Chaman
CategoriesPeru Tours By Sun Gate Tours

Pachamama Month in Peru

Peru celebrates the Earth Month or Pachamama Month in the high Andean communities since August 1st. The Andes are characterized by its deep cultural and folk legacy from the Inca and pre-Inca cultures. In their festivals, customs and traditions that continues since Inca times. Many people have a close bond with our Mother Earth (Pachamama in Quechua). For that reason, every August each family in Peru pays a tribute to the Mother Earth to request health,  money and living peacefully with their neighborhoods and social enviromentes in work and friends. Coz all natural resources are provide by Morther Earth and we always be grateful with her to lead us live over her lands.  Pachamama is our Mother Nature and she is everywhere, but we can find special places that the inhabitants consider sacred.

What is celebrated at Pachamama Month in Peru?

The majority of high Andean communities still have a deep dependence and connection with agriculture and that’s why August is the month in which people has more tribute to do with the land and living peacefully with their enviroment.

Who celebrates the Pachamama Month in Peru?

Pacha Mama

All Peru celebrates the ritual independently in their houses. Because it’s a common custom that came from our ancient culture that is so beneficial to all people in Peru. Into the ritual the peruvian ppl buy the best products to give thanks and the ingredients that we need to thank are: the coca leaf, an animal fetus (preferably an Andean animal), some coins, lliqlla (typical blanket with Inca motifs), alcoholic beverages (mostly wine or beer), cigarettes and food.

 

 

 

 

 

What does Pachamama mean?

Chaman

 

To understand the meaning of the Quechua word “Pachamama” we must first break it down into its two parts: at one hand, we have  ‘Pacha’ which means earth, world, universe, time and at the second side we have ‘Mama’ which means Mother. Both words melted creates the meaning “Morther Word”.

Everything that exists on our planet especially in the Andean world has life. Nothing is inert in the Andean world, the stars, the universe, the moon and mainly the Sun have life. When there is a ceremony regardless everyone attends. The community members gather for dance, eat, drink and celebrate.

 

 

Social links

Instagram
Facebook

Internal Tourism Peru Chinchero-Woman
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours Peru Peru Tours Peru Vacations By Sun Gate Tours

Some tips for internal tourism in Peru

Once you are ready to travel to Peru you need to know that there three very distinct geographical zones, and each one has its own weather seasons, somehow it is important to mention that the coldest of them will be the Andean one , so If you are heading up to a province then cold weather is always expected and you may need to bring with you a jacket and some warm clothes , if you are going to any place in the coast then a warm weather will be waiting for you , and for sure if you are going to the Amazonian jungle the weather will be more like summer.

Make sure to bring along on your trip a positive attitude at all times, there will be amazing places and experiences waiting for you over here so remember that this for sure will bring you surprises and friendly people to meet, there would be some challenges sometimes but there are lots of them everywhere you go, but life is about it right? So the best way to enjoy your trip is let the adventure get in to you.

When you arrive in Peru remember that are many travel agent options that you can take or book your trip or excursions with, somehow it is always recommended to do it in advance prior your arrival to this country, so this will give you definitely more time to enjoy and plan everything according to your expectectations. A hotel or host family accommodation is necessary at your arrival in case you don’t have any connecting flight to your city or province of destination, If this is the scenario then you should always use reliable transportation with accredited drivers who must always show you credential if you are taking their service from inside the airport.

When you arrive in Peru remember that are many travel agent options that you can take or book your trip or excursions with, somehow it is always recommended to do it in advance prior your arrival to this country, so this will give you definitely more time to enjoy and plan everything according to your expectectations. A hotel or host family accommodation is necessary at your arrival in case you don’t have any connecting flight to your city or province of destination, If this is the scenario then you should always use reliable transportation with accredited drivers who must always show you credential if you are taking their service from inside the airport.

It is always important to carry all your personal belongings near to you, specially money, credit or debit cards, medication or any other items of importance to you or the people traveling with you, as a well it is always recommended you assign one person in charge of presenting the documentation of every member of a group in case of traveling in a group.

If you have a connecting flight to your final destination, then it is better to stay at the same airport even though there are some hours left until your next flight this will avoid any chance of getting lost out there and miss your flight, make sure to be ready with some warm clothes in you are traveling to any of the provinces in the Andeans so the cold better won’t get you surprised.

Make sure always to check your luggage or carry on to see if you have them with you at all times especially when you travel by plane not because it might be dangerous or not safe but just to make sure everything is going well and according to what you planned. When you arrived at your final destination the travel agent personal will be waiting for you at the airport and will be carrying you name in a board so you will easily recognize him or her, then you will be taking to the hotel you have previously booked.

It is important to mention that there are bus terminals at every city or province and you can use these means of transportation that for sure will help you saving you some money from your budget and the prices are in soles which is the national currency.

Once you are settle in the place where you will be spending most of the days of your trip make sure to always get some days to get acclimatized in order not have any health issues during some excursions that requires of trekking, climbing or going up to a certain altitude, for sure this will help you a lot.

There many money exchange place where you can go ahead and exchange cash into our national currency, there are as well ATM’s machines where you can withdraw cash in case of needed, remember always to be careful of every transaction and be aware of some strangers than could mean a danger to you if you get distracted, this could happen anywhere so it is a matter of personal safety and awareness.

Popular transportation is fluent in Peru, so if you are interested in getting immersed into the popular activities you may get in to a public transportation bus called , combies or custers where for sure you will pay really cheap for transportation , somehow please make sure of keeping and eye at your belonging and to ask for instruction in order to get off the bus at the right bus stop so you don’t get lost , taxis are also a good choice whenever you are in a rush or just want to take a comfortable ride , make sure to ask the taxi driver about the cost of the ride before you get in , as they could charge you more than the expected if you pay when the ride is done , better safe than sorry.

In Peru it is always important to bargain when you are shopping special when purchasing at the local markets or street vendors, this is totally normal here so you can give a try and for sure get a good deal with this. Facebook.

Inti Raymi Celebration
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours Peru By Sun Gate Tours

Inti Raymi the celebration of the Sun

As you may know, Cusco is not just a magical city with historical places but also a mystical location based on celebrations that existed during the Inca Empire until today, so let’s talk about the Inti Raymi, a fascinating festival that commemorates the Inca heritage and its adoration to the Sun, their god.

The Inti Raymi is also known as the Festival of the Sun, this festival marks the Winter Solstice and honors Inti, the Incan Sun God, it is important to know that Peru is in the southern hemisphere its winter season won’t be similar to other countries.

The festival takes place On the 24th of June every year it is performed at the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman. Tourists and locals gather to watch the festival taking place. It’s an excellent experience to make you feel as though you are being swept back into the time of the Incas and to give you a good idea of how life was like back then.

People wanted to learn more about this fascinating ancient culture so right after the discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911 old traditions started being brought back and the lost city brought with it lost traditions too, but what exactly happens on this very special day? Let’s start by talking about actors, the real performers, people who bring us back to the past and show us the power of the Incas all over their lands and how important it was for them to thank their god for everything they got as a blessing.

It really takes months of practice! You will see over 500 actors wearing traditional costumes that are very well made, and the ceremony actually lasts the whole day passing through 2 points in the city before reaching Sacsayhuaman there is no doubt that prior preparation to this event is taken seriously in order to express trough their performance every single detail of importance for Incas and their respect for the Sun.

Just Imagine seeing this magnificent site with golden life-sized corns and gold-fleeced alpacas on the lawn. It must have been incredible right? here is where this beautiful Temple called Q’oricancha takes the role as it was home to many Incan mummies that were wrapped in the finest clothes and set to rest on golden thrones forevermore. Unfortunately, upon seeing this wonderful building, the Spaniards took all the gold they could find, leaving only the stone construction that was underneath. This is what we can see today so If you want to see the start of Inti Raymi from here you need to get there very early in the morning seriously really early.

They make their way to the Plaza de Armas where the ‘Incas’ stop for a short while to perform a part of the ceremony. The best way to see this is to get to a balcony on one of the restaurants or cafes that surround it and watch it all from there, but wait ! this is just the first stop they will do before reaching Sacsayhuaman where the main part of the ceremony will take place, so make sure to separate 3 hours of your daily schedule in order to see the ceremony performance, assure to wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, sunscreen, hat, water, and some snacks as the walk could be a little exhausting if you are not used to walking long distances.
The Sacsayhuaman ruins are packed with those visitors who have managed to get hold of event tickets, whilst thousands more climb the hills and mountains around the ancient fortress to catch a glimpse. The Inca and selected nobles ascend to the ushnu (alter) give speeches in Quechua, paying homage to the Sun.
The most audience gets a little bit impressed when a peculiar ritual is being held, this is called the sacrifice of the Llama where this animal is sacrificed in order to show respect and gratitude to the God Sun, but it is important to mention that is just a fake sketch with no animal being killed, the idea is to show exactly how this used to happen in those times.

Here is something you should know as important facts.

The first Inti Raymi ceremony was held in 1412, this event was then suppressed and forbidden by Spanish conquistadors; as it was observed as a pagan ceremony, the opposite to their Catholic faith and traditions. However, it began once again in 1944 based on the writings of Garcilaso de la Vega, who was a poet and writer on those times bringing back in this way this very important ceremony the Festival of the Sun has come under criticism recently among older audiences for being too ‘staged’ but younger audiences, including local students, use it as an important time to celebrate Peruvian music, perform authentic folk dances and commemorate its history with street entertainment – this begins a week prior to the ceremony itself.

The Incas classed themselves as “Sun Masters” building their fortresses high into the sky as a means of getting ever closer to the sun. Their fortresses were seen as their tribute to the sun and the power that it holds – Qoricancha is an example of this.

Book your Machu Picchu tour! if you are in Cusco in June near the 24th don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this amazing, traditional and cultural event, you can purchase the entrance ticket in order to have a seat at Sacsayhuaman and be comfortable and is recommendable to do it with some time in advance.

While in Cusco!

If you are looking for some traditional shopping in Cusco then San Pedro Market is a good and unique option when it comes to mixing some cultural experience with traditional purchasing, Local markets are a very important part of the Peruvian culture because they offer a great look at the day-to-day life of the local people and their traditions. San Pedro market is located in the heart of Cusco, really close to the Plaza de Armas.
Lots of tourists enjoy a visit to the San Pedro market. Even when you don’t plan on buying anything, a visit there is just a new experience. There are a lot of fascinating attractions you will get when exploring this vast local market. We are sure you will enjoy walking around this place. Facebook.

Three Places Travel Peru amazon and Machu Picchu tours
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours By Sun Gate Tours

3 Must-Visit Places When Travelling to Peru

In recent years, Peru has become one of the most visited countries in South America.  Peruvians are immensely proud of their culture and heritage, and happily welcome all visitors who wish to admire the impressive features of their country.

If you want to explore a country with a variety of features, then Peru may very well be the place to visit. But before doing that you need to search for ideal Amazon and Machu Picchu tours to make the most of your vacation.

Peru is a country that has a lot to offer, but let’s talk about the 3 must-visit places.

Peruvian Amazon

When compared to the lower-lying portion of Amazon, the Peruvian Amazon headwaters contain a greater concentration of wildlife. If you are a wildlife lover, then Peruvian Amazon is a great choice as you will be able to spot a wide array of species. Peru also has a large portion of the remote forest which is still relatively untouched by human settlement. These remote forests are a great place to spot some of the jungle’s most unique wildlife.

Peruvian Amazon is an ideal destination if you are interested in cultural encounters with many indigenous communities that reside in this part of the Amazon. However, most of the communities prefer isolation to visitation.

Amazon and Machu Picchu tours
Amazon and Machu Picchu Tours

Cusco

Cusco is a city in the Peruvian Andes and was once the capital of the Inca Empire. This city is now home to an array of historical and archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. After exploring the main sights, you can explore Cusco’s thriving culinary scene.

Most of the travelers use this city as a launching point for Machu Picchu, which is Peru’s largest tourist attraction. Backpackers, from around the world flock to Cusco year-round, making it a welcome refuge.

Machu Picchu

When in Peru, one can’t simply miss this place. Widely regarded as one of the greatest archaeological wonders of the world, this magnificent ancient Inca settlement is a definite highlight of any Machu Picchu and Amazon tours. The well-preserved stonework, spectacular backdrop and mysterious character of the site draw visitors in numbers each year.

When you catch the first glimpse of the terraced ruins, you will be awestruck and it will be the moment you won’t ever forget.  If you love adventure, then you can hike the Inca trail into the Andes, crossing lush rainforest and high-mountain passes before receiving the ultimate reward for your effort.

At 2,340m above sea level, the site encompasses both the mountainous terrains of the Andes and the tropical jungles and forest of the Amazon. Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century and is believed to have been built by the ninth ruler of the Inca, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui.

Best time to visit

If you have decided to visit Peru, then plan your trip in the winter season (May-September). The winter is the driest season and the best time of the year to travel especially if you are planning to trek to Machu Picchu or visit Cusco. However, this is considered to be the peak season. If you want to avoid crowds, then try visiting in the summer season (December-March). Though there are high chances of rain during these months, you can try to align yourself to clear weather forecasted day. Facebook.

Machu Picchu trip
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours By Sun Gate Tours

7 Amazing Things to do in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is undeniably Peru’s leading tourist attraction and very few visitors to the country fail to make their way to the Andean hills, to see the ruins of the ‘lost city of the Incas’. Its iconic status as one of the wonders of the world means that millions of tourists flock to see the ancient citadel every year.

The large ruins, perfect masonry, and strange architecture have bemused the researchers for several years and continue to attract visitors on mass. Stretched over 13 square km, Machu Picchu is a wealth of interesting sights. You can spend hours wandering and getting lost in a city of wonders.

To assist you to get the most out of your Machu Picchu Trip, here are some amazing things you can do.

Climb up to the Sun Gate

Sun Gate is considered one of the most important features of Machu Picchu. Your first view of Machu Picchu after tough trekking will be through Intipunku, the Sun Gate. However, if you are visiting Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, you can climb up to the Sun Gate to look down on the ruins from above. Though it takes around an hour to reach Intipunku, the view from up there will be worth seeing.

Climb Huayna Picchu

If you want to see the bird-eye view of Machu Picchu, then you need to climb the Huayna Picchu. The towering mountain is a fairly straightforward climb and requires no technical ability. The top of Huayna Picchu will offer you the best view of the site and the surrounding mountains.

However, only 400 people are permitted to scale it per day, so better to book your tickets in advance.

Don’t miss the Temple of the Sun

Located next to the main fountain, the Torreon is one of the most important buildings in Machu Picchu. It is also one of the finest examples of Inca masonry. The Temple of the Sun is believed to be used for astronomical observations in the past.

Click photos from the Watchman’s Hut

After entering the city you will see the Watchman’s Hut. This is the perfect place to get a breathtaking view of the whole city, so don’t miss the opportunity to capture the beautiful view.

Find the Inca Bridge

Built as a secret entrance for the Incan army, the bridge is carved into a cliff face on the west route of Machu Picchu. From the Watchman’s Hut, the path will lead down to the Inca Bridge.

Search the Intihuatana

One of the most recognizable sights in Machu Picchu, Intihuatana was used by the Inca people as a sundial to predict solstices. The shape of the pillar rock itself mimics that of Huayna Picchu that sits directly behind the stone.

Visit the agricultural terraces

One of the greatest achievements of the Incas was their ability to adapt the mountainous terrain of the Andes for agriculture. You can walk along the terrace and appreciate the techniques they employed to make the land suitable for cultivation.

Whether you arrive at Machu Picchu on a bus or foot, the first impression of the site will never disappoint. With so many things to do and see, your Machu Picchu Trip will be worth remembering. Facebook.

Machu-Picchu-Peru
CategoriesPeru Vacations By Sun Gate Tours

Plan your Machu Picchu Vacation in Peru with best Tour Packages

Peru is a beautiful and third-largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina. It is the home to a section of the Amazon rainforest and ancient Incan city Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains. Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu is an important archaeological site. It is the symbol of the great Incan Empire and is situated 2,430 meters above sea level in the mountain range. This mysterious ancient city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and named among New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. This all makes Machu Picchu one of the most visited tourist destinations in Peru.

If you are planning a Machu Picchu Vacation then you will not be disappointed as the ancient Incan city never fails to amaze people with its mysterious beauty. Unlike any regular holiday destination, a vacation in Machu Picchu is more like an adventurous journey for travelers around the globe. Situated in the subtropical zone, the climate in Machu Picchu is warm and humid during day time and cool at night. The best time to visit this place is from April to November as it rains very little during this period.

If you are in Peru and planning a trip to Machu Picchu, then you should not forget to visit these must-see sights:

  • The Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
  • Climb Huayna Picchu
  • The Inca Bridge
  • Watchman’s Hut
  • The Funerary Stone
  • Temple of the Sun
  • Royal Tomb – Palace of the Princess
  • The Fountains
  • The Temple of Three Windows
  • The Principle Temple
  • House of the High Priest
  • House of Ornaments (Sacristy)
  • Intihuantana
  • Central Plaza
  • The sacred Rock
  • The Moral/Industrial Section
  • The Prison Group

For your Machu Picchu Vacation in Peru, you need to consider getting a personalized travel package from a professional tour and travel company. It will include hotels, sightseeing guides, transportation, and other professional services for your vacation. There are two ways to reach Machu Picchu, one is by train and the second option is via an adventurous 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. Your tour operator will help you find the best tour package based on your choices. If you are planning to go via train, ask your tour company to reserve train tickets and arrange your entry into Machu Picchu in advance as there are only limited entry per day for the tourists.

Make sure that your tour package includes sightseeing to all the best sites in the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Take an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide with you to learn about these important archaeological sites and the mysteries behind them. Pick a personalized tour package in your budget depending on your travel needs and how many days you want to stay to explore the place. Machu Picchu is a beautiful place in the middle of a tropical mountain forest; make sure you have enough time when you are planning a vacation here. Facebook.

Amazon Region Machu Picchu Affordable Peru Tours
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours By Sun Gate Tours

Interesting Facts about Peruvian Amazon Region and Machu Picchu

With its diverse land and rich culture, Peru is the perfect country for an explorer, but when someone talks about Peru- the first thing that comes to mind is Machu Picchu and the Amazon forest. These two places are the most visited in Peru.

Before you book any of the Amazon and Machu Picchu Tour packages, here are some amazing interesting facts about these places:

Amazon

The Amazon is the largest rainforest on Earth, which stretches across nine countries in South America. The Peruvian part of the Amazon rainforest is probably the most diverse and prolific section of all. You can witness the widest variety of flora and fauna here. Peruvian region of the Amazon River and rainforest system is the most untouched and is known as the birthplace of the Amazon River.

Amazonas-Iquitos
Amazonas-Iquitos

Machu Picchu

Set atop the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and is also one of the most traveled places not only in Peru but in the world as well. Machu Picchu is translated to “Old Mountain” or “Old Peak.” in the Quechua language. Machu Picchu covers an area of more than 320 square kilometers.

Facts about Machu Picchu

  1. Machu Picchu is a 15th Century Inca site, located in the Cusco Region. The Inca Empire, the largest empire in pre-Columbian Americans, built the estate in around 1450 but abandoned it a century later after the Spanish Conquest. Though most of the archaeologists believed that it was built for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472).
  2. Machu Picchu, although known to locals, was unknown to outsiders until 1911, when it was brought to international attention by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. In 1983, Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO world heritage site, and, in 2007, it was named one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.
  3. Even after the Spanish Conquest in the 1500s, the Spanish never found the site of Machu Picchu and due to this belief Machu Picchu is often mistakenly referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas.”
  4. To construct Machu Picchu, granite rocks of heavyweight over 55 tons were used. Machu Picchu was constructed with a technique called “Ashlar” that involves stones being perfectly shaped so that mortar is not needed.
  5. Machu Picchu is one of the most famous sites in South America and Peru’s most visited attraction. Therefore, there’s a no-fly zone above the site.
  6. Peru is prone to earthquakes and Machu Picchu sits on top of two fault lines. However, its intelligent design allows the stone to bounce through tremors before it safely falls back into its place. It is believed that, without the “Ashlar” technique, the site would have collapsed a long time ago.
  7. More than 150 buildings make up Machu Picchu and these buildings range from temples, sanctuaries to baths and houses.  Archaeologists identified 3 main structures- the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana, which is a stone created by the Incas to be used as either a calendar or an astronomical clock.

Both Machu Picchu and Amazon are undoubtedly popular destinations in South America. Facebook.

Amazon Region Machu Picchu Affordable Peru Tours
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours By Sun Gate Tours

11 Tips to Plan your Machu Picchu Vacation Well

Once lost in the majestic Peruvian Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is now counted amongst the most sought-after tourist destinations across the globe. Its sophisticated buildings unravel ancient techniques of astronomical alignments and amazing panoramic views.

This ancient Inca settlement in Peru never fails to amaze people by its mystifying beauty, lush green cover, and esoteric ruins. To be honest, Machu Picchu Vacation is more like an adventurous journey of mysteries and bewilderment when compared to ordinary holidays you go on every year.

If you are also planning to experience one of the most thrilling ventures, the following tips will help you a lot in making your journey a successful and exciting one.

Machu Picchu Tours
Machu Picchu Tours

Make a booking in advance

  • Your first step should be to ask your tour operator to reserve train tickets and arrange your entry into Machu Picchu beforehand. Every year, more than 1.1 million visitors wander in Machu Picchu and authorities grant only limited permits each day. So, booking early will ensure your entry with no hassle.
  • In case you are also interested in hiking the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you need to book it in advance again as the trek is well controlled and gets sold out months upfront as well.
  • Unless you are from Asia, you don’t have to worry about obtaining a tourist visa. However, you need to keep a copy of your passport with you during your entire stay in Peru.
  • When you enter Peru, the customs official will provide you with a tourist card. Ensure to keep it with you safely throughout your trip as you will need it again while leaving Peru. Otherwise, a fine will be imposed.

How to avoid Machu Picchu Crowd

  • During the afternoon, huge crowds of tourists will arrive from Cuzco – a city two hours away from Machu Picchu. If you are no fan of big gatherings or crowds, it is best to spend your night in the town of Aguas Calientes that lies at the foot of Machu Picchu.
  • To get the best view of the mountain sunset in Machu Picchu, visit up there in the late afternoon. Though the park closes at 5 pm, you will surely be able to catch some memorable and stunning photographs as the light beams will fall over the ancient ruins and radiate the surroundings in the most charismatic manner.
  • Another thing you could do to avoid huge throngs of tourists is to book your trip in ‘shoulder seasons’ i.e. between April and May or September and October.

How to Dress and Stay Healthy

  • While traveling to Peru, check the climate of the region you are planning to visit. In Machu Picchu, you can expect large temperature swings at different times within a single day. So, choose to dress accordingly.
  • Keep your body hydrated more than usual as you will be hiking at elevated heights. Bottled water is recommended to drink rather than tap water.
  • Bring insect repellent and apply sunscreen. Just to be safe, keep extra napkins or toilet paper in your daily touring backpack, and remember to throw it in the trash bin instead of the toilet.
  • Take time to get accustomed to the high altitude – at least 12 hours. Bring some altitude sickness tablets, avoid smoking and alcohol, and stay away from coffee and energy drinks. Rather, you can try some coca tea.

Follow these tips while planning for Machu Picchu Vacation and manage your money wisely to avoid scams and counterfeit cash. Facebook.

Sun Gate Tour Agency
CategoriesPeru Tours By Sun Gate Tours

Why is important to choose a certified Tour Agency in Cusco

What conditions should you consider while choosing a tour agency? Choosing the right agency is key when you decide to visit a site. Some of the worst travel experiences come not from the destination, but from the agency’s service. Do yourself a favor and choose quality over price. Especially, if you are coming from miles away expecting to visit fascinating tourist attractions. Please, don’t ruin your trip by choosing any agency that doesn’t match your expectations. Next, we tell you how to identify the right agency and what’s the bare minimum you can expect from tour agencies.

Visiting Cusco right at this time of the year is more affordable; therefore, choosing a quality service won’t be impossible for you.

Working Air Conditioning on Buses

If you read our previous posts on what to bring to Rainbow Mountain and the things you don’t know about it, you know Cusco is cold. That’s why you have to ask agencies for heating on buses. Most people who have been to too high destinations in Peru complain about the transport up to the destination. This is a result of, unfortunately, having chosen a low-cost agency that doesn’t care about tourists’ comfort. As a result, they reach the site unrested, mad and disappointed. Even if you are heading to a destination with hot temperatures, please, check this item before booking with an agency.

First Aid Kit

This is the basic bare minimum item that you can expect from an agency. It’s even required on technical inspections of vehicles. If you don’t check they have a kit with the following essentials, consider looking for another agency:

  • Compression wrap
  • Antibiotic and analgesic ointment
  • Tweezers
  • Antihistamine tablets
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Band-aids
  • Eyewash

The truth is trips to Rainbow Mountain are adventure trips and accidents are a possibility. Even if you accidentally cut your finger with a sharp rock or if you fall and need assistance to keep walking. In any case, Rainbow Mountain is not a trail hard to hike, but it’s necessary you choose an agency that guarantees your safety.

Pulse Oximeter

This item might not be a must for tour agencies, but it definitely ensures a safe trip for tourists. Why? Because most of them are not aware of their own vital signs. What would happen if your blood pressure is high once you get off the bus? Or if, as you trek, it started rising? Probably, your trip would end up in a hospital. A pulse oximeter and the measure of vital signs at begging, during, and the end of the trip are key when it comes to preventing unnecessary adversities.

Oxygen Tank

This is an item probably not most agencies have, and it will be important or not for you depending on your personal background. However, if you have the chance to book with an agency that provides this tank, do it! Some tourists enjoy trekking and are kind of experienced, others are amazed by Raining Mountain and take the trek just to see it by themselves. Considering the elevation of these hills, the physical endurance required, and the weather conditions… it doesn’t sound like a bad idea to carry an oxygen tank. Actually, you don’t have to carry one, the tourist guide’s assistant does it. Almost 45% of the tourists who travel with us have used it! Choose your tour agency carefully.

Bilingual Tour Guides

Of course! Imagine trying to explain in a language you aren’t very fluent in the guide any need you have, unsuccessfully. Maybe you only need a picture and you could ask someone else. But, what if you needed first aid help during the trek up to the top of the mountain? Or if you need clarification about the tour itself? There is nothing like the certainty that you will be heard. That’s why you should check the availability of guides fluent in English. In our team, we work with high-mountain guides fluent in both Spanish and English.

Remember the destination might be great, but not being able to communicate your needs, desires, or doubts can affect the quality of your trip.

Satellite Phones, Food Services, and Blankets

Yes, please! All of these items might sound non-essential or important to you, right? But you must have into account that phone and internet services might not work at the height of the mountain. Leaving the height aside, imagine the impact of weather conditions on the phone lines. You might not be interested in using your phone on such a magical trip; however, what if an emergency happened?

On the other side food services and blankets is the warm touch of the trip. Although you will find communities, they don’t provide food and you won’t find stores in the mountain. Choosing a tour agency with food service guarantees someone who is aware of your vital signs, the elevation of the site, and the weather conditions are thinking about a homemade menu for you.

Most cheap agencies lower their costs avoiding formality and national safety regulations. Have you considered checking their record before booking with them or even buying tickets directly from themselves? By the way, the lines above just described the service we proved and we’re booking now. We are waiting for you! Facebook.

Rainbow Mountain Travel
CategoriesPeru Tours By Sun Gate Tours

Fulawasipata the front door to Rainbow Mountain

Are interested in visiting the Peruvian Rainbow Mountain Travel Trip, after reading our last post on the trip under the rain? Maybe you are, and maybe you were already keen since before. Let me tell you a bit about the full journey to reach the candy-like peaks with sun or rain!

The Tour

Tours begin very early in “the morning”, more like even before the dawn: 3.30 am. Tour agencies will get you from your lodging and will drive you to the mountains. Most trips, like ours, include the following route: Cusco – Fulawasipata – Cusco. Consider three hours and a half by bus from the starting point to Fulawasipata and a trek of two hours till the top of Vinicunca. After that, you can head Red Valley, also trekking, and just as an option. Then, after one hour of descent and almost three hours by bus, you’ll be back in Cusco. Most tours don’t offer meals, Rainbow Mountain Travel Trip Tours include breakfast and lunch prepared by the very native community of Fulawasipata!

The Landscape

Fulawasipata is a community settled in Cusipata. A small town located around 50 miles southeast from the city of Cusco at 3000 masl. With gorgeous Andean flora and fauna species, you can’t miss them once there. Some of these species were endangered and have been recovered thanks to the intervention of governmental bodies and, of course, the help of the community. Among the local flora, you may find cactus, alder, some fruit trees grown by the community, and mostly mosses, lichens, and natural pastures.

Some wildlife you may expect is smalls Andean foxes, condors, bobcats, and camelids.

Besides this biotic atmosphere, you will see some lakes and a natural composition of trees and plants that seems to be planned by some expert landscaper.

Who preserves it?

Rainbow Mountain is known as Vinicunca, the Spanish written word for Winikunka. “Wini” stands for “stone”, as the place was full of round black stones, and “kunka” meaning “neck”, as the shape of the hill was like a neck. This 15,026 ha landscape reserve is preserved by two groups.

Near 70% of the mountains are protected by the Fulahuasipata community, in Cusipata, in the province of Quispicanchi. Anf¡d the remaining 30% is under Pitumarca’s protection, province of Canchis.

In the past, these two groups had problems protecting and manage this outstading destination. However, nowadays they have reached an agreement and they both work for the benefit of Rainbow Mountain tourism.

As you can see, this destination isn’t special just for its great colors and amazing landscape, but also for the communities working around it. Come and see this beautiful site and collect colorful experiences! Facebook.