Peru Inca Trail by The Travelling Golfer

South America

peru inca trail and beyond

trip highlights A unique private departure especially created for Gonskie Escorted by Peter Wood The splendor of Cusco with its churches, cathedrals, plazas, markets and cultural heritage Walking in the beautiful Sacred Valley to view ancient Inca salt pans Fully supported extended private Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu with dramatic mountain views Visit Machu Picchu on two occasions and at the best times of day 3 hearty meals a day on trek prepared by our cooks Exploration of the Amazon Jungle at Tambopata, home to the world’s greatest concentrations of birds and butterflies. Staying in nice well located hotels with private facilities Trip Duration 16 days Trip Code: SOG1924 Grade Moderate Activities Trekking and Adventure Touring Accommodation 16 day trip, 5 day trek, 4 nights camping and 11 nights hotel/jungle lodge

welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Peru Inca Trail and Beyond trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!!

why travel with World Expeditions? Our Peruvian operations are directed by Andreas Holland who has lived and worked in South America for over 35 years. His staff are dedicated to providing you with the very best travel experience while ensuring that our operations comply with all the rules for responsible and sustainable tourism. This trip offers exceptional value for money, using good quality, centrally located hotels, private transportation in vehicles that are driven by our drivers and maintained by recognized mechanics, many meals, all your entrance fees and permit fees, expert leadership and much more. Compare our prices and all our inclusions and we feel that few trips can compare in terms of value for money. In addition responsible travel is important to us. Our company was ‘Highly Commended’ for Best in a Mountain Environment in the 2006 Responsible travel awards and we are very proud of our industry leading porter protection policies. Given our local knowledge, experience and excellent leadership, we are quite sure that this trip will be the trip of a lifetime.

Brazil

Peru

peru inca trail and beyond

A unique hand crafted adventure exploring the ancient sites of the Inca, trekking along an extended version of the great Inca Trail and visiting the Amazon Jungle

Lima

Machu Picchu Cusco

Puerto Maldonado

Bolivia

trip dates 2014

17 May - 01 Jun Trip cost AUD$3990 per person *based on a minimum of 16 travelers

**International Airfare ex Melbourne from AUD$2690* per person ‑ Includes all airfares ex Melbourne and internal flights in South America. ***Internal flights in South America only AUD$890 per person from/to Santiago Subject to currency fluctuations and availability at time of booking. Galapagos 8 day extension from AUD$3890 per person. Please contact us for further details.

the trip

From historic Cusco to jungle adventures in the Amazon and a very special extended version of the legendary Inca Trail trek, this incredible private trip for Gonskie does it all. We arrive in Peru’s capital Lima and stay in the upmarket Mia Flores area before flying into Cusco. We spend the morning exploring before enjoying the stunning drive down to the Sacred Valley via Chinchero and the salt pans at Maras. This will aid our acclimatization before commencing an extended version of one of the finest short treks in the world. This version of the Inca Trail includes a glorious trek along the Urubamba River before joining the classic Inca Trail to Hatunchaca, over the first pass to Pacaymayun and on over the second and third pass to Phuyupatamarca, the enchanting the city in the clouds, where the views of the Andes will astound even the most seasoned trekker. From here the trail winds through the Gateway of the Sun to Machu Picchu, where we spend ample time exploring this amazing and enigmatic site. We then fly to Puerto Maldonado in the rainforest, a highlight of our trip, as is the river boat journey and rainforest walk to Sandoval Lake Lodge ‑ the perfect base for rainforest walks, wildlife spotting and exploration of the lake by canoe. This memorable journey concludes with a boat trip to the jungle town of Puerto Maldonado and flight to Australia.

at a glance Day 1 Arrive in Lima Day 2 Fly Lima to Cusco, drive to the Sacred Valley Day 3 Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Ollantaytambo Day 4 Drive to Cusco via Pisac Day 5 Cusco city and main archeological sites tour Day 6 Drive to Pacchar, trel along Urumbamba River to Apu Veronica Day 7 Join famous inca Trail to Hatunchaca Day 8 Cross Warmihuañusca, the highest pass on the Inca Trail Day 9 Trek to Phuyupatamarca Day 10 Last day of trek to Machu Picchu Day 11 Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco Day 12 Free day to explore Cusco & evening ‘farewell to the highlands’ meal. Day 13 Fly to Puerto Maldonado, journey by boat to rainforest lodge. Day 14 Exploring the Tambopata reserve Day 15 To Puerto Maldonado, fly to Lima Day 16 Fly Lima to Australia

additional deposits required

This trip requires the prepayment of an Inca Trail Permit (which includes entrance into Machu Picchu) and service fee of US$120 in total (paid in your local currency at the current rate of exchange) which is non‑refundable. This payment is required at the time of booking together with our normal per person deposit. The cost of your trip includes the Inca Trail Permit and service fee and this prepayment should not be viewed as an additional cost. We recommend you take out travel insurance at the time of booking.

what’s included

escorted by Peter Wood from Gonskie 15 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners expert bilingual guide group medical kit good, central hotels, primarily Casa Andina Classic Private Collection hotels private internal transportation

peru inca trail and beyond

A unique hand crafted adventure exploring the ancient sites of the Inca, trekking along an extended version of the great Inca Trail and visiting the Amazon Jungle

gear pack including sleeping bag, fibre filled jacket and sleeping mat group camping equipment porters to carry personal gear sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed (including Machu Picchu entrance fee) all activities at Sandoval Rainforest Lodge

detailed itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Lima Please make your way to the airport for your flight to South America on Qantas and Lan Chile. On arrival in Lima you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the upmarket Mia Flores area. This afternoon is to rest and relax before your morning flight to Cusco. meals: NIL

Day 2 Fly Lima to Cusco, drive to the Sacred Valley This morning after breakfast we will transfer to the airport for your 0910 flight to Cusco. On arrival in Cusco, our Gonskie group will be met by your experienced Peruvian guide and head straight to the Chinchero Plateau from where we get impressive views of three mountain ranges. We then continue down through the remarkable Inca Salt Pans below Maras. We end up in the Sacred Valley near a good restaurant where we can savour dishes made with locally grown produce. After a leisurely lunch we head for our hotel in the valley. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy beauty of this famous valley. This is essentially a good time to rest and relax to help start the acclimatisation process. Overnight El Albergue Hotel. meals: B

Day 3 Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Ollantaytambo After a late breakfast we take a short walk into the village of Ollantaytambo known as the Inca village – it is a mixture of ancient Inca foundations and canals and colonial buildings. It is built on a classic grid system and shows examples of some of some of the beautiful regular walls and great stone doorways for which the Inca stonemasons are famed. From the village we start a 20 minute hike up a series of beautiful Inca terraces that take us up to the great citadel/fortress of Ollantaytambo which many archaeologists agree has some of the most impressive stonework to be found anywhere in the Andes. From this superb setting high above the village we get excellent views across the the Inca quarries below which we hike in a few days time as we head for the classic Inca Trail! Overnight El Albergue. meals: B

Day 4 Drive to Cusco via Pisac We leave Ollantaytambo and head southeast along the fabulous deep Sacred Valley of the Incas along which flows the great Urubamba River – one of the main sources of the mighty Amazon River. The valley is one of the most fertile in the Andes and was settled long before the time of the Incas. Many of its steep walls are terraced to take advantage of every piece of land that can be used for planting the famous corn and potatoes that are native to the Andean countries. After an hour of driving we make a brief stop to visit the main square of Pisac – another famous Inca/colonial village – and huge and perfectly built terraces that climb from the village all the way up the steep mountain slopes to the great walled temples near the summit. The next part of our drive takes us up a winding road thats climbs out of the valley and up to wards the pass above Cusco. Since the road climbs steeply and quickly we get really impressive views of

peru inca trail and beyond

A unique hand crafted adventure exploring the ancient sites of the Inca, trekking along an extended version of the great Inca Trail and visiting the Amazon Jungle

fast facts Countries Visited: Peru Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: The Americas *Ask our staff for more information.

the valley itself and the great archaeological sites above Pisac. After another hour of driving we start our descent into Cusco itself – once capital of the vast Inca Empire. Overnight Casa Andina Private Collection. meals: B

Day 5 Cusco city and main archeological sites tour Every alleyway we enter or corner we turn brings another surprise or enigma in the form of the superbly constructed Inca walls or the more architecturally extravagant colonial churches and palaces. The city, once capital of the extensive Inca Empire, has seen many changes since Francisco Pizarro’s men took the city with such apparent ease in November 1533. We also take a short drive to visit the monolithic walls of Sacsayhuaman, spectacularly set above the city. In the afternoon you may have time to explore some of the central parts of the city and a chance to look at some of the great varieties of local craft work on sale in open air stalls and shop. Overnight Casa Andina Private Collection meals: B

Day 6 Drive to Pacchar, trel along Urumbamba River to Apu Veronica After a very early breakfast we drive across the vast Chinchero Plateau and drop steeply down towards the famous salt pans below the village of Maras. Here we leave our vehicle and take a hike down through the crystalline salt pools to the Sacred Valley where we board our vehicle again to continue along the valley to Pacchar (2900m). At this point we leave our vehicle and start our trek towards the Inca Trail. For much of the day we follow the left bank of the Urubamba River which offers us spectacular views across the river towards the village and ruins of Ollantaytambo and the wonderful large terraced fields of corn in perhaps the loveliest part of this lovely valley! After a special picnic lunch prepared by our cooks we continue along our trail to our first campsite – Apu Veronica (2670 m) for our first night in our tents! 6 hours trekking. Overnight Camping meals: B,L,D

Day 7 Join famous inca Trail to Hatunchaca After our hot breakfast in the dining tent we meet our porters and the erst of our camp staff and then continue along this famous ‘Royal Highway of the Incas’, which was built more than 500 years ago. We stop to admire the ruins of Patallacta (2650m) – an ancient Inca city built on a series of terraces below the trail - this site was occupied centuries before the Incas but it was these great stone who left their classic mark by building great agricultural and ceremonial terraces wherever the terrain allowed. From Patallacta we continue hiking upwards towards the steeper parts of the trail as we follow the Cusichaca River whose source is one of the great glaciers of Mount Salcantay that we get to see from our last campsite. After a few more hours of moderate hiking we get to our campsite at Hatunchaca (2980m) – or if the weather and our walking allows – further up the trail above the village of Huayllabamba (3140m). meals: B,L,D

Day 8 Cross Warmihuañusca, the highest pass on the Inca Trail Next morning we continue up a narrow valley on the left bank of the Llullucha River – through wonderful polyplepis woodlands - before starting a relatively steep climb towards the highest pass on the Inca Trail. The Warmihuañusca Pass (4200m) provides spectacular views all around and whilst a strenuous ascent, it is well within the reach of most fit and healthy trekkers. As we ascend to the pass, we all are relieved to have spent those important acclimatisation days in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. After a rest at the pass and time to take in the dramatic scenery we drop steeply down into the Pacamayo Valley to our camp. Whilst most would agree this is the most challenging

peru inca trail and beyond

A unique hand crafted adventure exploring the ancient sites of the Inca, trekking along an extended version of the great Inca Trail and visiting the Amazon Jungle

responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com

trip grading Introductory adventures are designed with the first time trekker in mind. They are challenging enough to make it a real adventure holiday, however the daily physical exercise is around six to eight hours and altitudes generally less than 4100m. Introductory adventures are not necessarily easy. There will be some long steep ascents and some rough ground to cover. Remember trekking rarely involves flat terrain. Two to three months prior to departure you should spend thirty minutes to one hour exercising, three or four times per week eg. Hard walking, jogging or cycling. To prepare for a walking holiday we recommend you take every opportunity to walk up and down stairs and/or hills, for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. Please remember the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your holiday.

day on the Classic Inca Trail, many will also agree that without a doubt it is a magnificent day walking in these impressive mountains. Though Pacamayo is a popular campsite we are able to camp away from the more crowded areas as we use our own potable toilets. meals: B,L,D

Day 9 Trek to Phuyupatamarca From our camp, we ascend out of the Pacamayo Valley to the ruins at Runkuraqay and Cochapata set just below the second pass - Runkuraccay Casa (3830m). From here we walk the short distance to the pass and then descend past a mysterious small green lake to the large ruins of Sayacmarca and on to the last pass – Phuyupatamarca Casa (3670m). From here we get a great view down into the forested gorge of the Urubamba River set more than a vertical mile below us. A short hike from here takes us to our final stunning campsite set above the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3600m) - so aptly named the ‘City in the Clouds’. Many other trekkers continue from here to Winay Wayna, so our decision to camp in this wonderful location not only affords the pick of the views but also relative peace and quiet. Below us are laid out the great forest-covered peaks and deep dark valleys – the setting of our goal, Machu Picchu! meals: B,L,D

Day 10 Last day of trek to Machu Picchu After a good night’s sleep in our last campsite, and an early breakfast, we start the last day of the trek. We walk down along a well preserved section of the trail with great white granite slab walls and staircases all impressively set in high jungle. On the way we’ll take time out to explore the recently cleared extensive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, before covering the last couple of miles to finally reach Inti Punku (The Gateway to the Sun - 2700m) awe-inspiringly set above the ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu (2400m). Your first view of the ruins really does take your breath away! After a brief ‘first look’ at the ruins from a perfect ‘mirador’ or lookout point, we head down to our hotel in Aguas Calientes for a well deserved soak in the nearby hot springs (optional). Overnight Inkaterra El Mapi. meals: B,L,D

Day 11 Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco Today we start early to thoroughly explore these remarkable and truly enigmatic ruins. After a professionally led tour of the site and a further hike to the famous Inca ‘drawbridge’ we’re free to explore the rest of the amazing sights. Mid-afternoon we depart from Machu Picchu for the extremely pretty train ride back to Ollantaytambo where we transfer to our vehicle for the drive back to Cusco. Overnight Casa Andina Private Collection. meals: B

Day 12 Free day to explore Cusco & evening ‘farewell to the highlands’ meal. Today you have a full free day to explore the narrow streets of Cusco and its colourful markets and for those who are interested perhaps some shopping – there are many excellent shops and open markets that sell some very well made alpaca clothing and really inresting pottery and traditional weavings. In the evening we meet up for a ‘farewell to the highlands’ meal at the fabulous Cicciolina restaurant! Overnight Casa Andina Private Collection meals: B,D

Day 13 Fly to Puerto Maldonado, journey by boat to rainforest lodge. We transfer to Cusco airport for a 30 minute flight to Puerto Maldonado in south-eastern Peru near the border with Bolivia. At the airport we are met by our rainforest guide who takes us the lodge offices where we repack our bags for the two nights we will spend in the lodge. Our main luggage stays in a secure deposit in Puerto Maldonado and we head down to the great Madre de

peru inca trail and beyond

A unique hand crafted adventure exploring the ancient sites of the Inca, trekking along an extended version of the great Inca Trail and visiting the Amazon Jungle

adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent.

important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control.

Dios river for our 30 minute boat journey downriver. We then leave the boat and start a 90 minute hike (along a sometimes very muddy!) rainforest trail to the gorgeous Sandoval Lake on whose shores the Sandoval Lake Lodge is built. This excellent, comfortable but basic lodge was originally built as a base for naturalists. The rainforest surrounding the lodge is a nature lover’s paradise. The lodge has comfortable twin share rooms with private facilities. It is quite definitely one of the most comfortable and well-appointed lodge in this jungle area. After a briefing and refreshing drink we take our first journey by small canoe out onto this oxbow lake in the heart of the forest. The lake offers some of the best chances to see the giant river otter and some of the many troops of monkeys that come down to the lake to feed on fruiting trees on the lake shore. Overnight Sandoval Lake Lodge meals: B,L,D

Day 14 Exploring the Tambopata reserve We spend another full day and night in this fascinating area – including rainforest walks to learn about the incredible diversity of this forest which is part pf the largest area of rainforest in the world – the Amazon Rainforest basin. Our guides at the lodge are all young research naturalists who have an unmatched passion for this rainforest paradise. If conditions are right we also take a rainforest walk at night to appreciate how the forest seems to be even more active at night with the great cacophony of sound make by the nocturnal wildlife! Overnight Sandoval Lake Lodge. meals: B,L,D

Day 15 To Puerto Maldonado, fly to Lima This morning we will farewell our lodge on the lake and take a final riverboat journey down the Madre de Dios river to Puerto Maldonado, We are reunited with the rest of our luggage and transfer to the airport for our flight to Lima departing at 12:35. On arrival in Lima we will transfer to our hotel for the night before our flight to Santiago in the morning, connecting through to Australia. meals: B

Day 16 Fly Lima to Australia We transfer to the airport for your flight to Australia. meals: B This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.

places of interest

TAMBOPATA RESERVE The reserve is located close to Cusco (25 minutes flying time), in the south‑eastern Peruvian Province of Madre de Dios, encompassing an area of 5,500 hectares of undisturbed subtropical rain forest. Over the last decade research has shown that the Tambopata reserve has the greatest diversity of wildlife yet discovered in the world. It has more species of birds (over 570), butterflies (over 1200), and many other animal groups, than any other location of its size on earth. This exceptional diversity is due to its privileged location at the meeting of lowland Amazon with three other ecosystems: the Andean foothills, dry forests and pampas grassland. At least seven major forest types can be distinguished at the reserve. The lodge we use for most of our groups is the Sandoval Lake Lodge which overlooks Lago Sandoval and is surrounded by primary rainforest. This lodge is based on twin share rooms and has electricity. The lodge has a large airy restaurant/bar to relax and enjoy in the evenings. The Posadas Amazonas is the other lodge we use. Most of the rooms at the lodge have private facilities and are of a bungalow style construction and blend beautifully with the surrounding forest. There is a central dining room and bar area where briefings and talks take place. This lodge is the only one in this area that

peru inca trail and beyond

A unique hand crafted adventure exploring the ancient sites of the Inca, trekking along an extended version of the great Inca Trail and visiting the Amazon Jungle

has a canopy tower ‑ a perfect place to see the crown of the forest. Both Posadas Amazonas & Sandoval are among the very best lodges in this area.

suggested extensions

Galapagos Islands on Flamingo or Cachalote

country information

Peru ‑ has a population of 28 million, made up of pure‑blooded Indians (biggest group are the Quechuas, whose forebears were the “Incas”) and Mestizos, who are a mixture of Indian and European backgrounds. More than half the population lives in the largest cities, namely Lima, Arequipa and Trujillo. Peru has an area of 1,300,000 square kms, and is located on the Pacific coast of South America. Its capital, Lima, located 12 degrees south of the equator, was the capital of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the early 19th Century. The old central part of the city with its impressive commercial section, whose architecture was greatly influenced by the English, contrasts sharply with the more modern office blocks, shopping centres and suburbs and especially the ever expanding shanty towns or “pueblos jovenes” where the poorer country cousins, who move to the city to try and find work and live. Official languages are Spanish and Quechua. Geographically, Peru is made up of the three distinct regions. Firstly the arid coastal strip, mainly desert and up to 60 kms wide. Down the centre of the country runs the great range of snow peaks and highlands that make up part of the immensely long chain of mountains known as the Andes, running from Colombia in the north all the way to the southern tip of Chile. The third region is the jungle ‑ from the “eyebrow of the jungle” in the Andean foothills to the pristine jungles of the great Amazon rain forest. The coastal area is the economic heartland of Peru, and the coastal waters with the cold Humboldt Current running north up the coast contain some of the richest fishing grounds in the world. The highlands or “sierra” contain more than a third of the population ‑ mostly the Quechua‑ or Aymara‑speaking Indians engaged mainly in pastoral farming. This is a high, very often lush and fertile land of gentle slopes and valleys surrounded by the high peaks of the Cordilleras Vilcabamba, Vilcanota and Blanca. Cusco, once the capital of the great Inca Empire, stands at 3400 metres (11,200’) in the heart of the southern sierra. It is remarkable for the perfect stonework of its Inca ruins, its many beautiful colonial churches and palaces, and of course the world‑renowned ruins of the lost city of the Incas at Machu Picchu.

climate

The trekking season in Peru lasts from the end of April (the last month of the wet season) through to mid‑October (by which time the rains have returned and hiking becomes more difficult due to muddy trails and snowed‑in passes). Temperatures in the area around Lima are warm during the day (20‑25C) and cool (5C) at night. In the highlands of Peru, where the treks take place, daytime temperatures will be in the range of 10‑20C falling as low as ‑10C at night. Also it is possible that we’ll get some snow on the higher ground and some of the higher passes.

a typical day

Touring Routine: Depending on the itinerary for the day, you will either be travelling or sightseeing. Local experts generally fill the mornings with tours to the local sites. After lunch, further sightseeing will take place or there will be leisure time for you to read, relax at the hotel or explore. Trekking Routine: Our trekking day starts around 6.30am with a wake‑up call and fresh cup of tea brought to your tent. Hot water is available for a light morning wash. Breakfast is served in the dining tent and consists of hot porridge and toast and jam, served with coffee, hot milk and tea. On

peru inca trail and beyond

A unique hand crafted adventure exploring the ancient sites of the Inca, trekking along an extended version of the great Inca Trail and visiting the Amazon Jungle

some days we serve bacon and eggs or pancakes. Before breakfast it’s often a good idea for you to pack up your duffle bags, prepare your day packs and take down your tents so that the mule or llama skinners can organise the loading for departure. The mornings hike usually lasts from about 8:00am to 12.30pm allowing plenty of rest and photo stops. Lunch is of the picnic type and is prepared by one of the cooks who accompany us during the morning. It consists of salads (vegetables and/or noodles), sometimes soups, salamis, cheese, peanut butter, bread, crackers, tinned meats and fish, topped off by freshly brewed tea and biscuits. After lunch we set off for the afternoon’s hike ‑ usually 2 to 3 hours to the camp. On arrival in camp (which will have already been set up in advance) tea and coffee will be served and you are then free to do as you like until dinnertime. Served at 6:30 ‑ 7:00pm, dinner consists of three courses ‑ soup or fresh salad, a main course of stews, spaghetti or rice dishes (all prepared with fresh meat and vegetables) served with red or white cask wines (on last night of trek) and followed by dessert, tea, coffee and Milo. Nor will you go hungry during the walking day. Apart from lunch you will also get a “snack pack” made up of chocolates, nuts and fresh fruit. Most of the walking is on fairly well‑defined tracks, including some remarkable sections of ancient Inca stone “highways”. There are occasional river crossings but no really steep sections where scrambling is involved. Most groups like to spread out over the trail, stopping for photographs, resting, and bird‑watching or just ambling and taking time out to absorb the lovely surroundings. The only thing we ask you to remember is not to get too far ahead of, or behind the main party, and to keep your guide within view. One of the guides or camp staff almost always walks with the slowest member of the group ‑ so there’s no chance of being left behind. In fact almost everyone finds and manages to keep to their own pace. Obviously in the event of very bad weather or adverse conditions, the guide will keep the group as close together as possible. The evenings are often one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. After a relaxing dinner, people like to sit in the dining tent ‑ talking, playing cards or scrabble, reading, chatting or just relaxing (a good idea to bring games, cards and books along).Mules (and Porters on the Inca Trail) are used to transport your baggage but you will need a day‑pack to carry the things you’ll want during the walking day ‑ water bottle, camera etc.

meals during the trek

We provide a full service while on trek. An important aspect of this service are the meals that are prepared for you and we are frequently complimented by returning travellers about the food provided. Ensuring that you stay healthy is one of our highest priorities. Therefore, each of our treks is accompanied by a trained cook as well as kitchen staff who provide you with three hearty meals each day. High levels of hygiene are engaged to ensure that our travellers stay healthy and fit. Our cooking staff has mastered the preparation of a varied and balanced menu and there is always plenty of food for those who may like seconds. Our cooks are trained to provide excellent food for vegetarians and anyone who has a limited diet including those who are lactose or gluten intolerant. Our meal inclusion on your trek is for your benefit and takes all the hassle, expense and worry out of your holiday. Typically, you can expect breakfast to consist of muesli or cereal, eggs, local breads and pancakes and hot drinks. Lunch will generally be vegetables, salads, bread, cheese pasta style dishes, tinned fish and meats and are normally eaten picnic style. Dinner is always three courses and includes soup, seasonal vegetables, meat, rice or pasta and bread with some local specialties also in the mix. Dessert is always served after the main meal each evening followed by hot beverages.

accommodation on the trip

During the trip you will be accommodated in generally 3 1/2 to 4 star hotels/hostals (primarily Casa Andina Private Collection hotels) which have been chosen for their local flavour, central location and cleanliness. During the trekking section, comfortable good quality two person tents are provided, and in the jungle we stay at a basic though comfortable jungle lodge which is in keeping with the surrounding environment.

peru inca trail and beyond

A unique hand crafted adventure exploring the ancient sites of the Inca, trekking along an extended version of the great Inca Trail and visiting the Amazon Jungle

what you carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip‑eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack.

equipment required

Specialist gear required includes walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking).

acute mountain sickness

When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust we have structured our treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms. • Headache • Tiredness • Disturbed sleep • Loss of appetite/nausea • Shortness of breath • Cough • Palpitation • Swelling of the hands and face Individuals acclimatise at different rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend. Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist.

what’s not included

cost of laundry and alcoholic beverages excess baggage costs international flights and taxes medical treatment visa costs travel insurance (compulsory)

info nights

World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!

peru inca trail and beyond

A unique hand crafted adventure exploring the ancient sites of the Inca, trekking along an extended version of the great Inca Trail and visiting the Amazon Jungle

private groups

The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today.

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To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.

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trip availability

If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience.

how to book

To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip.