Flooding Punta Arenas, Chile:
Following the worst storm in 22 years, the city of Punta Arenas in southern Chile has been affected by severe flooding.
Tours SA029 22.02.12, SA037 22.02.12 and SA025 14.03.12 are scheduled to visit the area in late March, and tour SA025 28.03.12 is scheduled to visit early April.
We are in touch with local suppliers to establish exact areas affected and will monitor the situation closely over the coming weeks, re-routing the tours to avoid the area around Punta Arenas if necessary.
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Train crash Buenos Aires:
A major train crash at a station in downtown Buenos Aires on 22.02.12 has caused many fatalities and injuries. We do not have any Kumuka groups in Buenos Aires at this time - our next groups are scheduled to arrive into town between 8th and 12th March.
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Inca Trail - New regulations for Huayna Picchu:
NEW REGULATIONS FOR HUAYNA PICCHU
New regulations introduced by the ‘National Institute of Culture of Peru’ mean that travellers will have to pre-book to climb Huayna Picchu, the mountain often featured behind the ruins of Machu Picchu - the lost city of the Incas - in tourist images.
Kumuka travellers visiting the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu (translates to ‘old peak’ in English) will need to purchase an additional entry permit if they wish to climb Huayna Picchu (translates to ‘young peak’). Permits will be subject to availability, and must be purchased at the time of booking their Kumuka tour if travellers wish to guarantee their visit to Huayna Picchu. An additional charge will apply for travellers doing the Lares Trek or the Classic Train and for travellers doing the Inca Trail. This will be payable in advance for entry to climb Huayna Picchu. The climb to the summit is steep and exposed, and visitation is restricted to 200 people in each of the 2 groups (one at 7am and one at 10am) which depart daily.
Huayna Picchu stands about 360 metres above Machu Picchu, offering stunning views of the archaeological site and of Urubamba River which bends around the base of Huayna Picchu. It is therefore a popular addition to Machu Picchu visits, and it is for this reason that the climb is restricted to a limited visitor numbers, and that the extra permit is required. Kumuka or your travel agent will confirm permit costs at time of booking.
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Brazilian Visa Update:
Please refer to your detailed itinerary for the latest information regarding obtaining Brazil visas.
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Bolivia - Rabies:
The Bolivian Ministry of Health has reported a significant increase in rabies cases throughout the country. The department of Sucre, which some Kumuka tours visit, has seen the 3rd highest proportion of cases in the country (19 in 2011). We strongly advise that you consult a travel clinic or your GP to discuss vaccinations.
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Argentina Entry Requirements – Proof of onward travel :
Immigration officials in Argentina may require you to provide proof of onward travel – e.g. in the form of a return ticket. You are advised to make all related reservations before departing for Argentina. Airlines have occasionally refused to board passengers travelling to Argentina without such reservations
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Dengue Fever Bolivia:
The Bolivian Ministry of Health declared a state of emergency on 19.01.11 due to an increase in cases of dengue fever. The department of Beni has been particularly affected. Rurrenabaque, the starting point for our Bolivian jungle and pampas trips, is located in the department of Beni. You are advised to avoid mosquito bites by covering up and using repellent.
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Yellow Fever - Bolivia:
The Bolivian Government is now asking that ALL international travellers show proof of a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate before gaining entry to Bolivia.
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Argentinian Entry Fees for USA/Canada/Australia Passport Holders:
Update Dec 2011
For those travelling to Argentina next year, this is an important announcement. The Argentine government announced the implementation of a reciprocity fee for U.S., Canadian, and Australian nationals: http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/ The official government version of the announcement states that: - The tax is effective as of January 1, 2010 - Collection will be at Ezeiza airport only - The fee will be payable in pesos, US dollars, credit card and travelers checks - The Entry fee / Reciprocity tax is based upon the cost for an Argentine citizen to get a Visa in each respective country: § U.S.: US$131 § Australia: US$100 § Canada: US$70 Please note that this fee has previously applied only to those nationalities flying into Argentina into Ezeiza airport however in recent months this has been extended to include some passengers arriving into Jorge Newbery and arriving via the land border from Uruguay.
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Inca Trail permits and deposits:
Effective from Monday 22.06.09, all clients making a new booking for an Overland or Small Group tour will be required to pay an Inca trek deposit and fill out a booking form in order to secure their place. Full details are available on our website. Please see the following link for full details: www.kumuka.com/Inca-Trail-News.aspx.
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Inca Trail and passport updates:
Kumuka apply for your Inca Trail permit with the passport details that you supply us with. New Inca Trail regulations mean that if you subsequently re-new your passport, you must either carry your oiginal passport on the trail with you OR provide Kumuka with scans of both your old AND new passport at least 2 weeks prior to your trail departure date for which a fee of USD10 will be payable locally.
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