Machu Picchu without plastic

# Less plastic and more life is the measure that goes into effect from  December 18, tourists will not be able to carry plastic bags, straw bags and technopor containers to protected sites, Sernanp said.

The natural protected areas are around 76, such as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the Huascarán National Park, among other protected sites that conserve Peruvian biodiversity.

This measure responds to the provisions of Supreme Decree No. 13-2018 of the Ministry of the Environment, which was approved on November 5, and which goes into effect since December 18 of 2018. The standard provides for the reduction of single-use plastic and promotes the responsible consumption of plastic in State entities.

This measure, says Sernanp, seeks to guarantee the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity that turn protected areas into unique and special spaces of great natural wealth.

"Visitors are recommended to use environmentally friendly alternatives such as canteens and tomatoed to avoid the use of plastic bottles. Likewise, it is urged to use cloth bags or other reusable material instead of disposable plastic bags, "said a statement issued by Sernanp.

What plastics are prohibited?

 Among the prohibited plastics are:

• Bottles 
• Bags Sorbets or light bulbs 
• Feather or technopor containers for drinks and food for human

Recommendations: 

• Use canteens to transport water, in order to avoid the use of plastic containers that, if discarded in a natural area, can cause long-term damage.
•  However, keep in mind that no one can be forbidden to carry a bottle of water in their purse. Use cloth bags to carry things instead of plastic bags.

Read More

Humantay Lake

Cusco, millenary city, is full of magical places to live unique experiences. One of those places to visit is the Humantay lagoon, where nature and landscape converge at the foot of a snow peak located at 4200 meters above sea level. We invite you to know more about this beautiful place of Peruvian nature. Discover Humantay Lake:

What is the Humantay Lake?

The Humantay lake makes life at the foot of the Humantay mountain. Its waters are crystal clear, with a turquoise tone that delights tourists. Although it is a not so well known place among the Peruvian snow peaks and the great mountains, it is very popular among hikers traveling to southern Peru. Would you dare to bathe in its cold waters?

How to get to the Humantay Lake?

There is the option of reaching the Humantay lagoon with vehicles trained to get close to tourist guides. It is an excursion of one day and the trip lasts approximately five hours. Leaving very early, transport can take you to the beautiful town of Mollepata. There you can have breakfast and get what you need for the road.

When you leave Mollepata you must go to Soraypampa. From there, you start the hike up to the Humantay Lagoon by the same road that leads to the snowy mountain, only halfway along the route you take a detour to the lake.

Why visit the Humantay Lake?

The waters of the Humantay Lake will captivate you. Its geographical location and mineral wealth make it a visual spectacle to enjoy. The multicolored shades that can be seen on its banks, according to light and weather, will make you feel in a magical environment where you do not want the day to end.

Read More

Salkantay Trek vs Inca Trail

INCA TRAIL

This is the most popular trekking to Machu Picchu, because it manages to combine several climates, impressive landscapes and centuries-old ruins. Due to its beauty, this walk is preferred by travelers, having to be requested 5 months in advance (a permit is required that has limited spaces per day).

The Inca Trail covers 42 kilometers of jungle and mountains, visiting some archaeological complexes such as Patallacta, the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and, of course, the lost city of Machu Picchu. In addition, it delivers unforgettable landscapes of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Despite being a very beautiful trekking circuit, getting a spot can be a real headache. This is because the Peruvian government limits the entry to 500 people per day, including guides (which are mandatory), in order to preserve the ruins and archaeological sites. So if you want to hike this trek, you must book in advance as is said before.

SALKANTAY

As the Inca Trail is the most popular and classic circuit in the area, there is an alternative trekking series that does not require permission to perform them. Within them, Salkantay is the most popular alternative road to Machu Picchu. This route covers the southern part of the Vilcabamba mountain range, showing beautiful landscapes that vary from the pampas to the jungle.

Being a less known route, it does not have the number of visitors that the Inca Trail has and it does not need any permission to travel this trek. Although, unlike the Inca Trail does not include historical ruins before reaching Machu Picchu, the Salkantay trek ensures less expenses, a route with fewer people and spectacular panoramic views of the mountain range, especially the Salkantay pass. 

With a duration of between 4 and 5 days, this tour visits different Altiplano localities, as well as lagoons, hot springs and the famous Salkantay mountain.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BOTH CIRCUITS

ARCHEOLOGICAL RUINS

If your interest is to know in depth what remains of the Inca culture, the Inca Trail is the appropriate option, since the route includes a visit to different archaeological ruins, and much of the trail itself is made of stones, which They have remained since Inca times.

On the other hand, if your interests go more for the observation of nature and you value more virgin places, Salkantay is an excellent alternative, since you will see less people and landscapes less intervened by man.

LESS MONEY

Unlike the famous Inca Trail, where you must pay a permit and a guide, to make the Salkantay trek you do not need a permit or entry ticket (except entrance tickets to Machu Picchu). For those travelers who want to save money, Salkantay is a better alternative.

NEED FOR PREPARATION

Although both circuits require preparation, to carry out the Inca Trail, it must be extremely orderly and far-sighted. To reach this trekking in high season, you must buy the ticket at least 5 months in advance. In that sense, it is always advisable to quote and buy the tour with a travel agency, where you can relax and just enjoy this trek.

On the other hand, Salkantay does not need so much advance notice, being able to go independently or through a travel agency. Although it is always advisable to conduct this circuit with a guide, because they have the knowledge to help you, guide you and assist you in any emergency.

Read More

Salkantay trek by your own

Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay trek can be done without a tour, on your own and without a tour guide. To take this walk you must take all the necessary precautions. Follow these recommendations to do the Salkantay trek on your own :

• Book the Machu Picchu tickets in advance before performing the Salkantay trek. Otherwise, you can go back without knowing the Wonder of the World. 
• The route to follow is the same as the Salkantay trek with tour. 
• The journey on your own may take more or less days, depending on the visitor’s capacity. 
• The first step is to reach the town of Mollepata from the city of Cusco. 
• The cars are taken at the bus terminal of ‘Arcopata’, in the city of Cusco. 
• From Mollepata begins the ascent. 
• It is advisable to bring what is strictly necessary (food for 5 days and equipment to sleep) to avoid loading excessive luggage.

What to bring for the Salkantay trek?

• Sleeping bags. 
• Hat or cap. 
• Trekking shoes 
• Trekking backpack. 
• Waterproof coat. 
• Trekking pants 
• Poncho for the rain. 
• Water. 
• Water purifying tablets. 
• Sunscreen. 
• Personal hygiene items. 
• Snacks. 
• Cash.

Tips for the Salkantay trek 

• Acclimatize one or two days in the city of Cusco before performing the Salkantay trek. 
• Avoid alcoholic beverages or foods with a lot of fat. 
• Altitude sickness or soroche in Salkantay and Machu Picchu is one of the greatest difficulties. Perform a little exercise prior to the Salkantay trek. You do not need to be in excellent physical shape but a little exercise will help. 
• No matter what part of the year, wear warm clothes during the Salkantay trek.
• The nights are especially cold in the first two days. 
• Plan up to the smallest detail the Salkantay trek on your own.

Read More

Hiking Salkantay without a guide

Usually when you arrive in Cusco and start exploring the possibilities to go to Macchu Picchu on your own, you find that the information they provide is scarce and of dubious reliability. Not many decide to do this trek without a guide, given the uncertainty that you face. But the reality is that it is a fairly accessible road, as long as the time is on our side.Now learn how to hike Salkantay without a guide.

The preparations:

Mountain equipment: Among the essential things to survive 5 days in the wild mountain Salkantay, you will need a good sleeping bag, tent, stove and gas to cook, rain poncho, warm clothes, mountain boots, etc. If you already have everything, perfect. If not you can rent some material. Now the list of some things that you maybe need:

• 5 soles per day per sleeping bag up to -15ºC
• 3 soles per day for rain pants
• 5 soles for buying a rain poncho
• 40 soles per gas bottle for cooking

Food: since you do not know if you will going to find a place to buy food until reache to Aguas Calientes, is recommended to buy food for 5 days. Oatmeal for breakfast, nuts for the road, pasta to eat, nuddles for dinner. Cooked eggs last several days and complement either meal well. Try to look for dehydrated fruits (you can find it at San Pedro Market in Cusco) and in general take things that weigh little. For the water carry water treatment pills.

Read More

Salkantay Trekking preparation

One of the most incredible ways to visit Machu Picchu is through the Salkantay trek. This 5-day and 4-night hiking route crosses the imposing Salkantay mountain and then reaches the Wonder of the World. Would you like to know Machu Picchu with this adventure surrounded by amazing landscapes? Know everything about physical preparation for Salkantay Trekking :

1. Make hiking with weight

A very good advice to train and have your legs and body strong enough is to make a few hikings with weight. Leave your house to do some hiking in the mountains and load your backpack, start with little weight and as the days go by and go strengthening your muscles, increase the weight you carry, you can get up to 15 kgs. but that depends on everyone.

2. Travel long distances (spend a whole day on the mountain)

It is important to accustom the body to long days, since the kilometers traveled per day in Salkantay will make you spend at least seven or eight hours of travel, keep in mind that the second day takes around nine hours walking!

3. Walk slowly
We tend to want to walk fast or go ahead of everyone, you have to remember that you have to be patient, to enjoy the moment and what nature offers us. Walk slowly, do not speed up, because it is not the same to keep accelerated for an hour to be in constant effort for more than nine hours.

4. Sleep in height
In the first camp of the Salkantay route, it is 4,000 meters above sea level. Do you know what the body feels when sleeping at this height? Sometimes we feel we suffocate, that we lack air, our head hurts and we struggle to sleep.

That is why as part of training to enjoy the trekking it is important to spend a few nights at least over 2,500 meters above sea level. This will allow you to know the reactions of your body when sleeping at high altitude and it will know what it is to be several hours in height and develop more red blood cells, which are the blood particles that transport oxygen from the body.

5. Do breathing exercises
Breathing is very important, many travelers thought that hiking and mountain becomes a constant meditation at every moment.

Finally enjoy the best experience through the adventure of Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu!

Read More