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White Water Rafting: Thrills in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

White Water Rafting: Thrills in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Many of our backpacking friends who come visit us in Cusco are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and luckily, from extreme sports to high Andean treks and intriguing ruins, Cusco delivers. One thing with which Peru abounds is quality whitewater rafting for all levels. Not only does the Sacred Valley of the Incas just outside of Cusco boast a majestic landscape, but there’s also a range of amazing whitewater rafting options for those of you who want to enjoy the outdoors in a more active way, from popular day trips along the Urubamba River to longer adventures along the Apurimac River rapids.

If you’ve never rafted before but want to give it a try, there are gentle rapids along the Urubamba which are appropriate for beginners, trips begin with an equipment and safety demonstration and include a companion guide in a safety kayak should assistance be necessary. In areas where the rapids are more complicated to navigate, guides scout ahead and provide the necessary directions. With an experienced professional agency like Pirwa Travel Service, you can safely enjoy the adventure whether you’re a novice or a more experienced rafter.

The Talking Apurimac River

It’s a 5 hour drive from Cusco to the Apurimac River Valley and its epic river, which was sacred for the Incas and whose name in Quechua means “Speaking God”. The waters of the Apurimac flow down from the Mt Mismi glacier through and froth into exciting rapids as they navigate through waterfalls and narrow gorges with steep cliffsides twice as deep as the USA’s Grand Canyon. Then the waters calm, passing the scenic countryside of the Sacred Valley on the way to its final destination, the Amazon River in the tropical rainforest.

Those of you who want to tackle the Apurimac River can opt for 4 day trips which advance from Class II and III Rapids on the first day up to some Class V Rapids on the third day, tackling such famed segments as Toothache, You First, and Last Laugh. (At Right: The Devil’s Tooth) After each day’s rafting, you’ll relax in campsites in narrow gorges and sandy beaches, looking up at the stars of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Outside of the adrenaline-pumping segments of the circuit, look around for some of the canyon’s wildlife such as river otters, condors, and foxes.

The Sacred Urubamba

Sacred Valley Photo by Ruth Hager

The Sacred Valley of the Incas was formed by the Urubamba River, which is Quechua for Sacred River. It is this river that trekkers along the Inca Trail and visitors to Machu Picchu see snaking down below, wrapping around the high peak topped by the ruins.(Photos Above: The Urubamba coiling around the Machu Picchu, The Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the Urubamba River snaking through the Peruvian Andes.)

Many travelers opt for convenient day trips for rafting the Cusipata section of the upper Urubamba River, which is less crowded and cleaner than some other Sacred Valley rivers. Lasting only a day, they’re a great option for those short on time, experience, or cash. They include a picnic lunch, initial equipment and safety demonstration, and 3 hours of rafting as well as transport to and from Cusco. You can even take advantage of your foray into the Sacred Valley to arrange visits to the Ollantaytambo Fortress of Pisac enroute back to Cusco. Along the Cusipata section, rafters encounter mainly Class II and III Rapids, with perhaps some IV+ depending on the season. For those with more rafting experience, there are other options for day trips along the Urubamba showcasing world-class IV and V rapids, such as Huambutío to Pisco and Ollantaytambo to Chillca.

Your Home-Base Back In Cusco

Upon returning to Cusco, a hot shower and comfortable bed will be waiting for you at any of our four hostel locations in the Imperial City. Relax in the sunshine in the patio at Pirwa Colonial Backpackers, and make yourself at home with the self-serve kitchen. There’s an onsite bar and fast-food stand that make it easy to unwind post-adventure.

 

If, on the other hand, you want to stay active, stop by the Pirwa Travel Service information counter that’s present in all of our hostels for your convenience- there are lots more adventures to be had, such as trekking, bunjee jumping, ziplining, ATV off-roading, and downhill mountain biking! Calmer, more culturally-themed excursions like guided tours of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and of course Machu Picchu are available as well, so there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your stay in Cusco!

 

 

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Inimitable Pirwa La Paz!

Inimitable Pirwa La Paz!

If you haven’t had a chance yet to check out the newest hostel in the Pirwa Family, Pirwa La Paz, then let us introduce you! We’re enviably located right in central La Paz, with restaurants, cafes, nightlife, ATMS and other services just a short walk away!

We’re only a block and a half away from the La Paz bus terminal, so depending on your arrival time, if you’re coming in by bus and let us know your arrival details, we can come pick you up free of charge.

The hostel boasts a mix of private rooms or shared dormitory accommodations with private or shared bathrooms, all with access to hot showers 24/7 and comfortable beds with semi-orthopedic mattresses and down pillows.

Challenge your fellow travelers to some games in the TV Lounge or throw a BBQ in the backyard the patio, relax with some drinks at the bar, or update your travel blog using our free Internet and Wi-Fi. When you’re ready to go out and explore Bolivia, our in-house travel agency, Pirwa Travel Service, can provide you with all the travel information and excursions you desire. While you’re out, lockers in the rooms and in reception offer you security for your valuables, along with convenient free storage for your luggage during longer excursions.

If you’re planning your trip to Bolivia and are in search of a fun, comfortable, secure, and economical place to stay, look no further than Pirwa La Paz!

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What to do for National Pisco Day this July!

What to do for National Pisco Day this July!

Peru is so proud of its famous Pisco grape brandy that it boasts two national holidays: Pisco Sour Day on the first Saturday of February, and National Pisco Day on the fourth Sunday of July. This year, it falls on July 22nd.

Pisco, the only brandy made from pure grape juice as opposed to the skins and pressing, is aromatic with a complex taste. Pisco grew in popularity and renown during the 16th & 17th centuries as the Peruvian Viceroyalty became South America´s main wine producer, thanks to the robust production of Ica in the fertile Pisco Valley. As time passed, the production of Peruvian grape brandy increased. The Jesuits hawked it throughout Peru, and when the famous pirate Sir Francis Drake took hostages from the Port of Pisco in the 16th century, he extorted a handsome ransom of 300 bottles. Today, it is the national drink and a component of the country’s most iconic cocktail, the Pisco Sour.

1. Drink From Lima’s Fountain of Pisco

You can toast the capital (after all, this is the week of Peru’s Independence Day!) by sampling a glass from the Plaza Mayor’s fountain. On this day, rather than water, it will be spouting more than 2000Lt of Pisco. It’s a unique way of celebrating the day, so stop by and, resisting the urge to jump in, have a taste.

 

2. Pub Crawwwwwllllll

Drinks will be flowing all over Lima, so look for freebies from promoters in the parks and plazas as well as half-priced specials in the bars and restaurants. Cusco is an excellent city for Pub Crawling, since most of the major bars and clubs are concentrated around the Plaza de Armas. If you’re interested in getting a group together, let them know in reception so we can go en masse!

3. Mix Your Own at the Hostels!

If you feel like staying in and testing your bartending skills, take advantage of our self-catering kitchens in our hostel locations to experiment a bit with the most classic Pisco cocktails!

  • Pisco Sour: Pisco, Lime, Cane Syrup, Egg White, Ice, and Aromatic Bitters
  • Canario: Pisco with orange juice.
  • Capitán: Aromatic Pisco with Vermouth.
  • Beatríz: Pisco, Granadine Syrup, Cream, Cinnamon & Cacao cream
  • Melate: Sweet Wine & Pisco
  • Biblia: Pisco, Port, Egg Yolk, Cacao Cream, Curasao, Cinnamon & Ice
  • Calentito: Pisco with lemon & hot tea
  • Chilcano: Aromatic Pisco with Ginger Ale, Aromatic Bitters, Lime & Ice
  • Pisco Punch: Pineapple, Lime Juice, Sugar, Acacia, Distilled Water

…..If things don’t work out, those of you staying in hostels with in-house bars such as Pirwa Inclan B&B, Pirwa Prada Backpackers, Pirwa Colonial Backpackers, and Pirwa Puno Backpackers have an easily accessible back-up plan at good prices!

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Preventing & Dealing with Altitude Sickness

Preventing & Dealing with Altitude Sickness

You’re finally realizing that dream to make it to Peru or Bolivia! But altitude sickness (soroche) can put a damper on all those sightseeing4942193-La_Paz-_Coca_beer-0-300x225 plans and tours that you’ve been planning… Its troublesome symptoms can vary in strength, and include fatigue, nausea, headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath. It can even lead to vomiting and other symptoms, and can become so severe that you’d need to be taken to a clinic and hooked up to an oxygen tank and IV- definitely something to be avoided! Ideally, your trip will allow you sufficient time for acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the lower amount of oxygen at higher altitudes, but sometimes this just isn’t possible with limited vacation days and so much to see.

 

Pre-Trip Tips

Itinerary Planning: Gradually Increase Your Altitude

images (2)If you’re planning on visitingvarious cities, you can try to structure your itinerary in order to gradually increase your altitude level. Rather than going from sea level to Cusco (flying in from Lima) or Puno, you can put in an intermediary city like Arequipa in order to acclimatize as you go

  • Many times visitors to Cusco take advantage of a Sacred Valley Tour to spend some time at a lower altitude than Cusco.
  • Planning on tackling some of the famous peaks surrounding La Paz? You must spend a few days in the city of La Paz itself (the world’s highest capital), because your chances of altitude sickness are high!

 

Medicate: Pre-Trip Pill Popping

 

Acetazolamide, sold under the name Diamox and available as a generic drug, can help prevent altitude sickness. It is taken prophylactically, starting a few days before going to higher altitudes. If you’re going from sea level to over 3,000 meters (9800 feet) or ascending more than 600 meters (2000ft per day). If you have a history of suffering from acute altitude sickness, this may be the choice for you. You take a half tablet starting one day in advance and continuing until the third day of your trip. Once started you need to take Diamox three days, even if you start to feel ok

 

Preparations: The Day Before

Avoid alcoholic beverages and hard-to-digest foods the day before you travel, and make sure to get a full night’s sleep! You also don’t want to have sleeping pills or tranquilizers in your system when you begin your trip.

 

During your Trip

 

Take It Easy

On your first day or two, stay hydrated (avoiding alcohol), and don’t plan too much for Day 01- you want a leisurely pace and time to rest if need be. You can plan a day of rest, or if you don’t want to lose a day stick to a restful morning and then a half-day tour or some independent exploring in the afternoon.

Coca Tea

imagesThe local remedy is drinking a tea of steeped coca leaves- you’ll find it available in most hotels and hostels and in the little stores and markets in either loose leaves or tea bags. Limit yourself to no more than five cups per day, as it’s also a stimulant. (A lot of people ask whether they can fly back home with coca leaves- the official answer is no if they’re loose leaves, but yes if they’re packages in tea bags.

 

Carb Loading & Going Bananas

Bananas are a great choice as an energy snack, as they’ll help replace the potassium that high altitudes can leached from the body. Also, you’ll want to forget any restrictive diet you might be on and treat yourself to carbohydrate-heavy foods!

Local Pharmacy Solutions

Other options are the sorojchi pills which you’ll find easily in the local pharmacies, but be aware that they’re mostly just aspirin and caffeine, so if headaches are your problem, you might be better off with just Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. Many local pharmacies and tourist supply stores (there are lots) also provide mini-oxygen bottles

 

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Inti Raymi: The Inca Sun Festival in Cusco

Inti Raymi: The Inca Sun Festival in Cusco

The Incan Sun Festival

Each June, 50,000 spectators gather in Cusco to celebrate the Winter Solstice and kick off the Andean New Year during Inti Raymi, the Sun Festival. Honoring the supreme Inca deity, the sun, this was the year’s most important celebration in the time of the Inca Empire. Tradition holds that Inti Raymi dates back to Pachacutec, the first Inca. The celebration and rituals were repressed after the Spanish Conquest and through the Colonial period, but were reborn in 1944. Now, each year hundreds upon hundreds of actors, dancers, and musicians present a theatrical reenactment based on historical chronicles.

It all begins on June 21st, which was the first day of the Incan solar calendar and marks the winter solstice, with opening ceremonies throughout the week. You’ll see the streets fill with color and activity thanks to the numerous street fairs, free concerts, and elaborately costumed dancers. The Festival´s main day, falls on the Day of the Peasant (formerly celebrated as Day of the Indian), June 24th, which is also the anniversary of Cusco.

Getting Tickets

Acts I and II at Qorikancha Sun Temple and the Plaza de Armas are open to the general public. You’ll want to go early if you want to be able to see. (One benefit of getting your Inti Raymi tickets through an agency as part of a festival package is that you will usually get a private balcony from which to watch the celebrations in the Plaza.)

Tickets are sold for Act III at Saqsaywaman, where viewing platforms are arranged in three different zones. The cost of Act III, the central ceremony, ranges from $80 to $115 depending if you are in the Green, Blue, or Orange Platform. It’s limited to 3,859 spectators. Ticket costs include the official program/script in 3 languages and a DVD about the ceremony.

If you buy your tickets for Act III directly through the government agency with handles festivals, EMUFEC, payment is required in advance, by deposit into their account or through their online purchasing system. (Unfortunately, they’re taking their time…at the moment, the account information has not yet been published, nor the purchasing system activated!)

The 6 Day Inti Raymi Tour

Pirwa Travel offers both a shorter and longer Inti Raymi tour, the shorter of which includes the festival itself, including a packed lunch and knowledgeable guide, and ensuring balcony access overlooking the Plaza de Armas and seating at Sacsaywaman.

The longer, 6-day tour includes guided tours of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu in addition to Inti Raymi. Those of you interested in a tour package, or assistance with specific elements of your trip such as transport, entrances, guided visits, and more, can get in touch with our travel department, Pirwa Travel Service at pirwatravel@gmail.com.

Travelers’ Tips

  • June is wintertime in Cusco, but the afternoon sun scorches and the temperature can spike up quickly in the afternoon.  Prepare for the variability of Cusco´s climate by dressing in layers to put on for the mornings and evening, and remembering the sun screen.
  • Cusco fills up quickly for Inti Raymi, as it also coincides with the travel industry’s “high season”- whatever you can arrange in advance, do. Especially lodging, train tickets, Machu Picchu entrances, and treks go quickly. (The Inca Trail sold out already! Perhaps you can find spaces in the shortened 2-Day trek, or alternative treks such as Salkantay or Inca Jungle.)
  • Packed streets, visual spectacles, and well-laden tourists….violence is not a worry but pickpockets are guaranteed, so watch outer pockets and bags, carry backpacks along your front or not at all, and guard your small electronics with care- cells, camaras, and mp3s are popular with thieves as they are easy to resell and bring a good price.
  • Tickets can be bought by those who want prime seating for the main ceremony at Sacsayhuamán.  Many, however, choose to simply gather in the surrounding area and hope to catch a glimpse of proceedings while picnicking along the hills.
  • Prices for transport, lodging, and food can soar in July due to the increased demand, so plan some flexibility into your budget. (Don’t worry- none of our Pirwa hostels raise prices during high season or festivals.)

Official Program: Inti Raymi’s Central Day

Friday, 24th of June 2012

08:15   The flag of Tahuantinsuyo, represented the united regions of the empire, is hoisted by 5th Mountain Brigade

08:30   Mass & Te Deum at the Basilica Cathedral, headed by Cusco’s Archbishop

09:00   Sun Greeting at Qorikancha

At Cusco’s famous Temple of the Sun, characters representing noble figures, the chosen women, the Inca’s entourage, and the royals themselves gather for the gather for Salute to the Sun. They arrive as the sounds of traditional Andean Instruments and conch shells fill the air, and exit along flower-strewn streets when they exit en route to the Main Square (Auqaypata). This lasts for half an hour.

11:00   Meeting of the Times at Auqaypata

The Inka and his entourage enter along Inti K’ijllu Street. The Inka will formally address Cusco’s mayor from his ushnu, a ceremonial platform constructed in the center of Cusco’s Main Square for the occasion. This lasts for 45 minutes.

13:30   Main Ceremony Sacsaywaman Fortress

The central ceremony lasts an hour and a half. It begins with the reports from the 4 Suyos (Regions), the Chicha Rite, Rite of Sacred Fire, Llama Sacrifice (simulated) and divining, the Sankhu (Sacred Bread) rite, and Q’ochurikuy (explosion of popular exhaltation). Expect llama viscera, bonfires, dancing, and more.

It doesn’t stop at Sacsayhuamán- the fun will continue throughout the following days through concerts, dancing, and fairs along Cusco’s main streets. Don’t miss the vibrancy, excitement and historical charm of South America’s 2nd largest festival!

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