Choosing an alternative trek to Machu Picchu

For one reason or another, you're not hiking THE Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; maybe the permits sold out, your travel dates aren't flexible enough, or you want to do something a little more interesting. While the good news is that there are a lot of options for alternative treks in the area, that's also the bad news because it can be so tough to make a decision on the right trek. Here are four choices that should help you figure out which trip is best designed for you.


APU SALKANTAY

The Apu Salkantay trek is the most popular alternative trek to the Inca Trail trek. Mt. Salkantay was one of the most sacred mountains to the Incas and this trek takes you up close to the celebrated peak. Great for getting into the heart of the Andes, witnessing dramatic landscapes, and reaching the highest altitude of all the Machu Picchu treks. This is a moderately difficult trek in which you'll hike for three to six hours a day. Most treks will include a one-day visit to Machu Picchu after the hiking.

Detour Picks:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Apu_Salkantay_Trek_16256.html

This is a slightly more "upscale" operator for the same trek.
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Backcountry_Trek_to_Machu_Picchu_16380.html


CHOQUEQUIRAO

Perched on a saddle between stunning Andean peaks, Choquequirao (or “Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister”) is the type of trip your guides really want to do. The ruins are accessible only by foot which limits traffic and enhances the mystique of this amazing site. You'll most likely find yourself the only tourists exploring the vast complex of ruins and camping beside the site. It's very easy, and recommended, to add a one or two-day visit to Machu Picchu after the Choquequirao trek. This is a fairly difficult trek mostly due to the elevation gain and stairs (much like the traditional Inca Trail) and you'll be hiking about 7 hours each trekking day:

Detour Pick:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Choquequirau__the_Cradle_of_the_Gods_16364.html


LARES VALLEY TREK (or the "Weaver's Way" trek)

The Lares Valley joins up with the Sacred Valley, but is not overrun with tourists rushing through on one-day trips by bus. Any trek in the Lares Valley will take you through a number of small, traditional weaving communities whose textiles are reknowned for their quality and beauty. The trek also features sweeping views of the Vilcanota mountain range, a dip in the Lares hotsprings and a visit to the well-preserved Inca ruins of Pumamarca. Most treks in the area are moderately difficult with the tougher ones considered on par with the traditional Inca Trail (the trek even follows an ancient Inca Trail for much of the hiking). One of the best options is one that combines a one-day visit to Machu Picchu after the trek.

Detour Pick:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Lares_Valley_Trek__Peru_s_Other_Inca_Trail__16247.html


MACHU PICCHU AND SACRED VALLEY TREKKING

This is a fairly easy trek that takes you through the most popular villages and ruins in the Sacred Valley. Some of these stops include Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, and Chinceros. This combination of trekking, Sacred Valley highlights, and a visit to Machu Picchu makes for a classic Peru experience. Staying in local lodges ensures a more comfortable trip than a typical camping trek in the area. If you choose a private departure, your guide can customize a bit of the hiking for you to make it more challenging if you wish. Hikes last for a couple hours at a time on fairly unchallenging terrain:

Detour Pick:
http://www.detourdestinations.com/products/Machu_Picchu_and_Sacred_Valley_Trekking_16388.html

Snorkeling: Do I need a wetsuit on a Galapagos Islands Tour?

There's more to the Galapagos Islands than finches and tortoises found on land; the animals you find underwater are likely to be some of your trip favorites. Snorkeling is usually a big part of any Galapagos Islands tour, and having the proper stuff can really help you enjoy this aspect of your trip.




Most Galapagos tours will provide wetsuits for snorkeling, either for free or for a small fee (~$30 per person, per week). The water is pleasant, but this isn't the Caribbean. You will probably feel more comfortable with a wetsuit on after a leisurely snorkeling hour, no matter which season it is.

In the colder season (July - December), you'll definitely want a wetsuit. It is recommended that you use a "shortie" 3mm wetsuit and these are typically the type of rental wetsuits on your Galapagos tour. If you have your own, and you have room in your bag, it may be wise to bring it on your trip. There are typically a wide selection of sizes available, but your own is usually better.


Seasonal Water Temperatures

The Galapagos Islands waters have the Humboldt Current's influence that brings cold waters especially during the mist or Garua season (cool, dry weather) from late May/June to December. In La Nina conditions, the water temperature can be approximately 5°F cooler.

• Surface Water Temp. June - December: 70°F - 74°F (21°C- 23.3°C)

• Air Temp. Highs June - December: 75°F - 80°F (18°C- 23°C)
• Air Temp. Lows June - December: 66°F - 70°F (19°C- 23.3°C)

The warm season (occasionally rainy, hot weather) is during the months of January through May. The southeast trade winds become weaker and the water from the Panama Basin remains warm. During this season there is more of a tropical climate with some occasional rains.

• Surface Water Temp. December - May: 73°F - 78°F (23°C- 25.5°C)

• Air Temp. Highs December - May: 80°F - 87°F (26.7°C- 30.6°C)
• Air Temp. Lows December - May: 70°F - 76°F (21°C- 24.4°C)

There's more than Machu Picchu

Want to get off the beaten-path in Peru? Don't worry, you can always squeeze in a quick visit to Machu Picchu (really, it can be done in just a day). When there's so much to see in Peru, you'll wonder why most people don't venture stray far from the Inca Trail. Here are five trips to get you dreaming . . .

1. Choquequirao- Perched on a saddle between stunning Andean peaks, Choquequirao (or “Machu Picchu’s Sacred Sister”) is the type of trip your guides really want to do. The ruins are accessible only by foot which limits traffic and enhances the mystique of this amazing site. You'll most likely find yourself the only tourists exploring the vast complex of ruins and camping beside the site (can't do that at Machu Picchu).

2. Cordillera Blanca / Huarez- Where true trekkers get their kicks in Peru. The breathtaking peaks are reminiscent of the Himalayas. Mountaineers and inexperienced trekkers can both find a variety of challenges.

3. Manu- This national park boasts the highest bird, mammal and plant diversity of any park on earth. A spot for people who can forgo a few comforts for one the finest rainforest experiences anywhere.

4. Apurimac River- Considered one of the world’s top ten rafting rivers, the Apurimac cuts through canyon walls twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and offers exciting rapids. A great choice for a shorter rafting trip.

5. Kuelap and Chachapoyas - Kuelap is just one of the many astounding archaeological testaments to a mysterious pre-Incan civilization in northern Peru. The site’s vine draped, towering walls rival the grandeur of even Machu Picchu. The surounding area is dotted with charming Andean towns like Chachapoyas and is criss-crossed by ancient footpaths you can still trek today.

Why it's smart to travel during a recession

Recently, when I tell people I work in the travel industry, they give me a pat on the back and ask if I've applied for unemployment yet. What I tell them surprises them as much as it's been surprising me: people are still traveling, even during a recession. After all, there are some really excellent reasons to travel-- even if the economic news is disheartening or scary. Here are the reasons I give for why international travel hasn't completely dried up, and why more people should travel during a recession:

1. More Deals Than You Can Shake a Stick At: Once out-of-reach destinations may be more reasonable with reduced airfares, hotel rooms and tours. Also, you can feel a little bolder asking for deals, even if they're not advertised. Keep in mind that you shouldn't push for an unreasonably low price; after all, the tour guides still need to feed their families too.

2. No More Lines: If you've been avoiding traditional destinations for fear of the Disneyland crowds, this is your year to travel. It's easier than ever to find a deserted beach in Costa Rica or hike the Inca Trail without seeing another group of hikers for days.

3. Supporting Local Economies, securing jobs: According to world tourism experts (specifically the World Travel and Tourism Council), the international tourism industry is expected to shrink 3.5% by the end of 2009 and 10 million jobs related to tourism will be lost worldwide by December 2010. If you think taking a vacation is selfish, remind yourself that you'll be providing work for folks that need it. If you want to make sure your valuable travel dollars are going to the right places, make sure your trip is being provided by a reputable local operator that pays a fair wage to all its employees.

4. We're Rethinking Value: When money starts to get tight, we begin considering what's truly important and spend a little more wisely. We're looking for things give us real value, like more time with family or memorable experiences. I don't think most people cherish the memory of using a spiffy new iphone, but we remember that surfing trip we took with our best friend or that unexpectedly beautiful hike in a new country.

So while the global economic outlook isn't sunny, there are still many good reasons to travel and it may even be the best time to do so.