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TRIP NOTES

Santiago to Lima21 days | Santiago to Lima

Santiago to Lima - 21 days updated on 13-03-2018

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This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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Experience a different adventure

every day with this unique journey

Chile, Bolivia and Peru. From the

world’s driest desert to the high

Andes, trekking the Inca Trail,

exploring the mighty Amazon, Lake

Titicaca and the phenomenal salt

lakes of Uyuni en route.

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Trip Highlights• Santiago - Chile's cosmopolitan capital• San Pedro de Atacama - The world's driest

desert• Salar de Uyuni and Laguna Colorada• La Paz - One of the highest cities in the

world• Cuzco - The ancient Inca capital• Puno & Lake Titicaca - Uros floating reed

islands, Amantani and Taquila islands• Sacred Valley of the Incas - Pisac ruins, the

temple of Ollantaytambo and local markets• The Inca Trail Trek and Machu Picchu - The

lost city of the Incas• The Amazon Rainforest• Lima - Vibrant markets and colonial

museums

What's Included• 17 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners

• 13 nights in simple hotels, 2 nights hostels,2 nights jungle lodge, 3 nights camping

• Airport arrival transfer on day 1• 3 economy class flights: Santiago - San

Pedro de Atacama, Uyuni - La Paz, Cuzco- Puerto Maldonado, Puerto Maldonado -Lima

• Included excursions: two nights in theAmazon Jungle, guided tour of the SacredValley of the Incas, full day excursion onLake Titicaca, Valley of the Moon, entry toLaguna Colorada National Park, drive on theSalar de Uyuní salt flats

• 4 day Inca Trail Trek (or Day Trek / Train toMachu Picchu) and guided tour of MachuPicchu

• Entrance fees for included excursions• Escorted by a tour leader and specialist local

guides at certain sites• Transportation by flights, private vehicle,

train, public bus, boat and 4WD

What's Not Included• International flights and visas• Items of a personal nature, additional meals

and drinks• Tipping - refer to the Tipping paragraph in

the Trip Notes for further information

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 : SantiagoUpon arrival at Santiago airport you'll be metand transferred to our joining hotel. The first dayof your tour is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities. In order to allow time torelax and see some of the sights you may wish toadd pre tour accommodation. On arrival pleaseask at the reception for information on when thepre departure meeting will be held.

On your first day you are free to explore Chile'scosmopolitan capital city, Santiago, at your ownpace. For the best views of the city, take afunicular railway to the top of San Cristobalwhere the Statue of the Virgin overlooks thecapital and the distant Andes. Here you cantaste some of Chile's best wines and find somebeautifully situated swimming pools. Santiago isa very clean, modern city with many fountainsand parks, and is well-renowned for its marketssuch as the famous Mercado Central, one of thebest seafood markets in the world. In the PlazaConstitución at the Palacio de la Moneda youcan see the changing of the guard on most days.

Optional Excursions:Museo Histórico Nacional – US$1Teatro Municipal, with daily shows ranging fromopera, ballet, orchestras and concerts – from US$3-12Maipo region winery tours – US$18-50Accommodation: Hotel Libertador or similarOvernight - Santiago

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Days 2-3 : San Pedro deAtacama

Santiago - San Pedro de Atacama. We flyalong the Pacific coast to the north of thecountry and transfer to San Pedro de Atacama.This is a picturesque small town that lookslike it has come straight from the scene of aWestern with its single-storey buildings, white-washed walls and dusty roads. There is anexcellent archaeological museum in San Pedrode Atacama, housing a good selection of ancientartefacts. The Atacama desert that surroundsthe town offers some of the clearest skies inthe world and as such is used by internationalspace agencies to monitor the skies. If it is a clearnight, the starscape viewed from San Pedro deAtacama will most likely be the best you'll eversee.

The next day we head into the desert, exploringthe Valley of the Moon by 4WD. This areais famous for salt-covered lunar landscapes,interesting rock formationas, smoking geysers,salt flats and hot volcanic springs.

Included Excursions:Guided tour of the Valley of the MoonAccommodation: 2 night(s) Hotel Don Raul orsimilarOvernight - San Pedro de Atacama (B:1)

Day 4 : Laguna Colorada

San Pedro de Atacama - Laguna Colorada. Wecontinue our 4WD expedition and cross theborder into Bolivia, into some of the mostremote areas of the Bolivian Altiplano. You willsee a variety of dramatic landscapes includingsmoking volcanoes, barren deserts and gravity-defying rock formations carved by the wind.In this incredibly empty landscape you'll mostlikely feel the furthest from civilisation you'veever been. You will visit the Laguna Colorada,which offers some truly breathtaking scenery,with several varieties of flamingos gatheringin the shallow waters of the beautiful crimsonlagoon.

Included Excursions:Entrance to Laguna Colorada National ParkAccommodation: 1 night in basic, multi-sharehostels Overnight - Laguna Colorada (B, L, D)

Days 5-6 : Salar de Uyuni

Laguna Colorada - Uyuni. Continuing ourexhilarating 4WD tour, we explore the epic Salarde Uyuni. Claimed to be the largest salt flat inthe world, the brilliant white vast Salar de Uyuní,which covers some 10,500 square kilometresand is estimated to contain 10 billion tons of salt,looks like something from a surrealist paintingand its seemingly infinite horizons will amazeyou. The highlight of the day is Fish Island(seasonal dependent). Located in the centre ofthe Salar, 100 kilometres from Uyuní, this hillyoutpost is covered in giant cacti amid a flat,white sea of hexagonal salt tiles. The island isso named because it has the shape of a fish.The otherworldly views from Fish Island willtake your breath away, with the brilliant bluesky (weather permitting of course) contrastingwith the pure white of the salt flats. On thisday we will also explore the Train Cemetery,where you can see the remains of 19th andearly 20th century steam locomotives, and wevisit Colchani, which is the main plant for the

iodisation of salt and the best place to observethe methods of salt extraction from the Salar.

Please Note: Occasionally in the rainy season thesalt flats become overly flooded and we mayhave to alter the itinerary if the salt flats are notsafe to traverse. Your tour leader will advise asearly as possible if this is likely to happen on yourtour.

Included Excursions:Visit the Salar de Uyuní salt flatsAccommodation: 1 night in basic, multi-sharehostels at Cashi Wasi or similar & 1 night in hotelsat Toñito Hotel or similar Overnight - Uyuni(hostel) (B:2, L:1, D:1)

Days 7-8 : La PazUyuni - La Paz. We fly across the country fromUyuni to La Paz. If it is a clear day, you will be ableto see the huge expanse of the Altiplano as youfly over the landlocked country, perhaps seeingthe Andes slowly flattening out to become theAmazonian basin, which spreads to the far Eastof the country, to the border with Brazil.

Built in a steep valley that protects the city fromthe harsh elements of the Altiplano, just aboutevery building in La Paz is built on some sort ofhill, so sightseeing will literally take your breathaway! You will have two days to explore La Pazand it's bustling atmosphere. Our hotel is verycentrally located and is just around the cornerfrom the city's colourful indigenous streetmarkets including the fascinating and suitablynamed "Witches Market'' where local womenin traditional 'Cholita' dress sell such items asdead cats and llamas foetuses said to wardoff evil spirits. The main square, Plaza Murillo,is also within walking distance. The squarestill retains its colonial buildings including thePresidential Palace. La Paz is possibly the bestplace to experience a traditional peña show ofAndean music and dance to local bands playingtime-honoured instruments such as zampoñas(pipes) and charangos (the ukulele).

Optional Excursions:Red Caps walking tours – free (tips appreciated)The World's Most Dangerous Road MountainBiking – US$107

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Accommodation:2 night(s) Hotel Sagarnaga orsimilar Overnight - La Paz (B:1)

Days 9-10 : Puno & LakeTiticaca

La Paz - Puno. We travel by public bus across theborder into Peru and on to Puno on the shores ofLake Titicaca, which at 3,855 metres above sealevel, is the highest navigable lake in the world.We'll arrive in time so you can visit the colourfullocal market.

The next morning we depart Puno for our fullday excursion on Lake Titicaca. We visit thefloating Uros islands in the Bay of Puno, whichare constructed by the islanders using reedsthat grow in the shallow waters of the bay.You will get to meet the families who live onthese islands, learning about their way of lifeand visiting their homes. You will also have theoption to ride in a traditional reed boat beforecontinuing our journey to the island of Taquile,a small island 45km offshore from Puno. It iswell known for its tradition of intricate textilesand clothing knitted by the male locals. Thesetextiles are regarded among the highest-qualityhandicrafts in Peru, and you will learn about thisimportant tradition by meeting and interactingwith the islanders. You will then have the optionto have a lunch made of local produce beforereturning to Puno.

Included Excursions: Full day excursion onLake TiticacaAccommodation:2 night(s) Munay Tambo orsimilar Overnight - Puno (B:2)

Day 11 : CuzcoPuno - Cuzco. We travel from Puno to Cuzco,driving along roads abundant with herds ofllamas, alpacas and vicuñas before reaching theAltiplano (high plain) where our journey takes uspast hot mineral pools, snow capped mountains

and through villages where the locals sell food,fur hats and alpaca sweaters. At the highestpoint, the La Raya pass at 4,321 metres, youcan see the research station for high altitudeanimals. You will have the evening free towander the beautiful porticos of Cuzco.

Accommodation: Hotel Cusco Plaza II or similarOvernight - Cuzco (B)

Day 12 : Sacred ValleyCuzco - Sacred Valley. A full day is spent visitingthe Sacred Valley of the Incas before stayingthe night with a local Peruvian family . Firstlywe visit the Pisac ruins, perched on a hilltopwith incredible views of the snow -cappedmountains. We then go down to the famoustraditional market of the same name, which isfull of colour and atmosphere. A great place forsouvenirs! After lunch, we continue along thevalley to the temple/fortress of Ollantaytambowith its enormous Inca terracing constructed onthe side of a steep mountain.

If you are doing the Inca Trek to Machu Picchu,tonight you will stay in Ollantaytambo. If you aredoing the Lares Trek or have opted to take thetrain to Machu Picchu, this afternoon, you willreturn to Cuzco where you will spend the night.

Included Excursions:Guided tour of Sacred Valley of the IncasAccommodation: Tika Wasi or similarOvernight - Ollantaytambo (B)

Days 13-15 : The Inca Trail

On day 13 we start our Inca Trail trek. TheInca were a highly organised civilisation andcreated many Inca paths throughout the Andesin a network they called Qhapaq Ñan. Themost famous of all the paths is known simplyas Camino Inca or The Inca Trail to MachuPicchu, the royal route to the remnants of

the breathtaking mountaintop city of MachuPicchu. Spread over four days, the spectacular44-kilometre Inca Trail Trek crosses threestunning high passes and encounters manyancient archaeological sites, culminating at thecitadel of Machu Picchu. There are few treks inthe world that combine natural beauty, historyand mystery with such an awe-inspiring finaldestination.

The Inca Trail Trek can be demanding but can becompleted by anyone who leads a reasonablyactive life - you certainly don’t need to bean athlete. Everyone is able to walk at theirown pace and there is no rush to finish. Thetrekking group is led by an expert local guideand supported by a team of porters and cooks,leaving you with only a small day pack to carry. Ifyou are in any doubt or if you have any conditionthat may affect your ability to trek, we advisethat you consult your doctor. Before embarkingon the Inca Trail Trek we will have a briefingto prepare for the next few days and an earlydeparture the following morning.

Day 13 - The trek begins after a short bus journeyand the first day is a relatively easy 4½ hour 13kilometre walk

Day 14 - Today will be your biggest challengeas you reach the highest pass at Warmiwañusca(4,200 metres) which translates to “DeadWoman's Pass”! You will cover approximatelynine kilometres in about 5-7 hours and after thehigh pass it's all down hill as the trail winds itsway along old Inca stairs to our campsite.

Day 15 - On Day three we pass the ruins ofRunkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca,walking approximately 15 kilometres in sevenhours.

Due to a limited number of people beingallowed on the trail a day, permits are limitedand can sell out far in advance. If you wishto book the Inca Trail, please provide yourReservations Agent with your passport detailsby email as soon as possible so that we cansecure your permit. Without your passportdetails, we are unable to arrange your Inca TrailTrek.

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If you are unable to get permits for the IncaTrail, the scenic Lares Trek is available. Forinformation on the Lares Trek including whatmeals are included, see the notes after theitinerary.

If you do not want to participate in either trekthen you will visit Machu Picchu by train andhave plenty of free time to enjoy the activitiesavailable in and around Cuzco. Meals are notprovided during the time spent in Cuzco.

Included Excursions:Permits and Guided three day hike on the IncaTrailAccommodation:3 night(s) in campsites on theInca Trek Overnight - Inca Trail (camping) (B:3,L:3, D:3)

Day 16 : Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu - Cuzco. On the last morning ofthe Inca Trail Trek, after an overnight stop atWiñay-Wayna, you will rise early for the finalwalk to Machu Picchu and greet daybreak overthe famous “Sun Gate”. There will then be timeto explore on your own or simply take in themagnificence of the place after your guidedtour.

The Lost City of Machu Picchu was originallycompletely self-contained, surrounded byagricultural terraces sufficient to feed thepopulation, and watered by natural springs.Located high above the fast flowing UrubambaRiver, the cloud shrouded ruins have palaces,baths, temples, storage rooms and some 150houses, all in a remarkable state of preservationthat will simply take your breath away.

The ruins were only discovered by the outsideworld in 1911, when American explorer HiramBingham found them while looking for another“lost city” called Vilcabamba. Due to their

isolation many of the buildings are still quiteintact and you can't help but admire HuaynaPicchu (“Young Mountain”), which towers abovethe ruins.

After spending most of the day at Machu Picchuyou have the chance to meander through themarkets before enjoying a scenic train ride backto the Sacred Valley where our transfer to Cuzcowill be waiting.

Included Excursions:Guided Tour of Machu PicchuAccommodation: Hotel Cusco Plaza II or similarOvernight - Cuzco (B)

Day 17 : Cuzco

After four days of trekking through the Andesyou'll probably want some rest time and that'sexactly what today is all about. The day is freefor you to relax and unwind, or explore more ofCuzco at your own pace.

The oldest continuously inhabited city in SouthAmerica, Cuzco was the hub of the Incan Empireand features a population of around 300,000,most of who are indigenous. This marvellouscolonial city is situated 3,310 metres abovesea level and has numerous churches, some ofwhich were built using recycled Inca masonry,as were many other buildings in Cuzco. Themain square is called the Plaza de Armas, whichhas the beautiful cathedral on one side, whichtook a century to build, and the Church of LaCompañia de Jesus on the other. The colonialarcades, which occupy the remainder of theplaza, are full of restaurants and shops. If you'rein the mood for a cultural experience, take apeek inside the 14th-century Inca palace whichwas later converted into the city's Museo de ArteReligioso (Museum of Religious Art). Well worthexploring during your time here is the ancientarchaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, which has

the largest and most impressive Inca stoneworkof all.

If that all sounds a bit much, the city boastssome great markets, the most well-known beingSan Pedro where all kinds of textiles and artisanmerchandise are sold, and you can enjoy a freshfruit juice made by one of the welcoming locals.Or you can simply enjoy wandering the cobbledstreets, enjoy a cup of coca tea in a local café andsoak up the friendly atmosphere.

Optional Excursions:Boleto Completo, valid for 10 days and includesentrance to most Inca ruin sites in Sacred Valleyand Cusco.– US$40 or 130 solesBoleto Partial, includes just sites around Cusco –70 solesMassages – US$25/hrCity tour – US$30 + 70 soles entry if Completohas not been purchasedChocolate making course – US$22Accommodation: Hotel Cusco Plaza II or similarOvernight - Cuzco (B)

Days 18-19 : The AmazonJungle

Cuzco - The Amazon. Our rep will transfer youto the airport for your flight to the city of PuertoMaldonado located on the confluence of theMadre de Dios and Tambopata rivers. The cityis the starting point for our visit to the Amazonrainforest.

In Puerto Maldonado you can pick up any lastminute drinks or snacks in the busy marketsand shops. The first leg of our journey is by busfollowed by canoe, a 35 kilometre journey alongthe river (approx two hours total). The canoesare very safe.

Arriving at the lodge located on the river’s edge,you will be allocated a bungalow all of which

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are built from local indigenous materials. Eachroom is sealed by meshed netting to keep outmosquitoes and other insects. All rooms havebasic private bathroom facilities. Due to theremoteness of the lodge there is no hot waterand drinking water should be purchased. Thereis also limited electricity so please charge anyelectrical equipment prior to your arrival. Inthe evening the lodge and walkways are lit byoil lamps. Other facilities include a welcomingreception area, dining room and bar facilities.All excursions are led by English speaking localguides providing plenty of opportunity to enjoymarvelous jungle landscapes and rich diversityof flora and fauna.

After lunch we will set off on a trek throughthe rainforest along wooden walk ways. Onthe way our guide will stop to show youvarious species of bird and explain the medicinalplants and delicate ecological systems of theAmazon Jungle. The scenery is extremely variedincorporating dense jungle as well as marshareas. You will see incredibly big trees, severalmetres in diameter and around 450 years old.There is an opportunity to take a canoe ridedrifting along one of the small lakes hiddenaway in the jungle, observing caiman and theabundant bird life. We then return to the lodgefor dinner.

After an early breakfast we hike deeper into the jungle, enjoying the surroundings andexploring the delights and hidden wondersof the Amazon Rainforest. We may also catcha glimpse of the rare giant otter. Afterwardswe will enjoy the view of the lake fromour viewing point/observation platform, whereyou can experience the canopy wildlife suchas parrots, guacamayos, toucans, camungos,shanshos, herons, turtles and caiman. We willreturn to the lodge for a well deserved lunch.

After lunch, we take a short boat trip across theMadre de Dios River to Monkey Island. On theway over you may spot caiman from the boat.Once on the island it is possible to see a greatvariety of monkeys such as the ‘maquisapa’,black and white ‘Martins’, ‘Leoncito de laSelva’ (Little Lions), ‘Frailes’ (Friars), ‘Achuñis’,‘Ronsocos’ as well as an array of birdlife. Inthe evenings it is often possible to enjoy the

wonderful sunset, one of the most impressivesights of the forest (weather permitting).

Included Excursions:Excursions in to the Amazon Jungle on foot andby boatAccommodation: 2 night(s) in a jungle lodge atEco Amazonia Lodge or similar Overnight - TheAmazon (jungle lodge) (B:1, L:2, D:2)

Day 20 : LimaThe Amazon - Lima. Today we travel back toPuerto Maldonado and board a flight to Lima.After hotel check in the rest of the day is free toexplore the city.

Lima was founded by the Spanish ConquistadorFrancisco Pizarro in 1535 after he eradicated theIncas and made the city his capital. Lima hasmany fine colonial buildings and some of thebest museums in South America including theGold Museum, Museum of the Inquisition andthe Catacombs below the San Francisco Church.Peru's capital has much to offer and many ofthe sights, including the city's two main squaresthe Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Martin, arewithin easy walking distance The Plaza de Armashouses the Cathedral, Municipal Palace andPresidential Palace where the changing of theguard can be seen every day at 12 noon. Thereare also many markets in Lima, possibly the bestbeing in the central district.

Optional Excursions:Museum Inquisition – freeMonastery and Catacombs – US$3 guided tourPlaza San Martin, one of the largest and mostimpressive squaresParagliding – US$60Magic water circuit park (largest water fountainpark in the world) – US$2 plus taxiAccommodation: Hotel Santa Cruz or similarOvernight - Lima (B)

Day 21 : LimaYour adventure of a lifetime comes to anend today. If you have a late flight or havelengthened your stay by adding post touraccommodation you will have more time toexplore the sights.(B)

Arriving to LimaOn arrival in Santiago, we recommend youchange enough money into the local currency(the Chilean peso) for the first four or five days ofyour trip. This is especially important if you arearriving on a Saturday night. The exchange rateat the airport is just as good as in the city centre.As you come out of immigration you will find thebank right in front of you before you turn leftinto the baggage claim area or you can use oneof the ATMs outside the terminal.

Airport transferAn airport arrival transfer is included in the costof your tour. If you are delayed by more thanan hour or you miss your connecting flight,in order for us rearrange your transfer, pleasecall the emergency contact number on yourtour voucher with your new scheduled arrivaltime and flight details. We will do our best torearrange your arrival transfer.

Making your own way to our start hotelIf, for any reason, you need to make your ownway to our start hotel you can either take a taxifrom the rank outside or you can arrange to payfor a taxi at one of the pre-pay taxi desks justbefore you get to the luggage hall. You thenhand a ticket to the driver rather than paying inthe taxi. Licensed and unlicensed taxis are alsoavailable outside but you will have to hagglefor a good price which can be difficult if youdo not speak Spanish. If you do use these taxisyou should agree a price before setting off andget the driver to write down the price (be clearon whether they are talking about pesos or USdollars). The airport is approximately 30 minutesfrom the city centre (depending on traffic).

Start Hotel Address:Hotel LibertadorAvenida Libertador Bernado O’ Higgins 853Santiago, Chile

Tel: (+56) 2 639 4211Fax: (+56) 2 632 7128

The hotel serves a continental breakfastconsisting of bread, jam and tea/coffee or juice,or an American breakfast with eggs. Pleasecheck with reception for serving times andprices (breakfast is not included).

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Single SupplementIf you paid our single supplement for this tour,a single room will be provided for your comfortevery night except days 4 - 5, 12 - 15 and 18 - 19

The Inca TrailHiking the Inca Trail to Machu PicchuThe trail itself involves approximately three daysof walking. It is led by a guide and assistantguide(s) – one of whom will stay at the front andanother at the back with the last person (youmay have several assistant guides if your groupis large). Therefore faster people do not haveto wait and slower people do not feel they areholding anyone up. Groups tend to spread outnaturally along the track and there are no prizesfor being first and no shame in being the last.

Unlike climbing to the summit of a mountain,The Inca Trail trek is undulating and there areeven (a few) flat sections. What this does meanis that on some days (particularly on day 2up to the highest pass – ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’at 4,200m) it can be a hard going (seeminglynever ending!) uphill slog. Naturally the uphillsare countered by some prolonged downhillsections and this can be even tougher on thelegs.

It is important to remember that the trail is notthree solid days of challenging trekking, ratherit is varied and the difficulty level can changetwo or three times within the same day. Themost imperative factor in tackling the trail isto take it slowly (try to take small, shufflingsteps), walk at your own pace (this is vital) andremember that it is not a race! Drink plenty ofwater and take breathers often (buy a cheapwalking stick in Ollantaytambo and lean on itrather than sitting down). Those who chargeinto every uphill section and want to be the firstat every pass will find the trail the toughest.

FitnessThe Inca Trail is certainly not easy but you donot need to be an athlete or a trekking expertto complete it. Fitness is naturally important butit is the kind of trek that anyone with a positiveattitude and determination can do. However themore fit you are the more you will enjoy the trailand the more chance you will have to take inthe scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dottedalong the way. If you do not exercise regularly,

it is advisable to do some extra walking or somekind of aerobic activity in the months leading upto your trip.

Many people worry whether they will be able tocope physically but complete failure is rare andwould usually only result from severe altitudesickness or a person lacking even a basic levelof fitness. Adults of all ages (from teenager topensioner) complete the trek and age itself isno barrier if you are positive minded and live anactive lifestyle. Before departing for your tour,we recommend visiting the doctor who will beable to provide you with more information. Ifyou are planning to take your children to Peru,please be advised that the minimum age forhiking the Inca Trail is 13 years old.

AltitudeAltitude can affect anyone at moderate to highaltitude (generally anything over 3,000 metres).Altitude sickness is caused by the lack of oxygenwhich can be up to a third less than at sealevel. No one understands why some peopleare affected and others not and age, level offitness and strength is no indication of how wellyou will fare. Be aware that altitude sicknesscan be serious, so if your guide advises youto rest or descend, please do as instructed. Asthe Inca Trail trek is a mixture of ascents anddescents, altitude sickness is often short termand suffering from it does not necessarily meanyou will be unable to complete the trek. Drugsare available to combat the effects of altitudesickness. We advise you to visit your doctorbefore you travel on all of our tours but whenhiking the Inca Trail, it is imperative that you doso.

Staff & supportThe trek will be led by an experiencedguide with extensive local historical andarchaeological knowledge. You will pass manyInca ruins along the way and your guide willconduct short tours wherever it is possible todo so. A team of porters will carry all equipmentleaving you with just a small daypack to carry.The cook will prepare three meals a day (whilecamping) plus provide hot drinks and snacks.

Equipment & campsitesAll camping gear (tents are two person) andcooking equipment is supplied (except sleeping

bags). Each day the porters will overtake thegroup to arrive in camp well in advance. Thisgives them plenty of time to set up camp andstart to prepare dinner. Tents are two person A-frame style and there is a communal dining tentfor eating and staying dry – if it rains. Sleepingmats are provided and these will be laid outin the tents by the porters. When you get intocamp you will be able to collect your duffle bagand access your clothes/toiletries. The portersusually also provide a small bowl of warm water,soap and a small flannel / towel for every personto wash their hands when reaching camp andeach morning. Campfires are not permitted sothere is not a lot to do after dinner and mostpeople retire to bed early. Please note thatcampsites are subject to change depending onavailability. You will be advised at the Inca Trailtrek briefing of the exact campsites you will bestaying at.

Toilets & showersThere are toilet blocks (with ceramic squattoilets) dotted along the Inca trail. These littleblocks are usually well hidden from view and aresurprisingly clean. Between these toilet blocksthe only choice is to go ‘behind a bush’! Lunchstops are often made in the vicinity of a toiletblock. Toilet blocks are usually available in campon the second and third night. The location ofcamp on day one can vary and it is likely thatyou will have to use a toilet tent or the bush.Taking your own toilet roll is essential but it isimportant not to flush loo paper away. Showersare available at the campsite on day 3. On thisnight all trekkers camp at the same place sodemand for the showers can be high, howeveras everyone arrives into camp at different timesin the afternoon you may be lucky and not haveto queue for too long.

MealsThe food provided by the porters and cook isnothing short of amazing. Trekkers can expect abreakfast of omelettes or pancakes, a ‘takeaway’snack pack of fruit or chocolate to eat midmorning, a two course lunch of soup andmeat with pasta or rice, afternoon tea onarrival at camp with biscuits and popcorn anda three course dinner. Breakfast and dinneris accompanied by hot drinks (tea, coffee,chocolate) and lunch usually by cordial (otherdrinks e.g. soft drinks or beer are at your own

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expense and can be pricey on the trail). All foodis prepared, served and cleared away by thecook and porters and the quality of the mealsis quite something when you consider that allthe ingredients and basic cooking equipmenthas been carried in. Trekkers will certainly notgo hungry and special dietary requirements canbe catered for if specified in advance. You willbe able to buy bottled water on day 1 and 2 ofthe trek at various points along the way, afterthis you will refill your empty bottles from boiledwater provided by the porters. Boiled water willbe provided during the trek when it is possibleto make camp.

TippingYour porters, guides and cooks have amazingstrength, stamina and skill and generally makeyour trek a thoroughly enjoyable and hassle-freeexperience. Most people would almost certainlynot be able to complete the trek without them.It is therefore commonly accepted that thestandard combined tip for guides, porters andcooks on the Inca Trail is US$40 per trekker.

WeatherThe weather in the Andes can be veryunpredictable and you should be equipped forbad weather. Peru is located in the southernhemisphere meaning the winter extends fromJune to August. In the summer months daytimetemperatures can be extremely hot & humid,but the nights can be very cold. During winterit can be cold during the day and particularlycold at night. It is usual to encounter some rainon the trail all year round so a poncho is idealalong with thermal underwear if you really feelthe cold. (Cheap throw away ponchos which fitover everything including your day pack can bebought in Cuzco for about US$1.)

Sleeping BagYou will need a good warm sleeping bagfor the Inca Trail trek. Where possible werecommend you bring your own sleeping bag,however adequate ones can be hired locally(for approximately US$10) but we can takeno responsibility for the standard. If you areplanning to hire a bag it is a good idea to bringa silk sleeping bag liner to use inside for addedwarmth and comfort.

A four season* (or -10) bag is recommendedfor the winter months. At other times you willprobably be fine in a 3 season (or -4/-5) bagalthough this depends on how much you feelthe cold and is given as a guideline only. Rollmats are provided on the Inca Trail however forgreater comfort and warmth, Thermorest stylemattresses can also be hired in Cuzco for US$10.

*Please note: If you are travelling in winter andyou do not wish to invest in a 4 season bag youmay want to consider purchasing a 3 season bagplus a sleeping bag liner and bringing additionalclothing.

FootwearGood quality, comfortable footwear is essential.Whatever you wear on your feet the mostimportant thing is comfort. It is vital toensure your boots are well worn in andlightweight. Ankle support and waterproofingis recommended but if you already havesomething comfortable with good grip on rocksthen don’t go rushing out to buy new boots –you are better off with your well worn in pair!

Luggage Storage and Load LimitsDuring the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your mainluggage will be stored in Cuzco and you willreceive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trailbriefing (which will be held the evening beforeyou start the trek) to pack clothes and sleepingbag for 3-4 days. Your team of porters willcarry these bags together with the food andequipment for the trail. Please note that youwill not have access to these items until theend of each day as the porters will always beahead of the group. You should therefore bringa day pack in which you can carry personalbelongings such as your camera, water and sunscreen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag mustnot weigh more than 5 kilograms (10lbs) whichis to include your sleeping bag - this limit is setto protect the health of porters and animals. Allbags will be weighed before being accepted. Ifyou require more than 5 kilograms, it will thenbe your responsibility to carry the extra amounttogether with your day pack.

Packing List for the Inca Trail Trek• Passport – You MUST take your passport and

a photocopy is not sufficient. (Keep it in aplastic bag in case of rain).

• Sleeping bag - You will need a good warmsleeping bag for the Inca Trail trek. Wherepossible we recommend you bring your ownsleeping bag, however adequate ones canbe hired locally (for approx US$10) but wecan take no responsibility for the standard. Ifyou are planning to hire a bag it is a goodidea to bring a silk sleeping bag liner touse inside for added warmth and comfort. Afour season (or -10) bag is recommended forthe winter months. At other times you willprobably be fine in a 3 season (or -4/-5) bagalthough this depends on how much you feelthe cold and is given as a guideline only. Rollmats are provided on the Inca Trail howeverfor greater comfort and warmth, Thermoreststyle mattresses can also be hired in Cuzcofor US$10. If you are travelling in winter andyou do not wish to invest in a 4 season bagyou may want to consider purchasing a 3season bag plus a sleeping bag liner andbringing additional clothing.

• Silk sleeping bag liner – Especiallyrecommended if you plan to hire a sleepingbag but can also give your own bag addedwarmth

• Waterproof, well worn-in walking boots- Good quality, comfortable footwear isessential. Whatever you wear on your feetthe most important thing is comfort. Itis vital to ensure your boots are wellworn in and lightweight. Ankle support andwaterproofing is recommended but if youalready have something comfortable withgood grip on rocks then don’t go rushing outto buy new boots – you are better off withyour well worn in pair!

• Waterproof clothing - A plastic poncho isrecommended and can be purchased locallyfor approximately US$1. Some trekkers alsolike to bring waterproof trousers, however aponcho will usually be sufficient if it coversyour bag, body and most of your legs.

• Small lightweight umbrella – Light umbrellaswhich pack away to almost nothing can beuseful to keep away drizzle.

• Plastic bags - to keep your belongings andclothes dry (wrap everything in plastic bags).

• Toilet paper - Most important! Also smallplastic bags for rubbish which can then bethrown in the main rubbish bag provided bythe porters.

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• Small towel and basic personal toiletries -there is an opportunity for a shower at thecampsite on the third night so bring travelsize shampoo and shower gel if you wouldlike to use it, plus wetwipes for the rest of thetrek.

• Water bottle – bring one large (1.5 litre) ortwo or three small water bottles that can berefilled on the trail with boiled water, whichwill be supplied when possible.

• Warm clothing for night time - Fleece, longpants, woollen hat, gloves

• Thermal underwear – If trekking in winter oryou feel the cold

• Walking clothing in layers – e.g. zip offtrousers, fleece, T-shirts

• Personal medication and basic first aid kit- Bandaids, Imodium, Panadol, rehydrationsachets

• Camera and spare batteries, memory cardsor film - Please note: there are no electricaloutlets on the Inca Trail so make sure youfully charge or/and have spare batteries!

• Snacks - Chocolates, chips, biscuits, energybars. Snacks are provided during the trek butyou may like to bring one or two extras justin case.

• Torch (flash-light) - (Very Important) andspare batteries.

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hat• Tropical strength insect repellent• Antiseptic hand gel• Swimwear for Aguas Calientes hot pools -

Towels can be hired there for 3 soles.• Flipflops / thongs / jandals – If you wish to

have a shower on the third night.

Alternative Lares TrekFor those on the Lares Trek instead of the IncaTrail, details of the trek are as follows...

Day 13- The Lares TrekCuzco – Lares – Wacawasi – Sondor. We departCuzco early in the morning and travel to thetownship of Calca (2900 metres above sea level)in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You might get achance to visit an ancient bakery where there’sa chance to snack on delicious freshly bakedbread and watch traditional cooking methods.We can also visit the principal local marketsselling a multitude of Andean crops includingcolourful corns, seeds and spices. The marketsare a fantastic place for authentic photographs

or simply to spend a while soaking up theatmosphere of life – and everyday trading –totally untouched by tourism. Continuing onfrom Calca we drive to the highest point of theday passing Inca burial tombs, local farms andherds of wild llama en route. Stopping for a shortguided walk we visit the vast pre Inca ruins ofAscasmarca (4000m) with stunning views of thesurrounding valley and mountains. From herewe continue uphill to the highest point of theday at 4340m to the Lares Valley to the smallcommunity of Lares, stopping for a short timeto buy last minute supplies, before continuingon to Chancachaca, for lunch and the startingpoint of our trek. Throughout our trek, we aresupported by an experienced team of porters totend to our constant daily needs. This makes ourtrek more authentic and within the tradition ofthe area.

After two hours of hiking we will arrive atWacawasi, located at 3800 metres and one ofthe largest villages of direct descendants ofthe Incas, will be our first stop. We will seethe unspoiled traditional daily activities of thelocal way of life. Continuing on, we followthe ancient trail to arrive at Sondor; at 4220metres, this is our first campsite and home fortonight.Overnight - camping (B, L, D)

Day 14 - The Lares TrekSondor – Marcacocha - Pallata. The mostcaptivating, this morning we cross our firsthigh pass of Wacawasiqasi, at 4600m, whichis located on the shoulder of the holyPumahuanca mountains. Following on, wecross the second high pass of Wayruruyocqasa at 4600m. We see spectacular views ofAruraycocha Lake, situated at 4380m. We alsosee the surrounding valleys and the Andeanfarmers dressed in their traditional, brightlycoloured ponchos and head-wear, tending theircrops and alpaca/llama herds. This is a remoteand rarely visited region and our time heremakes for an unforgettable experience, andsupreme photographic opportunities. We willstop for a well-deserved lunch, at Siki estanqueat 4120m, and this afternoon we continue on toPajchayoq, Ruka and Marcacocha and you willbe welcomed by many children along the waywho are back home from school. Late in theafternoon we will see Inca and pre Inca remainsaround Hatunayaorqo and Marcacocha arriving

at Pallata at 3220m where we will spend thenight. Overnight - camping (B, L, D)

Day 15 - The Lares TrekMarcacocha – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.We have an early morning start today as weset off for Ollantaytambo. We stop to visitthe dramatic Inca site of Pumamarca, whichdominates the entire valley. From Pumamarcaan original Inca trail carries us down the lushvalley among Inca terracing of Tambowaylla,Chuchuna and Media Luna. We arrive inOllantaytambo in time for lunch and after aquick rest we board the train, and followingthe Urubamba river we arrive at the smallbut well-known township of Aguas Calientes -the starting point for tomorrow’s visit to theastounding lost Inca City of Machu Picchu andour home for tonight. Aguas Calientes is namedafter its nearby hot springs. There is time here torelax in the soothing pools and there are plentyof restaurants to choose from for dinner (notincluded). Overnight - Aguas Calientes hotel (B)

Day 16 - Machu PicchuMachu Picchu - Cuzco. Rising early we take thebus up to Machu Picchu to beat the throngingcrowds which arrive mid morning. If members ofyour tour group have spent the past three dayshiking the Inca Trail Trek, your early arrival willallow time to catch up and share stories of yourrespective treks before a full guided tour of thearchaeological site. You will then have free timeto independently explore this mystical Inca city.Returning to Aguas Calientes by bus we thencatch the late afternoon train and bus back toCuzco. Overnight - Cuzco

Lares Trek Quick FactsAccommodation:2 nights camping (twoperson tents, shared) with all meals provided, 1night hotel.Meals: All meals are provided during the trek.Equipment and Facilities: All equipment issupplied for camping (except sleeping bags)and cooking. Facilities while camping are basic(shower on the last night and some toilets).Transport: Transfers (minibus, bus and train)are included.Group: The group size will vary depending ondemand, however the trek group is subject to amaximum of 16 passengers (per guide).Staff: English speaking guide, porters and cook.

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Extras: Please budget for extra drinks (i.e. softdrinks and alcohol), tips and meals in AguasCalientes.

Important NoteYou will be required to pay a single supplementif you are the only person from a grouptour hiking the Lares Trek. This is payable atthe time of booking. However, if additionalgroup members join your group after you havebooked, the supplement will be refunded to youin Cuzco.

Machu Picchu by trainIf you do not wish to trek, you can take the trainto Machu Picchu and enjoy additional free timein Cuzco. This is included in the tour price atno extra charge. Please note that meals are notincluded, apart from two breakfasts in Cuzco.Your itinerary during the four days when othergroup members are trekking will be as follows....

Days 13 & 14 - CuzcoFree time to explore Cuzco. Overnight - Cuzco(2) (B:2)

Day 15 - Aguas CalientesTake a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes,a town which is named after its nearbyhot springs. There is time here to relax inthe soothing pools and there are plenty ofrestaurants to choose from for dinner (notincluded). Overnight - Aguas Calientes

Day 16 - Machu PicchuMachu Picchu - Cuzco. Rising early take the busup to Machu Picchu. Meet up with the rest ofyour tour group who have been trekking andenjoy a full guided tour of the archaeologicalsite. You will then have free time to explore thismystical Inca city. Returning to Aguas Calientesby bus we then catch the late afternoon trainand bus back to Cuzco. Overnight - Cuzco

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Our partners Tucan TravelPlease note that our South America grouptours (not Galapagos cruises) are operatedby Tucan Travel. Travellers on your trip willhave made their reservation with either On TheGo Tours or Tucan Travel. The style of adventuretour Tucan run is for the independent, savvy

traveller who is not looking for a fully guidedexperience. The tours utilise public transport asmuch as possible – providing a hands-on grassroots experience.

Local PaymentPlease note that for all tours booked from01 March 2018 onwards, a Local Paymentapplies. The amount of this Local Payment variesdependent upon the month of travel, pleasebudget for the higher amount noted at thebeginning of the Trip Notes.

If you booked your tour prior to 01 March 2018,this Local Payment is not applicable.

The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leaderhas a supply of cash to run some of thetour if access to banking facilities is limitedor nonexistent. This helps to save operationaland administrative costs, which in turn helpsto keep the cost of our tours competitive sowe can pass the savings on to you. The LocalPayment also helps us get cash directly intolocal businesses to provide communities with animmediate economic benefit.

The Local Payment is a portion of the total tourcost and must be paid directly to your TourLeader in US dollars. The Local Payment is notoptional and failure to pay this money in cashmay result in you being excluded from startingthe tour. It must be paid in high denominationnotes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must becrisp with no tears or markings and should be noolder than 2015.

Hotels & Arrival TransfersArriving at the airportWhen you arrive in your starting city theimmigration officials may ask to see youronward flight ticket, so you should have yourtour voucher and international flight ticket tohand.

Day 1 of all our tours is simply a joining dayand the tour actually departs the joining cityon day 2. The last day of your tour is theofficial departure day and is free for you topack or sightsee before you depart. All tours arescheduled to arrive at your final destination theafternoon/evening before your departure day.Therefore very little time is spent in each of the

starting and finishing cities and you will need toallow a few days at the beginning or end of yourtour if you want to explore them further. Thisis particularly important for passengers joiningtours in high altitude cities (Quito & La Paz) sothat you can rest and acclimatise before thetour begins. We can book pre and post touraccommodation for you upon request.

Check in time is at 1300 hrs on day 1. If youwish to use the services of a room before or aftercheckout time, or you are arriving very early inthe morning of day 1, you will need to book anextra night, which we can arrange for you. Allrooms are on a bed only basis unless otherwiseindicated.

An airport arrival transfer is included. Departuretransfers are not included but can be booked foran additional fee.

Important: If you are delayed by more than anhour or you miss your connecting flight, in orderfor us rearrange your transfer, please call youremergency contact number on the voucherwith your new scheduled arrival time and flightdetails. We will do our best to rearrange yourarrival transfer.

Missing your tour departureIf you miss the start of your tour, please ask at thereception of the hotel for a message from yourtour leader which will give you instructions onhow to catch up with the group. Any associatedcosts will be at your own expense (although,depending on the reason, you may be able toclaim these from your travel insurance so ensureyou keep all receipts).

If you know in advance that you are unlikelyto arrive on time, please contact Tucan Travelimmediately so we can inform the tour leader.Tucan Travel cannot be held responsible shouldyour airline/boat/coach be delayed and we areunable to refund any unused portion of yourtour.

Welcome MeetingSouth America Group Tours - The address ofyour start hotel can be found on your TourVoucher. On arrival you should look for a TucanTravel information sheet and welcome note

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on the hotel notice board where you will finddetails of the pre-departure/welcome meeting.

The tour leader or a representative will normallyhold the pre-departure meeting early in theevening of day one. This meeting is usually heldat 6pm, assuming that all travellers have arrivedby then. You will be briefed about the tour,given an outline itinerary for the next few daysand any questions will be answered. After themeeting there is usually an option for everyoneto go out for dinner and drinks to start to get toknow one another.

Please note that you will need to bring thefollowing items to the pre departure meeting:

• The original copy and a photocopy of yourpassport

• Vaccination certificates (if required)• Travel voucher• Details of your travel insurance policy

number and their 24hr emergency contactnumber

Our ItinerariesOur detailed day by day itineraries are providedin good faith and it is our intention to adhereto the published route but please be awarethat changes may be made before or duringyour tour for operational or safety reasonsor to incorporate improvements. Impromptuchanges may also occur whilst you are travellingas a result of one-off circumstances such asan excursion being closed on a particularday, weather conditions or transport. Delaysare rare but occur occasionally and for thisreason and the reasons above this itineraryshould be considered as a guide only. Publishedtransport times are approximations and mayvary depending on local conditions.

Optional ExcursionsDuring our South America Group Tours therewill be free time to enjoy a range ofoptional excursions which are listed in the TripNotes. Your tour leader will be able to makerecommendations and bookings in advancefor most of these activities so you have moreflexibility and control over your itinerary. Pleasenote that you may not have time to do allof the optional excursions listed. Should youwish to partake in optional activities in the city

where you tour starts/ends, please check their issufficient time to do so or alternatively considerbooking pre/post tour accommodation.

Optional excursions are not operated by On TheGo Tours / Tucan Travel and while every effortis made prices may not be up-to-date and areintended as a general guide to help you budgetfor your trip. Prices for vehicle-based excursionsare approximate based on the optimum numberof participants and the actual price may varydepending on group size.

Sufficient safety equipment such as helmets andlife jackets are sometimes not available andOn The Go Tours / Tucan Travel are unableto provide this equipment. If you intend toparticipate in an optional excursion you may liketo consider bringing your own safety gear.

Excursions are run by a local operator or thirdparty with both On The Go Tours / Tucan Traveland the Tour Leader acting as a booking agentonly. Optional activities are not part of the tourand our booking conditions do not apply tothem. It is your responsibility to ensure you havethe correct travel insurance for the excursionsyou intend to take part in and On The GoTours / Tucan Travel are not liable for any injuriesincurred.

Spending MoneySpending money – allow approximately US$25-$30 per day to cover meals, snacks, drinks,limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras onour group tours.

Style of TourOur South America Group Tours are designedto suit travellers who love being able to travelon many different forms of transport withlocal people. There is a certain amount ofinvolvement needed, which will mean carryingyour own bags to the bus or train station or evenhelping the driver throw everyone’s packs ontothe roof. If you enjoy meeting and interactingwith local people and don’t mind roughing itoccasionally, then these tours will be just rightfor you.

It is important that you are open to travellingwith a range of different age groups. You mustalso satisfy yourself that you are fit enough to

complete the itinerary as there are no refundsif you choose to leave the tour. Based on thenature of this travel style, our adventurousSouth America tours are generally suitable forpeople aged between 18 and 60 years old. If youhave any questions about this please contact usor speak to your travel consultant.

Our South America tours suit people who are fitand active. On all of our tours there are manywalks between bus/train terminals and hotelsand travellers must be able to carry their ownluggage over various terrains as well as lift upluggage onto the tops of buses so do not packmore than you can comfortably carry.

The average group size is 8 to 12 passengerswith a maximum of 16, however onsome included excursions group sizes mayoccasionally be larger.

Tour LeadersOur South America Tours are escorted by a tourleader who will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the tour, so you are free tosit back, relax and enjoy the journey. Our tourleaders are genuine travel addicts who will sharetheir passion for their destination with you.

You may be assisted at other times by otherrepresentatives, who will escort you at timeswhen your tour leader may not be available. Inaddition, local guides are used to accompanymany of our excursions, such as visits toarchaeological sites and the Inca Trail Trek.Their knowledge of the local area and familiaritywith its customs and history will enhance yourexperience by getting to know a country from alocal's perspective.

Our South America tours operate on a modularsystem with smaller tour sections joining andleaving the master tour throughout its duration.This means that you may start your tour with alocal representative and then meet up with yourtour leader and the rest of your group on daytwo of the tour.

TippingAlthough tipping is not a natural part ofmany Western cultures it is expected in SouthAmerica, where many workers are very poorlypaid and depend on tips for their main income.

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The local people work very hard to provide agood service and this is due in part to the tipsthey have received from foreigners in the past.However all tips are at your own discretion andyou should not feel obliged or pressured to tipat any time – particularly if you feel that the levelof service was not up to standard.

As a general guideline a gratuity of 10% of thetotal bill for your waiter is recommended inrestaurants. You should be aware that priceson the menu often exclude service chargesbut they are added to the bill (10%) and localtaxes (anywhere between 2% and 20%). If it isincluded then you are not expected to pay anadditional tip, although this is still appreciated.Some restaurants have a 'cubiertos' (covercharge) which is normally added onto the foodsection of the bill, not the total, so watch outfor this when dividing the bill with other groupmembers.

It is customary to tip your local guides onboth included and optional excursions. As aguideline, we recommend US$3-5 per personfor a half/full day excursion. Your tour leader willgenerally pass around an envelope for the localguide on included excursions. The tour leaderwill indicate on the envelope the amount of thetip usually given per person to the guide.

This information is given as a guide as manytravellers are unsure how much to tip. Shouldyou wish to give the local guide your tippersonally and not with the group tip thenplease feel free to do so.

Inca Trail and Lares Trek - the commonlyaccepted combined tip for guides, porters andcooks on the Inca Trail or Lares Trek is US$30per trekker. This amount will be collected fromeach trekker by the tour leader and distributedamongst the Trail team usually at the last dinner.

Tips are also appreciated by your tour leader atthe end of your tour. This, however, this is onlyif you feel that their service was up to standardand is completely at your own discretion.Tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Group Tour AccommodationIn South America we generally stay insmall, locally-owned hotels rather than large

international chains. We are occasionally farfrom towns and cities, staying in unique placessuch as jungle lodges, Chinese junk boats orremote home-stays. Depending on the tour,the accommodation we use is generally theequivalent in comfort of a two to threestar hotel. We stay in small hotels, hostelsand guest houses which are usually situatedclose to the main sights and town centres.They are chosen for their local character,ambiance, cleanliness and security. You willfind comfortable rooms with en-suite facilities(although on rare occasions bathrooms may beshared). You may on rare occasions be requiredto stay in a triple room or in mixed gender dormswhere accommodation options are limited.

All accommodation is included from the arrivalday until check out time on the final day ofthe tour. Travellers will share rooms with othergroup members of the same gender. Mostly thiswill be in twin rooms although sometimes intriples depending on the group compositionand hotel rooming structure.

Please note: Accommodation sometimes haserratic services such as a lack of hot water or nocentral heating. Depending on the tour, theremay be occasions when you are camping or yourovernight accommodation is on buses, trainsor boats. More details on accommodation canbe found on each tour itinerary page. Hotelstaff don’t always speak English and sometimesour reservations are “lost”! In general, facilitiesare very good but please be prepared for theoccasional mishap, which is all part of the typicaltravel experience.

Transportation & TravelOn all of our South America Group Tours we usea variety of transportation. Vehicles can rangefrom buses filled with local people and theirmany possessions to our to private minibuses,four-wheel drive vehicles and comfortable air-conditioned coaches. Sometimes you could betravelling on boats, trains, planes, ferries, privateshuttle buses, boats, dugout canoes and taxis.Most bus transport is very comfortable, oftenwith reclining seats. Please note that the four-wheel drive vehicles used when visiting the SaltFlats in Bolivia do not have heating, so you'llneed to wrap up warm in colder months.

Our aim is not simply to get you from A to B,but to help you to experience each destinationas a genuine traveller, not as a first classtourist. A word of warning - please rememberthat travelling conditions can sometimes becramped.

The occasional long travel day is inevitablewhen you are covering large distances. OurSouth America Tours try to find the balancebetween long, short and non travel days,ensuring our itineraries aren’t too tiring andgive you time to explore. We cut down ontravel times by including some short flights andovernight trains and buses. Each itinerary isdifferent, so please check the tour itineraries forinformation on travel times.

MealsOn our South America Group Tours breakfastis usually included, although please note thatit can vary from a basic breakfast or breakfastbox, to a full buffet breakfast, dependent uponthe location and the accommodation. In remoteareas such as the Amazon Jungle excursionand on the Inca Trail or Lares treks, lunch anddinner is also included. Most other meals arenot included which gives you the flexibilityto choose when and where you eat. Our tourleaders have a wealth of knowledge regardinglocal restaurants and can advise you of thebest places to try the delicious and varied localcuisine.

What to PackOur South America tours often involve walksbetween bus or train terminals and hotels,so travellers must be able to carry their ownluggage over various terrains, as well as liftluggage on to the tops of buses. We thereforerecommend backpacks over suitcases, as youmay be off the beaten track every now andagain. It is important that you only pack whatyou can comfortably carry. By packing less youwill have a more enjoyable tour and have moreroom in your luggage for souvenirs! On toursthat include flights, we cover the cost of yourchecked baggage up to 20kg, even in caseswhere the airline policy is lower. All baggageover 20kg may still be checked, but charges willbe the responsibility of the traveller.

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In addition to your main bag, you will need asmall daypack for your everyday excursions. Tryto keep this bag as light as possible and makesure that all main sections of your bags can bepadlocked. This daypack should have enoughroom to carry plenty of food and snacks forlong hikes and treks and be big enough for anovernight excursions.

Essential for all tours• Tour Voucher and Tour Trip Notes• Passport - with at least six months after youhave finished your tour with sufficient blankpages. (with 2 photocopies - one kept separately& the other to give to the tour leader with yournext of kin details)• Cash/ travellers cheques/ credit & debit cards(with photocopies kept separately)• Travel insurance certificate (with a photocopyto be given to your tour leader)• Spare passport photos (you may need these forobtaining visas)• International airline tickets (with a photocopykept separately)• International Vaccination Certificate (YellowFever if applicable)• International student card (may get youdiscounts into some sites)• Your travel consultant’s phone number andemail address (it is very important to have this asit is much easier to confirm/ change flights etcvia your agent)

Suggested equipment (some useful, somenecessary - use your discretion• Cotton money belt and/or pouch to store yourvaluables under your clothing• Sunglasses• Small calculator (to help with currencyconversions)• Lockable pouch for your money and valuablesto use in safety deposit boxes• Plastic bags (very useful for wrappingcamera equipment, soap, shampoo bottles, wetclothing etc)• Inflatable pillow (if trekking in Peru)• Sleeping Bag (if trekking in Peru)• Small umbrella (also good for sun protection)• Pegless washing line and travel laundrydetergent (bio-degradable preferably)• Torch• Binoculars• Travel alarm clock

• Travel plug adaptor• Small medical kit with diarrhoea remedy,rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, steriledressings, plasters, bandages, pain-killers, safetypins etc• Small sewing kit• Lip balm, sun block with high UV factor (this canbe expensive to buy locally)• Insect repellent (DEET 35% min) and bite cream• Tampons/Sanitary towels• Toilet paper (best to carry a roll with you at alltimes) and/or tissues (purchase locally)• Antibacterial hand cleansing gel (the type youcan use without water)• Moistened face tissues (e.g. Wet Ones)• Ear plugs• Travel sickness tablets (these are usually easyto buy over the counter locally)• Cheap plastic wristwatch• Spare pair of glasses or contact lenses andsolution (a lens prescription is also advisable incase of loss or breakage)• Camera /video camera with plenty of film ordigital camera with spare memory cards• Spare rechargeable batteries for camera etc• Writing materials, address book and diary• Pocket size Spanish phrasebook• Travel games, cards & couple of paperbacks• As gifts for local children - pens (withadvertising on them), coloured pencils, smallnotepads. To discourage a begging mentalitywe recommend that you try to give these gifts atschools or childcare centres rather than on thestreet

Clothing & Foot wearAll clothes should be lightweight, durableand easily washable. Please do not bring anymilitary or camouflage-style clothing as it canbe dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal.Everybody ALWAYS packs too much, so ratherthan bringing lots of chunky sweaters, wearclothing in layers when in the colder regions.Nights can be cold at higher altitude so it is agood idea to bring at least one pair of warmtrousers or jeans plus several thinner sweaters/fleeces which you can layer (note: it is very easyto buy extra sweaters/ jumpers locally).

Check the climate and altitude atwww.worldclimate.com to get an idea of whatthe weather will be like on your tour. We do notfeel that it is necessary to include a full packing

list as you will know what you need dependingon the duration of your tour. However we dorecommend that you bring the following:

• A lightweight water/windproof jacket withhood

• Easy to pack wide-brimmed hat or cap• Sarong - very useful as a beach towel, bag,

hat, shawl and wrap around• Towel• Swimwear• Sandals/flip flops

It is also ESSENTIAL that you have good,comfortable shoes that are suitable for walkingand trekking. These don’t need to be expensiveboots, but they should have good ankle supportand grip, be worn in and ideally waterproof.

Sleeping BagsA good warm sleeping bag is necessary on alltours which include the Inca Trail or Lares Trailin Peru. Adequate ones can be hired locally butwe take no responsibility for the standard andwe therefore recommend that if possible youbring your own. Because these treks are at highaltitude, we recommend bringing a four seasonbag with side zip which can be opened outwhen you reach warmer weather. Extra blanketscan be purchased locally if necessary.

In South America, you may have a numberof overnight excursions included on your tour.Thick blankets are supplied when on AmantaniIsland (Lake Titicaca) but they have a tendencyto be dusty, so you may wish to bring a sleepingbag or sheet (they cannot be hired there). Youmay also wish to bring a sleeping sheet for yourovernight excursion into the Amazon Jungle.

A sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet is optional onall other South America Tours. Some passengerslike to use them on long bus journeys andovernight trains.

HealthPlease see your doctor or travel clinic for anup to date list of all recommended vaccinationsfor the regions you will be travelling to. Werecommend that you do this at least eightweeks before you travel, as you may needa course of medications or more than onevaccination. In general we recommend that

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you are vaccinated against Tetanus-diphtheria,polio, hepatitis A and Typhoid and if travellingto a jungle area, yellow fever. Vaccinations aresolely the responsibility of the traveller and notthat of On The Go Tours.

The malarial risk varies in the regions ofSouth America and in some areas appropriatepreventive medicines are needed. Measuresshould always be taken to avoid mosquito bites,such as nets and creams. Please check withyour health care professional as to the best andmost up to date remedy for this mosquito bornedisease.

It is not recommended that you drink the tapwater in any of the countries we visit andwe recommend that you carry a First Aid kitas well as any personal medical requirements.Please be aware that quite often we are inremote areas and away from medical facilities,and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibitedfrom administering any type of drug includingheadache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

Electricity SupplyThe power supply varies from country tocountry and can also vary from region toregion within a country. If bringing electricalequipment, make sure that it can be switchedover from 110 volts to 220 volts and vice versa.If your equipment is 220 volts it will work on a110 volt system (albeit slower), but if you use 110volt equipment in a 220 volt system, it will blowthe equipment! Bring a voltage converter andtravel plug adaptor (most countries either have2 pin flat as in USA or 2 round pins).

Personal SafetyIt is not advisable to wear chains or expensivelooking watches or jewellery while in manySouth American cities. You should also keepyour camera concealed when not in use andcarry daypacks on your front for extra safety.Crime in Latin America is not as bad as itsreputation but you must be sensible and alert.

Bolivia Country Guide

Bolivia - Fact File• Official Name: Republic of Bolivia• Capital: La Paz (administrative), Sucre

(judicial)

• Population: 8.4 million• Total Area: 1.1 million square kilometres• Official Language: Spanish, Quechua and

Aymara• Religions: Roman Catholic 95%• Voltage: 110 volts in La Paz and 220 volts in

the rest of the country• Dialling Code: +591• Time Difference: GMT/UTC -4• Airport Departure Tax: US$25

Bolivia - VisasCitizens of the EU, Canada and Australasia donot need a visa to enter Bolivia. Entry is grantedon production of a passport valid for more thansix months, a return air/bus ticket and proofof funds to support yourself for the durationof the stay. Many other nationals, includingUS and South African citizens do require visas.For the latest information on your specificvisa requirements you should contact the localBolivian Embassy or Consulate well in advanceof your planned date of travel.

Bolivia entry/exit requirements: Your passportmust contain a Bolivia entry stamp, without thisyou’ll have to pay a fine when you leave thecountry. If you enter Bolivia overland ensure thatyour passport is stamped on both sides of theborder, with an exit stamp from the country youare leaving and an entry stamp on the Bolivianside.

Bolivia - ClimateNicknamed the ‘Tibet of the Americas’,landlocked Bolivia is the highest and mostisolated country in the Americas. Withelevations ranging from sea level to over6,880 metres, the Bolivian landscape offers amind blowing array of complex ecosystemsand stunning scenery. It is basically dividedinto three regions: Altiplano (a plateau atan average of 4,000 metres above sea level,800 kilometres long and about 130 kilometreswide); the yungas (a series of forested andwell-watered valleys); and the llanos (theAmazon-Chaco lowlands). Because of the widerange of elevations and topography, there aremany different climatic patterns. The overalltemperatures are probably cooler than mostpeople expect. Even in the humid forest regionsof the north, frosts are not unheard of. Bolivia’sunprotected expanses contribute to variable

weather conditions and the two climatic ‘poles’are Puerto Suarez for its stifling, humid heat, andUyuni for its near-Arctic cold and icy winds.

There's no time that is perfect for the entirecountry, but December to March is when mostof the rain falls. La Paz is always cool to coldat night, so be prepared with sweaters andwindbreakers. La Paz can get quite warm duringthe day but sometimes mists swirl through thestreets and the city can be literally wrappedin the clouds. Throughout the country, nighttemperatures drop dramatically, and on thehigh Altiplano, when a cloud passes over thesun, the temperature plunges noticeably. InCochabamba, Sucre and Tarija, winter is thetime of clear, beautiful skies and optimumtemperatures. The lowlands experience hotsunny days and an occasional shower to cool offand settle the dust.

Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea ofwhat the weather will be like on your tour.

Bolivia - MoneyImportantIn Latin America you will have problemschanging the US$100 CB B2 2001 series notesand it is important you do not to bring them.In some countries banks won't even take them.The serial number is located in the top left handcorner and bottom right hand corner on theside with the President’s face. This serial numberstarts with CB and then a few more numbers andthen directly under that B2. At the bottom of thenote near the signature of the Treasurer it sayswhich series of notes it is and it is there that itsays 2001 series.Local currency

The monetary unit in Bolivia is the boliviano(often referred to as the Peso), which is dividedinto 100 centavos. For up-to-date exchangerates with your own currency visit www.xe.com.Changing money, credit cards & ATMs

We recommend that you bring cash/travellerscheques in US dollars only. There is no restrictionon the amount of foreign currency that youmay bring into Bolivia, however very large sumsshould be declared on arrival.

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There is often a general lack of small changeand we recommend maintaining a supply ofsmall denomination notes and coins – you maysometimes be offered sweets, cigarettes or evenrazor blades as change!

When arriving at the La Paz El Alto InternationalAirport we suggest that you change somemoney at the bank (“Cambio”) in the mainterminal building. Change enough money to seeyou through the first few days of your tour –particularly if it is a weekend. Please note youcan only change cash (not traveller’s cheques) atthe Cambio.

There are ATMs in the city where you can getmoney out 24hrs a day.

Bolivia - Local TransportMost of La Paz is easy to visit on foot, althoughthe high altitude can take its toll, especiallywhen walking up hill. There are various typesof buses and minibuses which are very cheapbut you will need to know which routes touse (ask at the hotel reception for assistance).There are also fixed route taxis “trufis” which are“colectivos” (meaning other people will be on-board). You can tell these taxis apart by their rednumber plates. We recommend the use of taxisat night as they are fairly cheap and much saferthan walking. It is not common, however, fortaxis to have meters so you will need to barterfor a good price. In other Bolivian towns andcities walking is basically the best and cheapestway to see the sights.

Bolivia - Food & DrinkFoodIn Bolivia the basic diet focuses around chicken,beef or seafood, mostly with french fries or rice(or both) and possibly a little salad. The Boliviannational dish is the parillada, a mixed grill witheverything meaty including offal and intestines.Sajta de pollo is hot spicy chicken with onion,fresh potatoes plus dehydrated potatoes calledchuno, lomo ala pimiento is a pepper steakpopular with travellers, fricase is juicy pork withchuno, silpancho is bread-crumbed meat withfried eggs, rice and banana, saice is a dish ofmince meat with spicy sauce and potatoes, rice,onions and tomatoes and milanesa is beef orchicken breaded and fried like a schnitzel. For asimple fish, you should ask for pescado which

can be grilled, pan fried with breadcrumbsapanado or served with a sauce. Trout truchais especially good from Lake Titicaca. Typicalsnacks include empanadas, pasties filled withcheese, humitas (maize pies), pucacapas (spicycheese pies) and saltenas (meat or chickenpasties which you can get super spicy or mild).Much of Bolivia’s food is not too hot and spicybut you will find a bowl of aji (which is a chilli orhot pepper sauce) on most tables which can beadded to spice things up.

In most of the larger cities and towns you willfind an array of international cuisine. There arepizzerias on every corner and Chinese (chifas)food is very common. A cheap, filling 3 courselunch (normally called a comida del dia) canoften be had for about US$1.50.

VegetariansIf you are a strict vegetarian you may experiencea distinct lack of variety in the food available,especially in small towns. You might findthat you are eating a lot of omelettes andother egg dishes. Our tour leaders will dotheir best to provide interesting vegetarianalternatives when arranging group meals in thecampsite, but your patience and understandingis requested.

DrinkAll drinks such as water, soft or alcoholic drinksare at your own expense at all times. Thefollowing is a guideline for drinks bought ina shop in the street. Prices in restaurants andhotels can sometimes be more than double theprices specified below:

• 1 litre of water - US$0.60• 30cl bottle of soft drink - US$0.50• 30cl bottle of beer - US$1• 50cl bottle of beer - US$1.50

You should be wary of drinking the local tapwater. Bottled water and carbonated soft drinksare widely available and are generally safe todrink. Plastic sachets of flavoured chocolate andstrawberry milk are also available.

In Bolivia some of the hotels we use have barsor serve alcoholic drinks. If there is not a bar inthe hotel then there is sure to be a bar withinwalking distance. In more up-market hotels,

imported beers and spirits are available butusually at a high price. If you are happy to drinkthe local spirits then there is an array of rums andsingani (distilled grapes). Imported Chilean andArgentine wine can sometimes also be foundcheaply. A bottle of rum could be as little as US$5 in a local shop and quite often the mixer togo with it (Coke) is more expensive. There arevarious brands of beers including Pacena, Ducaland El Inca (dark sweet stout).

Chile Country Guide

Chile - Fact File• Official Name: Republic of Chile• Capital: Santiago• Population: 15.5 million• Total Area: 756,950 square kilometres

including Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) andIsla Sala y Gomez. Chile stretches over 4,300kilometres from north to south, a distanceroughly the same as that from San Franciscoto New York, or Edinburgh to Baghdad.

• Official Language: Spanish• Religions: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant

11%• Voltage: 220 volts. Chilean outlets use three

round pins in a line, with the middle onebeing an earth. Two-pronged European styleplugs can also be used.

• Dialling Code: +56• Time Difference: GMT/UTC -4. For

other time differences please visitwww.timeanddate.com

Chile - VisasMost nationals, including citizens of the EU,North American and Australasia do not needto acquire a visa in advance to enter Chile.However some nationalities must pay an entryfee on arrival by air (e.g. United States $100,Canada $55 and Australia $34, these costs maychange). Entry is granted on production of apassport valid for more than six months, areturn air/bus ticket and proof of funds tosupport yourself for the duration of the stay.Most nationalities can enter for up to 90 days,although it's up to the immigration official todecide whether you're allocated 30, 60 or 90days on arrival. Visa requirements do changeperiodically so you should check for the latestinformation on your specific visa requirements

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with your local Chilean Embassy or Consulatewell in advance of your planned date of travel.

Chile - ClimateChile is very long and narrow (it is no morethan 180 km wide at any point) and the AndesMountains are a dominant feature runningdown the entire length of the country. Becauseof its length, Chile encompasses a variety ofclimates (the country contains both arid desertsand icebergs). There's no one time that's perfectto visit every part of the country, but it seldomrains during October to March, humidity is low,midday temperatures reach about 32°C and thenights are cool. It is colder and rains a lot inSantiago and in the south in May to August.A sweater (and, in the south, a heavy jacket)should be taken no matter when you go, asnights can be cool-to-cold nearly everywhere.

Santiago, due to its position in the centralregion, has a Mediterranean climate with well-defined seasons. Spring, between Septemberand November is mild, which contributes to theflourishing green colour of the plants and trees.Summer, between December and February, isdry and hot although at night it cools downslightly, and on the coast this temperature dropcan be much more extreme. Autumn is betweenMarch and May, and temperatures decreasegradually. Daytime winter temperatures arereasonable but mornings can be very cold.

Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea ofwhat the weather will be like on your tour.

Chile - MoneyImportant In Latin America you will haveproblems changing the US$100 CB B2 2001series notes and it is important you do not tobring them. In some countries banks won't eventake them. The serial number is located in thetop left hand corner and bottom right handcorner on the side with the President’s face. Thisserial number starts with CB and then a fewmore numbers and then directly under that B2.At the bottom of the note near the signature ofthe Treasurer it says which series of notes it isand it is there that it says 2001 series.

Local currencyThe monetary unit in Chile is the Chilean peso,which is divided into 100 centavos. For up-to-

date exchange rates with your own currencyvisit www.xe.com.

Changing money, credit cards & ATMsWe recommend that you bring cash/travellerscheques in US dollars only. Visa, Mastercard,Diners and American Express are the best creditcards to bring however there can be problemsat times getting money out from ATMs, so makesure you have sufficient cash for emergencies.Travellers cheques must be changed before12pm except at 'casas de cambio' (which dotend to offer better rates than banks anyway).

There is no restriction on the amount of foreigncurrency that you may bring into Chile, howeververy large sums should be declared on arrival.There is often a general lack of small change andwe recommend maintaining a supply of smalldenomination notes and coins. When arriving atthe Santiago International Airport we suggestthat you get some Pesos at one of the littlebanks just inside the luggage hall or use one ofthe ATMs outside the terminal. Change enoughmoney to see you through the first few days ofyour trip – particularly if it is a weekend.

Chile - Local TransportMuch of Santiago can be visited on foot. There isa very good underground metro system whichhas three lines and is very cheap at US$0.40-$0.60 per journey. You can also buy a 10 journeycard for about US$4. The last trains are at around10pm. There are local buses called micros, whichare also cheap, but you should try to have theright change (ask at the hotel reception forprices). They also have 'colectivos' (shared taxison fixed routes). We recommend the use of taxisat night as they are fairly cheap and usually havemeters - just make sure that the driver turns iton when you get in. Remember that you will paymore for taxis at night.

Chile - Food & DrinkAll meals are included when camping and lunchis included on travelling days in the truck. Whenstaying in hotels all meals are at your ownexpense. As a guideline a simple snack (e.g. asandwich) can cost as little as US$1.50, a lightmeal will cost around US$5-8, and a meal inone of the better restaurants in Santiago willcompare with developed countries in the west.Obviously this does depend on what you order

and if you have wine or other drinks which willcertainly increase the bill. In cheaper restaurantswhere Chileans and backpackers eat, you canget meals for as little as US$3 if you shop around.

Your tour leader will be able to recommendrestaurants.

FoodIn Chile the basic diet focuses around chicken,beef or seafood, mostly with french fries or rice(or both) and sometimes salad. Compared tocountries further north, Chile’s cuisine is quitecreative and tasty. 'Cazuela de ave' is a stew oflarge chunks of chicken, potatoes, rice, onionswith green peppers and 'pastel de choclo' isa casserole of beef, onions and olives toppedwith a maize mash baked in an earthenwarebowl. 'Parillada', a mixed grill of meats, offaland intestines served at your table in a charcoalbrazier (miniature barbecue) is popular here asin all the southern countries. Other favouritedishes include 'lomo ala pimiento' (peppersteak) and 'humitas' (mashed corn mixed withspices and butter baked in a maize leaf).

Seafood is the basis for many of Chile’sfavourite dishes and the 'congrio' is theirnational fish. One of the most popular waysto serve it is 'caldillo de congrio' (a soupwith large pieces of the fish with onionsand potato balls). Other delicious fish include'corvine' (bass), 'albacore' (swordfish) and'cojinoa' (no translation). Try a 'paila choncha' (abouillabaisse type dish with heaps of flavour)or a 'parillada de mariscos' a mixed seafoodgrill. There is a whole host of other seafoodavailable including clams (almejas), mussels(choritos/cholgas), sea-urchin (erizo), barnacles(picorocos) and seaweed.

Typical snacks are 'emanadas de pino' (pastieswith onions, raisins, olives meat and peppers)and 'prieta', a blood sausage (black pudding)stuffed with cabbage

VegetariansIf you are a strict vegetarian you may experiencea distinct lack of variety in the food available,especially in small towns. However vegetarianalternatives are becoming more popular youwill just have to search a little harder for therestaurants that cater to your tastes. Our tour

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leaders will do their best to provide interestingvegetarian alternatives when arranging groupmeals in the campsite, but your patience andunderstanding is requested.

DrinkAll drinks such as water, soft or alcoholic drinksare at your own expense at all times. Thefollowing is a guideline for drinks bought ina shop in the street. Prices in restaurants andhotels can sometimes be more than double theprices specified below:

• 1 litre of water US$1.50• 30cl bottle of soft drink US$1• 30cl bottle of beer US$1.50• 50cl bottle of beer US$3

You should be wary of drinking the local tapwater (especially outside of Santiago). Bottledwater, carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices arewidely available and much safer. However fruitjuices are sometimes made from unboiled tapwater, so could upset your stomach. An easyway around this is to order the juice 'con leche'with milk instead. For decent coffee try one ofthe cafe chains: Cafe Haiti, Tio Pepe or CafeBrasil.

In Chile some of the hotels we use have barsor serve alcoholic drinks. If there is not a bar inthe hotel then there is sure to be one withinwalking distance. In more up-market hotels,imported beers and spirits are available, buttend to be expensive. Alternatively there isan array of local rums, gins, brandy availableand the fabulous Chilean wines which can beextremely cheap (from US$1.50 a bottle). Thereare various brands of beers including Cristal,Escudo, Austral, Heineken and Royal Guard(light), there is also a brown ale type beer fromthe south called Malta. Please note that manyplaces will charge a refundable deposit for thebottles.

Peru Country Guide

Peru - Fact File• Official Name: Republic of Peru• Capital: Lima• Population: 32 million• Total Area: 1.3 million square kilometres

(twice the size of France)

• Official Language: Spanish, Quechua andAymara also spoken in places

• Religions: Roman Catholic 90%• Voltage: 220 volts. Sockets are a mixture of

the European, two-pronged round varietyand US flat-pin.

• Dialling Code: +51• Time Difference: GMT/UTC -5. For

other time differences please visitwww.timeanddate.com

• Airport Departure Tax: US$30.25

Peru - VisasCurrently EU, US, Canadian, Australian and NewZealand citizens can visit Peru for up to 90 days(ask on arrival for a 90 day entry as 30 days isthe standard issued) without a visa. However,the situation does change periodically, so youshould always check with your local Peruvianembassy before departure. All nationalitiesneed a tourist or embarkation card ('tarjeta deembarque - or tarjeta Andina') to enter Peru.This is issued at frontiers or on the aircraftbefore landing. Tourist cards are usually validfor between 30 and 90 days (same as above, it'sthe same stamp that goes in your passport). Intheory you have to show an outbound ticket(by air or bus) before you'll be given a card,but this is rarely checked (by law the airlinethat flies you into Peru must check this). Foryour own safety and freedom of movement, acopy of the tourist card together with a copy ofyour passport must be kept on you at all times(according to Peruvian law, everyone must carryID at all times) - particularly when travellingoutside of the main towns. You must also retainthis card for when you exit Peru (this is a bigdeal, you lose it and you can't leave, have to gothrough all sorts of bureaucracy for sometimesdays). Take a copy or digital photograph.

Peru - ClimatePeru is unique in its wide variety of ecosystemsranging from the driest/hottest desert in theAmericas, to the high Andean peaks (over 7,600metres above sea level); and a two-thousand-kilometre-long belt of cloud forest, rich in floraand fauna, to a vast area of lowland Amazonjungle, covering more than half the country. Thethree main zones of Peru are known as La Costa(the coast), La Sierra (the mountains) and LaSelva (the jungle).

Over the last few years, the Peruvian weatherhas been rather unsettled possibly as a resultof global warming. However, it still rarely rainson the coast, although the Lima region doesexperience substantial smog, coastal fogs ormists and even drizzle; particularly between themonths of May and November.

The climate in the Sierra and Selva regions canbe divided into a wet season (November-April)and a dry season (May-October). There is, ofcourse, some rain during the dry season, but itis much heavier and much more frequent in thewet season. Don’t be put off by the expression“rainy season” however, as this normally meansa couple of downpours each day rather thancontinuous ra

Peru - MoneyLocal currencyThe monetary unit in Peru is the Nuevo Sol.For up-to-date exchange rates with your owncurrency visit www.xe.com.

Changing money, credit cards & ATMsWe recommend that you bring cash/travellerscheques in US dollars only. For more informationabout the best way to carry your money pleasesee the Pre departure information (which will besent to you with confirmation of your booking).There is no restriction on the amount of foreigncurrency that you may bring into Peru, howeververy large sums should be declared on arrival.There is often a general lack of small change andwe recommend maintaining a supply of smalldenomination notes and coins.

Change enough money to see you through thefirst few days of your trip – particularly if it isa weekend. Please note you can only changecash (not travellers cheques) at the Cambio andthere are other ATMs in the city (and in Arequipa,Cuzco and Puno) where you can get money out24 hours a day.

ImportantPlease note that ATMs in Peru do not alwaysautomatically release your credit or debit card atthe time when you receive your money. Pleasebe aware that you sometimes have to push abutton to request your card to be returned.

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Many ATMs in main towns have instructions inEnglish.

Peru - Local TransportTaxis are recommended for all journeys withina city. In Peru, taxi meters are not normally inevidence, so you will find yourself engaging ina bit of haggling with the driver to agree uponthe fare. It is a good idea to find out in advance,from your tour leader or the hotel receptionist,approximately how much the fare should be. Itwill also help if you can speak a few words ofSpanish. You will almost certainly have to acceptthat you will pay more than the locals do.

Local buses are very cheap to use, but you reallyneed to be able to speak reasonable Spanish toget by. There are also some bus stops/stations,especially in Lima, that are not recommendedfor tourists.

Peru - Food & DrinkFoodIn Peru the basic diet focuses around chicken,beef or seafood, mostly with french fries or rice(or both) and possibly a little salad. Soups arealso common and good value. Coastal dishesare seafood based and include 'ceviche' whichis fish marinated in lemon juice, onion and hotpeppers traditionally served with corn on thecob, cancha (toasted corn), yucca and sweetpotatoes. 'Escabeche' is fish with onions, greenand red peppers, prawns, cumin, hard boiledeggs, olives and sprinkled with cheese. The mostcommon fish is 'corvine' (sea bass) which cancome simply grilled or fried or with sauces.'Chupe de camerones', a prawn stew, is anotherdelicious dish certainly worth trying.

Corn and potatoes are Peru’s main vegetables– particularly in the highlands. 'Causa' is a dishmade from yellow potatoes, lemons, peppers,hard-boiled eggs, olives, lettuce, sweet corn,sweet potato, cheese and onion sauce. 'Choclocon queso' is a large corn on the cob snack withvery salty cheese. Other local favourites include'tomales' which is like a boiled corn dumplingfilled with chicken and wrapped in banana leafand 'lomo saltado' which is a kind of stir-fry beefwith tomatoes, onions, fried potatoes on a bedof rice.

An interesting local speciality is cuy(pronounced: cooee). This is roasted guineapig which some people say tastes like chicken,others, like cooked cardboard.

In most of the larger cities and towns you willfind an array of international cuisine. There arepizzerias on every corner and Chinese (chifas)food is very common. In places like Cuzcoeven Indian and Japanese restaurants havenow opened. A cheap, filling three-course lunch(normally called a “menú económico”) can oftenbe had for about US$1.50.

VegetariansIf you are a strict vegetarian you may experiencea distinct lack of variety in the food available,especially in small towns. However vegetarianalternatives are becoming more popular. Ourtour leaders will do their best to provideinteresting vegetarian alternatives for includedmeals, but your patience and understanding isrequested.

Budgeting for meals in Peru - as a guidelinea simple snack (e.g. a sandwich) can cost aslittle as US$0.70, a light meal will cost aroundUS$3-$6, and even a meal in one of the bestrestaurants in Cuzco or Lima costs very little incomparison to what you would expect to payat home (usually around US$20-$30). Obviouslythis depends on what you order and if you havewine or other drinks which will certainly increasethe bill. In cheaper restaurants where Peruviansand backpackers eat, you can get meals for aslittle as US$1.50. Your tour leader will be able torecommend restaurants.

DrinkIn Peru some of the hotels we use have barsor serve alcoholic drinks. If there is not a bar inthe hotel then there is sure to be a bar withinwalking distance. In more up-market hotels,imported beers and spirits are available butusually at a high price. If you are happy todrink the local spirits then there is an array ofrums, pisco (white brandy) and even palatablewine. All these are very cheap, e.g. a bottle ofrum could be as little as US$5 in a local shop.Quite often the mixer to go with it (Coke) ismore expensive. There are various brands ofbeers including Cuzqueña, Arequipeña, Cristaland Pilsener.

The soft drink of choice in Peru and a sourceof national pride is the bright yellow Inca Kola.Possibly an acquired taste, but indisputablypopular. So popular in fact that McDonaldsforced Coca Cola to allow it to be sold in itsPeruvian branches.

The origins of pisco - a grape-based spirt -is keenly contested between Peru and Chile.Regardless of origin it is the national drink ofPeru (the fact that the town Pisco is in Peru lendscredence to Peru's claim). Drank in a variety ofways, the most iconic is the pisco sour, which hasa raw egg amongst its ingredients.

All drinks such as water, soft or alcoholic drinksare at your own expense. The following is aguideline for drinks bought in a shop in thestreet. Prices in restaurants and hotels cansometimes be more than double the pricesspecified below:

• 1 litre of water US$0.70• 30cl bottle of soft drink US$0.50• 30cl bottle of beer US$0.70• 50cl bottle of beer US$1.00

You should be wary of drinking the local tapwater. Bottled water, carbonated soft drinks andfruit juices are widely available and much safer.

Peru - BugsIf your tour includes a visit to a jungle regionyou should be prepared to encounter an array ofwildlife – including many insects and spiders etc.Most creepy crawlies are completely harmlessand will cause you no problems at all – in factthis is all part of the jungle experience. If youfind something in your room it certainly doesn'tmean that the room is unclean – rather that youare in the jungle and it is completely normal. Ifyou are uncomfortable with creepy crawlies it isa good idea to bring plenty of insect repellentspray and coils to place in your room and ofcourse don't leave any food lying around.

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