Machu Picchu, Cuzco, and The Inca Trail - September 2011Dynamic OutdoorsFriday, September 2, 2011 at 11:00 PM - Monday, September 12, 2011 at 8:00 AM (EDT) |
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Event Details
Machu Picchu, Cuzco, and The Inca Trail...
September 2 - September 12, 2011
In the footsteps of the Inca... for the experience of a lifetime !!!
Part physical challenge, part mind dazzling journey into the past...
This is the Trail of the Inca...
We will hike and camp: The High Inca Trail: from the Majestic Salcantay, via Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
For 4 days and 3 nights, steadily approaching the enchanting city of Machu Picchu.
(Total travel time in Peru: 9 days / 8 nights)
General Itinerary:
Friday, September 2, 11.45 pm - Departure from NYC / JFK via Lan Chile
Saturday, September 3 - Early morning, connect via Lima and fly to Cuzco
(Hotel check in and afternoon City Tour of famous Cuzco)
Sunday, September 4, 9.00 am - Day trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Monday, September 5 to Thursday, September 8
Early morning start onto the 4 days / 3 nights of the High Inca Trail: Salcantay
Please see further details below:
Thursday, September 8 - Last day of trekking; Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes
Friday, September 9 - Early morning start to visit the Sun Gate and explore Machu Picchu
4.45 pm: Returning in the afternoon to Cuzco via train and bus - Optional stop in Ollanta y Tambo
Saturday, June 10 - Open day: Shopping and optional activities:
- City Tour of Cuzco and surrounding area - Part B: The City Cathedral, The Sun Temple, etc
- ATV Expedition, Mountain Biking, Adventure Park, etc...
- White water rafting, horseback riding, paragliding...
Sunday, September 11, 3.35 pm - Departure from Cuzco to NYC via Lima
Monday, September 12, 8.35 am - Arrive in NYC/ JFK
Pricing and payment schedule: (includes ALL flights and transfers)
$1,895 - Early Bird Special - make deposit by Friday, May 13
$1,995 - make deposit by May 25
$2,095 - make deposit by June 25
$2,195 - make deposit by July 25
Please note: only $200 deposit needed to hold your spot; however, we have only 19 spots available and this trip sells out every year !
Land Only Pricing:
$1,095 - make deposit by May 25
$1,195 - make deposit by June 25
$1,295 - make deposit by July 25
Questions / RSVP: igorbass@dynamicoutdoors.com
The very same itinerary booked via a travel agent will cost you $2,400 or more!!
Includes:
- The High Inca Trail via Salcantay:
Guides, General/ Group Porters, tents, chef, and support staff
- City Tour of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley Tour
- B&B accommodations in Cuzco, hotel in Aguas Calientes
- English speaking local guides, airport pick up and all transfers
- Daily breakfast and all meals on the Inca Trail
- Park entrance fees and entrance tickets per itinerary
>> Options for extended stay: Manu National Park, Amazonas / Lake Titicaca !!
please inquire within...
Detailed Itinerary:
Friday, September 2, 11.45 pm
Departure Friday: 11.45 pm overnight flight from NYC, JFK (Terminal 4) to Lima, Peru
Saturday, September 3
Early morning arrival in Lima to connect with our 8.10 am flight to the City of Cuzco...
Arrive in Cuzco and check in at hotel.
Adjust to the altitude ( 3,400 meters above sea level or 11,150 feet !!)
Afternoon City Tour of famous Cuzco - Chinchero, Tambomachay, Saqsaywaman, Maonumento Pachacuteq
Sunday, September 4, 9.00 am - Sacred Valley of the Incas
After Breakfast - Day trip to the Sacred Valley; leaving Cuzco in the direction of Pisac, visiting a number of famous ruins (Sacsayhuaman, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the Pisac Market)
In the afternoon, briefing and all final preparations for the Inca Trail:
Monday, September 5 to Thursday, September 8 - On the High Inca Trail via Salcantay
Monday, September 5 - Trekking Day 1: we start our "pilgrimage"
Early morning start onto the 4 days / 3 nights of the High Inca Trail:
The first push into the valley, closing in on Salcantay...
Tuesday, September 6 - Hike along the majestic Salcantay
Trekking Day 2: Climbing 3 major passes on the trail, spend the night camping...
Wednesday, September 7
Trekking Day 3: Climbing 3 major passes on the trail, spend the night camping...
Thursday, September 8 - Last day of trekking; Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes
Overnight in Aguas Calientes: Relaxing, shopping, hot springs, and dinner in town...
Friday, September 9 - The Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
Early morning start to hike up to and visit the Sun Gate, where you will witness the most spectacular sunrise, then continue to explore the city of Machu Picchu.
Tour of the ancient city and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Take it all in while relaxing after the hike.
Additional Hiking/ Exploring:
- Do the Steep One: Wayna Picchu Mountain - Limited Tickets - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huayna_Picchu
- Do the Big One: Machu Picchu Mountain
4.45 pm: Returning in the afternoon to Cuzco via train and bus - Optional stop in Ollanta y Tambo
Overnight Cuzco - Dinner in town
Saturday, September 10 - Open day & optional activities:
Back in Cuzco, explore local markets just outside the city, producing and selling awesome arts and crafts and jewelry !!
- City Tour of Cuzco and surrounding area - Part B: The City Cathedral, The Sun Temple, etc
Or take part in some extracurricular activities:
- White water rafting, horseback riding, paragliding...
- ATV Expedition, Mountain Biking, Adventure Park, etc...
Sunday, September 11, 3.35 pm
Departure from Cuzco to NYC via Lima
Leaving Cuzco at 3.35 pm back to Lima and fly overnight to NYC
Monday, September 12, 8.35 am
Arrive in NYC - JFK Terminal 4 at 8.35 am
The trip will include the overnight flight directly to Lima with connection to Cuzco, accommodations and breakfast at an awesome B&B with super friendly staff in Cuzco.
Also included: all transportation to and from the airport, the city tour, the Sacred Valley tour, and the full 4 days and 3 nights on the High Inca Trail via Salcantay !!
All meals, tents, mats, and general porters on the Inca Trail are included... and the meals are delicious.
You should bring your own mats (Therma Rests), sleeping bags, and gear, as desired:
(Basic mats are provided and sleeping bags can be rented as well)
- Notes on the High Inca Trail:
Mollepata to Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu - with extra night in Aguas Calientes
Big advantage, you may have campsites to yourself rather than sharing with hundreds of others...
Not Included:
- Personal porters to carry your heavier gear are highly recommended and cost $90 per porter;
or $45 each if 2 people share 1 porter.
Tips and Airport Departure Taxes ($30 to $45)
Challenge your mind and body, and reap the full reward of an extraordinary adventure !!
Questions / RSVP: igorbass@dynamicoutdoors.com
Optional Adventures and Activities:
Mountain biking in Moray - Maras, ca. $45.00
Horse back riding, ca. - half day $20.00, and full day $45.00River rafting, class III $45.00 and in class IV $55.00
Basic Hiking Gear / Outfit:
- Good !! Hiking Boots...
- Recommended "layering": fleece jacket for warmth
- Light wind breaker, soft shell jacket to wear over fleece in the morning and at night and if it should rain !!
- Pants that can be "zipped" into shorts and vice versa.... EMS has them !! (great for hiking)
- Rain pants, super light, soft shell pants to wear over regular pants / shorts
- Sleeping bag (Rated 15F or better) and sleeping mat (Therma Rest)
Supplemental Info: Air service by LAN Chile Airlines: MEMBER OF ONEWORLD
(Famous for their sandwiches)
1 LA 531Q 02SEP F JFKLIM SS9 1115P 610A 03SEP J /DCLA /E
2 LA 530N 11SEP S LIMJFK SS9 1155P 835A 12SEP M /DCLA /E
>> Please be at the airport at 9pm the latest - Terminal 4
>> Please check in and meet us at the Gate past security !
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel more than 60 days before the date of travel, you would receive a refund minus $200
PERU VACCINATIONS AND TRAVEL HEALTH INFORMATION A visit to a travel health physician at least 4-6 weeks before travel is highly recommended CDC Recommended Vaccinations Malaria Other health topics Consider bringing DIAMOX for prophylaxis. (highly recommended !) Traveler’s Diarrhea Health Precautions To search for a Travel Health Clinic near you can run a search on this web site: http://www.istm.org/ *********************************************************************************** F A Q: How good a hiker should I be to handle it? Was wondering if the porters have a weight limit and does that include the sleeping bag/mat. I am assuming we throw the sleeping bag/mat into the duffel, yes? What about water? should i take with me tablets to filter it? The Trail: We are taking not the regular Inca trail, but the higher and longer one, right? From what I could find, this trail is usually 5 days. Can we hike Wayna Picchu Mountain - Limited Tickets - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huayna_Picchu What about high altitude: what do u think about taking any medication: - Duffle bags
- I don't have one. I am traveling with my large back pack (60L) and a
day back pack. I have another bag where I can put my city clothes at
the hotel, but most of the stuff I'm taking is for the hike. Is that ok
that the porter takes my half empty 60l back pack?
If you cancel less than 60 days before the date of travel, you would receive 75% refund
If you cancel less than 45 days before the date of travel, you would receive 50% refund
If you cancel less than 30 days before the date of travel, you would receive 25% refund
If you cancel less than 15 days before the date of travel, there won't be a refund possible unless we find replacement for you !
(We always highly recommend to take out travel insurance: www.travelex.com)
*Our very own Travel Health Center / Dr. Bradley A. Connor*
Contact Nurse Judy: 212 988 2800 or 212 734 3000 - 50 East 69th, NYC 10021
(Mention Dynamic Outdoors or Igor Bass, maybe she will waive the visitation fee)
Typhoid*
Polio*
Tetanus-diphtheria*
Measles*
Hepatitis A (series of 3, but one will cover you within 2 weeks of receiving)
International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever required if arriving FROM an INFECTED AREA (Further information regarding Yellow Fever Vaccination, may be obtained by calling 1-800-VACCINE or the U.S. Department of Health Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) International Traveler's Hotline at (404) 332-4559 or the CDC Fax Information Service at (888) 232-3299. Information may also be obtained from travel medicine specialists and/or a local or state Department of Health clinic).
* you probably have had these but may need a booster
Malaria exists in rural areas of the country. Travelers who will visit only Lima and vicinity; coastal areas south of Lima; or the highland tourist areas (Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca) are NOT at risk
Altitude Sickness
On reaching heights above 3000m, heart pounding and shortness of breath are a normal response to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors these symptoms can deteriorate into a conditions known as Soroche (or acute mountain sickness) when you can start to experience headaches, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, sleeplessness and often nausea. Symptoms usually develop within the first day at altitude, but may be delayed by up to 2 weeks. To prevent Soroche, try to take things easy as soon as you arrive. Once settled in your hotel room have a lie down for a while and drink plenty of fluids. Don't plan any strenuous treks until you've acclimatized for a few days. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and heavy food. Drinking mate de coca (an infusion of coca leaves - and perfectly legal in Peru ) may help.
Can be avoided by following the appropriate health precautions. Consider bringing ANTIBIOTICS (doxycycline, bactrim, or ciprofloxacin) and over the counter anti-diarrheal medications (ie-Imodium) just in case
1. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans and bottles. AVOID tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, make water safer by filtering through an “absolute 1-micron or less” filter and adding iodine tablets to filtered water.
2. Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
3. Don’t eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized
4. Protect yourself from insects
5. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth
And www.CDC.gov
Itinerary: How many nights are in hotels and how many nights are camping?
Hotel 5 / Camping 3
Accommodations: In the hotels, how many people are in a room?
2 participants per room/ 2 participants per tent: single room/ single tent upgrade possible for a fee:
Age/ Gender: What is the usual mix (both age and sex) of the people on the trip?
Usually it is the standard NYC/ Tri-State demographic: age range: 25 to 45 - core in the 30's - there are slightly more girls, one or two couples, some guys...
Dietary Restrictions: I'm a bit of a picky eater (no fish, seafood, dairy). Is this going to be a problem?
Food is not a problem...
Medical: I have slight asthma although I'm in good shape (I do a lot of road cycling). Might I have a problem with the altitude? Is this a very strenuous trip?
We have had people do this trip who have had asthma; HOWEVER, you need your doctor to give you written approval AND you need to be aware that yes,
this is a strenuous trip; altitude and exposure to cold weather at times (in the mountains and in the city, especially at night)
Availability: I would like to find out how many available spaces you still have.
- please see above: the drip down box will indicate how many open spots: as long as you can book the trip, space is available...
Physical: How good of a hiker should you be?
- Good shape ! The better shape you are in, the more fun the trip will be !
Preparation: Any suggestion on how to prepare for the trip?
- It would be very good to go to the gym on a regular basis. Make sure your hiking boots are broken in !
We will have a few spring hikes to prepare you for the trip.
- Hit the gym a few more times than usual, come on Hiking Trips when posted: http://dynamicoutdoors.com/page3.html
Gear List: Any additional equipment other then what you mentioned on the site?
- Final and full gear list will be sent in a few weeks:
>> yes - will double check and get back to you with the exact number... but yes, bag/ mat into duffel and the porters will carry it...
>> no need to bring tablets or filter unless you really want to.
Do you think low hiking boots will be fine or i should get high ones?
>> we have had people hiking this trail in sneakers; they were fine; however, we strongly urge and recommend high top hiking boots for ankle support !
Supplemental: Also any additional info that you can provided ?
- Please review the links and look for Peru:
JFK http://www.jfk-airport.org/term_airln.htm
Foreign Exchange http://www.xe.com/
Elextrical Outlets http://www.interpower.com/ic/guide.htm
International Dialing Codes: http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/
Weather: http://www.weather.com/
http://international-electrical-supplies.com/electricguide.html
- Correct ! But we are doing a 4 day variation of it:
Are there any Inca ruins on the way?
- Yes, but slightly less of those until you get to Machu Picchu; there you will have view of the Inca City which only few people will get to see !
- Yes, we will get tickets as soon as we enter Machu Picchu...
Preventive Medications - Diamox (Acetazolamide) allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing the symptoms caused by poor oxygenation. This is especially helpful at night when respiratory drive is decreased. Since it takes a while for Diamox to have an effect, it is advisable to start taking it 24 hours before you go to altitude and continue for at least five days at higher altitude. The recommendation of the Himalayan Rescue Association Medical Clinic is 125 mg. twice a day (morning and night). (The standard dose was 250 mg., but their research showed no difference for most people with the lower dose, although some individuals may need 250 mg.) Possible side effects include tingling of the lips and finger tips, blurring of vision, and alteration of taste. These side effects may be reduced with the 125 mg. dose. Side effects subside when the drug is stopped. Contact your physician for a prescription. Since Diamox is a sulfonamide drug, people who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take
>> We recommend that you take some Diamox with you ! However, most people are usually fine without it: if you are alergic to Sulfa (Sulfonamide) we recommend you take the local substitute: Sorojchi Pills. Or stick with coca tea...
>> that is
fine - the porters can take the 60L back pack; however, there will be a
weight limit on how much they will carry:
(Yvonne will go over this locally...)
- Tipping: >> Tipping and Porter Costs:
Tipping:
$45 - covers the tips for the local guides, hiking guides, tipping
porters, the chef, hotel staff etc... it is only about 2.25 % of your
trip costs...
Personal
Porters/ Personal Back-Up Mules: Costs: $80 ($40 per person) covers the
cost of your luggage transport for 5 days (It actually also covers the
costs of extra / emergency mules to carry people if they get tired,
sick, or by chance hurt and need evacuation)
You can certainly skip this part and carry the pack yourself (60L); however, I would strongly advise against it...
Trip Update - May 2011
Well
everything went pretty smoothly. One girl had asthma on top of altitude
sickness so she needed the emergency mule on the most difficult hike. A
lot of people were effected by the altitude, and about half the group
got a "bug" the last couple days. The guides, porters and cooks were
great. The weather was perfect and everyone had a good time! Ivonne has
arranged a tour in Lima for the layover! See you back in New York!
Vanessa
When
Friday, September 2, 2011 at 11:00 PM - Monday, September 12, 2011 at 8:00 AM (EDT)
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Organizer
Dynamic Outdoors
We are an energetic and friendly club dedicated to offering the best outdoor adventures. All of our events are designed to ensure that everyone is involved and has a great time. Whether it is hiking in a lush forest, canoeing down a crystal clear river or galloping on horseback along the sandy beaches, we offer a personalized approach so that you gain the most out of each trip. Our goal is to provide a simple, convenient way to escape the concrete jungle for a day of fresh air, fantastic views and memorable interaction with other like minded individuals who share a passion for the outdoors.
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