Reasons to book your alternate trek early!
1. Apus Peru is a specialist operator and we limit the number of departures that we make at one time. This means that our guides and cooks are all part of the 'Apus family' and that once we receive bookings to our 'maximum capacity' we will no longer be able to accept bookings. We are committed to sustainability and this also means sustainability in terms of offering your our best product.
2. Imagine if you didn't know what your works program was going to be for the next month? Unsettling for you and your family, I would imagine… As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, where possible, we try to schedule guides, cooks and muleteers programs at the beginning of each month. This means that they have more balanced programs (beneficial for those with families) and also have guaranteed work days for the month - most important in a fickle industry.
3. If you are keen to advertise your trek on the 'Trekkers Wanted' page, the sooner it is listed, the more page views your trek will receive and the more likelihood you will get others to join you.
The upshot?
There are no permits required for any of our treks but you need to get in EARLY to reserve the departure date you require.

So… If you are considering travelling in the months o f June, July or August we recommend you get in and make your booking NOW - before our treks get booked out.

• May 2008
• in this issue
• † Reasons to book your alternate trek early!
• † Once in a lifetime cultural opportunities!
• † Thinking of joining a 'trekkers wanted' trek?
• † Chaullacocha community hike
• † Phone numbers change
• † Testimonials

Apus Peru supports monthly 'Revitalising Weaving Workshops' in high Andean communities. Here you can see Senoras examining the fibres in a scarf.

Once in a lifetime cultural opportunities

May (Qollouritty Pilgrimage) and July (Fiesta of the Virgen de Carmen)
"Across the world, I've attended a lot of festivals… in China, Asia, India and of course South America," says Apus Peru reservations coordinator, Ariana Svenson. "There are festivals that leave you smiling so hard your cheeks ache for days afterward… The Festival of the Virgin of Carmen, held annually in the high Andean village of Paucartambo is one such event. If you are in Peru in July, especially around the 15th, I highly recommend that you try to get to Paucartambo!"

"More physically demanding - but as a result more satisfying is the very mystical Q'olluritty Pilgrimage. While your friends back home may have only heard of the Inca Trail, doing this Pilgrimage is something that will remain with you for the rest of your life. You will join thousands of Quechua Indians in a walk through the mountains in respect to Tanta Qollority (the Lord of Qolloritty)"

CHECK OUT the Q'olluritty Pilgrimage departs 18 May 2008

CHECK OUT the Fiesta of Virgen de Carmen departs 15 July 2008

Thinking of joining a 'trekkers wanted' trek?
If you have emailed Ariana to ask about a places on a trek advertised on 'trekkers wanted' and she has said there is availability - it means that there is availability when you emailed. PLACES ARE FILLING UP FAST… just because you have emailed expressing interest it doesn't mean that we will hold your reservation.

Chaullacocha community hike
In late 2007 Apus Peru began sponsoring "Revitalising Weaving traditions" workshops in the high Andean communities of Rumira Sondormayo and Chaullacocha. These workshops will continue to be run 1-2 days a month in these communities and Apus Peru would like to invite visitors to Peru to support these workshops through participating in a one day trek to one of these communities.

The treks offer the very unique opportunity to visit very remote communities while doing so in a sustainable manner.

CHECK OUT the Chaullacocha Community hike departing once a month until November 2008

Above: photos from the Virgen de Carmen festival and below from the Q'olluritty Pilgrimage

Peruvian phone numbers change

Please note that the Peruvian phone number system has changed as of mid April and that all celular numbers now have the area code of their place of issue after the first 9!

Apus Peru contact numbers are now as follows:

Ph -Administration - + 51 84 98438 3049

Ph (Felix Gonzales): + 51 84 98478 2720

Peruvian time GMT - 5 hours

Testimonials
Choquequirao trek - 5 days

• How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 8
• How would you rate your guide? 10 the trip was very well organised, up to tiny details, excellent food with a lot of extras, they would have done everything for us :) I didn't like getting up very early much, but it was necessary I think.
• Did the trip meet your expectations? Yes. but the fifth day should be more recommended for people who are not used to trips like these and I would recommend it to everybody who is interested in the ruins.
• What did you think of the route? (Choquequirao 5 days) The first day was like "warming up" but the second day "kicked my bottom" and I was pushed to limit and thought I couldn't go anymore. But thanks to my friends I did it. After that day my stamina was very much improved that all the walks were more or less alright. it was such a good feeling to have managed this trip and I'm very proud of me. But I should have trained more before.
• What was the highlight of your trip? When we finally reached the top of the mountain on day 1 and when we came to see the tracks where no tourists go. Our guide Felix was very spontaneous and flexible and met our wishes and needs.
• Leni, Germany, March 2008

Salkantay trek - 5 days

• How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10
• How would you rate your guide? 10 Big willie was excellent, very easy going, informative and friendly. Thanks Willie.
• Did trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website? Yes. Amazing.
• How were your meals? 8
• Route name: Salkantay Very good, walking through different types of conditions, beautiful sights, not too difficult, encouraged by willie all the time.
• What was the highlight of your trip? Machu Picchu. Having climbed to the highest point. Eating cuy.
• Any other comments? thank you, had a great time, Thanks Huilo, Rowlando and Willie.
• Janey, UK March 2008

Please note - our trip prices operate in Nuevo Soles - which is linked to the dollar. The prices of trips are changing rapidly - please note that we reserve the right to alter prices during the year. However, you have paid the deposit for your trip, your price is fixed.

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APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.

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