THE SALKANTAY TREK 7D/6N TRIP BOOKLET

Transcription

1 THE SALKANTAY TREK 7D/6N TRIP BOOKLET

2 CONTENTS: ROUTE MAP, TRAVEL TIPS, and FAQs Pg. 3 THE LODGES Pg. 8 RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST Pg. 9 CONTACT INFO & EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS Pg. 10 2

3 3

4 TRAVEL TIPS AND FAQs Below you will find some frequently asked questions and information regarding our Mountain Lodges of Peru programs. PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP HOW DO I GET THERE? FLIGHTS AND LOGISTICS: Flying to Lima: All international flights into Peru route through Lima, with connections to most destinations throughout the country. Some flights out of North America and Europe arrive late in the evening after the last flight to Cusco has departed. In these cases, an overnight stay in Lima will be required before proceeding to Cusco. Your MLP travel specialist will be happy to assist you with making any necessary hotel arrangements. Traveling to Cusco: There are four airline carriers that fly round-trip between Lima and Cusco: LATAM Airlines, Avianca Airlines, Star Peru, and Peruvian Airlines. All offer similar schedules and in-flight service, but we usually recommend either LATAM airlines or Avianca as they tend to be the most helpful when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur. Your MLP travel specialist can also assist you in selecting the best flight options for your trip. WHAT IF I NEED HELP BOOKING HOTELS AND ADDING TRIP EXTENSIONS TO MY ITINERARY? Altitude Acclimatization: We always encourage our guests to extend their trips with, at minimum, a couple of pre-adventure days in Cusco to provide time for altitude acclimatization while they explore the remarkable beauty of the city. Depending on availability, we would be happy to book accommodations for you at one of our Signature Properties in Cusco, El Mercado and El Retablo, that offer a combination of comfortable rooms, excellent service, and Peruvian charm. What to do during your free time in Cusco: Spend a few pre-trip days in Cusco, where international travelers mingle casually with city locals and Quechua people dressed in traditional Andean costume. The picturesque town squares and bustling street markets are the perfect spots to glean your initial impressions of the region before your MLP adventure. Get a sense of its rich history with visits to the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas (the main city square), the Koricancha (Inca Temple of the Sun), the artists quarter of San Blas, and the colorful San Pedro Market. Your MLP Travel Specialist will be happy to arrange a guided excursion to these intriguing spots, along with visits to Sacsayhuaman, Q enqo, and Puca Pucara, impressive Inca archaeological sites just on the outskirts of the city. And last but certainly not least, savor the world-class Peruvian cuisine at both casual and upscale restaurants and cafés around the city. We especially recommend dining at La Taberna, the exceptional restaurant in our MLP Signature property, El Mercado, after your pre-trip guide briefing. 4

5 Trip Extensions throughout Peru: MLP can also help you plan and book any additional accommodations and excursions that you might like to experience during your time in Peru. We offer a collection of trip extensions to some of Peru s other notable destinations: Lima, Arequipa, Nazca, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon and of course, within Cusco and The Sacred Valley. Please alert your MLP travel specialist if you would like to build any additional experiences into your trip. DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? All guests are required to provide valid proof of travel insurance, including specific coverage for adventure travel activities in Peru. If you do not have the appropriate insurance or if MLP does not receive your insurance information before the trip, we will arrange coverage for medical expenses and medical emergency evacuation at a rate of $10/day through BUPA Global Travel. In the event that you are interested in booking one of our Trip Extensions or spending any additional time in Peru traveling on your own, we can also assist you in extending this coverage to include travel beyond the dates of your MLP Signature Adventure. Please consult your Travel Specialist for full terms and coverage rates. HOW DO I PHYSICALLY PREPARE FOR THIS TRIP? The Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu features a flexible itinerary chosen from a daily list of both active adventure and cultural immersion activities. While general good health and an active lifestyle (including regular walking and/or hiking excursions) will make your trip even better, Sacred Valley and Lares Adventure participants can be confident that there will always be an option to suit their individual interests and needs. Pre-trip fitness planning, wellworn hiking shoes, and extra acclimatization nights in Cusco before the trip are still highly recommended. Those interested in taking advantage of the more challenging day hike options should build a more intensive fitness regimen into their pre-trip preparations. WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE? The weather in Cusco is defined by two seasons*: green (rainy) and dry. Green season typically runs from November through March, with average temperatures of approximately 56 F (13.3 C). Occasional showers are expected throughout this period, with the heaviest rains occurring in January and February. Dry season is normally from April through October, during which time you can expect mostly sunny days followed by cooler nights and the possibility of morning frost. The average daytime temperature around this time is 49.5 F (9.7 C). July is regularly recorded as the coldest month of the year; in some locations night temperatures can drop as low as 32 F (0 C). *Please note: Keep in mind that Cusco is located in a high-mountain environment where variable weather is expected. Rain can occur in the middle of July just as sun may appear in January, so it is always important to be prepared for mixed conditions. 5

6 HOW CAN I AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS DURING MY TRIP? Altitude sickness is most common at elevations above 6,500 /1,900m and results from the body adjusting to a decreased amount of oxygen. To combat this, MLP recommends spending two nights in Cusco prior to the start of your program. In addition, it is always important to drink plenty of water. Filtered and purified water is available at our lodges and carried by trek support at all times. In case of extreme altitude sickness, both oxygen and hyperbaric chambers are available as needed. HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I TAKE? Once you have booked your MLP adventure, you will receive a packing list that outlines the items you will need for the trip. We recommend packing your belongings in a mid-sized soft duffle bag for the duration of the program. You will only need a daypack during the hikes and your duffel will meet you upon arrival at each lodge. Please be aware that the train to Machu Picchu imposes a baggage weight limit of 8kg/18lbs per person. MLP offers duffel bags on loan; please request one at the pre-trip briefing in Cusco if you think that your luggage will exceed this weight. Extra luggage can be stored safely at your hotel in Cusco. IS THE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THE SAME AS WHERE I AM TRAVELING FROM? Although most of Peru operates with an electrical current of 220V, our lodges are outfitted with 110V compatible outlets. However, it is still advisable to travel with a converter to ensure full compatibility during your trip. DURING YOUR TRIP WHAT VARIATIONS IN TERRAIN SHOULD I EXPECT? Second only to the Himalayas, the Andes rise to over 19,000 /5,800m. The rugged Andean landscape is full of contrasts, comprised of dramatic mountain ranges separated by deep vertical canyons and green valleys. The eastern slopes of the Andes are veiled in cloud forests that receive plentiful rainfall as they drop into the Amazon Basin. All of the trails in our programs are well-maintained and safe. Adventurers can expect to cross sections of original Inca Trails in addition to newer paths that may sometimes include steep, rocky, or even muddy terrain. Be prepared for varied ecosystems almost every day! WILL MLP PROVIDE GROUND TRANSPORTATION DURING MY TRIP? MLP uses private transportation for our programs. We have comfortable passenger vans staffed with professional drivers who are well acquainted with each route. Guests will be picked up and returned to their Cusco hotels at the beginning and end of their MLP adventure. On The Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure, the same vehicle will stay with each group throughout the journey. 6

7 WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PERUVIAN CURRENCY? The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.), although US Dollars are also widely accepted. If you are carrying cash be sure to bring crisp, unsullied US bills since torn or defaced currency will not be accepted locally. ATM machines that dispense both US Dollars and Nuevos Soles are readily available in the city of Cusco. Credit Cards are generally accepted only in the more upscale restaurants and shops in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Note: VISA is most widely accepted, followed by MasterCard. American Express is accepted in very few places. During your MLP adventure, you will only need to carry a small amount of cash for souvenirs and minor personal expenses. We recommend taking Nuevos Soles in small denominations for purchases en route. Optional gratuities for trip leaders, assistant guides, and any other staff can be given in either currency. Additional expenses at the lodges (such as massage, laundry service, or alcoholic beverages) can be charged to your credit card or paid in cash on site (either Nuevos Soles or US Dollars). ARE STAFF GRATUITIES INCLUDED? Gratuities are included in the trip cost for all lodge and logistical personnel except for guides and asst. guides. We generally suggest $5 - $10/per day, per guide, but we leave this to your discretion. WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO PHONE AND COMMUNICATION DURING THE TRIP? Our lodges are located in remote high-mountain locations where a mobile signal can sometimes be difficult to obtain. However, all of our lodges have been set up with Wi-Fi and telephone connections to ensure that our guests can communicate with friends and family. Having said that, we highly recommend disconnecting from your daily routine for an even better opportunity to recharge during your time with us in the Peruvian highlands. WHAT KIND OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES DO YOU HAVE IN PLACE? MLP follows a detailed protocol in case of medical emergency. Every MLP guide has completed a Wilderness First Aid certification and carries a comprehensive first aid kit, portable oxygen, portable hyperbaric chamber, and communication radio on the trail at all times. An MLP staff physician in Cusco is always available by telephone. Additional basic medical equipment is stored at each MLP lodge. Your pre-trip information packet will include an emergency contact number in the event that family or friends at home need to reach you. 7

8 WHEN YOU GET HOME TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE! We are sure you have already told friends and family about your trip. Please take a moment (or more!) and tell us about the highlights of your journey, about your companions and guides, and anything else that made your journey unique. Please share your photos with us too and remember to tag us with #experiencemlp. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO KEEP UP WITH MLP HAPPENINGS Facebook: Mountain Lodges of Peru ( Youtube: Mountain Lodges of Peru ( THE LODGES Our mountain lodges, each uniquely conceived through thoughtful architectural design that includes traditional Inca building techniques and a nod to their respective environments. We offer all the comforts of home along with top-notch amenities and exceptional service. Spots to relax and meditate abound at each one: welcoming patios, private guest room balconies, fire pits, and outdoor hot tubs...all with inspiring views of the region. Our exceptional lodge menus are comprised of traditional recipes prepared with innovative neo-andean cuisine flair. Each ingredient is locally sourced with an emphasis on farm-to-table sustainability. Our local staff provides exceptional service and care from the moment you arrive...warm towels and refreshments in the afternoons...hot water bottles and herb-infused pillows at night...our goal is to make you feel at home. Salkantay Lodge Our flagship Salkantay Lodge was built on the flatlands of the Rio Blanco river valley, with a stunning, unobstructed view of the majestic Salkantay mountain peak. Its contemporary, ecoconscious design was the inspiration for all other MLP lodges. (12,690 /3,869 m) Wayra Lodge Wayra Lodge, a cozy mountain refuge with dramatic views of Mt. Humantay, is the most remote of our MLP lodges and a welcome sight after a long day of trekking over the Salkantay Pass. (12,812 /3,906m) Colpa Lodge Surrounded by lush green mountains in a cloud forest, our Colpa Lodge is situated on a promontory at the confluence of three rivers (9,333 /2,845m). Sun-drenched in the afternoons, it is the perfect spot to relax or soak in the outdoor hot tub. (9,414 /2,870m) 8

9 Lucma Lodge Situated in a lush avocado orchard at the edge of the Amazon jungle, our charming Lucma Lodge resembles a contemporary treehouse. The view through the multi-pane windows that stretch almost to the ceiling will give you the sensation of living amidst the beautiful foliage that surrounds you. (7,003 /2,135m) Noteworthy Complimentary internet is available at each lodge. Each guestroom has a safety deposit box. Both Lamay Lodge and Huacahuasi Lodge have out door hot tubs. Massage service is available at both Lamay and Huacahuasi. Guestroom baths are equipped with toiletry amenities and hair dryers. RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST Day pack to carry your snack, water bottle, additional layers of clothing and any personal item Broken-in hiking boots or mountain sneakers (gym sneakers are not suitable) Full rain gear (rain jacket, rain pants) or rain poncho Hiking pants and shorts Fast-wicking and quick-to-dry top and bottom base layers Comfortable shoes/flip-flops Cold-weather jacket Gloves (light fabric or wind stopper) Long-sleeve fleece/sweater Woolen hat Baseball cap or sombrero Buff or Bandana Sunglasses Comfortable sports socks Sunscreen Insect repellant Bathing suit Noteworthy: Any additional clothing and luggage that you will not need on the trek can be stored at your hotel in Cusco. MLP highly recommends bringing hiking poles; they are readily available at multiple shops in Cusco if you forget yours or would like to purchase some after you arrive. Complimentary wooden hiking sticks are available at each lodge. Cameras and binoculars are, of course very welcome. Drones, however, are not permitted. We recommend carrying the following in your daypack instead of in your duffel bag: passport, currency, prescription eyewear, and all special medications that you may need to take on a daily basis. 9

10 CONTACT INFORMATION & EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS We ask that all non-emergency phone calls and s be directed to the MLP-Cusco office during regular business hours (Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm EST/ Friday 8:30 am 3:00 pm EST): MLP Cusco-Peru USA/Canada Europe Brazil Australia us: info@mountainlodgesofperu.com IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: MLP 24/7 EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: (+51) Emergency Address: 24-7@mountainlodgesofperu.com Thank you for choosing Mountain Lodges of Peru we look forward to seeing you soon in Cusco! 10