Check out these amazing pics of Lake Titicaca and Puno!! Wanna go?? Check out all our Classic Peru Travel Packages at http://www.ascendtravelperu.com/services/classictours.html
Puno and Lake Titicaca
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Category Archives: Peru Travel
Looking for awesome videos and photos?
We would like to thank our awesome Media Team of husband and wife videographers Spencer and Kylie Turley. They spent the summer in Cusco with Ascend Travel and made our outstanding informational video. If you are looking for awesome videographers, look no further!
Kylie Turley
A Brigham Young University – Hawaii graduate in International Cultural Studies, Communications, and Intercultural Peace-building, Kylie interned with us to further develop her skills in filmmaking and photography in an international environment. As one who is fascinated by different cultures and in creating peace inter-culturally, she strives to seek opportunities in the third world sector that help strengthen individuals, families and communities. Her experience living in developing nations has strengthened her ability to resolve conflict creatively through sharing stories and expressing life changing experiences through media. Kylie says that working at Ascend Travel as an international intern was a great way to see parts of the world outside of leisurely travel, with a sincere purpose and desire to serve people in need.
Spencer Turley
As an independent videographer, Spencer joined Ascend Travel because he felt strongly about sharing the cultures of people throughout the world who live in need. Working in the film industry for the past two years helped Spencer to develop the skills necessary to create quality films that inspire others to become active in a worthy cause. Whether the films he creates are to motivate others to join a humanitarian expedition or donate time, money or expertise towards charitable efforts – his passion for filmmaking helps to obtain the interest and support organizations need to be sustainable and successful in their cause. In the process of moving others to take action on their sense to do good in this world, Spencer has learned valuable lessons that teach him to be humble, teachable, and amiable.
Rural Tourism in Cusco, Peru
Sure, you’ve heard of Machu Picchu – but did you know that some of the best Peruvian destinations are off the beaten path? Rural tourism is an exciting new form of tourism becoming popular around the world for those who aren’t content with long lines for often visited tourist attractions (not exactly “new” per say, it’s been around for years but has not been widely promoted, well developed, or effectively marketed).
Nothing compares to the experience of visiting or staying in a rural community – the native traditions, clothing, landscapes, music, textiles, gastronomy – and it helps out the locals by giving them a sustainable source of income. Rural tourism allows for rural communities, who are mainly subsistence level farmers living in extreme poverty, to engage in an all new micro-entrepreneurship activity. These communities have been trained in customer service, food preparation, and tour activities – so you don’t have to worry about the quality of the experience. Many tourists have already visited these communities, and is evidenced by our testimonials, they had an awesome time!
We know and work with the locals in the communities and help them with development projects – also, we have native bilingual guides that can help you understand all the amazing cultural activities. Check out the list of our current Rural Tourism Travel Packages:
1. Decoding the Andean Textile 1d or 1d/1n
Experience the magic of authentic Andean weaving, from the shearing process of the llamas and sheep all the way to the final product. The vivid colors of the clothing worn by the villagers of Amaru come from natural dyes extracted from plants and other organic elements. The weavers create fantastic geometric shapes that enclose ancient Incan codes. The communities knit their identity, customs and desires – creating a conversation with them by means of visual patterns. The Amaru villagers will teach you how to speak this language through textiles as you build your own design with their help. Optional one night extension includes rural home-stay lodging, authentic Andean cooking, and cultural ceremony.
2. Flavors of the Andes 1d or 1d/1n
The villagers of Huchuy Qosqo are masters at preparing ancient Andean recipes as well as modernized takes on classic Andean fare. This savory experience will have you traveling back in time with flavors that you have never tasted before. Learn different ways of preparing and presenting dishes from a wide-range of cuisine that uses the biodiversity of the Andes. Products such as potatoes, quinoa, corn, grains and organic vegetables are the stars of this culinary exhibition. All villagers have been trained in sanitary food preparation, and the food is guaranteed to be safe. Our guides will be with to explain every step of the process so you can give these recipes a try when you get back home! After the meal enjoy and participate in traditional dance and theater performances by the villagers of Huchuy Qosqo. Optional one night extension includes rural home-stay lodging, authentic Andean cooking, and cultural ceremony.
3. Children of the Earth Andean Agriculture 1d or 1d/1n
The “Yachaqs” (Quechua word for “wise”) collect the fruits of the Earth. Decoding the cycles and the desires of the Pachamama (Mother Earth) is not only an ancient knowledge, but also a way of ensuring their subsistence. In the community of Huayllafara you will make a complete journey of the art of Andean agriculture and the importance of the environment, all through the perspective of the Andean man. The community members will teach you the importance of vertical control, time cycles, seasons and agricultural rituals. Then you get to practice using traditional tools to plant or harvest food and manage a team of oxen! Optional one night extension includes rural home-stay lodging, authentic Andean cooking, and cultural ceremony.
4. Andean Textiles, Agriculture and the Route of the Llama 2d/1n
This package combines the activities of “Decoding the Andean Textile” and “Yachaqs – Children of the Earth” and adds an amazing 5-hour nature hike called “The Route of the Llama” that exceeds altitudes of 4000 meters (13,000 feet!). Herds of llamas walk through rugged landscapes. They represent one of the most important treasures for the Yachaqs, as the provide wool and food for the villagers. The route of the llama is an unforgettable journey through the countryside where llamas are the kings. This route joins the communities of Amaru and Huayllafara at a distance of 3.5 miles (5 hours). During the walk you get to see the lakes of Kinsacocha and Hulchacocha, and pass through the Abra of Collaccasa and the Abra of Zapacto (the highest point of the route is 4344 meters or 14,031 feet). You will also observe the villagers working the giant fields of native potatoes that grow at these high altitudes.
5. The Route of the Achupalla 1d or 1d/1n
Villagers from Janac Chuquibamba used to see the Uchupalla as a spiny plant that could only be used as fuel for heating homes and cooking. However, after listening to the elders of the community, they found that they could make cups, plates, belts, ropes, bags, wallets – and even found out that the Achupalla is a source of food! In the Route of the Achupalla activity you will learn the importance of this plant, learn how to make Incan handicrafts out of the Achupalla, walk through pre-Incan ruins on the way to harvest the plant – and, if you desire, try an exotic susacuro pizza (made with a worm that grows in the core of the Achupalla) accompanied by a crispy guinea pig with mashed potatoes and beans. Your soul will thank you. Optional one night extension includes rural home-stay lodging, authentic Andean cooking, and cultural ceremony.
6. Builders of the Tawantinsuyo 1d or 1d/1n
In the warm Sacred Valley, the Incan Royalty constructed great palaces. One of such was Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco” in Quechua), which was the country residence of the Inca Ruler Wiracocha. It is a huge complex of terraces and buildings constructed on solid polished stone bases. Like all great Inca centers it is divided into a sacred palace, an agricultural section and a recreational zone. Departing from the town of Huchuy Qosqo, we will reach the ruins after a moderate hike of four hours and visit the archaeological complex located at an altitude of 3652 meters above sea level (11,800 feet). There you can enjoy of an exquisite view of the Sacred Valley and you will also gain a better understanding of the Inca´s idea of space. Optional one night extension includes rural home-stay lodging, authentic Andean cooking, and cultural ceremony.
7. The Huchuy Qosqo Rural Experience 2d/1n
The Huchuy Qosqo Rural Experience combines the activities of Builders of the Tawantinsuyo and Flavors of the Andes. Enjoy one day of Andean cooking workshops and become an expert in the culinary arts of the Incas. The second day, we will hike to the off-the-beaten path ruins of Huchuy Qosqo and appreciate the splendor of Incan architecture. Lodging will be provided in rural home-stays in the Community of Huchuy Qosqo and we will enjoy an amazing cultural celebration and campfire with community members. A great experience for families and groups of friends!
Lodging:
Rural Tourism home-stays are available in all of these communities. They are clean and comfortable, and bathrooms with running water and hot showers are provided. Dinner will be provided and before eating, passengers will be treated to unique intercultural presentations with local dancing, Andean poetry and storytelling, and a warm campfire. You can relax under the starry sky and truly become part of the rural Andean lifestyle for a night.
Ascend Adventure Travel to Launch March 1st, 2012
A message from the CEO:
Hello World! Welcome to Ascend Adventure Travel. Operating from Cusco, Peru we are setting our sights on becoming the premiere tour operator specializing in service travel, rural tourism, classic tours and mystical experiences. Our passion is derived from years and years of humanitarian experience – and successful instances of sustainable development programs that we have helped initialize and follow-through.
So why open a tourist agency? Simple – the robust tour industry in Cusco has continued to see impressive growth during a world economic crisis and a general industry downturn – but more importantly, we’ve grown tired of watching a handful of wealthy individuals make a ton of money off of tourism while the majority of the Cusco Region’s inhabitants continue to reside in extreme poverty. Apart from a few local-owned tour operators, the majority of the profits of an industry that sees 2 million visitors a year, and billions of dollars in profits. We are committed to rural tourism, sustainable development projects, and donating a portion of our profits to powerful poverty-eliminating projects.
In Cusco, there is no shortage of tourist agencies – the proximity to Machu Picchu and its history as the capital of the Incan Empire make it a must-see destination for the avid traveler. However, there are certain things that the tourism industry in Peru leaves to be desired for those whose expectations of a service provider exceed “adequate.” Foremost among these industry shortfalls is reliability – we will strive to be the most responsive, punctual, and courteous tour operator – with a commitment to social responsibility and exceeding traveler expectations on all fronts.
There is much, much more history to be written – and we plan on being a part of it along with your help as we empower poor Peruvians to become participants in the tourism industry, and above all – help them to Ascend out of poverty with their own two hands.
Check out www.AscendTravelPeru.com for more information and a list of our tour options and our Service Expedition schedule (Operations will begin March 1st, 2012).
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Timothy Marti
CEO Ascend Adventure Travel
Ascend Adventure Travel - Peru 