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Much damage, but coastal services
operating normally
There
might not be a roof on some of the bus stations, but the
buses, and all other tourist services, are back to normal
operations on Peru's south coast.
The
areas of Ica, Pisco and the Ballestas Islands were all
heavily damaged by the August 15th quake, which collapsed
many buildings and killed approximately 600 persons.
However, all services and transportation, including boat
trips to the Ballestas Islands and flights over the Nazca
Lines, have resumed operation.
Although services have resumed, there is still a lot of
rebuilding to be done. If you would like to make a
contribution, you may visit the NGO we sponsor in Cuzco,
www.peruschallenge.com,
which has been contributing to the re-building effort.
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Visiting Machu Picchu's sister city without
destroying yourself in the process...
 Choquequirao
is a massive Inca ruin situated high above the Apurimac
Canyon, in a location many consider to be as stunning as
Machu Picchu's. Often called Machu Picchu's sister city,
the site has received much publicity lately, including a
prominent article in the New York Times.
Walking
in remains the only way to reach this remote place, and it's
a f airly
strenuous hike, up and down a massive canyon. Once you get
there, a full day can easily be spent exploring
Choquequirao's many sectors, including the newly discovered
"llama terraces", big news in the world of archaeology.
Most agencies and tour operators continue to pack this
adventure into four days, but we feel that this does a
disservice to both our clients and the site. Our minimum
trek time is five days, with two days spent camping at the
ruins themselves. This allows for an entire day of
exploration, and also doesn't exhaust our passengers!
Another way to do Choquequirao right is to exit via a
different route, instead of retracing your steps to the
start. An exciti ng
new Inca path has been opened up down the front of
Choquequirao which crosses the Apurimac River further down
the canyon. From there, it's a much easier exit (by about
3000 vertical feet!) than going back the way you came. This
route takes a little more planning on the part of the
operator (because mules aren't allowed on the Inca road),
but is a far more rewarding option.
Click here
for more information on traveling to this amazing place!
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What to Bring
Here's a general, useful list of things to bring on a
Southern Crossings trip. If you're visiting the Mayan World
or Brazil, you may exclude the items for very cold weather.
Remember that the seasons are opposite than North America,
so even if it's bikini weather in the States, it's winter in
Peru!
•Airline ticket, travel insurance policy, passport, visa (if
necessary), traveler’s checks and/or cash card, cash
•Photocopies of airline ticket and other documents
•Wearable pouch for documents and money
•Large, sturdy backpack (preferable to a suitcase)
•Smaller, comfortable day pack
•trekking/walking boots, comfortable and worn-in
•Sandals or flip-flops
•Rain poncho or jacket
•Hat for sun
•Hat for cold weather
•Good, warm clothing for cold weather (think layers!)
•Scarf and gloves
•T-shirts
•Socks, undergarments
•Towel and swimsuit for hot springs
•Flashlight (head torches are very handy)
•Sunscreen lotion
•Insect repellent (15% DEET recommended)
•Lip balm
•Earplugs
•Camera and film
•Alarm clock or watch
•Sanitizing hand wipes or lotion
•Camera and film/memory card
•Camera batteries
•Playing cards, games, reading material
•Music
•Prescription medications
•Toiletries
Please note: if you're traveling to the Andes, it's cold!
Yes, near the equator, but at 10,000 feet or more. So be
sure to bring some warm clothes or head to the markets to
buy some gear there.
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Look Ma! We're on National Geographic!
Southern Crossings Tours and Travel
was chosen to work with
Sinking
Ship Entertainment
on the upcoming National Geographic Kids program entitled
Are We There Yet?, in which a brother and sister kid
team travel the world, meeting lo cal
boys and girls, learning local games and dances, and keeping
a crayon journal of all of their experiences.
On February 4, 2007,
Are We There Yet? traveled to Machu Picchu to film an
episode. Southern Crossings was contracted as an ideas
consultant to the program, costume provider and "finder" of
the local kids the hosts made friends with. It was great
fun and a good experience, and we look forward to more
projects like these.
Are We There Yet?
will begin airing on
National Geographic Kids
channel this fall. |
It's
the biggest party in the world, and you're invited!
Come along with
us
as we combine travel, culture and serious tropical partying
on a trip you'll never forget. We offer complete, all
inclusive tours with a tour leader and
professional local guides who will show you Brazil from the
Amazon rainforest to the hottest party spots in Rio de
Janeiro during Carnival 2008. So instead of a Carnival
"package" that dumps you at your hotel to find your own
party, come with us and experience Brazil and Carnival with
expert guides and a great group of fellow travelers and
revelers.