. Machu Picchu won!
I’ve never been to the Pyramid of Giza. But, I have been to Machu Picchu…four times! The first three times, I traveled by train. The last time, I hiked the Inca Trail and arrived at the Sun Gate just as the sun was rising.
I can’t quite put my finger on what makes Machu Picchu so special. But, there is something undeniably mystical about the place. It is where I healed a rocky relationship with my father, fell in love for the first time after my divorce, and deepened a friendship that remains one of my most cherished to this day.
Theories abound as to the purpose of the site. Was it a religious retreat? A military installation? A university? No one knows why the Spanish never stumbled across it during their conquest of Peru or how the Inca’s engineered the site with such precision.
Even amongst the growing throngs of tourists, Machu Picchu never seems to lose its majesty. It feels eternal, somehow untouched.
I remember sitting perched on a stone wall by the Sun Gate alongside my fellow hikers from the Inca Trail. We watched the sunrise and the shadows of neighboring mountains retreat to slowly reveal Machu Picchu, as mysterious as ever.
What makes Machu Picchu the #1 place to see before you die? I guess you’ll just have to experience it for yourself to answer that question.
Explore our Llama Expeditions’ tours to Machu Picchu for more information.
Posted by Diane Valenti on Wed, Nov 16, 2011 @ 09:39 AM
I am currently organizing a trip to Peru for 10 people. They want to participate in the Inti Raymi celebration next June. It will be during the height of the tourist season. Cusco will be swimming in visitors!
In fact, I’ve been amazed at how fast hotels and even trains to Machu Picchu are filling up. This Sunday, when I checked the train schedules, I was surprised to see that some departures had already sold out. And, with Machu Picchu’s new entrance restriction of 2,500 people a day, I expect tickets to the popular site will be snapped up quickly, as well.
So, how early should you book your Machu Picchu tour? It depends.
1) When do you want to go? June and July, and to a lesser extent August, are high season in Peru. Thanksgiving and Christmas are busy, too. If you want to travel during these times, book at least five to seven months in advance. If you want to celebrate Inti Raymi, book six to eight months in advance, as Cusco will be packed.
2) What do you want to do? There are strict limits on the number of people who can visit Machu Picchu (2,500 a day) and the number of people who can hike the Inca Trail (500 a day, including porters and guides). Also, some lodges in the Peruvian Amazon, such as Posada Amazonas, have a very limited number of rooms. I would book five to seven months in advance depending on both what you want to do and when you plan to travel. As an example, I booked my trip—hiking the Inca Trail over last Memorial Day—five months in advance.
3) How many people are you traveling with? My group of 10 people (all friends and family members) will need to book sooner than say a couple. It is harder to get 10 tickets for anything than it is to get two.
As Peru’s popularity as a tourist destination grows, I expect the need to book well in advance will continue. The days of booking the Inca Trail once you arrive in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas are gone.
Thinking about taking a trip to Peru next summer? Check out our small group tours or call us about a custom guided tour.
Posted by Diane Valenti on Thu, Nov 10, 2011 @ 06:00 PM
Wondering how to pack for your Machu Picchu tour? After visiting Machu Picchu via train three times, I have some recommendations for the trip.
Before you start packing, get a small rolling suitcase or manageable backpack. Don’t try to bring a big suitcase to Machu Picchu.
First, the train doesn’t have sufficient space for large suitcases. Most passengers stow suitcases under the seat, on the rack overhead, or in available space located at the ends of each car.
Second, once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, the small pueblo at the foot of Machu Picchu, you need to carry your suitcase to your hotel. On the way to your hotel, you climb and descend stairs, cross railroad tracks, and walk through the local, often crowded handicrafts market. You may also have to climb a hill.
I usually bring two suitcases since I have yet to master the art of packing light. I leave the larger suitcase at my hotel in Cusco, and I bring the smaller one with me to Machu Picchu.
What should go in that small suitcase? Here are several items that I have found indispensable. This list is not all-inclusive, but it gives you some ideas of must-have items to pack.
1) Insect repellent. I’ve encountered both biting flies and mosquitoes at Machu Picchu.
2) Rain poncho, umbrella, and Ziploc bags. Rain is a frequent visitor to Machu Picchu. In fact, during my second visit, I was caught in a sudden torrential rainstorm. It is best to come prepared, even on sunny days. The Ziploc bags are to protect your camera, cell phone, and other valuables from getting wet.
3) Sunblock, sun hat, and sunglasses. If it is not raining, the sun can be brutal at Machu Picchu. Plus, since there are few trees in the park, it can be difficult to find shade.
4) Shoes with good treads. You’ll be climbing steps and walking on uneven stone paths. Also, there are virtually no handrails in the park. So, make sure to wear comfortable shoes that have good traction.
5) Money. Even if you’ve paid for your entrance fee and bus ticket ahead of time, you need a little money. There is the ubiquitous souvenir shop and snack bar. (I recommend the chicken empanada, by the way.) And, it costs one sol to use the bathroom at Machu Picchu.
6) A bathing suit. If you want to try the famed thermal baths on the outskirts of Aguas Calientes, pack a swimsuit. You can rent a towel at one of the many shops along the way.
7) Earplugs. Many of the hotels in Aguas Calientes were quickly built to meet the growing tourist demand. As a result, they are not well insulated. This makes for thin walls and even thinner windows. If you want to get a good night’s sleep, earplugs are a must.
8) Altitude medication. Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco, so you get a little relief from any symptoms of altitude sickness you may be experiencing. However, you must return to Cusco at some point. To avoid getting a pounding headache on the way back from Machu Picchu, pack your altitude medicine so that you can take it the morning that you leave.
Now that you know what to pack, check out our Andean Adventure and see Machu Picchu!
Posted by Diane Valenti on Fri, Nov 04, 2011 @ 04:08 PM
When I flew to Peru last February, I immediately lost my ATM card at the airport in Lima. I was so tired I forgot that the ATMs in Peru dispense cash before returning your ATM card. I took my cash and walked away. The ATM, in turn, gobbled my card.
This would have been less of a problem if I had been traveling to Cusco or Machu Picchu. I could have gotten by on the cash I had and charged the rest of my expenses to my credit card. But, I was heading to Peru’s north coast where cash is still king.
Thankfully, I was able to call my bank and cancel my card. I then took a cash advance against my credit card. I also called home to have someone immediately pay off the cash advance. If I had not done so, I would have owed almost as much money in interest as the amount of the advance itself.
In the process of resolving this issue, I learned a few lessons.
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Take the international phone numbers of your bank and your credit card company with you. Without these numbers, I would not have been able to act as quickly. Instead, I would have been left to scour the Internet looking for the right numbers to call.
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Make a copy of your ATM card. I was able to easily read the card information from my copy to the representative at the bank to cancel my card.
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Have a plan B. Losing an ATM card is not a unique situation. I have since met several other people who made the same mistake because they were tired and disoriented from traveling. I ended up waiting in line for almost two hours at a local bank for the cash advance. If I had had a PIN for my credit card, I could have used my credit card at an ATM and saved a lot of time.
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Have a plan C. Make sure to take the phone numbers of people back home who can rescue you from a cash crunch in an emergency. I could have had a friend wire me money via Western Union.
I also learned to pay better attention to how I feel. I should have waited till the morning when I would have been more clearheaded to take care of my banking transactions.
To learn more about money matters in Peru, download “Peru: What You Need to Know Before You Go” from the Resources page of our website.
Posted by Diane Valenti on Wed, Nov 02, 2011 @ 09:37 PM
One of the first things I noticed when I arrived in Chiapas, Mexico, to attend the ATTA World Summit was the hordes of children roaming the streets, dirty and bedraggled, selling everything from woven belts to cotton candy. It was disconcerting. I didn’t know what to do when confronted by their beseeching eyes and outstretched palms.
I’ve run into this situation time and again when I’ve visited Cusco. Clearly, I can never buy enough handicrafts to really make a difference in the children’s lives. But, should I buy any at all?
The answer seems to differ from place to place. In Cusco, we discourage our guests from buying handicrafts from children. We tell our guests to buy directly from the children’s parents or other adults. This encourages parents to send their children to school to learn rather than to the streets to earn a living.
Sadly in Chiapas, school is not an option for some children. In this case, our local guide advised us to buy something from the children rather than to just give them money.
According to UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, “tourism can contribute to eradicating extreme poverty and hunger through improving basic infrastructure and services” while “community-oriented tourism can promote women’s social and economic mobility.”
I have, personally, seen the difference that tourism can make when I stayed with the porters the night before embarking on the Inca Trail and when I visited a weaving community in the Peruvian Andes. At the porter community, our local outfitter is raising money to build a computer lab to provide access to the Internet. For the first time in years, young adults are staying with their families in the weaving community to participate in the weaving cooperative rather than moving to a slum in Lima in the hopes of getting a job. Life is better because of the sustainable economy tourism creates.
This is why Llama Expeditions strives to patronize locally owned hotels and restaurants on our tours. It is why we work solely with local guides. And, it is why we support such organizations as Generacion and the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco.
When you take a Llama Expeditions’ tour, you become part of the solution for these children and their families. Have fun! Do good!