Dear Guest,
We are glad to report that we stand less than 48 hours from the reopening of Machu Picchu, on April 1st 2010. Likewise, we can report that Peru Rail has restored train services to Aguas Calientes (or Machu Picchu Town) starting yesterday. Things are coming back to normal and even renowned guests like Susan Sarandon and Anthony Hopkins have jumped on the opportunity to visit us now. In fact, Mrs. Susan Sarandon will be part of the official reopening ceremony, together with high Peruvian Government officials this Thursday.
Here are a few important related things which we would like to bring to your attention, so that you can better prepare for your trip and know what to expect.
All scheduled MLP trips will run as programmed. Only in some cases (which will be detailed below) will there be very slight variations to the itinerary.
During the months of April and May 2010, Peru Rail will run its train service to/from Machu Picchu under partial and limited conditions.
The train tracks have only been repaired between the town of Piscacucho (also known as “Km 82”; one of the entry points to the Inca Trail) and Machu Picchu (or Aguas Calientes). This means that guests will only be able to board the train to Machu Picchu at this provisionary station (Piscacucho) and, correspondingly, disembark at this station when returning from Machu Picchu back to Cusco. There will be a permanent bus service, free of charge, between Piscacucho and the original train station located in Ollantaytambo.
When returning from Machu Picchu to Cusco, MLP guests will be taken by their guide to the train station at Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) 30 minutes prior to departure time. Upon arrival at Piscacucho, there is a 10-minute walk (approximately 200m or 0.1 miles) between where the train stops and the provisionary train station in this town. MLP guests will be accompanied by their guide the whole time. After this short walk (approximately 10 minutes), guests will be led to the buses (all operated by Peru Rail as well) that will take them to the Ollantaytambo train station (approximately 1 hour ride). There, guests will transfer to an MLP private vehicle for their journey back to Cusco (approximately 1hr 20m), as is stated in the original itinerary.
Due to the shorter train track portion available during this time (April/May 2010) Peru Rail is not able to operate all of their wagons, thus limiting their seating capacity in the train service to approximately 30% of its regular capacity. This has caused for a large amount of forced cancellations on previously confirmed seats and necessary departure-time rescheduling. We are glad to inform you that we have secured confirmed seats on all train services for all MLP guests on their original departure date (return date from Machu Picchu back to Cusco). However, we have had to accept time-departure rescheduling for some of our groups; sometimes resulting in mid-morning or late-night departure times from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). Our regular train departure time is in the afternoon around 3pm or 4pm.
In observation of this, we have had to plan as follows (this only applies to groups that have return dates from Machu Picchu in April; May schedule is still in process of confirmation):
1) Groups with mid-morning departures (9:56am or 10:37am): in order to allow a full 3 ½ hour visit to Machu Picchu, as a minimum, we kindly ask that you adhere to an early morning visit. This entails you being ready to depart your hotel at 5:10am in order to catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu. After the visit and return journey by train/vehicle, guests will have lunch in the town of Ollantaytambo and also have a chance to visit the Ollantaytambo archeological site in the afternoon, before returning to Cusco at approximately 6pm.
Groups (departure date from Cusco in parenthesis): MLP-213 (26 March), ROAM-201 (06 April), MLP-313 (08 April), MLP-215 (09 April), MLP-288 (10 April; only guests with return date to Cusco on 17 April), MLP-321 (13 April), MLP-286 (15 April), MLP-216 (16 April; only guests with return date to Cusco on 23 April), MLP-290 (22 April).
2) Groups with regular afternoon or early evening departure (3:20pm or 5:50pm): your guide will coordinate visit times to the site as is regularly done. Lunch will be taken in Aguas Calientes according to the original itinerary and the group will return to Cusco at approximately 6pm. (Groups with departure time at 5:50pm will be back in Cusco at approximately 8:30pm).
Groups (departure date from Cusco in parenthesis): MLP-214 (02 April), MLP-289 (03 April), MLP-216 (16 April; only guests with return date to Cusco on 23 April).
3) Groups with late-night departure (9:30pm): you may coordinate with the guide and enjoy a morning half-day visit to Machu Picchu to later enjoy your hotel’s amenities, activities and services in the afternoon; or you may choose to do a full-day visit to Machu Picchu. Lunch and dinner are taken in Aguas Calientes and are included. Your arrival time back in Cusco is approximately 12:30am.
Groups (departure date from Cusco in parenthesis): MLP-304 (05 April), MLP-288 (10 April; only guests with return date to Cusco on 16 April), STEPPES-201 (19 April), MLP-217 (23 April).
Note. - As stated above, the plan presented does not show groups with return date from Machu Picchu in May 2010.
We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences that these changes in the train schedule may suppose. We are committed to continue in our efforts to achieve more convenient schedules.
During this time, Peru Rail will strictly enforce a luggage policy which is detailed within the attached document (English translation is located right after the text in Spanish). In summary, Peru Rail will only allow 1 piece of luggage per guest (bag or backpack), with a maximum weight of 05kg or 11lbs and maximum dimensions (width + height + length) of 62 inches or 157cm.
In consideration of this, MLP asks guests to kindly adhere to this policy by taking the following actions:
Before departing Lucma Lodge (on Day 6 of the itinerary), MLP will offer guests provisional duffel bags(if needed) in order for guests to pack only enough clothing and personal items to sustain their 2-day experience at Machu Picchu. Please consider packing lightly and adhering to the Peru Rail specifications mentioned above and in the document attached. These duffel bags will accompany guests throughout the rest of the experience.
MLP will take custody of our guests’ main luggage and transport it back to Cusco in a private vehicle via an alternative route (known as the “Santa Teresa Route”). This luggage will be waiting in custody at the guests’ hotels upon their return.
Since March 5th, we have already hosted close to 100 guests this season and all groups have reported having had a fantastic time. We truly look forward to your visit and hope to lead you through a trip of a lifetime.
Warm regards and see you soon,
The Mountain Lodges of Peru Family
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Machu Picchu reopens April 1st & Train Services Restored Yesterday
Monday, March 8, 2010
Mountain Lodges of Peru: Runs first trip of the season on Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu
Cusco, March 8th 2010
Dear guest,
We are glad to report that our first group departed on the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu as originally scheduled, via the Mountain Lodges of Peru program, this past Friday March 5th 2010. Today this group is on their 4th day of travel with Mountain Lodges of Peru and is currently at our Colpa Lodge (3rd lodge in the Salkantay lodge series), in the community of Collpapampa, at approximately 9,200 feet (2,800m) of altitude.
This group of 08 guests has enjoyed rare (for this time of year), but spectacular weather conditions with sunny, blue-sky days. This is a fabulous time of the year for seeing orchids, having seen a fair share of them along the way already. They also spotted a condor yesterday! No kidding!
Our lodges are open and ready to host our guests. Our staff is eager to greet you and contribute towards creating a memorable experience. Our guides have just completed our MLP Annual Training Course and are ready to lead you on your journey.
The access roads to our first lodge in the Salkantay series, as well as the trails between all of our lodges are in good conditions. As it happens every year as a joint effort, we got together with our local neighbors to conduct trail maintenance. This maintenance work has been ongoing for the past 3 weeks and the trails are now back to normal conditions. They are muddy and wet in certain sections – mind you, it is the rainy season – but safe and very fun. Remember to bring good rain gear and waterproof trekking boots; it will make a difference in your experience to have these with you.
Please note that due to maintenance and repair work of a section on the road between Cusco and our first lodge, the work crew needs to close transit on this section during certain hours. Thus, we have had to move departure times forward for all March and April groups. Your departure time from Cusco on Day 1 of the itinerary (from Cusco to the 1st Lodge) is now 6:30am. Though your guide will coordinate specific pick-up times during the pre-trip briefing the night before, please make sure you are set to go at 06:30am.
As you know, Machu Picchu remains closed to the public and the re-opening date continues to officially be April 1st 2010. The train track repairs have progressed well and the train track operator has issued a new conclusion date of March 29th 2010. We assume that if this is the case (train tracks repaired by March 29th 2010), Machu Picchu will reopen by this date as well.
There are a series of rumors regarding possibilities of Machu Picchu opening even sooner. We strongly suggest not taking these into consideration until, or if, they are somehow officialized by one of the following governmental bodies: INC (Instituto Nacional de Cultura), DIRCETUR (Dirección Central de Turismo) or MINCETUR (Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo), and/or PROMPERU (MINCETUR’s promotional division). We promise to continue monitoring the situation closely and keep you apprised of any progress.
On a humanitarian note, here is an extract from a recent bulletin we sent out, regarding a series of local families that have lost their homes due to the recent flooding. We greatly appreciate any support you can provide to these efforts and we send a big THANK YOU to those who have already participated.
During the recent floods that occurred in January 2010 in Cusco, Peru, close to 40 families lost their homes in the small, rural town of Mollepata, located 60 miles (100km) from Cusco. This town, despite being the entry point to the tourism-famed Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, rests under conditions of poverty and the impossibility of providing strong relief efforts to the affected families on its own.
Through the efforts of Yanapana Peru, a non-profit organization dedicated to social responsibility in the area (sponsored by Mountain Lodges of Peru), we have identified the cost of building new homes for these affected families.
Did you know that with only US$1,800 you can provide a family of 4-6 members a new and safe home? We can help you make this a reality.
If you are interested in donating a home, or making a contribution for one or more homes, please contact us for more information. Any other gestures of contribution are also gratefully accepted.
We look forward to your visit with hopes of providing you with a trip of a lifetime.
Warm regards,
The MLP Family
Dear guest,
We are glad to report that our first group departed on the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu as originally scheduled, via the Mountain Lodges of Peru program, this past Friday March 5th 2010. Today this group is on their 4th day of travel with Mountain Lodges of Peru and is currently at our Colpa Lodge (3rd lodge in the Salkantay lodge series), in the community of Collpapampa, at approximately 9,200 feet (2,800m) of altitude.
This group of 08 guests has enjoyed rare (for this time of year), but spectacular weather conditions with sunny, blue-sky days. This is a fabulous time of the year for seeing orchids, having seen a fair share of them along the way already. They also spotted a condor yesterday! No kidding!
Our lodges are open and ready to host our guests. Our staff is eager to greet you and contribute towards creating a memorable experience. Our guides have just completed our MLP Annual Training Course and are ready to lead you on your journey.
The access roads to our first lodge in the Salkantay series, as well as the trails between all of our lodges are in good conditions. As it happens every year as a joint effort, we got together with our local neighbors to conduct trail maintenance. This maintenance work has been ongoing for the past 3 weeks and the trails are now back to normal conditions. They are muddy and wet in certain sections – mind you, it is the rainy season – but safe and very fun. Remember to bring good rain gear and waterproof trekking boots; it will make a difference in your experience to have these with you.
Please note that due to maintenance and repair work of a section on the road between Cusco and our first lodge, the work crew needs to close transit on this section during certain hours. Thus, we have had to move departure times forward for all March and April groups. Your departure time from Cusco on Day 1 of the itinerary (from Cusco to the 1st Lodge) is now 6:30am. Though your guide will coordinate specific pick-up times during the pre-trip briefing the night before, please make sure you are set to go at 06:30am.
As you know, Machu Picchu remains closed to the public and the re-opening date continues to officially be April 1st 2010. The train track repairs have progressed well and the train track operator has issued a new conclusion date of March 29th 2010. We assume that if this is the case (train tracks repaired by March 29th 2010), Machu Picchu will reopen by this date as well.
There are a series of rumors regarding possibilities of Machu Picchu opening even sooner. We strongly suggest not taking these into consideration until, or if, they are somehow officialized by one of the following governmental bodies: INC (Instituto Nacional de Cultura), DIRCETUR (Dirección Central de Turismo) or MINCETUR (Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo), and/or PROMPERU (MINCETUR’s promotional division). We promise to continue monitoring the situation closely and keep you apprised of any progress.
On a humanitarian note, here is an extract from a recent bulletin we sent out, regarding a series of local families that have lost their homes due to the recent flooding. We greatly appreciate any support you can provide to these efforts and we send a big THANK YOU to those who have already participated.
During the recent floods that occurred in January 2010 in Cusco, Peru, close to 40 families lost their homes in the small, rural town of Mollepata, located 60 miles (100km) from Cusco. This town, despite being the entry point to the tourism-famed Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, rests under conditions of poverty and the impossibility of providing strong relief efforts to the affected families on its own.
Through the efforts of Yanapana Peru, a non-profit organization dedicated to social responsibility in the area (sponsored by Mountain Lodges of Peru), we have identified the cost of building new homes for these affected families.
Did you know that with only US$1,800 you can provide a family of 4-6 members a new and safe home? We can help you make this a reality.
If you are interested in donating a home, or making a contribution for one or more homes, please contact us for more information. Any other gestures of contribution are also gratefully accepted.
We look forward to your visit with hopes of providing you with a trip of a lifetime.
Warm regards,
The MLP Family
Recycling – Lima Style
Conserving the environment and recycling has become a major focus among countries around the globe, and Peru is no exception. As populations increase on every continent and the space to support those individuals begins to run out, major cities are beginning to step up their efforts to recycle and reuse everything they can. By doing this, these cities allow their populations to experience cleaner, more enjoyable outdoor spaces, and Lima’s done a great job with one of its parks.
This past February, Basurama, a recycling-focused group that was founded in 2001, began a project to convert ruins from an electric train in Lima to a small park. The ruins are the remnants of a project for lima transportation that was abandoned in 1986 – the project aimed to build the railway for an electric train, but when it was cancelled, the concrete columns for the base of the rails were left standing at the construction spot. Viewing these cement pillars as a potential site for a Lima park rather than a manmade eyesore, Basurama took the lead in converting this area into a beautiful, multi-colored landscape that features numerous activities for children and their families. The park contains swings of all shapes and sizes, zip lines and a plethora of other things to do. And the cement pillars that were once a dismal shade of grey? They now each sport a variety of bright, beautiful colors that give this new park a fresh air of freshness and relaxation.
As expected, the park provides a great spot for families of all ages to spend time with one another and with other Lima residents. The combination of painted colors and now-welcoming pillars creates a unique blend of the urban and rural - a spot where people with all interests can relax and enjoy what Lima has to offer. Due to its one-of-a-kind design and construction history, the park also promises to be a great spot for any tourist that’s arriving to visit Peru’s capital city. So next time you’re in Lima, make sure to stop by this new spot; it’s a wonderful example of Lima’s focus on conserving the landscape, and you’re sure to enjoy the zip lines.
This past February, Basurama, a recycling-focused group that was founded in 2001, began a project to convert ruins from an electric train in Lima to a small park. The ruins are the remnants of a project for lima transportation that was abandoned in 1986 – the project aimed to build the railway for an electric train, but when it was cancelled, the concrete columns for the base of the rails were left standing at the construction spot. Viewing these cement pillars as a potential site for a Lima park rather than a manmade eyesore, Basurama took the lead in converting this area into a beautiful, multi-colored landscape that features numerous activities for children and their families. The park contains swings of all shapes and sizes, zip lines and a plethora of other things to do. And the cement pillars that were once a dismal shade of grey? They now each sport a variety of bright, beautiful colors that give this new park a fresh air of freshness and relaxation.
As expected, the park provides a great spot for families of all ages to spend time with one another and with other Lima residents. The combination of painted colors and now-welcoming pillars creates a unique blend of the urban and rural - a spot where people with all interests can relax and enjoy what Lima has to offer. Due to its one-of-a-kind design and construction history, the park also promises to be a great spot for any tourist that’s arriving to visit Peru’s capital city. So next time you’re in Lima, make sure to stop by this new spot; it’s a wonderful example of Lima’s focus on conserving the landscape, and you’re sure to enjoy the zip lines.
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