www.WWTrek.com www.HumanOutreachProject.org
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Why Trek? Trekking, traveling long distances on foot through remote areas, offers you the opportunity for intimate exploration each step of your adventure. Be in the moment as you take in your surroundings, experience the culture, learn about the history, plants, animals, landscape, and meet local people on your journey. This is why we trek.
THE WWTREK TEAM Dean Cardinale, Founder & Lead Guide Patrick Reddish, Adventure Travel Specialist & Guide Ed Chauner, Adventure Travel Specialist & Guide Bryan Wilbert Quispe, Peru Operations Manager & Guide DeLacy Healey, Guest Relations Sarah Pendleton, Art Director Nate Mildeberger, Development Coordinator, Human Outreach Project Brian Sorenson CPA, Accountant Phil Levy, MD, MPH Medical Advisor Anelise Noland, Marketing Sandra Turay, Staff Writer Jay Dash, Staff Photographer For a complete list of our team members, see www.wwtrek.com
I want to personally thank you for signing up with WWTrek for our MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN LODGES Signature Trek. As you prepare yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually for your adventure, rest assured that the WWTrek team is taking care of all the logistical details surrounding your trek. We want you to relax and focus on the important things in your life leading up to your trip. We have enclosed all of the information and tools necessary to begin preparing for your adventure. We have included preparation tips, medical information, money tips, a gear list, and historical and cultural information as well as a suggested reading list prepared by our friends at Traveler’s Bookcase. I can assure you that every member of the WWTrek team, including myself, is going to be with you every step of the way. As an avid adventurer myself, I understand the stresses and excitement that coincide with travel. Please feel free to contact me, personally, at any time regarding any questions you may have or if you simply want to touch base about your trek. Above all, my team and I truly believe that at the heart of our adventure is your experience. We know that each guest is different and has unique desires, so please, let us make this adventure what you’ve always dreamed of. Thanks!
What We Offer At WWTrek, our international adventures are a first-class guest experience with personalized service every step of the way. Let our team at WWTrek focus on the details and plan a perfect adventure for you, whatever your particular needs may be. From pre-departure trip planning and preparation, day to day safety & logistics, lodging and meals, entertainment, to every detail in between, WWTrek has you covered each step of your journey. At the heart of our adventure is your experience; we know that every individual has different and unique desires that dictate what your experience ought to be, and we at WWTrek strive to exceed the expectations of our guests each and every day. Our itineraries are designed with the comfort of our guests in mind. We have developed each day to balance exploration and relaxation with luxurious comforts throughout. Our relationship with the communities of the international destinations we trek has earned our team respect abroad. We want you to experience the same satisfying relationships we enjoy throughout your adventure. Our local support staff welcomes you and the opportunity to share their home and culture. Each adventure also offers the opportunity to give back to the communities that welcome us through our non-profit, Human Outreach Project.
Travel with us and you’ll see why our guests become our friends and our friends keep coming back.
WWTrek Signature Adventures Our SIGNATURE TREKS offer you an expertly pre-planned itinerary designed to let you experience the best adventure a particular destination has to offer. Scheduled dates and departures for these adventures have already been planned to optimize your experience, taking into consideration seasonal weather and peak tourist season. To ensure personalized service, we limit these treks–min. 8 members, max 14 members. The trek is guided by a WWTrek leader who is supported by a highly trained local staff. These treks have mixed groups of adventurers and are a great way to experience high-end service in an exciting group atmosphere while making life-long friends along the way.
WWTrek Custom Adventures Our CUSTOM TREKS are all about you and your specific individual or group needs. Whether you choose to charter and customize any of our international Signature Treks or design your own adventure from scratch, our team at WWTrek is here to meet your adventure travel needs. Our local experts will take your small group of friends, large group of co-workers, or just yourself, on a custom adventure on dates of your choosing. We will arrange a 100% privately guided adventure for you so that you can enjoy the WWTrek experience on your own, in your own way.
TABLE OF CONTENTS YOUR MACHU PICCHU EXPERIENCE | 9-39
TRIP OVERVIEW 10-11
DAY TO DAY BRIEF 12-13
DAILY ITINERARY 14-23
ADDITIONAL ADVENTURES 24-25
ACCOMMODATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION 26
COMMUNICATION 27 FOOD 28-29
AREA FACTS 30-37
THE LOST CITY 38-39
PREPARING FOR PERU | 40-57
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS 41
INSURANCE 42
MONEY TIPS 43-46
GEAR 47-49
PHYSICAL PREPARATION 50-51
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS 52-55
SUGGESTED READING 56-57
MEDICAL AND HEALTH | 58-67
A QUICK NOTE FROM OUR MEDICAL ADVISOR 59-61
JET LAG TIPS 62-64
ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION 65-67
HUMAN OUTREACH PROJECT | 68-71 HUMAN OUTREACH PROJECT OVERVIEW
69
KILIMANJARO KIDS COMMUNITY 70-71
NOTES | 72-79
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST 73
IMPORTANT AND PERSONAL INFORMATION 74
TERMS AND CONDITIONS 75 NOTES 76-77 WWTREK LEADERS 78-79
TREK: An adventurous journey, especially one on foot.
TRIP OVERVIEW
Immerse yourself in Peruvian culture as you explore the ancient ruins of the Inca empire while trekking from luxurious lodge to lodge deep within the Andean mountains of Peru. We begin our adventure with a tour of the Sacred Valley, then embark on a trek among the mystical mountains of the Cordillera Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu: the Lost City of the Incas. From there, we return to Cusco with a lavish finale as we board the Hiram Bingham Orient Express. Our adventure will challenge your step as we trek the path of the Incas, inspire your spirit as we immerse ourselves in traditional mountain-village life, enliven your taste buds as we enjoy the freshest cuisine Peru has to offer, and captivate your mind as we transcend time and culture on this peacefully luxurious mountain lodge trek.
– WWTrek Team
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Did you know? Quechua legend holds that when the sun would dip below the horizon, it would pass through the underworld and drink the cool water of the Urubamba River to refresh itself before rising again. The celestial river is also said to mirror the Mayu, river of stars, which we refer to as the Milky Way. Today, Peruvians still follow tradition by making an offering to the river, believing their request will be granted when the rains come.
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DAY-TO-DAY BRIEF Arrival: Cusco, Peru. Orientation and Sacred Valley Tour DAY 1) Arrive Cusco mid day. Drive to Sacred Valley, orientation and gear check. DAY 2) Sacred Valley tour: Ollantaytambo/Chinchero, return to Cusco, night at Monasterio Hotel.
Mountain Lodges Trek: Salkantay Route, 7 days to Machu Picchu, 7,972’ DAY 3) Depart Cusco, trek to Soraypampa (12,690’). Spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge. DAY 4) Acclimatization Day: day hike to Lake Humantay (14,190’). Killarumiyoc cleansing ceremony with local shaman, spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge.
DAY 5) Trek to Huayraccmachay (12,812’) over the Salkantay Pass (15,340’). Spend the night at the Wayra Lodge. DAY 6) Trek from Huayraccmachay (12,812’) to Collpapampa 9,414’). Spend the night at the Culpa Lodge. DAY 7) Trek from Collpapampa (9,414’) to Lucmabamba (7,003’). Spend the night at the Lucma Lodge. DAY 8) Trek from Lucmabamba (7,003’) to Llactapata Pass (9,240’). Arrive at Aguas Calientes (6,270’) by train. Spend the night at a luxury hotel.
Machu Picchu & Departure DAY 9) Privately guided tour of Machu Picchu (7,972’), with option to climb Huayna Picchu. Take the Hiram Bingham Orient Express to Cusco (11.220’). Spend the night at the Monasterio Hotel.
DAY 10) Cusco Shopping, HOP donation (optional), afternoon departure.
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We start our journey with an authentic Shaman Ceremony. WWTREK.COM
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DAILY ITINERARY Day 1: Arrive in Cusco, Peru (11,220’) – Sacred Valley (9,500’) After you arrive in Cusco and clear customs, a WWTrek guide will meet you at the airport. After everyone gathers his or her baggage, we will transfer to a luxury hotel in the Sacred Valley. Your guide will arrange a time for everyone to exchange money at a local gift shop along the way (exchange rates are better as opposed to exchanging money at the airport). Once at our hotel, you will have the opportunity to relax and get settled. You may also take a stroll around town to get a feel for Peruvian culture. That afternoon we will have a welcome briefing and gear check to make sure everyone is prepared for our adventure. After our orientation and briefing, we will enjoy a group dinner.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour – Return to Cusco Our time in the Sacred Valley will allow us to acclimate ourselves to the altitude and culture before our trek. We will spend our time hiking various ruins, wandering local markets and studios of local of local weavers, ceramicists, potters, and sculptors, all while learning about the history and culture of the present people and their Incan ancestors. Depending on the route we decide to take, our tour of the Sacred Valley may take us through the towns of Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. After our tour, we will return to Cusco for a group meal at one of Cusco’s best restaurants before returning to our hotel to pack our bags for the trek.
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The Sacred Valley, or Urubamba (‘place of bugs and spiders’) is a narrow, winding valley cut by the Urubamba River (also called the Vilcanota River), a tributary to the Amazon. The valley was sacred to the Incas because it was “Cusco’s granary”, and connected with the sun and sky. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the fertile valley is home to a few small villages. Crops grown on the terraces of the valley include potatoes, corn, quinoa, fava beans, barley, as well as other crops. The mountainsides are dotted with old Incan ruins from the Inca province of Antisuyu. The Sacred Valley was a personal holding for Incan rulers. Among the more famous of ruins, the Sacred Valley is home to the Pyramid of Pacaritanpu, in Ollantaytambo, the place where the Sons of the Sun, or the Inca, originated.
Chinchero sits on the Anta plains and Incan terraces. From Chinchero you can see the Cordillera Vilcabamba on the western horizon. Believed to be the birthplace of the rainbow, Chinchero is home to many Incan ruins as well as a 17th century colonial church.
Urubamba is the hub of the Sacred Valley as it is the center of the bus network. It is one of the larger villages in the valley and has a number of local artists including weavers and potters.
Ollantaytambo sits next to a fast-flowing portion of the Urubamba River. Ollantaytambo has been inhabited since the 13th century It resembles an Incan city under its Spanish era cobblestone streets with its traditional Inca city layout. Strategically chosen by the Inca Pachachutec to build a fortress, Ollantaytambo’s green hillsides are filled with some of the most impressive ruins in the valley. Ruins in Ollantaytambo include the Pyramid of Pacaritanpu, the Temple of the Condor, the Cachijata quarry, and the fortress of Pumamarka.
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Day 3: Cusco (11,220’) - Killarumiyoc to Soraypampa (12,690’) Waking early to begin our trek, we will depart our hotel and make our way to
WWTREK STATS CHALLACANCHA: 11,979’
the Camino Real path to begin our trek on the Salkantay trail. En route we
SORAYPAMPA: 12,690’
will take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Killarumiyoc (two hours from
ASCENT ▲: 711’
Cusco) and have a special cleansing ceremony with a local Shaman for our
DESCENT ▼: 0’
upcoming journey. We will begin our trek just outside of Challacancha (11,979’). The two-to-
TIME: 2-3 HOURS
DISTANCE: 2 MILES
three hour trek to Soraypampa (12,690’) will take us through moderate terrain and allow us to continue acclimatizing. We will spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge, enjoy a group dinner, as well as views of the swirling clouds around the Salkantay (20,600’), meaning ‘Savage Mountain’ at the head of the valley. This peak is the highest in the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range of the Peruvian Andes and is the second most sacred peak in Incan mythology as an apu that controlled weather and fertility.
Did you know? Apu is the name given to powerful mountain guardian spirits said to reside in the mountains. Apu can refer to the spirit itself or to the mountain. The Incas held mountains sacred as they rose from the Kay Pacha (human realm) toward Hanan Pacha (upper realm) and were often a place of worship and offerings such as coca leaves and chichi (corn beer). Human sacrifice was also practiced in desperate times.
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Day 4: Acclimatization Day Humantay Lake (14,190’) Day Hike Today we will allow our bodies to adjust to the increasing altitude. We will
WWTREK STATS SORAYPAMPA: 12,690’
take a day hike to Humantay Lake. Our climb will be moderate to challenging,
HUMANTAY LAKE: 13,845’
a great introduction for our trek. If you choose, you can brave the brisk
ASCENT ▲: 1,155’
waters and take a dip in the glacial lake before retuning to the lodge. At
DESCENT ▼: 1,155’
the lodge you can spend your afternoon in the jacuzzi, horseback riding, or relaxing while taking in the encompassing views. We will spend a second night at the Salkantay Lodge, enjoying our gourmet meals together.
TIME: 3-4 HOURS ROUND-TRIP
DISTANCE: 4 MILES
Did you know? The rainbow in Andean culture is respected and feared, “... It is not possible to watch the rainbow, they say superstitiously, without covering the mouth, because it rots the teeth. Neither is it advisable to point at it with the finger because it undermines the bones. Maidens run away from itbecause if it catches them in the countryside, it has children with them,” according to Peruvian author, Alfonsina Barrionuevo.
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Day 5: Soraypampa (12,690’) to Salkantay Pass (15,340’) to Huayraccmachay (12,812’) Today we will cross the Salkantay Pass. Perhaps the most challenging day
WWTREK STATS SORAYPAMPA: 12,690’
of our trek, we will take our time as we climb and acclimate along the way.
HUAYRACCMACHAY: 12,812’
We will hike up the Rio Blanco Valley, around Humantay Peak and make our
ASCENT ▲: 2,522’
way to the Salkantay Pass, the high point on our trek. Keeping our sights
DESCENT ▼: 2,401’
on the pass and surrounding peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, we may be able to view Andean condors in flight. Once atop the pass, we will descend to Huayraccmachay to the Wayra Lodge. “Wayra” means wind or “the place where the wind lives.”
Did you know? The Andean condor is the national symbol of Peru. As the Messenger from the Sun and the guardian spirit of the dead, the condor is believed to carry the spirits of the dead to the world beyond. Living on the high cliffs of the mountains among the apus, the condor has a wingspan of more than 3 meters and can fly 20,000 feet above sea level.
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TIME: 8 HOURS DISTANCE: 8 MILES
Day 6: Huayraccmachay (12,812’) to Collpapampa (9,414’) Today will be a mellow, downhill day. After breakfast we will begin our
WWTREK STATS HUAYRACCMACHAY: 12,812’
trek to Collpapampa, above the Rio Salkantay. Our scenery will become
COLLPAPAMPA: 9,414’
more lush as we trek through the cloud forest and make our way to the
ASCENT ▲: 0’
confluence of three rivers, the Rio Santa Teresa, Rio Salkantay, and Rio
DESCENT ▼: 3398’
Chaullay at Collpapampa. We will enjoy a traditional, underground stone cooked Pachamanca-style lunch at the Colpa Lodge. We will also enjoy a group dinner and spend our evening relaxing in the mountain air, enjoying the
TIME: 4 HOURS DISTANCE: 6 MILES
jacuzzi if you so choose.
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Day 7: Collpapampa (9,414’) to Lucmabamba (7,003’) Today our trek will be split into two moderate hikes. The first portion of our
WWTREK STATS COLLPAPAMPA: 9,414’
day will take us from Collpapampa along the Rio Santa Teresa valley through
LUCMABAMBA: 7,003’
rural coffee plantations and orchards. Once we reach Loreta, a private
ASCENT ▲: 387’
vehicle will pick us up and take us 2.5 miles to the Llactapata Inca Trail.
DESCENT ▼: 2798’, 489’ by Van
There we will continue with a brief hike up to our lodge, Lucma Lodge, set in an avocado orchard. We will have ample time for exploration of the small village of Lucmabamba and a chance to meet some of the locals.
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TIME: 6 HOURS DISTANCE: 8.9 MILES
Day 8: Lucmabamba (7,003’) to Llactapata Pass (9,240’) to Aguas Calientes (6,270’) Another day of mixed travel, we will begin by saying goodbye to the village of
WWTREK STATS LUCMABAMBA: 7,003’
Lucmabamba and trekking to Llactapata Pass (9,240’). From here we will
AGUAS CALIENTES: 6,270’
have distant view of Machu Picchu as we explore the Llactapata Ruins. From
ASCENT ▲: 1,971’
the pass we will descend to the Aobamba River through bamboo forests and
DESCENT ▼: 3,165’
orchards and plantations to the Hydroelectric Train Station. We will travel 6.2 miles by rail to Aguas Calientes and spend the night at a luxury hotel. We will enjoy a group dinner before turning into rest for our upcoming day of
TIME: 6 HOURS DISTANCE: 7 MILES
exploration.
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Day 9: Aguas Calientes (6,270’) to Machu Picchu (7,972’) to Cusco (11,220’) Waking early to a hearty breakfast, we will begin our day of exploration with a professionally private guided tour of Machu Picchu. After our group tour, we will have time to explore the vast ruins on your own, climb Huayna Picchu, or just relax and take in the complexity of the ancient city. In the afternoon we will board the Hiram Bingham Orient Express to take us back to Cusco. Named for the explorer who uncovered Machu Picchu, the luxury train is perhaps the most magical way to travel between Machu Picchu and Cusco. We will enjoy dinner on the 1920s style train inside the blue and gold carriages complete with an elegantly decorated interior of polished wood, glistening cutlery, and sparkling crystal. After our exquisite multi-course dinner, feel free to visit the bar car and listen to live Peruvian music while sipping on a traditional Pisco Sour. Once we arrive in Cusco after our 4 hour train ride, we will take a private shuttle back to our luxury hotel where we will spend the night.
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Day 10: Cusco Shopping – HOP – Departure After breakfast at the hotel, you will have the opportunity to shop in Cusco for any last minute souvenirs, visit one of our HOP donation sites, pack, relax, and say your goodbyes before departing home or onto an additional adventure.
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L A N ES O TI TUR I D N D A VE AD
Lima, Peru: Spend an extra day exploring the capital of Peru with a guided city tour. Located on the Pacific coast, Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador, Francisco Pizarro. UNESCO has declared the History Centre of Lima a World Heritage Site for its colonial archaeological sites, including the Monastery of San Francisco, the Plaza Mayor, Covenant of Santo Domingo, and the Palace of Torre Tagle. The city offers a variety of archaeological sites, nightlife museums, art galleries, festivals, and fantastic restaurants and bars.
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Cordillera Blanca: • 11 day adventure learning glacier, snow, and ice climbing skills in the highest mountain range outside of the Himalayas.
A AD DD VE ITI NT ON UR AL ES
• Trek into the Ishinca Valley where you will have a stunning 360 degree view of the peaks you will climb. • Summit Urus 18,134’ Ishinca 18,348’ and Tocllaraju 19,912’. • Spend a day training with equipment and learning climbing techniques.
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ACCOMMODATIONS & TRANSPORTATION Accommodations All of your accommodation will be provided for you throughout your adventure as a standard part of your trek. We have chosen the best hotels and lodges Peru has to offer. In Cusco, we stay at the Monasterio Hotel in the heart of the city. Proclaimed a national historic landmark, the Monasterio Hotel was originally built in 1595 on the site of Inca Amaru Qhala’s palace. The hotel offers various spa services, has an extensive art collection, and quaint gardens. The lodges along our mountain trek have been built in a culturally and environmentally friendly manner. Built in line with traditional building techniques and Inca architectural and mythological concepts, the lodges are designed to have minimal impact on the environment. The lodges offer contemporary, luxurious amenities all in a cozy, mountain atmosphere. During your trek you will have hot water for showers, saunas and jacuzzis, massage, and laundry services available.
In-Country Transportation From arrival to departure, your in-country transportation will be taken care of by WWTrek. We have arranged safe, comfortable transportation for our adventure. We will be using private tour buses, the Hiram Bingham Orient Express, and our feet. During the trek, the option to ride a horse is available if you find yourself struggling with the terrain or become injured.
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COMMUNICATIONS You will have the opportunity to communicate with your family and friends back home throughout your trek. However, your ability to communicate will be limited at times. In Cusco, communication is fairly seamless while communication during our lodges portion of our trek varies due to conditions. In Cusco, our hotel provides telephone and internet capabilities. The mountain lodges utilize satellite technology for communication and signal is weather dependent. Our recommendation is that you enjoy the mountains during your trek and rely on Skype or email to communicate at the lodges when necessary. The rest of the time, leave your electronic leashes behind and enjoy your trek!
Electricity: The lodges we stay at are equipped with electricity. You will have the opportunity to charge your devices while staying at the lodges. We suggest bringing an all-in-one type power adapter, as they are small and work in all countries. However an adapter is not required at most of the hotels.
Internet: The lodges we stay at have internet (WIFI) available inside the rooms. Please note that although available, it is not guaranteed to be up and running 24/7 due to the satellite technology. You can bring your own laptop and use the internet for $12 per day or use the “public” laptop for $6 per 45 minute session.
International Phone Calls: If you plan to bring a cell phone, you will need to discuss an international plan with your cell provider in the US. You will have variable cell reception throughout the trek. You can also use the satellite phone at the lodge using a calling card (available at the lodges) to make international phone calls.
Email: While at the lodges you will have access to internet. We advise that you create a web-serviced email account such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail for easy access from any computer.
WhatsApp: This convenient download-able app uses the Internet to send text messages, images, video, user location and audio media messages to other users using standard cellular mobile numbers.
Skype: Our recommended method of communication is using Skype. It is a cost effective way to keep in touch. You can set up an account and prepay before you depart. You can call computer-to-computer (which is free) or computer-to-phone. Video-chat and phone call capabilities will be available throughout the journey. SPOT and GPS: Satellite supported locating type devices should work with no problems. WWTREK.COM
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FOOD We offer a dining experience that is flexible and accommodating, yet flavorful and hearty. We will share our meals together while at the lodges and on the trek. We will have the opportunity to sample traditional Peruvian cuisine made from the freshest ingredients by professional chefs. Lunch and dinner are three course meals with appetizer, entrée, and desert. Please let us know of any dietary needs such as allergies or restrictive diets as it is very important to stay well nourished and hydrated during the climb to increase the chance of success at high altitude.
Sample Menu Breakfast: tea/coffee, eggs, toast with Peruvian jams, fresh fruit, cereal, etc. Lunch: hot soup, pasta, or gourmet sandwich Dinner: freshly prepared Peruvian entrées such as chicharron novoandino (quinoa crusted chicken). Lodges have beer, wine, water, soda, and candy. The prices are reasonable.
Water During our adventure we will drink bottled or filtered water only. During our trek we carry a state-of-the-art Katadyn water filter to make clean drinking water available to you each day. Never drink water directly from the tap! Don’t even rinse your toothbrush!
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Vegan / Vegetarian / Gluten-Free Diets We can accommodate any dietary needs you may have. Please let us know of any allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities you have prior to your departure and we will be happy to make arrangements for you. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or are unsure. In Peru, it’s generally very easy to accommodate just about any special dietary need!
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AREA FACT SHEET
Peru Between the ever-evolving cultural landscape of indigenous peoples and Spanish influences, its multitude of natural wonders, and its economic growth, Peru is a nation of discovery. With a resurgence in cultural pride and open arms to tourists, Peru is an old world destination with an increasingly modern and progressive attitude.
Geography and Landscapes Peru is located on the South America’s central Pacific Coast and is the world’s 20th largest nation (lightly smaller than Alaska). Peru is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Ecuador and Columbia to the north, Brazil to the East, Bolivia to the southeast, and Chile to the south. Peru is divided into three distinct types of terrain. An arid western coastal plain (costa) extends 50 to 100 miles inland and abuts the rugged highlands (sierra) of the Andes Mountains. The sierra has peaks over 20,000 feet tall, plateaus, and deep valleys. The eastern reach of Peru is comprised of the heavily forested lowland jungles (selva) of the Amazon Basin.
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Climate Although Peru is located near the Equator, its climate does not reflect the typical patterns of a country within the equatorial zone. Peru’s climate is heavily influenced by the Andean Mountain range and the Humboldt or Peruvian current. The Andes block eastern weather patterns and moisture from reaching the coast, causing the coast to be desert like. Every three to four years when the Humbolt current warms the coast of Peru it brings significant weather changes. During an el nino year, when the current is warm, it causes heavy rains and, depending on the intensity, flood like situations. In general, Peru is divided into three temperate zones. The coast is temperate, warmer to the north, while the Andean area is cold and fairly dry, whereas the Amazon area is tropical, hot and humid. There is a wet and a dry season as well. The rainy season spans between October and April with the dry season falling between May and September.
Weather and temperatures during our trek can be extremely variable. Please prepare for a variety of conditions and temperatures ranging between 30 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Economy Peru is considered to have a “market-oriented” economy. Between 2002 and 2012, the economy of Peru has almost doubled in size. Peru leads the world for production of silver, ranks second for zinc, and top five for copper, tin, and sixth for gold. The mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, and food processing support the economy. The major crops grown are potatoes, cotton, sugarcane, and quinoa. Peru’s major exports are gold, silver, copper, zinc, crude petroleum, and fish.
Culture and Religion From the cobblestone streets of the Spanish era to the vine entangled Incan temples hidden among the mountains, Peru has a rich and ever present multicultural heritage. In terms of the national psyche, Peru has its internal struggles related to its tumultuous history such as race, class, gender, and religious issues, but continues to maintain solidarity in their devotion to relationships with friends, family, and the welcoming of guests.
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Essentially, there are two populations in Peru, that of the whites and mestizos (people of mixed indigenous and Spanish decent) and that of the criollos (natives). Many Peruvians maintain the belief that being white is better, contributing to issues of inequality that permeate the government and economical sectors of Peru. There is a significant divide between the wealthy elite, typically whites and mestizos, and the poor, predominantly the criollos. Many Peruvians ascribe to the tradition that men go to work and women stay at home, although this trend is changing. In addition, the government and the Catholic church are closely tied, the official religion of the military is Roman Catholic and priests and other religious figures receive government stipends. Introduced by the Spanish, Peru is predominantly a Roman Catholic country. However, many of the indigenous Peruvians ascribe to their own blend of Catholicism and traditional beliefs. Reportedly, 80% of the country is Roman Catholic, with about 15% regularly attending church. Religion is perhaps one of the best examples of how indigenous beliefs have melded with Spanish traditions. Many indigenous people symbolize Viracocha (the creator) as the Christian God and Pachamama (the earth mother) as the Virgin Mary. Despite its internal difficulties, Peruvians are a robustly proud people with a contagious flare for life. Sharing a meal or a bus ride with a Peruvian will tell you that they are a passionate people with devotion to their fellow human. Conversation, laughter, music, sports, and great food are at the heart of their social culture.
Human and Political History Known as the heart of the Inca Empire, Peru has hosted various peoples for 20,000 years. The Incas, although perhaps the most famous Peruvian civilization, are just one piece of Peru’s diverse human historical puzzle. Hunter-gatherers are said to have come across the Bering Straight and migrated to present day Peru and further. Those people evolved their lifestyle and became more sedentary as early as 7000 BC, although there is more archaeological evidence around 4000 BC for domestication of animals, fishing, and horticulture. Around between 1000-3000 BC trade between various peoples of the Amazon had developed. Weaving, pottery, sculpture, religion, and architecture developed with revolutionary force. The most notable cultures of the time are the Chavin for their religious iconography (depictions of various animals) and influence over the region and the Sechin for their military supremacy.
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Exchange of ideas increased between neighboring tribes but failed to unite the many cultures of the area. By 600 AD, tribes had localized, creating an expansionist mentality, especially with the Wari culture. The Wari culture dominated from AD 700 to 1100, conquering and imposing their traditions and religious ideas upon the conquered. They often improved the urban development and organization of the peoples they conquered, but failed to achieve absolute dominance over the region. Other cultures such as the Chimu kingdom and the Chachapoyos contributed significant influence over the area as well. The Incas emerged around 1100 AD near Cusco. Manco Capac, the first Incan, is believed to have been created by the sun god, Inti. Manco and his sister were told to go on a journey by the sun god until his golden staff sunk into the ground. When his staff sunk, there he would settle, call the land Cusco, and teach other Indians about the power of the sun god. Manco became the first ruler of the Incan empire. Within one hundred years of its onset, the Incan empire expanded with impressive force upon the Andean mountains of South America from present day Columbia to the north and Chile to the south. Utilizing a variety of techniques, including peaceful assimilation alongside military dominance, the Inca were able to expand and include various other tribes under their empire. At the height of their rule, the Incan empire spanned 2,500 miles long, 500 miles wide, and reined over 12 million people. They called their empire Tawantinsuyu, or ‘the land of four quarters.” Cusco was their capital. In 1532, the Inca empire was torn between the sons of Manco Capac, Altahualpa and Huascar, as they fought over the throne. At that time, conquistadors lead by Francisco Pizarro arrived and used the empire’s inner turmoil to their advantage. The exposure of small pox to the area weakened the Inca Empire, an inadvertent advantage to the Spanish. A battle between the two sons of Manco Capa resulted in the death of Huascar. With the state of the empire fatally weakened, Pizzaro sought the opportunity to make his move, and assassinated the Inca ruler, Atahualpa. Pizzaro and his men seized Cusco and began a multi-year struggle to reign over the once great empire. By 1535, the Spanish had begun colonization with the foundation of Lima, Peru, making it the new capital of Peru for its access to the sea. WWTREK.COM
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Soon after, Pizarro was assassinated and the area broke out in civil war. The successor of Atahualpa, Tupac Huallpa, ruled what was left of the Inca empire under Spanish dominance until its inevitable demise. Before his beheading in 1572, Huallpa lead his final rebellion against the Spaniards. The next 200 years would be relatively peaceful as Peru struggled to find its balance between the indigenous old ways and the colonial new and separate influence under the Spanish Crown. The Spanish Crown ran Peru from 1542 until 1842, naming Blasco Nunez Vela to replace Pizarro, as Peru’s first viceroy. During that time, many of the indigenous people were converted to Christianity. They introduced a system of land-tenure and exerted their authority over the natives to grow crops and raise animals for their Spanish colonizers. Genocidal results from the introduction of foreign infectious diseases plagued the natives, taking their population of 12 million at the start of Spanish exploration down to just over one million Indians by 1620. In the centuries to follow, Spain struggled to maintain absolute authority over its Peruvian conquest, both Spanish settlers and indigenous natives unhappy under rule from Spain. By 1810, a movement toward independence was established. Argentina, Venezuela, and Chile combined their forces and created an army of 4,200 soldiers to challenge the Spanish Crown. In 1821, San Martin of Argentina proclaimed, “From this moment on, Peru is free and independent, by the general will of the people and the justice of its cause that God defends. Long live the homeland! Long live freedom! Long live our independence!” Martin’s proclamation did not become a realty for many decades as the Spanish Crown made many futile attempts to regain control over its former colonies. Peruvian independence was recognized in 1879. Despite its independence, Peru’s political struggles were not
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over. The next few decades were filled with boundary disputes. Settling on its final boundaries in 1929, Peru and Chile signed a peace treaty, the Treaty of Lima. The remainder of the century saw a structural fluctuation between a democracy and a militaristic state with several coups. Civilian rule was returned by 1980 with the election of President Fernando Belaunde Terry. From 1980 to the early 1990s, the Maoist group Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) waged guerrilla warfare against the government resulting in 40 to 60 thousand deaths or disappearances. Linked with drug cartels, the guerrillas terrorized the nation, predominantly the highland regions. In 1985 Peru elected Alan Garcia Perez, the youngest president Peru has had to date, which resulted in political and economic chaos for his tax cutting and freezing prices. Exiled for accusations of embezzling and excessive personal spending, Garcia was allowed to return to Peru and run for president two more times. In 1990, a new president took office and put Peru in a state of “Fujishock,” referring to the extreme economical changes that Alberto Fujimori endorsed upon his election. Coups and corruption did not escape his term as president. In December 1996 guerrillas took hundreds of prominent people hostage demanding that the government undo the free market reforms as well as other requests. Most of the hostages were released by April, but some remained. In April, the captors were killed when Peruvian commandos stormed the embassy to release the hostages. Fujimori was forced to leave the country after accusations of corruption. He returned in 2005 to stand trial for embezzlement.
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The 21st century has been significantly different for Peru, compared to its power struggle stricken past. In 2001, Alejandro Toledo, a candidate with indigenous heritage, took office. Taking over a country in economic turmoil, he struggled to bring about significant change to Peru. One of the most extraordinary feats of his presidency was to establish the Comision de la Verdad y Reconciliacion (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) where men and women of all ages would come forward to testify the atrocious acts of the government and guerrillas that terrorized the nation between 1980 and 2000. New estimates point toward almost 70,000 people either killed or disappeared. The document is stored to remember and commemorate the tumultuous time in Peru’s history. Since 2000, Peru has brought about significant change in terms of economics and national psyche. Although finding the balance between economic progress and cultural conservation has been somewhat difficult for Peru, it is making vast improvements in solidifying one Peruvian peoples.
Plants and Animals of Peru Peru hosts a variety of ecosystems, and therefore, a variety of plants and animals. Ranking near the top for its wildlife diversity, Peru is home to 1,710 species of birds, 460 mammals, 330 amphibians, 17,000 plants, and a seemingly infinite number of insects (many of them yet to be discovered). Animals: Condor, jaguars, spectacled bears, vicunas, Chilean flamingos, Inca terns, puna ibis, llamas and alpacas, guanacos, tapirs, parrots, leaf cutter ants Plants: ichu grass, guenua trees, red paperbark and bromeliads, ceiba tree
Did you know? The llama and alpaca have been bred for over 5,000 years as pack animals and fiber-producing animals respectively. The llama is twice the size of an alpaca and has a two layer coat (an outer course layer covering a softer inner coat) whereas the alpaca has a single, fine coat.
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Language The official languages of Peru are Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. Quechua and Aymara are languages of the Incas whereas Spanish is a colonial language. Spanish is by far the most widely used, from the coast to the highlands. Here are a few Spanish and Quechua words and phrases you can use during your trip to Peru.
Quechua Hello rimaykullayki, napaykullayki Goodbye rikunakusun Good morning windía How are you?
lma hinalla?
Please allichu Thank you añay Yes arí
Spanish Hello hola Goodbye adiós Good morning buenos días How are you?
cómo es usted?
Please por favor Thank you gracias Yes sí WWTREK.COM
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THE LOST CITY 12345678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 -
Dry moat Upper Complex of Buildings Water Channel Nusta Palace Temple of the Sun and Royal Tomb Ceremonial Center Group of the King or Royal Palace Liturgical Fountains Sacred Plaza Intihuatana Sacred Rock Usnu High Group Building of the Three Portals Industrial Quarter Temple of the Condor Principal Plaza Temple of the Moon Huayna Picchu
Machu Picchu History
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Dating back to the 15th century, Machu Picchu is an Incan site ranking as one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Reclaimed in 1911 by Hiram Bingham,
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Machu Picchu covers 80,000 acres including regions for agriculture, city dwellings, as well as religious temples. When Bingham, a professor at Yale University, uncovered Machu Picchu, he was actually searching for the last capital of the Inca, Vilcabamba (the last hold out before they were
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defeated by the Spanish in 1572). Machu Picchu is thought to have been constructed by chacuti Inca Yupanqui, the 9th ruler of the Inca, as a place for the royal elites of the Incan empire, or perhaps a religious school. Its exact use is still speculated by many.
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We live in a fast-paced society. TREKKING slows us down.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS There are many flight options. We highly recommend that you use a travel agent. The benefit of using a travel agent is that you do not have to spend your valuable time researching confusing flight plans, the travel agent will find the best flight connections for you. Though third-party travel websites are convenient, they are not recommended, due to instability in the itineraries. We recommend that you protect your flight with travel insurance and a refundable ticket. For passport and visa services, we recommend the services of G3 Visas. http://www.g3visas.com (U.S. Citizens are not required to obtain a visa for travel in Peru.)
U.S.
Cusco International Airport (CUZ)
We recommend contacting Danny Genung at Harr Travel or Brian Mei at Eastern Travel.
Danny Genung: (909) 266-0117 | danny@harrtravel.com Brian Mei: (888) 682-7035 | brian@easterntravel.com
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EMERGENCIES We recommend you purchase travel insurance to cover unexpected trip interruptions, cancellations, and lost baggage. We also recommend membership with Global Rescue in case of the need for emergency evacuation or rescue. There are policies that start at $6.50/day.
We recommend: ³³ Travel insurance for trip interruptions/cancellations/lost bags: www.TravelGuard.com ³³ World Wide Emergency evacuation and rescue membership: www.globalrescue.com/WWTrek/
CARRY YOUR INSURANCE INFORMATION WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES. Find out in advance if your insurance provider makes payments directly to providers or reimburses you later for overseas health expenditures. Some policies require you to call a center in your home country for immediate assessment of the problem. Not all policies will cover ambulance or transport of patients to a better medical facility, to a medical evacuation location, or to a hospital in a major city, which may be the only way to get medical attention in a serious emergency.
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MONEY TIPS TOP 10 Money Tips #1 NEW BILLS Bring only new bills, newer than the year 2000, that are in good condition with no rips or damage to them. Old, worn out bills often cannot be exchanged.
#2 SEPARATE Do not put your money with your passport since you may have to show it when you do not want to show your money. Money belts come in handy for this reason.
#3 DAY WALLET Take a small amount of money for your pocket and keep the rest in a safe place.
#4 COUNT YOUR CHANGE Many people do not count their change and get shorted regularly when they travel.
#5 SMALL BILLS When you exchange money be sure to ask for small bills. It is hard to buy anything with large bills because local people often times do not have enough change.
#6 CHEAT SHEET Make an exchange rate cheat sheet. This way when you are buying things it makes sense to you how much you are spending and helps you bargain effectively. A small calculator can be handy as well.
#7 PHOTOCOPY Photocopy or scan the front and back of your credit cards and passport and keep them in a separate place. If either of them get lost or stolen you will have all of the information necessary to quickly call and report it.
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#8 LOCK BOXES Use the lock boxes in your room and carry a small amount of money outside the hotel. The lock boxes are a safe place for anything valuable.
#9 CHECK FEES If you use a credit card, check the fees associated with overseas charges. Some places charge as much as 10% to run a card from overseas.
#10 POCKET CHANGE Keep a small amount of change in your pocket. A quick tip for some help is much easier if you have a couple coins in your pocket rather than a large bill.
Money Belt / Leg Cache Money belts and leg caches keep your valuables out of sight and out of reach of pickpockets. Leg or arm wallets are handy for cash and credit cards. We like the leg cache, as it is comfortable to wear, well hidden under your pant-leg, and easy to access under a table.
Travelers’ Cheques Travelers’ cheques are not widely accepted in Peru. In order to use them, you’d have to take them to a bank and exchange them for local currency. In doing so, you will receive a much lower exchange rate than you would for exchanging cash in the form of US dollars. To avoid the hassle, we suggest bringing US $100 or $50 bills (smaller denotations get a lesser exchange rate) to exchange upon arrival and use your bankcard for additional money.
ATM’s ATM’s are available throughout Peru and will dispense US dollars and local currency. Be sure to alert your bank of your travel plans prior to departure to avoid having your card shut off.
Credit Cards Credit cards are widely accepted by larger shopping centers and by the lodges. At the beginning of your trek, you will have the opportunity to open a tab at the first lodge and use it throughout. You will be able to settle your tab at the end of your trek by either charging the card you opened it with (no substitutions allowed) or by paying cash (US dollar of Peruvian Nuevo Sol or PEN). VISA is by far the most popular. Be sure to research the applicable fees for overseas uses of your credit card.
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Foreign Currencies The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN), referred to as the sol. Due to the fluctuating exchange rates, we recommend going to www.google.com to find out the current rate.
Cash We recommend using cash exclusively during your trip as it is the easiest and most widely accepted. The US dollar is widely accepted in addition to the Peruvian Nuevo Sol. You will be able to use US dollars while shopping for souvenirs as well as at the lodges for additional services. However, we recommend using the PEN. Be sure to take note of exchange rates when shopping.
Where can I expect to exchange money? You will have the opportunity to exchange money after you are picked up by your WWTrek guide at the airport. It is easy to exchange money at gift shops both in Cusco and in the smaller villages we will visit. You can exchange money as you go on your trek, using your credit card for your personal expenses at the lodge (or cash if you so choose).
The Art Of Bargaining In Peru, bargaining is customary. Expect to bargain for everything other than restaurant meals. Shopping the local markets is a fun way to get involved in local culture. Here are some procedures and tips for your market haggling adventure!
• The customer asks the price of an item and the shop owner gives it; the customer looks doubtful and makes a counter offer at 25% - 50% lower. They settle somewhere in the middle.
• Always stay good-natured and the shop owner will too. Add in a little small talk to ease yourself if you are nervous about bargaining.
• If you can’t agree on a price it’s perfectly fine to say goodbye and walk out of the shop. Sometimes this helps finish the deal.
• It is considered poor form to haggle over a price, come to an agreement, and then change your mind.
• To bargain effectively, you must be prepared to take your time and you must know the market price of the item in question. The best way to do this is by asking prices but not making counter offers on similar goods in several shops.
• Buying multiple goods from one shop usually gets you a better deal, as does paying cash.
• Know the currency exchange to avoid haggling over pennies. • If you don’t have time to shop around, find something you like at a price you’re willing to pay, buy it, enjoy it, and don’t worry about it. WWTREK.COM
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How much money should I budget for extra expenses? Typically, our guests spend about $1,000 for various personal expenses and souvenirs.
Gratuities As in many parts of the world, tipping is a symbol of a job well done. In addition to recognizing service people such as taxi drivers, restaurant and hotel personnel, we also acknowledge our staff with a tip. You should plan to tip any service person that helps you, 10% for taxi drivers and restaurant staff is usually in order. Check to see that a tip is not already included in the bill. Remember, if tipping in US dollars, to calculate the exchange rate; be careful not to tip too much. Trekking Staff: At the trails end you will have the opportunity to contribute to a group tipping pool that will be presented as we say our goodbyes. WWTrek staff tip pool: budget: $200 -$250 / per person WWTrek lead guide tip: budget: $200-$250 / per person
*As you know tipping is your option and a reflection of the quality of the service you receive.
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GEAR Gear selection is one of the most important steps when preparing for your trek. The right gear is pivotal in your trekking experience. The following is a suggested gear list to help you prepare for your Machu Picchu Mountain Lodges adventure. Feel free to tailor it to your specific needs while keeping in mind to pack light. There are many brands and types of clothing and gear. Usually higher quality leads to longer life of the item. Take note of items you will use again after this trip when buying new items. Things you will only use once may be of lower quality. Make sure your gear is comfortable and fits properly. Wearing new items before departure helps to break them in properly, which leads to a more comfortable experience.
Traveling ¨¨ Large duffel bag: this should be a poly water-resistant duffel. You should be able to pack all of your gear for the trek in one duffel bag. Please do not bring roller bags or hard-shell suitcases, as they are difficult to load on the pack horses during our trek.
¨¨ Small duffel: bring an empty small duffel for storing clothing and items not necessary for your trek at the lodge in Cusco.
¨¨ Daypack: 25-35 liter maximum, large enough to carry day use items such as 2 water bottles, camera, snacks, extra clothing, and rain gear.
¨¨ Travel locks: make sure you purchase TSA approved travel locks. Remember to lock your duffel bags on the trek and when you check them at the lodges. Store a key in your day-pack.
¨¨ Two plastic trash bags and large zip lock bags: these come in handy for quick waterproofing, separating laundry, toiletries, and compartmentalizing your gear.
¨¨ Toiletry bag: include, soap, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, personal toiletries. ¨¨ Electrical adapter: all in one travel adapter fit for any country.
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Clothing ¨¨ Travel and casual clothes: you will need street / casual clothes for air travel and for evenings at the mountain lodges.
¨¨ Lightweight long underwear: 1 pair, tops and bottoms. NO COTTON. Lightweight is preferable as it is more versatile. Zip T-Neck allows more ventilation options. Breathable is key.
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Light trekking pants or shorts: 2 pair, convertible pants are an option. Breathable dry-fit top Long-sleeve fleece/sweater/ puffy sweater Cold-weather jacket Full rain gear or poncho: hard shell pants and jacket: waterproof, breathable. Any side zip length pant is fine as long as you can get them over your boots. A jacket with a hood, full zipper, underarm zipper and no insulation is best.
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Umbrella / rain poncho: cheap rain poncho or small travel umbrella is nice to have for the sightseeing. Lightweight fleece gloves Shell gloves or ski gloves/mittens Bathing suit
Footwear ¨¨ Light trekking shoes / running shoes: 1 pair for casual wear or sightseeing. ¨¨ Hiking boots: 1 pair of sturdy, water repellent, warm hiking boots (sneakers are not suitable). Boots should be well broken in before the trek.
¨¨ Socks: at least 4 pair of comfortable hiking socks, light and medium weight. Make sure they fit well with your boots.
¨¨ Sandals: Tevas, flip flops, or Chacos for around the lodges.
Headwear ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨
Headlamp: make sure to bring batteries. Sun hat or ball cap Warm hat: a ski hat works well. Bandana / Buff: bring 2 for sun protection and face masks. Sun Glasses: 100% UV rated high quality for intense high altitude sun with good side protection.
Personal Equipment ¨¨ Trekking poles: lightweight, 3 section adjustable poles. ¨¨ Refillable water bottle or hydration bag ¨¨ Sewing kit: a needle and waxed dental floss works well. Floss provides an extra strong stitch and is easy to store if you pre-thred the needle and keep it inside the floss box. The floss cutter replaces scissors.
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¨¨ Camera and binoculars ¨¨ Lightweight entertainment: paperback book, E-reader, writing tablet, playing cards, music player.
First Aid: Drugs and Medications ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨
Small personal first aid kit: Band aids, Aspirin, Blister kit, tweezers, safety pins, pocket knife, gauze, scissors. Sunscreen and Lipscreen Hand sanitizer Insect repellent Ciprofloxin (Cipro): 500 mg tablets for traveler’s diarrhea and urinary tract infections. Loperamide (Lomotil) or Immodium: for diarrhea. Acetazolamide (Diamox): 125 or 250 mg tablets for altitude sickness. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): 200mg tablets for altitude headaches, sprains, aches, etc. Any personal medications.
Our Favorite Gear Over the years we have experimented with a variety of different brands and we are happy to pass along our knowledge and expertise to you. Contact us and we will send you an interactive gear list that includes links to the best vendors and products.
www.thenorthface.com
www.scarpa.com
www.blackdiamondequipment.com
www.goalzero.com
www.kuhl.com
www.honeystinger.com
www.backcountry.com
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PHYSICAL PREPARATION Trekking is strenuous, and conditioning is necessary in order to have a successful summit. Many people who have the endurance to run a marathon fail to summit high-altitude peaks. Pure cardiovascular fitness is simply not enough. You will need to ascend several thousand feet of elevation day after day carrying a daypack. Conditioning your body will help you enjoy your climb and increase your chance for success on the mountain. Be sure to include at least one recovery day per week and listen to your body. If you have specific concerns about training, be sure to consult your physician and/or a personal trainer to help you develop a physical fitness plan that will be safe for you. Take the final week to taper down and gradually reduce intensity and volume of training so that by the time you leave for your trip you will be well rested and up for the challenge.
Prioritize Your Training ³³ Trekking conditioning ³³ Strength training ³³ Cardiovascular training ³³ Flexibility training
Most people will need to train for 3-4 months specifically to trek to Machu Picchu. During your training you should progressively ramp up your times, distances and elevation gains. Increase your training a little each week to safely and effectively build your body conditioning. Trying to rush conditioning will only increase the risk of a training injury.
Trekking Conditioning ³³ Hike outdoors, starting without a pack. ³³ Begin hiking mellow terrain for moderate distances. Listen to your body and push yourself moderately! ³³ Gradually increase the steepness and duration of your hikes as well as your pack weight until you are
comfortable carrying a 25-pound pack, or what you plan to carry in your daypack. ³³ If you live where hiking trails are not available, use stairs to train or an inclined treadmill or Stairmaster. ³³ A reasonable goal would be to ascend 3000’ in 3 hours.
Strength Training ³³ Training with free weights, bands, body weight exercises or gym machines will help you build your overall
strength and muscle endurance. ³³ In the beginning, focus on building a foundation for harder workouts. ³³ Focus on the core: abdominals, lower and upper back, shoulders, and legs. ³³ Always focus on good form to prevent injury or strain. ³³ Strength training the shoulders and back will help you carry your pack and use your trekking poles effectively.
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³³ Strength training your legs will help you ascend and descend through scree and dirt trails. ³³ Light weights/good form, 2 sets of each exercise for 8-10 repetitions. ³³ As you continue training, gradually increase weight and decrease repetitions. ³³ Overall, this will help you feel comfortable day after day and recover each night after long days of trekking.
Cardiovascular Training ³³ Aerobic training three or more days a week: running, walking on a treadmill, stair stepping, jogging, biking,
elliptical machine, etc. ³³ Start every other day for 20-30 minutes per workout. ³³ Gradually increase your distance and time. ³³ Be sure to warm up (5-10 minutes) before working out. ³³ Cool down, stretching the muscles you use most in your activity.
Flexibility Training ³³ Be sure to include 5-10 minutes of targeted stretching after each workout. ³³ If you have areas of concern, add emphasis to make sure you have a normal range of motion in your joints. ³³ This will become even more important as you add weight and distance to your training.
Physical Training Resources www.BodyResults.com www.YouTube.com: search “strength training core exercises” or “stretching routines” www.alpineinstitute.com/articles/physical-conditioning-for-mountaineering-expeditions/
Putting it all together Basically, a month before your trek you should be comfortable working out and hiking with a day-pack for consecutive days. This is referred to as back-to-back training. This should also involve using your gear, hiking boots, socks, clothes, backpack, so your gear is comfortable, tested, broken-in and ready for your trek. The better fitness and overall shape you are in the more comfortable you will be. You will be mentally confident and better prepared to achieve your goal.
As always, please consult our staff if you have any questions or concerns.
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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is included in the cost of the trip? WWTrek provides all in-country transportation, hotel accommodations as double occupancy rooms, meals, porters, guides, drivers, park fees, and permits applicable to the scheduled itinerary of the trip.
What is NOT included in the cost of the trip? Expenses you are responsible for are: international round-trip airfare, any travel expenses outside the listed itinerary, bottled or alcoholic beverages, excess baggage fees, personal gear, international vaccinations, optional single room supplement, tips and gratuities, additional porter service, lodge services, communication expenses, and charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of WWTrek.
What size group will I be trekking with? Our Machu Picchu Lodges Trek is limited to 12 guests per trip.
How heavy will my pack be? Your daypack will be as heavy as you choose. The daypack will contain the items you need to carry for the day: rain gear, camera, snacks, sun block, and layers for cold or changing conditions. A porter will carry a duffel bag with your personal gear. This should be a waterproof duffel bag no more than 15 kilograms / 35 pounds in weight with the items you need at the lodge. The duffel will not be available during the day between lodges.
How much hiking will we do each day? Hiking times are usually 4-6 hours per day. Our pace is moderate and allows ample time for rest. We take our time, enjoying the fantastic scenery and acclimatize along the way. We allow plenty of time for taking photos. We usually arrive at our night’s lodge by early afternoon so guests have time to get settled in, relax, read or write in journals.
What will the WWTrek staff be like? During your trek you will have a lead guide from WWTrek. Your lead guide will take care of any issues you may have along the way. We will also have local Peruvian English-speaking, professional guides along with us. On our trek, we will use all local porters to carry duffels and equipment and help us with our daily activities.
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What is a typical day like on the trek? Each night before you retire, your guide will brief you on the next day’s agenda. Each morning you will sit down to a fresh breakfast before starting out on the day’s hike. You will carry a daypack while porters and horses will carry the rest of our luggage. Midday during our hike (if we haven’t already made it to our next lodge), we will break and enjoy a fresh trailside lunch. Once we arrive at the next lodge we will check into our rooms and you will have time to enjoy the views, relax in the jacuzzi, read, journal, or take a nap before we rejoin for a group dinner.
What happens if I struggle on the trek or become ill or injured? If you are struggling to complete the hikes, become ill or injured, the option to ride a horse is available each day of the trek. If you incur minor injuries (such as a rolled ankle) you can complete the trek via horseback. In the event of a more serious injury we will decide whether an evacuation is necessary, and if so, you will be evacuated via horseback with an accompanying guide to the nearest medical facility.
What is the protocol for taking pictures in Peru? You will have many opportunities to take photos while on the trek. We encourage you to document your adventure. However, in an effort to be polite and not offend the local people, it is considered a common courtesy to ask before taking a picture. Be particularly sensitive when photographing religious ceremonies or older people. Locals may done traditional costumes and ask for a “propina” (tip) to have their photo taken. This is a source of income for some and one to two Sol would be an appropriate tip.
What are the toilets like? The lodges we stay at have western style flush toilets. Some public restrooms (including Machu Picchu) charge one Sol and give you toilet paper when you enter. Having change and extra toilet paper with you can come in handy.
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Can I wash my clothes? Yes. You will have the opportunity to leave your travel clothes at the hotel in Cusco to be washed while you are trekking. Laundry service will also be available at the lodges on the trek.
How should I dress? Modesty is key when preparing your wardrobe for Peru. Ungroomed travelers may find themselves treated with significantly less courtesy. Generally, looking clean and dressing modestly shows respect – and earns it. Men: Always wear a shirt in public and appropriate length shorts or long trousers. Women: Always wear a conservative top with pants or skirt that hangs to the knees. Shorts are acceptable as long as they are not too short. In general, to avoid unwanted attention try to stray away from tops that show too much skin or are too tight.
Is Peru safe? Travel in Peru is safe. However, we recommend, as always when traveling, it is a good practice to watch your gear carefully in lodges and on the trail. Don’t be too showy with expensive items and always lock your room and baggage.
Can I smoke and drink alcohol? Yes, but we do not recommend it while on the trek. Smoking and drinking slows down the acclimatization process. We want you to be successful on your trek. You will have the opportunity to celebrate your successful trek while on the Hiram Bingham Orient Express train ride back to Cusco.
What sort of documentation will I need? You will need a passport valid for more than 6 months after your trip. Make 2 copies of your passport and leave one at home and bring the other with you to Peru in case of an emergency. Depending on your travel plans, you may also need to show your WHO (World Health Organization) immunization card if you have ever been or are traveling through any countries that require a yellow fever vaccination.
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What should I do if I plan to arrive early or depart late from Peru? If you plan to spend extra time in Peru outside of your scheduled trip with WWTrek, please let us know. You will be responsible for your hotel before and/or after our scheduled itinerary. We can help make reservations for hotels and transportation as well as additional excursions during your extra days in Peru. WWTrek also offers extended adventure packages that can be added on before or after your scheduled trek to Machu Picchu. Please contact our office for pricing and details.
Who will pick me up from the airport? After you purchase your visa, collect your baggage, and clear customs; a WWTrek representative will be outside waiting for you! Please look for the WWTrek logo signboard or your name when you exit customs.
Look for the logo signboard or your name when you exit customs.
How do I handle specific needs or requests I have for my trip? There are many options for additional service and special needs accommodations. Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have or let us know what we can do for you. We want to make sure you are comfortable throughout your trek. The WWTrek team is here to help you in any way we can!
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SUGGESTED READING Thanks to our friends at Traveler’s Bookcase for putting this exclusive list together for us! Contact Traveler’s Bookcase with any literature queries at: Natalie Compagno / Greg Freitas 8375 West Third Street, Los Angeles, Ca. 90048 (323) 655-0575 -- www.travelersbookcase.com
Guidebooks The Machu Picchu Guidebook: A Self-Guided Tour by Ruth Wright, 2004 The ultimate guide to the lost city of the Incas, Ms. Wright has made visiting Machu Picchu her life’s work.
Lonely Planet Peru 8th Ed. The most recent Peru guidebook is also one of the best. Features routes and itineraries as well as restaurants, hotels and cultural information.
DK Eyewitness Peru, 2012 Edition Packed with all the impressive visuals that DK is known for, helpful in selecting other lesser known peaks along the Inca Trail.
Trailblazer: The Inca Trail, Cusco & Machu Picchu, 4th Edition 2011 For those who wish to do the full hike the Trailblazer is indispensable. Loaded with maps and practical info.
Maps Peru - National Geographic Adventure Map Most detailed waterproof, tearproof map to the entire country.
Cuzco Machu Picchu & Southern Map, ITM 4th Ed. Detailed topo info for trekking the Inca Trail.
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Peru Non-Fiction Lima: A Cultural History by James Higgins, Oxford 2004 Vivid history of the underrated capital, once the most important city in all of South America.
Eight Feet in the Andes, Travles with a Mule in Unknown Peru by Dervia Murphy, 2006 Beautiful account of the peoples of the Andes. The author walked the 1300 mile length of the country with her nine year old daughter.
Turn Right at Machu Picchu, by Mark Adams, 2011 Amusing re-creation of Hiram Bingham’s 1911 “discovery”.
Peru Fiction Death in the Andes, by Mario Vargas Llosa Suspenseful political allegory from Peru’s beloved Nobel Prize Winner.
Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter, by Mario Vargas Llosa Vargas Llosa at his most light-hearted, this is his most accessible book.
The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder Wilder’s 1928 Pulitzer Prize winner is an all-time classic set during the colonial period.
The Adventures of Tintin: Prisoners of the Sun Many Tintin fans consider this the best book of the series. Great armchair travel for those who won’t be heading off into the jungle.
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I TREK along serenely, with my eyes, my shoes my rage, forgetting everything.
A NOTE FROM OUR MEDICAL ADVISOR Excited for your adventure with WWTrek? Of course you are! To help you make the most of it, I am providing some basic health information, including tips on maintaining wellness. Above all, you should ensure that you are capable of performing the physical activity planned for your trip; if you have chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease, clearance for participation by your doctor is a must. As you look over the list below, you’ll see a number of recommended medications and vaccinations. While most are relatively simple to obtain from your primary care physician some may require a visit to your local travel medicine clinic. Unsure where to go? The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene provides an online list of private physicians and clinics who offer pre-travel consultative services. Alternatively, you can search the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for clinics in your area that provide yellow fever vaccination. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or medical concerns surrounding trekking and travel. I am happy to help. Here’s to a safe and healthy voyage!
Phillip Levy, MD, MPH Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University Medical Advisor, World Wide Trekking
plevy@med.wayne.edu
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Staying Healthy While the WWTrek team of guides will be equipped to handle medical emergencies, the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” always rings true. With that in mind, following is a list of tips to stay healthy as well as a list of recommended prophylaxis (preventative medicines).
Minimizing your Exposure to Potential Illness ³³ Avoid eating potentially contaminated foods. ³³ Don’t buy food from street vendors! ³³ Approach salads with caution, especially if at a “locals” restaurant. ³³ Stay away from pre-peeled or sliced fruit – try to eat only those fruits with a “natural” wrapper. ³³ Avoid consumption of potentially contaminated water. ³³ Use bottled water to brush your teeth. ³³ Don’t drink tap or unfiltered water at restaurants and ask for your drinks to be served without ice. ³³ Don’t swish or swallow shower water. ³³ Let your trip leader know immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms, especially fever or headache!
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Vaccines | Preventative Medicines We recommend you visit your local travel clinic to receive proper vaccinations for Peru.
Recommended Medications We recommend you bring a few medications with you in case you should need them, as they are difficult to find abroad.
• Cipro or Zithromax • Immodium • Diamox 250mg tablets • Throat Lozenges • Aspirin or Ibuprofen
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JET LAG TIPS What is Jet Lag? In simple terms, jet lag is a disruption of your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. This clock sets your sleeping and waking times. It is complex and sensitive. Although you will most likely not be crossing many time zones for your trip to Peru, it is always better to prepare your body for your adventure to make the most of your adventure.
Common Jet Lag Symptoms ³³ Headache ³³ Disorientation ³³ Anxiety ³³ Exhaustion ³³ Indigestion ³³ Dehydration ³³ Impaired Coordination
None of these are much fun, especially while traveling and trying to get the most out of your adventure. Without taking steps to avoid jet lag, your body will adjust to time zone changes at a rate of ONE hour per day. That means if you flew across seven time zones, it would take seven days to be rid of your jet lag symptoms. The best way to avoid jet lag is to be proactive when you prepare to depart, travel, and arrive in a far away place. Even if you are not crossing time zones while you travel, by following these simple tips you will arrive at your destination rested and ready for adventure!
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Before You Leave Home ³³ Get plenty of sleep: NASA found that getting as much rest as possible beginning two days before your trip can
significantly reduce jet lag symptoms. ³³ Reduce your stress: Plan ahead and prepare for your trip so you’re not running around stressed-out and getting
ready at the last minute. ³³ Exercise: Get regular exercise and keep up that routine just before you travel. ³³ Hydrate: Drink plenty of water prior to your departure.
In flight ³³ Arrive early at the airport: Not rushing to make your flight will
reduce stress. ³³ Change your watch: Begin to adjust to the new time zone and
schedule by setting your watch to your destination’s time, eat and sleep accordingly. ³³ Rest: Sleep as much as you can on the plane. ³³ Travel Pillows: Use the pillow provided from the plane to support
your lower back. Also bring an inflatable (packs small) pillow that wraps around your neck to stabilize your head for better rest ³³ Noise Canceling Headphones / foam earplugs: So you can control
the noise level around you.
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³³ Wear comfortable clothing: Bring an extra warm layer so you can sleep better. ³³ Drink plenty of water: The humidity on an airplane is around 2-3%. That’s like being in the desert! ³³ Stretch frequently: Aisle seats are best if you’ll be getting up to stretch often. ³³ Manage Caffeine / Alcohol Intake: Both caffeine and alcohol dehydrate you and will slow down your circadian
rhythm, or internal clock. ³³ Don’t take sleeping pills: Sleeping pills cause you to sleep without any body movement. This reduces circulation
and increases the chance of blood clotting.
Arriving at your destination...Enjoy your trek! ³³ Eat: Try to eat on the new schedule. ³³ Drink: Continue to drink plenty of water. ³³ Sleep: Sleep on the new schedule. If you are flying eastbound you often arrive in the morning, making it harder
to stay up the entire day. Try to tough it out. If you sleep well on the plane you should be able to stay up until night time. If you need a nap, limit it to 45 minutes. If you are flying westbound, most schedules will have you arriving later in the day, making it easier to stay up until nighttime and sleep the entire night.
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ALTITUDE ACCLIMATIZATION Please note this section is meant to inform you of the possible altitude related illnesses you could experience while on your trek. It is extremely rare that any of our guests need medical attention, but please keep us informed as to how you feel throughout your adventure so we may pace our trek accordingly and help you achieve your goals. We encourage you to speak with us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the potential risks of high altitude trekking.
What is altitude sickness? Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a condition that occurs when the body fails to adapt quickly to the reduced levels of oxygen at increased altitudes. Decreased levels of oxygen can affect individuals as low as 8,000 feet (especially if you live at or near sea level), but more serious symptoms do not usually occur until 12,000 feet or higher. Altitude alone does not determine if someone will suffer from symptoms of AMS, rather the rate of ascension, degree of exertion, and hydration play a larger role in susceptibility. There are no specific individual factors (age, sex, or physical condition) that determine whether someone is more likely to suffer from AMS. At WWTrek, we have factored acclimatization time into our trekking schedule. Acclimatization is the process of letting your body naturally adapt to the altitude. It is done by gradually increasing altitude throughout the trek as a whole, while going up and down in altitude day to day. The pace and schedule allow enough time for the body to rest and adjust each night to the increased altitude.
What are the symptoms of AMS? Mild AMS
³³ Headache ³³ Nausea and dizziness ³³ Loss of appetite ³³ Fatigue ³³ Shortness of breath ³³ Rapid pulse ³³ Disturbed sleep ³³ A general feeling of malaise
Moderate AMS ³³ Severe headache that is
not relieved by medication
Severe AMS ³³ Gray or pale complexion ³³ Chest tightness or congestion
³³ Nausea and vomiting
³³ Cough
³³ Increased weakness
³³ Coughing up blood or white,
and fatigue ³³ Shortness of breath ³³ Decreased coordination
watery, or frothy fluids ³³ Decreased mental state;
confusion ³³ Cannot walk straight or
walk at all ³³ Shortness of breath at rest ³³ Fluid build up in the lungs ³³ Blue color to the skin (cyanosis) WWTREK.COM
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How serious can AMS be? Acute mountain sickness can be life-threatening if proper acclimatization if not allowed. If mild symptoms are not noted and treated accordingly, more serious conditions can occur. Symptoms will usually present themselves within 12 to 24 hours after arrival at altitude. The body will naturally adjust to the new levels of oxygen within one to three days for any given altitude.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) results from fluid buildup in the lungs which inhibits the effective exchange of oxygen in the blood stream. As oxygen in the blood stream decreases, the skin of the affected individual will experience cyanosis (bluish skin) and potentially, if untreated, impaired cerebral function or death. In such instances, the affected individual must immediately descend by at least 2,000 feet and pursue proper followup treatment.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is the result of swelling brain tissue from fluid leakage. Symptoms of HACE include: headache, weakness, disorientation, loss of coordination, decreasing levels of consciousness, memory loss, hallucinations or psychotic behavior, and coma. Immediate evacuation to a medical facility is a must as this condition is rapidly fatal.
What will happen if I present symptoms of AMS? WWTrek guides are experienced in identifying and treating altitude sickness. We will constantly monitor your wellbeing on the climb by watching you and speaking with you. It is important that you be open and honest with your guide. If you do not feel well, do not say you feel fine or try to mask your symptoms. Only with accurate information can your guide best treat you. In some cases, you may be asked to temporarily descend to a lower altitude to see if the altitude sickness subsides, and if it does, you may continue your climb. Of course, there is always the chance that you will have to abandon your climb. In these situations, the guide will tell you to descend. It is not a request, but an order. Do not try to convince him or her with words, threats or money to continue your climb. The guide wants you to succeed on your climb, but will not jeopardize your health. Respect the decision of the guide.
How can I help prevent AMS and properly acclimatize? Before your trek, try to train in high-altitude areas if possible. Prepare your body by staying well fed and hydrated before and throughout your trek. You should be drinking 4-5 liters of water daily. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressants, especially sleeping pills, so respiratory drive during sleep is not altered. During your trek, focus on your breathing, taking deep, slow, and deliberate breaths. Your guide will be telling you “pole, pole” (“slowly, slowly”) throughout your climb, reminding you to ascend slowly and without over exerting yourself.
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Is there any medicine to treat or prevent symptoms of AMS? We encourage our guests to speak to their health care provider about Diamox (Acetazolamide). Diamox is an F.D.A. approved drug for the prevention and treatment of AMS. The medication acidifies the blood, which causes an increase in respiration, thus accelerating acclimatization. Diamox does not disguise symptoms of altitude sickness, it prevents them. Studies have shown that Diamox at a dose of 250 mg every eight to twelve hours before and during rapid ascent to altitude results in fewer and/or less severe symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). The medicine should be continued until you are below the altitude where symptoms became bothersome. Side effects of Diamox include: tingling or numbness in the fingers, toes and face, taste alterations, excessive urination; and rarely, blurring of vision. These go away when the medicine is stopped. It is a personal choice of the climber whether or not to take Diamox as a preventative measure against AMS. Bottled oxygen will be carried by the WWTrek team. Each oxygen canister can provide a continuous flow of oxygen for a maximum of four hours. It is used only in emergency situations. It is NOT used to assist guests who have not adequately acclimatized on their own to climb higher. The most immediate treatment for moderate and serious altitude sickness is descent. Therefore, oxygen is used strictly to treat a stricken trekker, when necessary and in conjunction with descent, with moderate and severe altitude sickness.
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Many of our World Wide Trekking members find that their association with HOP is one of the highlights of their travel experience.
HUMAN OUTREACH PROJECT Part of our mission at WWTrek is to give back to the wonderful places we visit. The Human Outreach Project (HOP) is our way of giving back. HOP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded by private donations. HOP collects, transports, and distributes medical, dental, clothing and school supplies to areas in need on every WWTrek trip. We encourage our members to take part in HOP on their trip; however, participation is not a mandatory part of the itinerary. Prior to your trip, HOP will collect donated supplies to be distributed by guests of WWTrek during your adventure. If you would like to participate in the collecting of supplies to be donated, please contact our office for a list of appropriate items.
Human Outreach Project in Peru
Peru: HOP supports the Hogar Clinicia San Juan de Dios and the Casa Mantay with needed medical supplies, although money is most needed for these charities.
Human Outreach Project World Wide
Student Leadership Program: WWTrek hosts special treks focusing on student leadership and service projects with college-aged participants.
Nepal: HOP donates supplies to the Namche Dental Clinic, Himalayan Children’s Foundation, and to the education
fund for Ang Pasang Sherpa’s three surviving children. (Dean’s friend who helped him summit Mount Everest in 2005 but was killed in an avalanche one month later.)
Tanzania Orphanage: Our largest project to date has been the construction of an orphanage in Africa. We are
proud to announce that the staff and children have now moved in to our Kilimanjaro Kids Community!
How to Help HOP ³³ Make a tax-deductible contribution to HOP at www.HumanOutreachProject.org. ³³ Join us on an adventure and experience the thrill of adventure travel and give back.
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Kilimanjaro Kids Community Kilimanjaro Kids Community (KKC), our four-acre orphanage officially opened in May of 2012. The orphanage currently cares for 13 children. With the help of two “mamas� (social workers), a grounds-keeper, a cook, and a guard, the children are provided three meals a day, housing, and an education. It is the goal of HOP to impact the lives of these children in such a manner that they will become successful, contributing members of their communities. The next phase of the Kilimanjaro Kids Community will include adding a shelter for dairy cows, chicken coop, more garden capabilities to provide food, and the addition of a separate girls dorm. We still need a lot of funding to make this next phase a reality, so all donations are very much appreciated!
HOP KILIMANJARO KIDS COMMUNITY
TANZANIA, AFRICA
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I dream of TREKKING into my old age.
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST We are looking forward to trekking with you! If you have any questions regarding preparation for your trip or itinerary details, please contact us directly. Telephone: 801.943.0264 | Email: info@WWTrek.com
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Send the WWTrek office a copy of your flight itinerary. Email info@WWTrek.com. Make two photocopies of your passport and other documents. Leave one with a contact person at home. Have all personal medications and prescriptions secure in your carry-on. Carry your passport and items that you need to show at customs separate from your money. Carry-on hard to replace items when you fly: boots, down jacket, rain gear, prescriptions, camera. If you have any questions about the trip please give us a call or send us an email.
Thank you for choosing World Wide Trekking! Dean & WWTrek Team
PERSONAL CHECKLIST ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨ ¨¨
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IMPORTANT AND PERSONAL INFORMATION Name as on Passport: Passport Number:
Emergency Contact:
Travel agent contact info:
Flight Information:
Important Phone #’s:
Email Login and Password: Skype log in and password:
American Embassy - Peru
World Wide Trekking
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n Surco, Lima 33, Peru
7938 South 3500 East B-100 Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
Telephone: (51-1) 618-2000 Fax: (51-1) 618-2397
Tel: 801.943.0264 info@wwtrek.com
http://lima.usembassy.gov/
WWTrek.com
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WWTrek Terms & Conditions: Air Transportation: International airfares are not included in program pricing. WWTrek has expert travel agent recommendations that can help you with all of your travel arrangements. Please ask us for a list of our preferred travel agents. Itineraries: Accommodations including lodging, domestic flights, trains, vehicles and sightseeing are subject to change at anytime due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond World Wide Trekking’s control. Every effort will be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations may occur after final itinerary has been issued. Special Requests: Special requests such as connecting or adjacent rooms, bedding requests, dietary needs should be advised at time of booking. We will make every effort to accommodate your special request. Early Arrival: Many guests prefer to arrive before the scheduled itinerary. We can help make early arrival arrangements additional charges for early arrival; transportation, lodging, meals and activities will apply. Arrival & Check-in: We will suggest an exact flight arrival for many of our group trek destinations. Airport transportation will be provided. Many of our hotels allow check in to take place in the mid-afternoon. Should you wish to have a guaranteed room ready or early arrival arrangements it can be arranged. Please ask WWTrek for details and prices. Rooms: All prices are quoted on double room occupancy. If you are trekking alone, and we cannot provide a roommate for you, an additional charge for single room supplement will be applied. Baggage: WWTrek provides handling of two pieces of luggage per person. Weight restrictions on some routes, internal / domestic flights may apply. We can also arrange baggage storage during most trips. Details will be in your trek welcome packet information. Photography during the trip: WWTrek reserves the right to take photographs during your travel to be used for promotional purposes. Program members who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves at the beginning of their program. Guest Count: In the event that a signature trek (i.e. not customized to a small group or pre-decided number) does not fill to capacity (8 or more guests), WWTrek reserves the right to use only a local operations manager and/or guide to lead the trip and will not be required to send a WWTrek Western guide. If guests prefer to have a Western guide lead the trip, they may choose to cancel their trip and use trip insurance for a refund or pay a premium for WWTrek to send a Western guide on the trip. Emergency Evacuation: In the event of a medical emergency, immediate evacuation may be necessary. WWTrek will not be responsible for medical expenses or expenses incurred to evacuate a guest using whatever means necessary for guest safety. WWTrek also strongly recommends purchasing a Global Rescue plan. The membership covers you for evacuation due to medical emergencies — including a flight rescue directly at the point of emergency and a return flight to your home hospital if possible / necessary. Global Rescue does not cover medical expenses, so WWTrek also advises to check with your insurance provider for coverage policies out of the country and on high altitude treks. Contact us to learn more about purchasing a Global Rescue membership, or visit globalrescue.com/wwtrek. Guest Cancellation: Trip Deposits are non-refundable. Once the full trip payment has been made to WWTrek, the following refund rules apply based on departure date (minus the deposit): • 120+ days prior to departure: guest will be refunded in full. • 90–119 days prior to departure: guest can be refunded 50% of the amount paid. • 89 days or less to time of departure: guest will be charged 100% of the price, regardless of the circumstances of cancellation. WWTrek strongly recommends purchasing a travel insurance policy to cover trip cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. Often, plans can be purchased that cover the trip’s entire cost in the event of a cancellation for any reason. WWTrek guests are responsible for researching, purchasing, and collecting funds from any travel insurance plan. Visit travelguard.com to get a quote and find out more about plan options. WWTrek Trip Cancellation: World Wide Trekking reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to the departure date for any reason, including but not limited to guest count, forces of nature, and acts of man. In such an event, all monies collected by WWTrek from guests for that trip shall be promptly refunded. World Wide Trekking is not responsible for expenses (e.g. non-refundable airline tickets, visa fees, equipment, etc.) incurred by trip members in preparing for a canceled trip, regardless of cancellation reason, or for any additional expenses should the trip members have embarked or returned prior to or after any scheduled date. WWTrek is not responsible for any expenses incurred due to any deviation from the schedule undertaken by the choice of the guest. WWTrek alone reserves the right to cancel, or postpone any trip due to acts of man (e.g. war, terrorism, etc,) or forces of nature beyond the control of World Wide Trekking.
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WWTREK LEADERS DEAN CARDINALE
FOUNDER | LEAD GUIDE
Contact: DEAN Phone: 801.230.9089 Email: dean@wwtrek.com
Dean Cardinale is an avid mountain climber, outdoors enthusiast, and adventure lover. Founder of World Wide Trekking and President and Founder of Human Outreach Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, he has climbed and led expeditions to North America, Central America, Africa, Europe, South America, and the Himalayas, including summiting Mt. Everest in 2005. Dean is the former president of Wasatch Backcountry Rescue and U.S. representative to the International Commission of Alpine Rescue (IKAR), where he served for over a decade. Dean is an avalanche instructor with the American Avalanche Association and an avalanche forecaster for Snowbird Ski Resort. He is also a level-III certified U.S. Sailing Captain. Dean recently authored the book, Inspired – Lessons Learned from a Life of Adventure. Dean has taught and guided people of all ages and professions, and is well known for his professional ethics and conduct evident in all of his pursuits. He has a longstanding record of leadership, program development, and community service. Dean lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife, Alison, and their three dogs—Cruizer, Marty, and Spike.
BRYAN WILBERT QUISPE
PERU OPERATIONS MANAGER | GUIDE
Bryan was born in a colonial town just outside Cusco. Bryan learned many things from his family, who are descendants of the Inca extended family (panaka tumibamba). They loved leading people to all tourist attractions and were avid hikers and trekkers, even in the most remote places, unknown by other tour guides. As the Peru Operations Manager for WWTrek, Bryan’s specialty is to provide personalized service with a depth of knowledge of the flora, wildlife, traditions, language, and routes in Peru.
ED CHAUNER
GUIDE | ADVENTURE TRAVEL SPECIALIST
Ed has taught skiing at Snowbird for three decades and is the most requested private instructor at the resort. He is the only instructor who also serves on ski patrol. He is certified by American Avalanche Association and in Outdoor Emergency Care; he also is a Wilderness First Responder. Ed is an experienced leader who has traveled to over 40 countries, trekked in the Spanish Pyrenees, Austrian Alps, and Italian Dolomites, and summited Kilimanjaro multiple times.
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PATRICK REDDISH
GUIDE | ADVENTURE TRAVEL SPECIALIST
Patrick grew up in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. Skiing and climbing at an early age led the way to expeditions as both a climber and guide in Alaska, Greenland, the Alps, the Andes, the Himalayas, and Patagonia. His passion for travel and adventure led to a second career in filmmaking and photography. Patrick works as a heli-ski guide for Wasatch Powderbird Guides and guides many trips for World Wide Trekking.
BRIAN MULLER
GUIDE | ADVENTURE TRAVEL SPECIALIST
Brian is originally from New Jersey where he grew up ski racing. He moved to Utah to attend Westminster College in 2008, and initially got into guiding through backcountry skiing. In the winters, Brian works as a ski patroller for Snowbird Ski Resort, and as a ski guide/avalanche course instructor for Utah Mountain Adventures. Brian spends the rest of his year guiding in the North Cascades, in Alaska on Denali, and internationally on Kilimanjaro and in Nepal. Brian is also certified by the American Avalanche Association and has his Outdoor Emergency Care certification.
SETH ORTON
GUIDE | ADVENTURE TRAVEL SPECIALIST
At an early age, Seth’s parents put him on a pair of skis, and the rest is history. Now Seth spends his winters ski patrolling at Snowbird and guiding for their sno-cat skiing operation. Seth has guided in Utah, Idaho, and Argentina. He recently graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Adventure Outdoor Programming and loves putting his education to use. He is certified by the American Avalanche Association, is a Wilderness First Responder, High-Angle Rescue Technician, and an EMT. He is also a licensed Utah river guide and is certified in Emergency Outdoor Care.
SPENCER STORM
GUIDE | ADVENTURE TRAVEL SPECIALIST
Spence spent his childhood skiing and climbing. He is a nationally registered Paramedic (NREMT-P) as well as an Outdoor Emergency Care Instructor and Instructor trainer. He is a member of and instructor for the American Avalanche Association. He teaches and instructs at the college level, developing curriculums for outdoor education and leadership courses. Spence lives in Little Cottonwood Canyon and works as lead guide for Snowbird’s Snowcat skiing outfit and guides helicopter skiing in Utah’s Wasatch and Alaska’s Chugach mountains.
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www.WWTrek.com | info@wwtrek.com | 801.943.0264