Sacred Valley Pachatusan Expedition
Sacred Valley Pachatusan Expedition
TRAVEL & WHAT TO BRING
Hosted by Dr. Alberto Villoldo
1. Passport
A valid passport is required for entry into Peru. All participants should carry a second form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license, as well as a photocopy of the personal data page of your passport. A copy of your passport is the easiest way to prove your identity if you happen to lose your passport.
US citizens are automatically given a ninety-day visa upon entry to Peru. If you are travelling with a passport from a country other than the US, please contact the Peruvian Consulate nearest you to inquire about visa requirements. You can also check the requirements for each country by logging on to http://www.peru.embassyhomepage.com. Upon entering Peru, you will receive your visa.
The visa is a small piece of paper that you can keep inside your passport. Please make sure you SAVE this visa as you will need it when you exit the country.
2. Flights
You are responsible for booking your own flights to Cuzco, Peru. If you arrive before the start date of the expedition, you are also responsible for your transfer from the airport, hotel accommodations before the trip starts, and transportation to the Aranwa Sacred Valley hotel, where the group is meeting.
As soon as you book your flight, please use the following link to provide us with your flight details and emergency contact information.
Flight Information Form Link: Sacred Valley Extension
3. Travelex Insurance
The Four Winds Society STRONGLY recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in case extenuating circumstances force you to cancel your trip. If for some unforeseen reason you must cancel your journey, your deposit is non-refundable. One option is Travelex Insurance. We suggest you purchase travel insurance within three weeks of your initial trip deposit. For complete details, please visit: www.travelexinsurance.com or call customer service at 1-800-228-9792 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. CST. Please refer to Location 09-0821.
4. Extra Nights
If you arrive before the expedition’s start date, or stay on afterwards, we recommend the following hotels:
Sacred Valley: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness, Antigua Hacienda Yaravilca, Huayllabamba, Urubamba.
Phone: 011-51-84-58-1900
Email: reservas@aranwahotels.com
Online reservations: http://www.aranwahotels.com/en/sacred-valley
Lima Airport: Costa del Sol Wyndham: It is located at the International Airport Jorge Chavez.
Phone Number: 011-51-1-200-9200 or #011-51-1-711-2000 Email: reservasindividuales@costadelsolperu.com
Online reservations: www.wyndhamhotels.com or
Lima City: Sonesta Hotel El Olivar: It is located at the Pancho Fierro Street #194, San Isidro – Lima, Peru.
Phone: 011-51-1-712-6060
Email: reservas.sonestaolivar@ghlhoteles.com
Online reservations: http://www.sonesta.com/Lima
Cusco: Sonesta Hotel Cusco: It is located at the Av. El Sol 954, Cusco, Peru.
Phone: 011-51-84-58-1200
Email: receptivo.sonestacusco@ghlhoteles.com
Online Reservations: http://www.sonesta.com/Cusco
5. Meals
During camping days, all meals will be provided as well as snacks to carry in your daypack. Meals are simple, healthy, and delicious. You will have plenty of food and any dietary needs such as vegetarian and gluten-free will be easily accommodated.
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During days in the Sacred Valley, daily breakfast at the hotel is included. Most days we will be hiking during lunchtime and a light picnic lunch will be provided at no additional cost; please feel free to bring power bars or other healthy snacks.
Dinners and some lunches are not covered; the typical cost for a lunch or dinner ranges from US $28.00 to US $40.00. If you choose to eat at the hotel, your meals will be charged to the credit card on file for your room at the hotel and must be paid when you check out.
6. Water
Drinking water will be provided at the camp. You will need to bring at least one water bottle to fill and carry with you.
7. Supplements and special dietary products
Please be sure to pack supplements you are taking and any special dietary products such as protein powder mix, tea, or other packaged goods that are essential to your diet.
8. Prescription medications
If you take prescription medications, be sure to bring enough for your travels. Containers should be clearly labeled with prescription forms to avoid problems at Customs. Please bring a sufficient supply of any personal medications you take! We will bring a basic medical kit and for the group.
9. Personal Hygiene while on the mountain
While on the mountain we will not have showers or baths. Water for basic washing and brushing teeth will be available. The packing list includes suggestions for wipes for sponge bathing along the way. Chemical toilets will be available in the camp. Remember, you must carry out whatever you carry in.
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10. Health and safety
You can visit the CDC website for information about traveling to Peru, including vaccinations you may need to have:
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https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/peru
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Keep in mind that the Four Winds Society cannot offer medical advice. It is best that you consult with your primary care physician, who knows your medical history and can best advise you. Most illnesses while traveling are caused by contamination of food or water. Drink only bottled water and do not use ice cubes unless you know them to be safe. Freezing does not kill bacteria. Do not drink from the streams. Eat only cooked foods and fruits with peel. Avoid food from sidewalk vendors. Our hotels all have excellent hygiene and food preparation practices.
Hydration is the key to avoiding altitude sickness. We recommend you drink at least two full liters of water per day. Drinking wine or beer will dehydrate you, so limited consumption is strongly advised. Emergen-C Packets (containing vitamins and electrolytes) and simple Electrolyte Packets can be added to bottled water to assist.
We recommend purchasing Emergency Evacuation Insurance from Travelex or any other Traveling Insurance Company. • We will have an emergency med-evac vehicle available in the mountain at all times, as well as oxygen and first aid should we need it.
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Please note that if you need to descend for health reasons there will be a charge of $300 for this service.
11. Money
Consider exchanging US $200-$400 at the airport, to be used for tips and other needs for cash. When you bring US dollars or Euros into Peru, they must be new bills with no tears or rips. Damaged bills are not accepted in Peru. Should you need more money, you can find ATM machines in Lima, Cusco, and in Urubamba, very close to our hotel. You can also exchange US dollars and Euros at the hotel, other types of currency may not be easily exchanged. Note that Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards.
12. Tips
We collect tips for our guides, bus drivers, and porters. These are collected by a volunteer and given as a group donation at the end of each outing. We suggest US $10 per day so plan on having US $80-$100 for these gratuities/tips.
13. Airport taxes
All Peruvian airports charge “Exit Taxes.” Most airlines include this tax in the cost of your ticket. Please contact your airline to confirm.
14. Optional healing sessions
Our shamans offer energy medicine sessions. The cost per session is US $285.00 and these can only be booked at the Hotel with a Four Winds team member and must be paid for in cash - Euro or US$.
15. Temperatures & Elevation
Cusco: 60° Fahrenheit during the day and in the low 50° at night; 11,400-foot elevation.
Sacred Valley: 70° Fahrenheit during the day and 40° to 50° at night; 8,500-foot elevation.
Mt. Pachatusan: Temperatures can change dramatically in the mountain, but it is typically cold during the day and may drop to freezing at night; close to 14,000-foot elevation.
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Check the weather forecast a week prior to ensure you pack according to the most current temperature forecast.
16. Packing tips for the mountain
You will leave your large luggage at the hotel and bring the personal gear with everything you’ll need for our journey in one soft duffle bag. You will be responsible to carry your daypack. Humans and animals will be carrying your duffle bag so please be mindful and keep it simple and as lightweight as possible. NO BAGS WITH WHEELS. A sturdy, waterproof duffel is best and an internal frame backpacking pack will work. All of your equipment must fit into your bag, with the exception of the items you will carry in your daypack. Bring a daypack that is very comfortable and waterproof. Something with side pockets to easily access water and internal dividers so you can quickly find what you need.
17. What to pack for the mountain
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Lightweight hiking boots: Gore Tex or water-resistant w/ankle support are best.
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Tevas or strapped hiking sandals (optional)
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1-2 pairs of jeans or comfortable hiking pants
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Yoga pants, tights, or thermal underwear for layering and sleeping in
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2-3 Long-sleeved lightweight shirts, the ones that wick away moisture and are quick drying are worth the investment. • Fleece jacket**
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Warm jacket for nighttime
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Rain jacket and pants**
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Good quality hiking socks (keep a pair in your daypack) ** • 1-2 bandanas**
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Sun hat**
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Sunglasses**
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Water bottles (for cold and hot drinks)**
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Pocketknife (for fruit, etc.)**
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Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
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Camera, digital cards and extra batteries (they are expensive in Peru)**
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Emergen-C or other electrolyte packets to add to water
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Snack foods: protein or granola bars, beef jerky, nuts, hard candies, dried fruit (choose options with minimal sugar )** • Sunscreen (the sun can be very strong at high altitudes)** • Lip balm with SPF**
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Kleenex, wet wipes**
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Small washcloth for face
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Fast drying, non-bulky, camp towel or “chamois”
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Ziplock bags for day hikes (as with everything, what you carry IN on a hike must be brought OUT and disposed of properly)**
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First aid items (suggested): clip-on hand sanitizer; blister treatment kits (for the prevention and treatment of blisters); band aids, silk tape, or a small amount of duct tape; ace bandage; foot powder; arnica gel, and cream or ointment for sore muscles**
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A 3-season sleeping bag (rated to 0 F) .
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A good quality camping mat (inflatable, thick), a winter wool cap, and extra socks.
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If you need a pillow, bring an inflatable one or a pillowcase to stuff with clothing to create a pillow.
**We suggest you carry these items in your daypack for easy access.
FAQ'S
1. What's Included in the price? - Program Tuition. Transportation from Cusco Airport - Hotel. 3 Nights stay at Aranwa Hotel & Spa. Breakfast, picnic lunch on day 2. All meals on the mountain. You must bring a sleeping bad and air mat. A shared tent will be provided. Transportation to Cusco airport to return home. Not included: Air Tickets to Cusco, Peru, dinners at the hotel and Healing sessions with the Shamans. Tips for our guides, bus drivers, and porters.
2. Can I come if I am not a mountaineer? There are challenging hikes in this Expedition, and you must be in good shape and adapted to altitude to participate.
3. What about the altitude? Our lodge is located in the Sacred Valley at an altitude of approximately 9,400 feet. Our mountain camp will be higher, closer to 12,000 feet above sea level.
4. How many people come on the Expedition? You will be with fewer than 50 fellow travelers with Alberto, Four Winds guide, and shamans.
5. Is Alberto with us? Yes, he leads this expedition.
6. Can I participate if I am not a Four Winds student? Yes, by application only.
7. Is it safe? Peru receives millions of travelers from around the world. The country is safe, and the lodge where we stay has a hygienic kitchen and purified water. We suggest you leave your valuables in a safe in your room, and watch your camera and purse when in towns.
8. Are there rites of passage? Yes, during your visit to Pachatusan Mountain you will receive rites of passage and transmission from the shamans directly.
9. Who are the shamans we work with? They are the sons and daughters of the masters Alberto trained with years ago, now full-fledged shamans themselves. We have worked with these medicine men and women for more than 30 years.
10. What if my roommate snores? It is sometimes possible to upgrade to a single room once at our lodge in the Sacred Valley. You can also book a single room and tent in advance.e and transmission from the shamans directly.