On this 6-week trip which leads you through valleys and over steep mountain passes and around stunning canyons, Kumuka will take you on a trip through the ages. Discover dinosaur footprints and pre-historic fossils, Inca temples and Spanish colonial towns, as well as enjoying the modern day wonders of winery tours and the party town of Cusco. Marvel at natural wonders such as emerald rainforest and golden deserts, snowy mountain peaks and white salt flats dotted with multicoloured lakes where you can spot condors, llamas and alpacas. Enjoy manmade wonders: Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, floating reed islands and bustling market towns where life continues as it has done for centuries, all of which unfold as we wind our way south to Santiago.

Ballestas Isands, Nazca Lines and Puerto Inca.  Time to leave the bustle of city life and check out more of the coastline with a trip South to the fishing village of Paracas. Paracas is the gateway to the Paracas National Park, with fantastic desert scenery, great beaches and spectacular coastline.

The following morning we hop on a boat here for the trip out to the Ballestas Islands. Our voyage takes us past the Candelabra - a giant figure carved in the hillside, which can only be seen from the sea. The Ballestas Islands are home to a great variety of wildlife. You can’t miss the huge colonies of sea lions and unusual marine birds, such as - Humboldt’s Penguin, cormorants, Peruvian booby and Peruvian pelican. There are some mega jellyfish around as well. As we return you might get lucky and see dolphins and flocks of flamingos in search of food in the shallow waters of the bay.

Next stop is the town of Nazca, which has an ancient culture. The people of the Nazca culture are responsible for creating a very mysterious series of shapes on the desert floor in the area surrounding the town of Nazca. This series of shapes is known as the Nazca Lines. They were discovered in the 1930´s when the first flights started to go over this area. The discovery prompted many archaeologists to come to this area to try and decipher these mysterious figures. Many theories have been brought forward as to the significance of the lines. While you’re here you can take a flight over the desert (optional), which is the best way to see the intriguing Nazca Lines and develop your own theory on the meaning of the lines. The lines were etched into the desert floor over 2000 years ago. They show a series of shapes - huge birds, spiders, whales and other creatures plus geometrical figures.
From Nazca we continue through the desert to the ancient Inca fishing port of Puerto Inca. On the way we make a guided tour of the Chauchilla Cemetery, which also dates from the Nazca period. Excavations at the site have uncovered real mummies with hair and clothing intact. We camp on the beach at Puerto Inca. There are ruins of the Inca fishing village on either side of the bay. This is where ocean produce was stored and traded for items brought down from the Andes. It is said that in Incan times messages and fresh sea fish were sent 240km to Cuzco using a series of runners posted every 7km, the whole delivery taking 24 hours. While you are here you can relax on the beach, and in the evening by the light of a campfire.

Colca Canyon and Chivay.   From Arequipa we continue further up into the Peruvian Andes towards the mountain town of Chivay. On the way we drive though spectacular mountain scenery, and over a pass at 4900 metres altitude. We also see many of the South American Camelids, the most well known being the Llama, along with its smaller relations the Alpaca and the Vicuña, which is said to have the finest wool in the world.

Chivay is a very traditional mountain town with many of the locals dressed in traditional costume. Chivay is our base to do our trip to see the Condors in Colca Canyon nearby. But another great attraction of Chivay is the nearby hot springs. You can enjoy a drink as you relax in the soothing waters of the baths.

Our route to Colca Canyon takes us past amazing Inca farming terraces and the valley then grows narrower and narrower to make one of the deepest canyons in the world. We arrive at Cruz del Condor, the edge of the mighty Colca Canyon. Not only does this spot provide some spectacular mountain views, but we are in a prime position at 1,200 metres above the canyon floor to get a memorable sight of the magnificent Condors, the heaviest flying bird in the world, and a wingspan of 3 metres, soaring majestically up the canyon on the thermals. Great photo opportunity.

Lake Titicaca. Our next destination is the town of Puno, which is across the Altiplano on the shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3,820m, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. The lake has great spiritual significance for the local people, and particularly the Inca culture, as it was here that Inca legend says that the first Inca Emperor, Manco Capac rose from its waters to begin the Inca Empire. Titicaca means rock of the Puma.

In the early morning we take a boat trip across the blue waters of the lake to the Floating Reed Islands of the Uros Indians. They make the islands from the tortoro reeds that grow on the lake side. Our experienced local guide will give us information on the various customs of these people and you have the chance of buying some of their handicrafts and taking a short boat ride on one of their traditional fishing boats.
From there we travel across the lake to Amantani Island where the Ayamara Indians live. Here we spend the night with a friendly local family, and get to know about how they live -a very different life from our own. In the early evening we climb to the top of the island for spectacular views of the sunset around Lake Titicaca. That night after dinner your family will dress you up in traditional costumes and take you dancing. Dance the night away to traditional music and learn some of the local dance moves.
The next day we cross to the nearby island of Taquille. After a 45 minute hike to the top of the island you arrive at the small plaza, which has fantastic views of the lake. Taquille Island is famous for its superb handicrafts, which you can see in the cooperative market in the plaza. After a delicious fish lunch we return on the boat back to Puno for the night.

Rurrenabaque - La Paz.  We catch an early morning flight and cross the impressive Andes range near La Paz, descending from the giddying heights of the Altiplano to the lush jungle town of Rurrenabaque for the start of our 3-day Pampas trip. Approaching Rurrenabaque we can see flat land stretching as far as the eye can see and jungle, which stretches  3000km all the way to the mouth of the Amazon! Here we board motorised canoes and we head upriver to our lodge, which set on stilts by the riverbank, for the start of our adventure. Between thick forests of trees are large areas of Pampas grasslands, birds swoop low over the river and turtles hop into the water as you approach. You might even spot a troop of curious Capuchin monkeys clambering down from the trees to get a better look. Jump into the river to and take a swim to keep cool – perhaps even swim alongside pink dolphins if you’re lucky!  Watch the sun go down from a viewing deck accompanied by a cold beer before we head back to the cool climates of La Paz at 3700m.

Uyuni and the Salt Flats.   Our journey continues southwest towards Uyuni, the jumping off point for our expedition out on to the great, blinding-white Salt Flats. This natural phenomenon is a massive, salt lake, which forms a strange lunar landscape that shimmers in the sunshine and stretches for hundreds of kilometres dotted with cacti and a few islands, which are home to strange colonies of rodents! Don’t forget your sunglasses!

Humuhuaca – Salta.  After entering Argentina we descend from the Altiplano, and travel through the stunning Humahuaca Canyon with its many colourful rock formations, giant cacti and the small colonial towns of Humahuaca, Tilcara and Purmamarca, the latter that is famous for its seven-coloured mountain.

The land becomes more fertile as we journey towards the picturesque colonial city of Salta, a tourist and handicraft centre. There are many fine colonial buildings and a cathedral with the highest church tower in South America! Other attractions include a cable car ride, excellent shopping and ‘Empanadas’, small meat pasties for which Salta is famous.

Valle de La Luna (Moon Valley National Park) and Talampaya National Park.   Heading south we drive towards La Rioja and the stunning National Park of Talampaya, situated nearby. Within the deep, red cliffs of the wild-west style canyon you can find all manner of rock formations as well as pre-Colombian petroglyphs. We also take a trip to the magnificent Valley of the Moon National Park, which is a paleontologist’s paradise with a multitude of bizarre and beautiful rock formations and 200-million year old fossil remains. This entire area is famous for its wine and olive production.

Mendoza to Santiago.   Today we say goodbye to Argentina and cross the great mountain range of the Andes to Chile. We climb to the Chilean frontier high in the Andes, along the way  stopping in the shadow of Mount Aconagua, which at 6,959m above sea level is the highest mountain in the Americas. Further on, we stop en route at Puente del Inca, a striking, natural rock bridge which runs across Las Cuevas river. Here, mineral deposits have created multicoloured rocks, from rust red to golden ochre and burgundy – a fantastic photo opportunity – and after crossing into Chile we descend around 3000m to just above sea level.

Our tour ends in Chile’s pleasant capital, Santiago, which still retains some of its old charm with a magnificent, tree-lined plaza, dominated by the main cathedral. You might want to catch the changing of the guard at Plaza Constitucion, or take an optional cable car ride up San Cristobal hill for magnificent views of the city and the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes in the distance, or do some shopping for souvenirs!

Hotel Espana
Morande 510
Santiago
Chile

Tel:   +56-2-6966066
Fax:   +56-26960757

The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY BEFORE the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers.

In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.

All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Vaccination Certificate.
3. Travel Voucher.
4. Travel Insurance Policy.

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. It must be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate.

PLEASE NOTE IF YOUR TOUR INCLUDES THE INCA TRAIL, KUMUKA MUST HAVE YOUR FULL NAME, PASSPORT DETAILS AND DATE OF BIRTH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR TREKKING PERMIT. ALL PERMITS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

Vaccinations:
It is necessary to obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination before travelling. This is a record of your injections and should be issued with your first inoculation. Make sure that after each injection your certificate is dated, signed and stamped.

Compulsory Inoculations:
Yellow Fever for Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru but only if arriving from an infected area.

Recommended inoculations:
Yellow fever, hepatitis A, diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus and polio.

We also recommend:
- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
- That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.

Medical Supplies:

We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit.  Below is a list of some recommended items:
Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.
A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

• Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
• A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
• DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in South America, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Likewise do not leave your valuables in your tent - there is a safe available on the truck.
• Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care.
• Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
• Kumuka vehicles have secure doors and windows but it is never foolish to be cautious.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

Take your money in US dollars only. This is the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America.

Traveller’s cheques should be AMERICAN EXPRESS. American Express is the most widely accepted.

Cash is far easier to exchange than Travellers Cheques, but also more risky as once lost, is irreplaceable. However, we do recommend that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20).

In many countries (except Brazil), you may exchange US Dollars traveller’s cheques for US cash, or retrieve US dollars cash from ATMs (with a credit card), usually for a small commission but please do not rely solely on this option.

Credit cards are accepted frequently, particularly in the larger cities. They can also be used to get money from ATMs.

Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful.

How much should I take?

• The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 20 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting.
• A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. Please note that we do not recommend that passengers bring suitcases.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. This can also be used for carrying 2 days of clothing so it is not always necessary to unload the large backpacks every night.
• Sleeping Bag - a good quality sleeping bag, rated for sub-zero conditions is the best for tours, which travel through the Andes and Patagonia. You can purchase extra blankets in South America cheaply. We recommend a Four Seasons sleeping bag.
• Inner Sheet - for your sleeping bag. Can also be used as a sleeping bag when it's hot.
• Sleeping Mat - A self-inflating mat. "Thermarest" is best, although a compressed foam mat is adequate.
• Mosquito Net -if you wish to sleep outdoors. All tents have built in mosquito nets.
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

All types of camera film are readily available in Latin America; however, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free.

As a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Fast film (200-400 ASA) may be useful at times and black & white film is nice to use for portraits of local people. A zoom lens is also useful.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.

Most Latin American countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders, bridges and any government building. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your film and/or camera confiscated. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.

We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of  accommodation for each tour. Overland tours will spend most time in campsites and some time in hotels as it is much more appropriate to the overland style of travel.

CAMPING - Camping is always great fun and our vehicles are loaded with all the first class equipment needed. Campsites vary from established sites with all facilities to the occasional roadside stop or free camp. We use large two person tents and if you come alone, we’ll team you up with another group member.

HOTELS - We choose our hotels, guesthouses and hostels for their location, comfort, security and hygiene standards. All are located near the city centre usually within easy walking distance of services and facilities. Most rooms are on a twin, double or triple share basis with private bathrooms.

Accommodation is not included in the city of departure or arrival (unless within the specified tour dates). Passengers doing a combination tour will have accommodation included when passing through a joining city (maximum 2 nights) providing they have booked on the combination tour code.

You should allow US$25 to US$30 per day to cover food and accommodation during this time.

The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from your trip. It is all about participation and mucking in with your fellow passengers!

Participation is a key factor on a tour of this nature and everyone is expected to pull their weight and get involved with the daily duties (e.g. cooking, cleaning and food shopping). The most successful trips are those where people become involved.

This is not only the best way to get to know your fellow passengers; while cooking dinner or flapping dry the dishes, but also the local people while you are putting your bartering skills to the test at the local markets!

Please note: The longer Kumuka journeys are combinations of shorter tours. Lima, La Paz and Buenos Aires are also pickup and drop off points for passengers so new faces and personalities will join the tour.

Tipping porters and trekking crew is a tradition on the Inca Trail and Lares treks. However, tipping is at your discretion: please do not feel obliged to do so.

On the Inca Trail you will be expected to tip US$12-15 for general porters, cooks and trekking crew and a further US$5 for the porters who carried your personal allowance of 9kgs. These tips are shared out amongst the trekking crew on the 3rd night. It is also customary to voluntarily tip the guides after the Machu Picchu tour on the 4th day.

Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party.

There is a list on our website of optional excursions available at your expense on your tour. Please note that these are intended as a guide only and prices and availability cannot be guaranteed.

Your tour leader will be able to organise any optional excursions on your behalf.   There will be many other optional activities available.  All activities are undertaken at passenger’s own risk.