2010-03-05

MACHU PICCHU MAY BE REOPENED BY MARCH 29TH 2010

Peru Rail just announced that the next reopening of the operations on the railways between Piscacucho (km. 82) -Aguas Calientes (km. 110) could take place by next Monday March 29th, if the weather conditions in Cusco still collaborate with the works on site as it is happening as of today.

Even though Peru Rail informed some weeks ago that the operations would be reinstalled on April 1st, it seems now that the efforts of all the technicians on site to restore the railway surpassed all early expectations. By now, Peru Rail is working on a new Operations plan of their trains including safety and security policies and this will be informed to the public soon.


The Condor Travel Team

2010-03-04

UPDATE ON CHILE'S TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE

Following an update on how the country's infrastructure has been impacted following the disaster.

 

• The desert region in the north of Chile was not affected by the quake and has not reported any damage.

  
  

• Easter Island, 2,300 miles from the coast, was also not affected. Initially tsunami warnings were put into effect for the island but those have since been lifted.

  
  

• Patagonia, the southernmost part of the country, was also not affected by the quake.

  
  

• Santiago & surroundings: Santiago's airport suffered structural damage to the terminal, but no damage has been reported on the runways. The airport is expected to reopen later this week. Electricity and phone lines have also been restored in Santiago and the city’s public transportation including its metro is fully operational. The cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar have reported damage and Vina del Mar's annual International Music Festival, which was underway, has been suspended.

  
  

• The main highway south, Ruta 5 Sur, and the main highway outside the airport in Santiago, Vespucio Norte have been damaged.

  
  

• The northern part of the Lakes and Volcanoes region is most affected. Authorities are still working on assessing the full damage. Basic essential services including water, electricity and telecommunications are gradually being restored.

  
  

• The southern part of the Lakes and Volcanoes region was not affected by the quake. Operations in popular tourist towns including Pucon, Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt are normal.

  
  

Chile is a country with a history of seismic activity. The country’s preparedness, including its strict anti-seismic building codes, the rapid emergency response from the government as well as the help from a number of organizations can be credited for managing the situation and help minimize the damage. The country’s tourism infrastructure has, overall, fared well, reporting little damage.

 

Our thoughts and sentiments go out to the families who have lost loved ones,” said Pablo Moll, executive director of Turismo Chile. “Chileans are a resilient people and we are hard at work to get the country back on its feet quickly. We look forward to continuing to welcome travelers and are making every effort to making them feel safe and secure.”

 

With best regards,

 

The CONDOR TRAVEL team

2010-03-01

EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE

Last Saturday an earthquake of 8.8 magnitude on the Richter scale shook the center and south of Chile. The terrible earthquake devastated the regions of Maule and Biobio, causing the death of hundreds of people and leaving near two million victims.

The epicenter was located 115 kilometers from Concepción, 325 kilometers south of Santiago.

At this moment Chile is in need of international assistance. According to the president Michelle Bachelet, the country particularly needs aid in the form of field hospitals, temporary bridges and water-purification supplies, as well as damage-assessment experts and search-and-rescue workers.

The havoc caused by the earthquake and the losses are reckoned in thousands of million dollars, nevertheless it could have been worse if the country had not been ready to confront such an earthquake, in spite of its great magnitude. 

 

Following some important information on the situation of the tourists stranded in Chile after the earthquake:

• Airport in Santiago: We received the first few LAN flights arriving to Santiago, but there are no outgoing flights until the weekend. When the situation will normalize a little bit, they will start first outgoing flights, the only flight company which is limited operating is LAN Chile, but please be aware that there is an internal airline priority list.



• By now we are organizing transfers to Mendoza for clients who arranged with their flight company flights out of Argentina.



• Hotels in Santiago: Due to the safe constructions, the hotels have no heavy damages; all of them are working regularly with running water, electricity, even elevators are in good conditions.



• Transportation within Santiago & surroundings: Transportation in and around Santiago is possible even though some streets and highways are partly damaged. The highway to Valparaiso is operating now.



• Valparaiso: The port in Valparaiso is opened and the highway to Santiago is in good conditions. Nevertheless clients who have flight connections during this week, most probably will not allowed to disembark because the flight departures are not confirmed



• Airport Easter Island: closed until further notice (probably 48hrs)



• The Tsunami alert for Pacific coast countries after the earthquake have already been ceased.

We are indeed deeply touched by this disaster but we are totally sure that Chile will start over and won’t stop on its regular pace to development and stability.

For further information do not hesitate to contact us at info@condortravel.com

The Condor Travel Team

2010-03-01

LAN AIRLINES UPDATE ON STATUS OF FLIGHT OPERATIONS TO/FROM SANTIAGO:

Joint efforts are being undertaken with the Ministry of Public Works, the Civil Aeronautics Administration and the terminal concessionary in order to resume operations as soon as possible.

All domestic itineraries, within Chile, and International, to and from Santiago de Chile, until Thursday, March 4th, 2010 (inclusive), will be modified.

LAN will be publishing a new contingency itinerary to procect passengers with booked and issued tickets from Saturday, February 27th until Thursday, March 4th operating within Chile and international flights to and from Santiago. This new itinerary will start operating from today, Monday, March 1st, in a restricted manner and its implementation will improve as airport facilites allow it.

For more information on the new schedule visit www.lan.com


With Best Regards


The Condor Travel Team

2010-02-25

INSPECTION TO THE ROUTE OLLANTA - PISCACUCHO

Further to our latest news regarding the situation in Machu Picchu, once again we have been informed by different sources, that April 1st remains as the date for the beginning of the operations of the train from Piscacucho to Machu Picchu.

Yesterday our staff in Cuzco together with some of our drivers and adventure staff, did an inspection to the area just to take some notes about the journey and technical information that may be useful:

Departure time from Cuzco city: 7:00 am.

We took the typical route to Ollantaytambo, 1:28 hrs drive.

Passing by the ruins of Ollantaytambo, starts a narrow highway of aprox 1.2 km, after this we take again the highway for another 7 km, arriving to the via that take us to Piscacucho.From here starts a narrow road of good conditions (non asphalted)

 

In the zone of Piscacucho Peru Rail rent a parking lot for the vehicles that will run the bus service Ollanta-Piscacucho, from where our passengers need to walk to the station.

The station is about 10 minutes (less than 1 km) from this point.

Piscacucho does not have facilities at all, the only coffee shop is rented today by the National Cultural Institute for its staff working  on the area.

There is a camp which is used by our Adventure department during the Inca Trail, which has restrooms and a dining room:

Following more data from our inspection:

 

 

Conclusions: 

 

1. The journey took 2 hours and 11 minutes with reduces traffic.



2.  Peru Rail will have available 20 vehicles for the Bimodal service, but including the private coaches we estimate a journey of 3 hours because will be more traffic.



3.  We still do not have the timetable of the train Piscacucho-Machu Picchu but we estimate the following time/distances from the hotels:
   
   

   




4. This is without taking in consideration the time our passengers need to be at the station in advance for taking the train (about 30 minutes before departure)

20 minutes from Piscacucho station, in the small village of Chilca, there is a lodge  named The Nustayoc Lodge – The Princess Site realm of the Andes, with 16 rooms (35 paxs), heating, private bathrooms, warm water, etc., that may be used for those tourists that want to avoid the long drive from Cusco to Piscacucho.
 

For any further information please contact us at info@condortravel.com 


The Condor Travel Team

 

2010-02-19

BREAKING NEWS! ACCESS TO MACHU PICCHU AVAILABLE EFFECTIVE APRIL 1ST!

The Minister of Transportations of Peru, confirmed yesterday that effective April 1st, the access of the railway to Machu Picchu from the town of Piscacucho (km 82) will be operative.

Effective April 1st, the operations and visits to Machu Picchu will be running as usual!!!

The journey will be by bus to the km 82 of the railway (the town of Piscacucho) and from there by train to the Station of Machu Picchu Pueblo.

As inform some days ago, the archaeological site of Machu Picchu will be open to the public on April 1st as well.

The good weather conditions and the decrease of the level of the rivers helped a lot to restore the railway in due time.

Of course is still pending the railway from Cuzco to Ollanta and to Piscacucho. This may take some more weeks.

Peru Rail will publish very soon the temporary time-table of this service.


The Condor Travel Team

 

2010-02-17

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CULTURE ANNOUNCED THAT MACHU PICCHU WILL BE OPEN ON APRIL 1ST

The INC (National Institute of Culture) as well as the Ministry of Tourism, have just announced that the archaeological site of Machu Picchu will be open again, effective April 1st, 2010.

This information was given by the Ministry of Tourism after seeing that the works on the railways are running as scheduled.

We certainly hope no other inconveniences arise and that the railway will be ready as programmed.


The Condor Travel Team

2010-02-16

RAILWAY RESTORATION WORKS ARE RUNNING ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE

Works on the Cuzco-Ollanta-Machu Picchu Pueblo – Hydroelectric railway keep going as scheduled. Today Fetransa (railway company) finished repairing the northern railway track between Machu Picchu Pueblo (km 110)  and the Hydroelectric (km 122).

However this portion does not yet enable visitors to reach Machu Picchu neither by the regular road nor Santa Teresa road, since the main southern portion of the railroad and the alternative route are still on restoration. More than 1,000 workers are working on the railroad between the town of Piscacucho (km.82) and the Machu Picchu station at Aguas Calientes (km.110).

More good news:

• Damages occurred between km.82 - km.84 and km. 109 – km. 110 on the railroad Ollanta - Aguas Calientes have already been repaired. The kms.107 and 90 are in process of restoration.

 

• If Fetransa remains like this, the full railway Ollanta-Machu Picchu will be operative in early April.

 

• The railway Cuzco - Puno will start again running on February 22nd!

 

• The Hiram Bingham will be running again in June.

Here some pictures of the road:

 
The Condor Travel Team

2010-02-12

REPORT ON THE SITUATION OF THE ROUTE CUSCO - HYDROELECTRIC

Date of travel: February 10th, 2010
Vehicle: Toyota Hiace (Diesel Motor)
Departure time: 3:00 am 

 The route is paved until the area of Alfamayo, 142 km, 4:07 hrs from Cusco. 
From Ollantaytambo  ascend until  4313 masl,  area  known  as  Abra Málaga  by  a  zigzag route where there are some landslides.  

Then, descend to the town of Alfamayo, 2250 masl, where the paved road ends. There are zones with more landslides and the driving is one-way only. 

From Alfamayo to Yanayaco Chico there is a highway in very bad conditions: 
 
From Yanayaco Chico we arrive to Santa María, where we find 2 ways to Santa Teresa, due to a big landslide on the zone, we took  an old way, so the journey became longer than expected (1 hr aprox). 

 The old route to Santa Teresa starts with a zigzag road, with cliffs.

After  taking  this  route up,  there  is a wider  road  to  reach Abra de Yanayaco, 2051 masl,  from which we start the way down to Santa Teresa, 1600 masl; in this road we can observe the new route along the river (see picture).

After arriving to Santa Teresa we continue the journey passing through the Carrilluchayoc bridge, 1km from here, aproximately, we find the last part of the raod that bring us to the Hydroelectric. 

This point is located at 15 minutes from the Hydroelectric and the Hydroelectric is 45 minutes by train from Machu Picchu (or 3 hours walking). 
 
This seems to be the biggest road destruction. However, the people in the communities told us that there are many other damages further along the road.  They were informed that fixing this road may take 55 days with the machines they have, the ones that are working already in the Hydroelectric;  property  of  the  company  Graña  y Montero  (who  are  doing  some  works  in  the hydroelectric). In this rocky mountain there is a water pipe and this may cause more difficulties in
the construction of an other highway to the hydroelectric. 


We obtained the following data on this trip: 




CONCLUSIONS: 
  

The  access  to  Machu  Picchu  by  the  Cusco-Hidroelectrica  route  in  this  moment  is inaccesible by car. It can only be done walking. 

It is a dangerous journey due to the conditions of the road (cliffs, rivers, landslides) 

The condition of the road and its mantenaince, may vary,  depending of the weather.  

If the road is improved, there would be only 2 ways to complete the journey:
o  Van
o  Sprinter 

Not recommendable via bus, due to the steep cliffs. 

The trip takes 6 Hr 30 min, 249 km just one way.

Would be very recommendable an overnight in Aguas Calientes. 

Facilities along the route: 
. Restrooms available: 
. Alfamayo.  
. Wamanmarka. 
. Medical service: 
. Huayopata.
. Kiosks and snack stores along the route. 


The Condor Travel Team

2010-02-12

OFFICE HOURS DURING THE CARNIVAL FESTIVITIES: BOLIVIA, BRAZIL & ECUADOR

Please take note of our office hours during the Carnival festivities in Bolivia, Brazil and Ecuador:

Bolivia

Monday :        February 15th  –  Closed
Tuesday :       February 16th  –  Closed

Brazil

Saturday:       February 13th  –  Open from 09:00 to 13:00 hours  
Sunday :         February 14th  –  Closed 
Monday :        February 15th  –  Open from 09:00 to 13:00 hours
Tuesday :       February 16th  –  Closed
Wednesday :  February 17th  –  Open from 12:00 to 18:00 hourS

Ecuador 

Monday :        February 15th  –  Closed
Tuesday :       February 16th  –  Open


Of course, our 24-hour operational office can not stop, and will be available on those dates. If any operational requirement or emergency should arise, the direct contacts are:

Operations Department, 24 Hours (Bolivia):  
Tel: + 59-1-7156-7287

Operations Department, 24 Hours (Brazil): 
Tel: +55-21-9470 1208 

Operations Department, 24 Hours (Ecuador):
Tel:+59-3-2924-098  /  +59-3-9-736-1872 

Operations Department, 24 Hours  (Peru): 
Office: + 511 615-3000. Ext. 251 /113 - Mobile: + 511 99350-0766
E-Mail:  24horas@condortravel.com


As usual during these kinds of festivities, some suppliers may change their operational routines, especially churches and other cultural sites. Our Sales or Operations departments will advise you about specific cases that may affect your passengers.  


The CONDOR TRAVEL Team

2010-02-11

SANTA TERESA ROUTE WILL BE READY IN TWO MONTHS

Our second expedition to the area tried to reach Aguas Calientes by the road of Santa Teresa, and again, unfortunately, they could not get further of Santa Teresa.  It was simply impossible.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Transportation, officially informed that the restoration to the road from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric, may take longer than expected since they need to construct 2 tunnels and these works may take at least 2 months. The route is available but just for the local people who live in the area.
 
Based on this information, the conventional railway Ollanta – Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), would be ready before the road Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric. Therefore, the activity and visits to the citadel of Machu Picchu may start again in April.

So, during February and March, there will not be access to Machu Picchu and in the meantime the ruins will be closed until the access (any of them) guarantees complete security.

The National Cultural Institute has established not to sell any Inca Trail ticket for March. All Inca Trail tickets purchased for March, will be refunded http://www.inc.gob.pe/prensa.asp?code=869

At this moment you may have already heard about the different promotions and campaigns with extraordinary rates promoting Peru without Machu Picchu,  and...... LAN has started a promotion offering one domestic flight free when flying internationally with LAN in USA and Latin America!!!

So, despite the hapless situation in Cusco, this is a good opportunity to visit Peru at a real low cost. Remember, Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu.


The Condor Travel Team

2010-02-10

NO HELICOPTER FLIGHTS TO MACHU PICCHU: WED FEBRUARY 10TH, 10:55

Yesterday the National Cultural Institute (INC) rejected the idea of operating the helicopter flights to Machu Picchu, suggestion made by some tour operators and associations in order to continue the visits to Machu Picchu.

As informed in a previous newsletter, Condor Travel did not agree on those flights, since these may cause damages on the archaeological sites, as stated by the UNESCO and other experts in this matter.

We have always believed that it is much better to preserve our cultural icon for the future generations instead of giving priority to our own benefits. Besides, there is no sense to open the archaeological site just for a few number of tourists!

The current flights operating in the area are only for the assistance of the local people (food delivery, materials, etc).

The Inca Trail remains closed all February as every year and should be open again on March 1st since the INC keeps selling tickets for the trail.

The road Cuzco – Ollantaytambo – Santa Teresa – Machu Picchu is still the only option for those paxs who still want to visit Machu Picchu in March, but as informed previously, it is a long way and takes 2 days and 1 night in Aguas Calientes, at least.

This route may work as follows:

. Ollantaytambo until the top of abra Málaga (paved): 2hrs
. Abra Malaga-Huayopata (paved): 2hrs
. Huyopata-Santa Maria (unpaved): 1 hr
. Santa Maria -  Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica (unpaved): 1hr 15 min
. Hidroeléctrica-Aguas Calientes (Train): 25 min

Total time of travel Ollanta-Aguas Calientes: 6hrs 30 min


To better visualize the route please check this map:




The panorama is quite positive as we think this “Santa Teresa” option may be operative by March 1st.

The Hiram Bingham train will not be operative until June!

If you need some photos of the actual situation of the “Santa Teresa” route, please kindly contact us and we will very happy to supply you with this information.


The Condor Travel Team!

2010-02-10

PERU IS MUCH MORE THAN MACHU PICCHU

Machu Picchu is still closed due to the flooding and mudslides from the torrential rains in January. Should you postpone your trip to Peru? No way!

Peru is much more than Machu Picchu. Whether you seek a mountain or jungle adventure, unparalleled archaeological riches, or simply want to relax on the beach or at poolside while enjoying a pisco sour along with some of the finest and freshest food you’ve ever tasted, Peru is the place to be...

Click on the link bellow to read the complete article:

Condor Travel Blog


The Condor Travel Team

2010-02-08

RESTORATION ON THE RAILROAD TO MACHU PICCHU ALREADY STARTED

Managed by Ferrocarril Transandino, concessionaire of the southern Peruvian railway system. 

.  Restoration will be performed in 03 sectors at the same time in order to re-establish the train transportation from Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) to Machu Picchu as soon as possible.

· 03 weeks for the route Hidroelectric to Machu Picchu: to re-establish northern entrance (not an easy access because it is not a paved road, but still an option)

· 07 weeks for Piscacucho (km 82) to Machu Picchu: to re-establish southern entrance (used for regular visits)

· 08 weeks for Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu: with this we will have almost regular traffic.

· After all this work, Ferrocarril Transandino will start with the Poroy - Ollantaytambo sector which also got damaged by the rain.

· Since the Hiram Bingham coaches are placed in Poroy, this service will only be reinstalled in June.

· Probably you may be hearing that helicopters will be flying very soon, however the ruins are still closed so there is no confirmation yet that the visits can be done.

. Helicusco is the company that already has the permission for those flights however they only have 1 helicopter of 12 seats and maybe – just maybe - they will get another of 22 seats. Unfortunately, we are not very positive that the Machu Picchu ruins will open just for those few paxs able to fly in case these flights are installed.


The Condor Travel Team

2010-02-05

HOW VISITS TO MACHU PICCHU WILL BE OPERATED DURING THE RAILWAY RESTORATION WORK

The ministry of Transportation estimates that in 3 weeks, by the end of February, the restoration of the alternative road (by Santa Teresa) to Machu Picchu will be ready and the visits to the archaeological site will restart.

As informed previously, this alternative may be suitable for non conventional and adventure tourism.

Fetransa (the company in charge of the maintenance of the railroads) already started the restoration works of the conventional railway to Aguas Calientes. This will be ready by March 31st (subject to change if weather conditions do not allow it).

The restoration of the railway from the hydroelectric to Puente Ruinas (Route I) will be ready in the next 2 weeks, by the end of February.

To make it clearer, during March, if everything runs as planned, the visits to Machu Picchu could be operated the following way:

Day 01.- Pick up from hotel in Cuzco around 5:00 a.m. Drive through the Sacred Valley until Ollantaytambo, then up to Abra Málaga (4300 masl). (See the impressive Verónica mountain of  5682 masl),  Descend to the town of Santa María and continue to the town of Santa Teresa arriving aprox at 12 a.m., Lunch (picnic/lunch box). 1 hour to continue the drive to the hydroelectric and take the train (8 Km.) to Puente Ruinas in Aguas Calientes arriving at  5:00 p.m.  Due to the long day we prefer visit Mapi the next day so paxs can enjoy the facilities of the hotels.

Day 02.- Visit to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Wake up at 5:00 a.m. for breakfast and bus drive to the ruins of Machu Picchu.  2/3 hours visit. At noon return to Aguas Calientes to take the train at 1:00 p.m. to the hydroelectric (optional visit to the botanical garden or the Mandor waterfall but need to see how this places are not after the flooding) and continue by bus to Santa Teresa. 2:00 p.m. lunch, and departure at 3:00 p.m. to drive back to Cusco, arriving 10 p.m. aprox.

It is important to mention that this was the normal itinerary and scheduled before the disaster. At that time this road was terrible!  Though, we are positive that now that the government is rebuilding all the road, it will be much better than in the past (we really look forward to that!).

The timings may vary, depending on the works on the area and the weather, but as of today this would be a sample itinerary.

Is not that bad, but it is a long way from Cuzco (8 hrs aprox). We believe it is a nice experience, anyway.

Again, the touristic circuits in Cuzco and the Sacred Valley are operating normally (except the salt mines of Maras which are brown due to the rains).


The Condor Travel Team

2010-02-05

SITUATION IN CUZCO: FRIDAY FEB 5TH

Dear friends,

We would like to share with you some updated information regarding the tourist activity in the area of Machu Picchu:

APOTUR, the Peruvian Tour Operator Associations, including Condor Travel, does not support the idea of flying to Aguas Calientes by helicopter. The reason is that since several years, UNESCO does not recommend it due to the damages this may cause to the whole sanctuary and archaeological complex. Today is the moment to preserve our cultural icon for the future, instead of giving  priority in favour of our business.

We do support the idea of rebuilding immediately the road Cuzco – Santa Teresa, and not only for today, but for the future as well, in order to have a second or third access to the town of Aguas Calientes.

During February, we find  it  very difficult to restart  the tourist activity to Machu Picchu.

The National Cultural Institute, since February 1st,  has restricted the entrance to the ruins of Machu Picchu until the access to Aguas Calientes is restored.

For March,  it could be possible to restart the visits to Machu Picchu, for the non-conventional tourism, by the Santa Teresa road, with certain difficulty due to the long drive. This road should be ready in 15 days or more.

For April, is almost guaranteed that the complete tourist activity will be running with absolute normality.

All is subject to change drastically, since many of this depends on the weather conditions and the government management.

However:

The tourist services and circuits in Cuzco and the Sacred Valley are operating with total normality. Same in the rest of the country.

Peru has so much to offer besides Machu Picchu and we encourage tourists to visit our Country even without this worldwide icon.


With best regards,


The Condor Travel Team!

2010-02-05

SITUATION IN CUSCO: WEDNESDAY FEB 3RD, 12:00 HRS

Dear friends,

We would like to share with you the latest news about the visits to Machu Picchu:

In order to minimize the economical impact in the area, the government e stablished an emergency decree  that will  expedite  the restoration works on the access to the town of Aguas Calientes.

There will be 2 available routes to get into Machu Picchu and in 2 weeks  it  will be possible to go to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu!

The via that will be ready in these   2 weeks, has been called route I, and it goes through  the town of Santa Teresa and the hydroelectric.

The restoration works start today!

This route is used since several years ago by the backpackers and non conventional tourists that don’t want to use the conventional route (train) to Machu Picchu.   Approximate 100 tourists per day used that route before the disaster.

The route II (the conventional one with the railway) will be ready by  March  31st  (2 months after the disaster)

Regarding the Inca Trail:

As every year, the Inca Trail  is closed in February due to its annual maintenance.

For March, the National Institute of Culture (INC) is selling spaces normally.

The section of Ollanta - km 82, will be operative as usual . The hike will start on the km 82 and the 4th day is the visit to Machu Picchu. The way back should be by regular bus through the hydroelectric and Santa Teresa town while the restorations works on the railway are  taking place.

It will not be possible to do the full day Inca Trail since this starts in the km 104 and you need to go by train there, and there is no train until March .

Any of these alternatives need an overnight in Aguas Calientes. 


Will keep you informed in case of any latest news.


The Condor Travel team

2010-02-03

CONDOR TRAVEL SUPPORTS THE FLOOD VICTIMS IN CUSCO

With the intention of providing support to the victims of the recent floods in Cusco, Condor Travel offered its coaches at the disposal of the Cusco municipality, to bring donations to the  Communities of:

- Markjo (Province of Anta)

- Kanachimpa (Huarocondor)

- The Community of Yucacchimpa

- The Community of San Nicholas de Bari (Zurite)

- Tambocancha (Zurite)

- Erapampa (Zurite)

Clothing and food were transported, as well as money which was donated by the personnel of Condor Travel  and the company shareholders with the purpose of favouring the most needed. 
 
Condor will continue its support for the affected areas now that food, medications and construction materials are necessary for the next phase.  
 

The Condor Travel team

2010-02-02

SITUATION IN CUSCO UPDATE: TUESDAY, 2ND, 9:00 AM

With regards to the different questions and comments we have been receiving today, we would like to inform you the following:

1. The ruins of Machu Picchu remain closed because of the supervision works occurred the last days to evaluate the damages. These studies are over, however the INC (National Cultural Institute) still doe not  authorize the opening of the archaeological site.

2. The zig-zag to Machu Picchu remains close as well, and buses are not running, not just because the cleaning of the road but also because there is no tourism nor commerce at all!

3. There are no plans to operate helicopters to Machu Picchu in the next future days because the helicopter companies (any of them) have authorization to fly to Aguas Calientes nor Santa Teresa town (both the nearest towns to the ruins). Even they have it tomorrow, there is no transportation to the ruins nor ruins at all because remain closed. When this is available, the story may change.

4. Railway to Machu Picchu will be ready by March 31^st, this is the official communication from Fetransa and the government.

5. The road to the hydroelectric will be ready by next Monday together with the railway portion to Aguas Calientes, being the only access to the town and ruins of Machu Picchu.

6. Again, this road takes several hours, and is not comfortable at all for conventional tourism. However our team will be inspecting the zone to evaluate the possibilities of operating the visits through this way. By this time, the ruins and the zig-zag bus service will be working as usual.

7. The Sacred Valley and all Cusco cultural attractions are fully operative.

8. Cusco remains on State of Emergency, but please be aware this is basically a legal and administrative process to support and give facilities for the restoration of the area and has nothing to do with the normal operation of the tourism activities.

9. Our office in Aguas Calientes and our staff are in good conditions and reporting every hour about the situation there. This allows us to give you exact and responsible information of how the improvements in the area are taking place.

10. Our non profit organization Wings, is evaluating the impact of different areas and will give us the chance to support with donations to all the victims. Will keep you informed about this in case you want to support this causes as well. For more information you can visit www.condortravel.com/social-responsibility

Condor Travel regrets all the damages caused to the local people in Cusco and its properties, and bet for the immediate recovering of their economies. For this reason we will launch very soon important promotions and marketing campaigns in order to convince visitors to not cancel their trips to Peru during February and March, having the possibility of visiting Cusco without Machu Picchu and / or visiting other wonderful places in the country like the:

- Colca Canyon: The deepest Canyon in the World
- Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world
- Amazon River: The largest river in the world by its volumetric discharge
- Nasca Lines: Unesco World Heritage 
- The incredible archaeological sites of Trujillo and Chiclayo, earlier than the Inca culture: The Lord of Sipan, The Lady of Cao, The Sun & Moon Huaca and the citadel of Chan Chan, the biggest mud citadel of the world
- Lima: and its spectacular gastronomy and unique Colonial architecture

As always, we will keep you informed of the latest news.


The Condor Travel Team

2010-02-01

SITUATION IN CUZCO

Today all the people that still remain in Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes town,  will be transferred back to Ollanta and Cuzco being the evacuation works over.

Regarding the situation of the railway and the immediate future of the visits to Machu Picchu, please note:

The archaeological site of Machu Picchu remains intact, no damage have been caused on the ruins.

The Inca Trail is closed and like every February, will keep closed until Feb 28, and probably longer depending the railway conditions to bring the people back to Ollanta and Cuzco.

The buses on the zig-zag road from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu are not working, because the road was completely slippery and with landslides in some areas.  There is no regular use since the bridge on the way can’t support any bus.  However the cleaning works are in process and the road will be clear very soon, probably just a matter of days, is not complicated and is not the first time this happens.

Yesterday Thursday the engineering department of Ferrocarril Transandino S.A. (FTSA),  inspected the 122 kilometers which compose the railway connecting Cusco and Machupicchu.

1.- Due to the strong rains occurred in the last days, the Vilcanota River incremented their volume of flow to no-registered levels (1100 m3/second, when maximum registered was 850 m3/second).

2.- The above provoked serious damages on the railroad in, at least 8 critical areas.

3.- In order to re-establish communication with Machu Picchu town by using the railroad, FTSA has determined to restore the tracks in three stages:

Hydroelectric – Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes): The work will last three weeks, to allow the visitors and residents to use bimodal transportation between the area. In order to achieve this objective it will be necessary to restore the road between Santa Teresa and Hidroeléctrica.

Piscacucho (town between Ollantaytanmbo and Hydroelectric) – Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes): The work will last seven weeks. This restoration will aloud visitors to get to Machu Picchu by using a bimodal transportation also.

Ollantaytambo – Piscacucho (town between Ollantaytanmbo and Hydroelectric): It is panned to archive this work in 8 weeks in order to res-establish the services as regularly known.

4.- It is important to mention that all working plans is subject to weather conditions.

5.- FTSA guaranties to Peruvian authorities, Machu Picchu residents, tour operators, visitors and the community, that FTSA professionals are performing their best efforts to archive the main objectives of the above working plan in order to restore the transportation facilities on the south east railway system.

That means that in the following 8 weeks there will be no train transportation to Machu Picchu.  However we are evaluating some other alternatives, like the helicopter system or another alternative routes like Santa Teresa, but we are meeting with local authorities today to see if this alternative is feasible.

Will keep you informed very soon.

The Condor Travel Team

2010-02-23

KERRI-ANNE KENNERLEY IN SOUTH AMERICA!

Australian entertainment hosts Mrs. Kerri-Anne Kennerley, was in South America as part of a 23 days journey, covering Argentina, Peru, Chile and Brazil!

The Australian Tour Operator Scenic Tours, in cooperation with Condor Travel Organization, has the opportunity to organize all the services for the TV star and the group that join her on this special tour.


With best regards,
The CONDOR TRAVEL team

2010-02-23

CONDOR TRAVEL WINS THE Q’ENTE AWARD

For being the best wholesale agency for its quality in tourism services, good practices and social and environmental responsibility Cusco,

Peru. December 15, 2009 – Hundreds of travel agencies in Cusco compete annually for the Q’ente award.

The Q´ente award, offered by the Cusco Commerce and Tourism Regional Office (Dircetur) and SGS international certifiers, is the maximum prize awarded at regional level to companies, people and organizations in the tourism industry that have the best quality in tourism services, business management, as well as social and environmental responsibility. Winners of this award are considered to be leaders in the industry and examples worth following.

The objective of this award is to promote and encourage the adoption of excellent procedures and corporate responsibility, improve the tourist experience to strengthen the Cusco brand, and reduce poverty.

We are proud to tell you that this year’s Golden Q´ente Award for the Best Wholesale Agency in Cusco went to Condor Travel!

Our General Manager, Mr. Sammy Niego, declared that, “it is gratifying to be recognized for our work but the most important thing is that we really manage to carry out our jobs with passion and total dedication. That is what makes us different “.

Mr. Jaime Carrillo, who is currently in charge of Condor Travel’s Cusco office, added that “ this distinction reinforces our leadership in the sector but also our commitment to work harder and further improve our operational standards in 2010”.

So spread the news, you are working with the best and we are striving to serve you even better.

For further information about this topic, contact us.

The Condor Travel Team