Duration:

13 days - Cuzco to Cuzco

Countries Visited:

Peru

Age Guide:

18-55 years

Max Group Size:

16

Transport:

Minibus, Boat, On Foot, Bus, Train, Plane

Accommodation:

Hotel (6 Nights), Lodge (2 Nights), Camping (3 Nights), Family Homestay (1 Night)

What's Included:

All Activities, Sightseeing and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - Domestic flight Cusco - Puerto Maldonado - Cusco - Cusco Airport Transfer - 3 Day Puerto Maldonado Jungle Trip - Includes Entrance Fee to Sandoval Lake - English Speaking Guide - All Meals at Jungle Lodge Included - Guided visit Sacred Valley and Pisac Markets (Cusco tourist ticket not included) - Inca Trail or Lares Trek, Guided Visit to Machu Picchu - All Meals on the Inca Trail - Entrance Fee to Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca Family Homestay - Guided Visit to Uros Floating Reed Islands, Amantani and Taquile Islands - All Meals Whilst at Lake Titicaca homestay - All Breakfasts in Cusco, Puno and Lunch en-route from Cusco to Puno

Local Payment:

NO LOCAL PAYMENT

Highlights:

Puerto Maldonado - Sandoval Lake - Monkey Island - Sacred Valley - Pisac Market - Urubamba - 4 Day Inca Trail or Lares Trek to Machu Picchu - Guided visit Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca - Uros Floating Reed Islands, Taquile and Amantani Islands - Amantani Family Homestay

Optional Highlights:

No optional highlights

Introduction

Experience three of South America's most famous highlights in this fascinating tour. From your base in the charming Inca city of Cusco, descend into the Peruvian Amazon at the Tambopata Reserve, one of the most biodiverse rainforest regions of the world. Returning once more to the soaring heights of the Andes, enjoy a 4 day Inca trek to the legendary Machu Picchu. Then it's on to the shores of the magnificent Lake Titicaca, to enjoy island life and a family homestay. You can choose to end your trip in either Cusco, Arequipa or Copacabana (Bolivia).

Meeting Point

Please refer to your tour voucher for details of the meeting point for this tour. This contains contact details for our local partners who run this trip on behalf of our travel service partner.

A trip briefing is generally held early evening the day before departure. We strongly advise you attend this briefing. Please advise your agent if you are unable to attend this briefing.  

Day 1

Cusco. Today is a free day to relax, acclimatise and enjoy all that this town has to offer. You may want to take a guided city tour in the afternoon, or simply unwind and enjoy the markets, cafes and bars. Overnight Cusco.

Day 2

Cusco to Puerto Maldonado Jungle Lodge. Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the town centre, where you can visit the exotic local market.  Depending on your flight arrival time we may have lunch either here, en-route to the lodge or even at the lodge itself. Any excess luggage will be stored safely in our local representative’s office in Puerto Maldonado, after which we continue to the port.  Catching a private boat along the Madre de Dios River, we arrive at Tambo Jungle Lodge around an hour later. After enjoying a chilled, welcome drink, you can settle in at your bungalow.   

In the afternoon we travel to Monkey Island, a short boat ride away. Monkey Island is named after the monkeys which live here in proliferation: from "Maquisapas" to "Martins", "Little lions" to "Frailes" and "Achuáis" to Ronsocos", the diversity is quite incredible! Monkeys, along with the amazing variety of bird-life, are just some of the incredible species which you will encounter during your stay.

We then return to lodge for a traditional dinner after which we undertake either a nocturnal walk, or perhaps listen to some talks on the flora and fauna of the area, or even go cayman spotting when conditions are optimal!

Day 3

Jungle Lodge/ Sandoval Lake/ Monkey Island. We wake up early and enjoy a fantastic jungle breakfast, before making a short walk through virgin rainforest to arrive at the famous Sandoval Lake, home to a huge variety of fauna including giant otters, water birds, alligators, wild hens, taricayas (small turtles) and a variety of fish.  We explore this beautiful lake by canoe and you can row, swim, walk or simply relax before returning to the lodge in the afternoon. We will have a box lunch at Sandoval Lake.

One of the features of the jungle that will impress you the most is the overwhelming size of the trees: stand at the base of the huge Lupuna and marvel at its sheer size!  We may make a short visit to one of the traditional "chacras," or farming areas of the zone.

We then return to the lodge to enjoy dinner. You can choose to participate in one of the nocturnal activities available after dinner.

Day 4

Jungle Lodge/ Collpa de Loros/ Puerto Maldonado to Cusco. We rise early this morning in order to witness the spectacle of the Collpa de Loros: as the sun rises over the river, we journey one and a half hours to reach a clay wall where hundreds of green parrots congregate at first light each morning. We will generally be able to spend about an hour here before returning by boat to Puerto Maldonado, where we will enjoy breakfast before check-in 2 hours before your flight to Cusco.   Overnight in Cusco.  

Day 5

Sacred Valley Tour. The drive winds its way up the hillsides and over the mountains, taking you past many local ruins and finally descending into the Urubamba Valley - more commonly known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley is lush, peaceful and very picturesque, with many tiny villages that seem to have not changed for hundreds of years. Ruins run the length of this valley all the way to Machu Picchu, evidence that this was an extremely important area for the Incas, both ceremonially and strategically.
 
First stop is the Pisaq Ruins, located high up on the side of the valley. This is one of the best examples of the huge terracing system that the Incas used to produce the vast amounts of corn and potatoes they needed. Guided tour included. 
 
Next stop is the tranquil village of Pisaq, which has a fantastic and very colourful market. It is a great opportunity to meet the local Quechua people, and buy some locally made crafts.
 
The tour then follows the Urubamba River down the valley to Ollantaytambo. The group will stop for lunch at either the village of Pisaq or at a stop along the valley. Ollantaytambo village is a traditional Incan Village with its buildings, courtyards and narrow lanes retaining their original form. Rising above the village are the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins which gaze across the valley like a fortress. Guided tour included. 

Overnight in the Sacred Valley for clients departing the following morning on the classic Inca Trail. Return to Cusco and overnight Cusco for clients departing the following morning on the Lares trek.

Please note that Cusco Tourist Tickets are not included in the cost of this tour. These are payable locally. A full Cusco Tourist Ticket currently costs approximately USD45 (April 2010 price). This is not included as  part of the tour as there are several options and the tickets are also available at a discounted rate for those with international student cards. The ticket is required for entry into Pisaq ruins  (not needed for Pisaq market) and Ollantaytambo ruins. The ticket also allows access to many other sites in and around Cusco not included on this particular tour

Day 6

Departure to Inca Trail or Lares Trek. Clients will be booked on one of these 4 day treks to Machu Picchu depending on permit availability and their preference. Travel Amazing South America will advise you on availability at the time of booking.

Inca Trail. Ollantaytambo to Wayllabamba.  Meet at the Cusco office of our local representatives, SAS Travel, at 6am. Don’t forget to bring your passport along as this is crucial and you will be refused entry to the Inca Trail without it. We drive for approximately 3 hours to the head of the trail, enjoying breakfast en-route. On this first day we trek for around 2-3 hours through spectacular scenery as the trail continues to climb steadily upwards from 2380m to 3000m, simultaneously enjoying magnificent views of Mount Veronica in the distance, before stopping for lunch. After our break we hike for a further 3 hours towards the picturesque village of Wayllabamba, camping near here for our first night.

OR

Lares Trek. Cusco - Quishuarani (Lares) - Cuncani - Yanacocha 3800m.
Our private bus leaves Cusco at 05.30 for a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through Pisac, then stopping for a brief break and the chance to buy last minute snacks in Calca. Departing Calca around 06:45 we head off for the scenic drive to Quishuarani (3,700m /12,150 ft) which is the starting point for the trek. Along the way you will be able to observe small Andean communities, spectacular mountain landscapes, herds of llamas and alpacas plus campesinos (people of the local villages) in colorful costumes as is traditional with all villages around Lares major district. A box breakfast will be served en route around 9am, and we'll arrive into Quishuarani before 10am, where we will meet our horses, handlers and trek staff. We commence our beautiful trek through the Andes with a gentle climb from 3700m to 4200m before arriving at Queuña Cocha lagoon where we can observe Mount Sawasiray (5400m) and Colque Cruz (5600m). There is then a short, steeper climb to our first pass, Hualcacasa (4400m) where Mount Veronica (5700m, a sacred Apu mountain in this Valley) can often be observed in the high mountains, after which we descend for 30 minutes to reach our lunch destination beside the picturesque 'seven lagunas'. Following lunch we descend for a further 30 minutes through the community of Cuncani, then gradually ascend beautiful hillsides for 2 hours to reach our second pass, Qolqecasa (4200m). 30 minutes descent from here past lagunas and waterfalls till we arrive at Yanacocha, our campsite for the night around 4.30pm.
Walking distance approx 14km (6-7 hours)

Day 7

Inca Trail. Wallyabamba to Pacamayo - Dead Woman’s Pass.  Day two is the toughest day as we reach the highest point of the trail at Dead Women’s Pass with an altitude of just over 4200 metres above sea level.

Leaving Wayllabamba, the trail climbs again, passing through sub-tropical vegetation before giving way to woodland, which in turn gives way to scrub vegetation. As you ascend higher, passing through rugged terrain, the views of the valley below become increasingly spectacular. One last steep ascent brings us to the fabled "Dead Woman’s Pass" and a welcome rest break. Congratulations! You made it! This is the highest point on the trail at 4200m. Once your energy returns, we descend to the Pacamayo Valley and our campsite, situated at 3600m. This is the coldest night on the trail, where temperatures fall to 2 to 4 degrees in December and 3 to 5 degrees in June.

OR

Lares Trek. Yanacocha - Wakawasi - Mantanay 3900m
After our 6.30am breakfast we leave Yanacocha and will gradually descend for approximately 2 hours until Chaqchapata (3950m). We will be able to observe potato crops, flocks of llamas and alpacas developed in this part of the Andes and the local communities of people who continue living in houses made of stones. Along the slope we can observe the campesinos of Chaqchapata and 30 minutes further on of Wakawasi. We then ascend for approximately 1 and a half hour to our lunch destination by a glacial stream, Champacocha. After our lunch break we ascend for approximately an hour to reach the highest point of our trek, the passage of Auroracasa (4600m) where we will observe the lagoon Auroracocha. From Auroracasa we will descend to walk near two lagoons & traverse one more pass to enter the valley of Queuñas. We can observe a major change in scenery before arriving at our beautiful campsite in Mantanay (3900m) after approximately 2 hours.
Walking distance approx 16km (7-8 hours).

Day 8

Inca Trail. Pacamayo to Winaywayna.  An exceptionally beautiful day trekking along a paved Inca Trail. Today should be easier on your lungs as there are a lot more descents than ascents! Leaving our campsite we ascend steeply, passing the ruins of Runkuracay believed to have been a resting place for couriers on the Inca Trail hundreds of years ago. We cross the Abra de Runkuracay Pass, situated at 3500m, descending into another valley. At this point the trail changes from being a dirt track to the original flagstoned Inca Trail. We pass Sayacmarca ruins and the trail undulates. We cross a third pass at Puyupatamarca, and descend via around 2000 stone stairs to our campsite at Winaywayna at 2700m. There is a hostel near our campsite where you can enjoy a hot shower (5 Soles) as well as a bar and restaurant where you can purchase bottled water. We recommend you take care of your personal belongings at this particular campsite as all groups camp here together.

Lares Trek. Mantanay 3900m -Yanahuara 2700m
After breakfast we start our walk at 7:30 am with a much easier day ahead as we descend to a lower altitude & enjoy amazing views of part of Moray Maras and Salineras, mountains and the queuñas bush valley. You will notice the sudden change of weather and environment & observe local campesinos farming different crops of corn, potatoes and local vegetables to sell later in villages in the Sacred Valley. This walk will take approx 4 hours to reach the picturesque village of Yanahuara where we enjoy the last lunch in our trek and say farewell to our staff, horses, handlers, cooks and assistants. A private bus will then take us for the 30 minute ride to Ollantaytambo train station where we will board the train for the 2 hour trip with our tour guide to Machupicchu town, Aguas Calientes.
Walking distance approx 12km, night and dinner at our hostal.

Day 9

Inca Trail. Winaywayna to Machu Picchu. We rise very early on the morning of Day 4, trekking through woodland for a couple of hours, before climbing up stone stairs to arrive at the Sun Gate for dawn on the final day. Providing the weather is clear, the view from the Sun Gate down to Machu Picchu is breathtaking and something you will never forget.

OR

Lares Trek. Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

Early breakfast (05.00am) before taking the bus directly to Machupicchu at 06.00am. (Optional for those wishing to walk: leave 04.30am and walk up to Machupicchu arriving approx 06.00am.)

Inca Trail and Lares groups. Machu Picchu to Cusco. Imagine what it was like for the explorer Hiram Bingham who discovered this long lost city back in 1911 and gave the world one of its most breathtaking ancient sites. The city, with its temples stairways and gabled dwellings is probably one of the most astounding engineering feats of the whole of the Ancient American civilisations. What you see is never to be forgotten - but have your camera ready as well, just for the record. Upon reaching the ruins, our experienced local guides will give you a tour of the ruins for approximately two hours and then the rest of the day is yours to explore. If you’re still feeling energetic you can climb the nearby Huayna Picchu Mountain (please co-ordinate this with your guide as restrictions apply to climbing numbers and times) and enjoy some more great views of the city and snap some brilliant pictures as well! Alternatively you can kick back under a tree in the plaza at Machu Picchu. We descend to the town of Aguas Calientes (bus fare of US$7 payable locally or option of hiking down to Aguas Calientes) to enjoy a buffet lunch and enjoy a hot shower. Sacks will be given out so that you can transport your personal belongings carried by the porters, back to Cusco That afternoon you can lie back and relax in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes. The return train to Cusco (or train and bus combo) leaves Aguas Calientes at around 4 or 5 pm, arriving back in Cusco around 8.30pm, followed by a transfer back to Main Plaza in Cusco arriving about 9pm.

Day 10

Cusco to Lake Titicaca. This morning we depart for Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, between 7 and 7.30am. En route to Puno, we visit 3 sites with our guide (entrance fees not included, US$4) and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with spectacular views.

At an altitude of 3820m, 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. Overnight Puno.

Day 11

Lake Titicaca: Floating Reed Islands and Amantani Island Family Homestay. We make an early morning transfer from the hotel to the port and travel by motor boat across the blue waters of the lake to the legendary Uros Islands where you can observe the lives of the Uros people who live on floating reed islands some only 20 metres in length. After a beautiful 3hr boat ride we reach Amantani island where we will break into smaller groups to stay with the local families. We will trek to the top of the mountain (4150 mtrs) to see the Temples of the Pachamama and Pachatata and enjoy the traditional customs of the island people. 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. Dance the night away to traditional music and learn some of the local dance moves.

Day 12

Lake Titicaca: Taquile Island. Today 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. We then return on the boat back to Puno for one more night , arriving late afternoon. 
  

Day 13

Puno  to Cusco OR Arequipa OR Copacabana (Bolivia). Please advise Travel Amazing South America which city you wish to end your tour in.
Approximate departure / Arrival times for each journey are:

Puno to Cusco - Pick up approx 7:30am for Bus departing at 8am. Arrival in Cusco approx 2:30-3pm

Puno to Arequipa - Pick up approx 2:30pm for bus departing 3pm. Arrival 8:30 - 9pm

 Puno to Copacabana - Pick up approx 7 for bus departing 7.30am, Arrival 11:30am Bolivian time (10:30am Peru time)

Itinerary

It may occasionally be necessary to vary the order of activities on this itinerary in order to take advantage of availability of Inca Trail permits, especially in high season. Travel Amazing South America will advise you at the time of booking.

Tour Guides

Tour guides will accompany you on each of the different excursions included in your trip itinerary, as well as during all transfers to and from hotels, airports and bus stations. You may have the same tour guide for all excursions and transfers or you may have different specialist tour guides for each of these. Please note that tour guides may not necessarily accompany you or your group during internal flights or long distance bus journeys, and may not be staying overnight at your hotel, lodge or homestay. You will be provided with a 24-hour telephone number to contact either your tour guide or our local partner agency in charge of running the tour, in the unlikely event that an urgent situation or emergency should arise.

Pre Departure Information

All passengers require the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. 

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

Information for Single Travellers (Inca Trail)

We automatically pair you up to share a tent with another traveller of the same gender. However, if you prefer to have sole occupancy of a tent, this will incurr a single supplement of GBP20/AUD50/NZD60/EUR30/CAD45/ USD40. Please advise Travel Amazing South America at the time of booking if you wish to organise a single supplement.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting and/or briefing when you meet your guide and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in Cusco prior to the start or after the end of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. Your tour finishes after breakfast in Cusco on the last day. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).     

Please Note:

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in South America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary.

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Our travel service parter makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Tambo Lodge (Puerto Maldonado Jungle Trip) - General Information

Tambo Jungle Lodge is set in a peaceful and relaxing location on shores of Alto Madre de Dios River, an area of immense trees and powerful rivers, thick fogs and virgin jungle, home to an incredible variety of over 600 species of birds, 900 species of butterflies and 115 species of dragonflies. There are only twelve recently refurbished double rooms – this means fewer travellers and more animal-spotting possibilities. The local cuisine is absolutely delicious and is prepared with fresh local ingredients. Bilingual guides will explain jungle mysteries and medicinal plants, and there are optional night walks (optional for those who don’t want to look for Tarantulas and other creepy crawlies!) as well as cayman spotting when conditions are optimal.
   
Please Note:  the jungle trip itinerary may be rearranged as necessary but all sights will be visited unless extreme weather conditions etc make this unsafe.
 

Flights

Return flights from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado are included in the cost of the tour. Bookings may incur a supplement for the included flight depending on flight availability at time of booking. Once booked, the flights are non-changeable, non-transferable and non-refundable.

Porters (Inca trail and Lares Trek)

Porters carry all tents, cooking equipment and food. Personal porters are included in the price you pay to carry up to 9kg . 

You will still need to carry with you a daypack with your camera, water bottle, snacks, a fleece or something warm and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as porters do not walk alongside you. Your bag will be waiting for you in your tent at the campsites.

A rice sack to protect your backpack can be provided although these are not water proof so we advise you to use plastic bags to protect your gear. The porters have large ponchos to cover them and the bag.

Please note there are fines if you give an excess of 9 kgs so it is advisable to underpack rather than overpack.

Tipping is entirely at your discretion although it is commonplace for trekkers to tip their guides and porters on the Inca Trail. We recommend you carry approximately USD35-40 to cover the tipping tradition.

Trekking Permits

Permits are required for all travellers who wish to trek the Inca Trail. We cannot apply for this until you have provided us with your full name, nationality, passport number and date of birth. Without a permit you are not permitted to walk the Inca Trail.

500 trekkers, porters, cooks and guide are permitted to pass through the control point every day. Once this quota is full, no further permits are issued.

During high season (May to October) permits can be sold out several months in advance. We urge you to book at least 3-4 months ahead of your proposed Inca Trail date during high season. During low season (November to April) it is often possible to obtain permits at short notice, however, to avoid disappointment we advise you to book as far in advance as possible.

Once we have obtained your permit, no changes can be made. If you change your passport details, wish to change the date or have provided us with incorrect details, your original permit becomes invalid.  If we have to re-apply for a permit on your behalf, you must be aware that there is no guarantee that we can obtain this. Additionally, we are unable to apply for a new permit until you have paid a further deposit. You must carry your original passport with you on the trail. Please also scan 3 clear copies of your passport in case you lose this or have this stolen before departing for the trail.

Permits are not required for the Lares Trek.
   

Inca Trail Closure

The Inca Trail is closed to trekkers for the month of February every year. If you wish to visit Machu Picchu during this month, you can still do so by the Lares Trek or on our “2 Day Classic Train†trip.
   

Water

Inca Trail and Lares: we suggest you take a 1.5 litre bottle of water on the first day and then you can refill this on the trek. We boil water each night, which is available after breakfast each morning for your water bottles. We still suggest you take water purification tablets or filters for any unboiled water you take directly from streams or waterfalls etc.

Inca Trail: You can buy water along the first day, for the first few hours of Day 2 and the afternoon of Day 3 at the hostel at Wiñaywayna.
   

Inca Trail and Lares Trek Environmental Concerns

Please carry your personal rubbish to each campsite where the porters will pack this up and carry this out. Please burn or bury all toilet paper.

Return travel from Machu Picchu to Cusco

From April 2009 no Peru Rail trains will be running from Aguas Calientes all the way to Cusco. Trains will either run from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes to Poroy. From Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Cusco, a bus transfer service will be provided. Poroy to Cusco is around 20 minutes.

Packing List

Packing List  Packing List:  BACKPACK
SLEEPING BAG 
WALKING CLOTHES : LAYERS 
FLASH LIGHT 
CAMERA AND EXTRA FILM 
SUNPROTECTION : SUNSCREEN : SUN HAT : SUNGLASSES 
THERMALS : WOOL SOCKS : AND WOOLEN HAT FOR COLD NIGHTS
INSECT REPELLENT 
RAIN PONCHO : GOOD RAIN GEAR IN WET SEASON: NOV TO MARCH 
TOILETRIES / PAPER 
GLOVES / SCARF 
WATER BOTTLE : WATER PURIFYING TABLETS 
PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT 
ORIGINAL PASSPORT 
EXTRA MONEY FOR PORTERS TIPS, ETC
OTHER INFORMATION
SLEEPING BAG RENTAL
Sleeping bag rental/ 4 days/ US$20

Accommodation:

We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. 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$40 per day to cover food and accommodation during this time.

Food

Buffet breakfast is included in Cusco.

All meals are included on the Puerto Maldonado jungle trip, from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day.

11 buffet meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners) are included on the Inca Trail, as well as drinks, afternoon tea and boiled water. These are delicious, nutritious and high energy meals, all prepared for you by porter-cooks, are a combination of Peruvian and international cuisine.

On the Lake Titicaca trip, 1 buffet lunch is included en-route to Puno, 1 lunch, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast are included at the Lake Titicaca Homestay, as are 2 breakfasts in Puno.

Participation:

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!

What Is Not Included

Sleeping bag for duration of Inca Trail US$20

Bus Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes US$7

Cusco Tourist Ticket approx US$45 for full ticket (April 2010 price. Subject to change without notice)

Hot shower 3rd night of Inca Trail 5 Soles

Hot Springs Aguas Calientes 10 Soles

Entrance fees en-route to Puno US$4

Travelling in South America

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in South America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary.

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Our travel service partner makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

Lastly, your tour guide is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.   

Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to our style of travel. We offer a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour.

No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance.

At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original.

Please note: you will not be permitted to join a without travel insurance.
   

Passport

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, WE 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.
   
   

Visa Requirements

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your South America trip. Country entry regulations change daily. Please consult the relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Travel Amazing South America and it’s travel service partner does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
   

Malaria:

Prophylactic tablets are essential in some areas of South America. They are prescribed by your vaccinating doctor and should be taken as directed.

Health and Acclimatisation

The Inca Trail can be undertaken by anyone of average fitness, however, it must be stressed that this is a demanding trek at altitude. Whilst you may be accustomed to trekking over 10kms a day in your home country, it is unlikely that these treks that you have previously undertaken have been at significant altitude. It is important not to underestimate the effect that altitude can have on your body, and whilst most travellers experience nothing more than breathlessness for the first few days, and perhaps a mild headache, occasionally more serious altitude-related complications can occur.

We advise you to spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco prior to the start of your trek in order to acclimatise. Eating lightly for the first day or two, as well as drinking plenty of bottled water and getting some rest upon arrival will all help with acclimatisation. Should you feel ill prior to commencing the Inca Trail we urge you to contact our local agent SAS, as medical facilities on the trail are non-existent and your return to hospital facilities in Cusco may take up to a day.

However, most travellers complete the Inca Trail with nothing worse than tired legs, aching feet (which can be helped by a soak in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes) and certainly with a great sense of personal achievement!
Should you have reservations about trekking the Inca Trail but wish to visit Machu Picchu and the surrounding area we recommend that you take our "2 Day Classic Train" trip.  

Medical Information & Vaccinations:

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 and that you know your blood group in case of emergency.

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.

Altitude Sickness

If you are beginning your trip in one of the Andean countries (Peru, Ecuador or Bolivia) please be aware that you may be susceptible to some form of altitude sickness. If you are starting your trip in La Paz, allow 2 days to adapt to these conditions.

You may feel nauseous, overwhelmingly tired, short of breath or experience headaches. There are methods though of minimising the levels of altitude sickness that each person experiences.

Taking the following steps will greatly help in minimising the level of altitude sickness, but please be aware that every individual reacts differently to it.
Drink plenty of bottled water. At high altitude your breathing is rapid and shallow, causing you to dehydrate. 2 litres of water per day is the recommended amount.

Avoid alcohol.

Avoid smoking. If you are a heavy smoker they should either cut down or stop completely for their time in the altitude (although some smokers say they have an easier time because they are used to having less oxygen).
Taking the above measures will in most cases mean that within 2 days your body should adjust to taking less oxygen but each individual will be affected differently.
   

Climate and Temperatures

In the Cusco and Machu Picchu area, if you are walking in the sun it can be very hot and feel like 25 degrees celcius, but when you enter a forest or are in the shadow of a mountain temperatures can drop to 15 degrees almost immediately.

On the second night of the Inca Trail the temperature can drop to -5 degrees if you are really unlucky, although the temperature will likely hover around freezing point!

One of the main tips for dealing with the varying temperatures is to try and keep your body temp as regular as possible by using layers of clothes.  When you feel cool it is advisable to put on an extra layer before you get cold. If you start to feel hot, then take off a layer before you perspire as this could leave you with a chill later if you don’t take care.

December thru to March is the rainy season although this also means that there are fewer trekkers and obtaining an Inca Trail permit can be easier.

Some days it may be drizzly all day or you may have a burst of rain and clear skies for the rest of the day - or it could be wet off and on all day! You need good rain gear for walking as well as something to protect your pack. We have dining tents for all meals so you are protected at this time.   

Security

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.

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.

Books and Reading Material

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
   

Money

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

Travellers 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, you may exchange US Dollars travellers 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.
   
Please Note:  Note: You need to take at least 150.00 Soles extra emergency money as there are no ATM’s in Aguas Calientes and higher commission is charged on Travellers Cheques.
 
   

Luggage and Personal Equipment:

How much should I take?

• The best rule for packing is to limit yourself to a weight limit of 15 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.

You will be in hotels and hostels for the majority of the tour but you may wish to bring the following for the Inca trail, although these can be hired in Cuzco for a small cost of approximately US$8 per day.

• 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.
• 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!!

Time

For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com    
  

Language

Spanish is the language most widely spoken in the countries we visit in Latin America but English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
   

Photography

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. Don't forget to bring an adaptor so that you can re-charge yor digital camera.

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.
   

Staying in Touch:

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. You can opt to use an International SIM Card.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers.

Social Media – You can keep your friends and family updated about your adventures by using social media websites such as Facebook or Twitter.

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

Tour Feedback:

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. Seven days after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still write a review on the tour page you've done on our site.

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email at tours [at] travel-amazing-southamerica.com

Drug Policy

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.