Choquequirao and Machu Picchu 2011

PERU
Choquequirao
and Machu Picchu
• The dramatic Apurimac canyon
• Choquequiraoa- the ‘Lost’ Inca Citadel
• Rarely used Inca Trails across the Cordillera Vilcabamba
Guided Group Departures
Tour Grade – C
Tour Code - TLAR
For dates and prices visit: www.walksworldwide.com
Group Size:- Min 4
Max 16
Introduction
More extensive and even more dramatically located than legendary Machu Picchu, the Inca fortress of
Choquequirao is amazingly well-preserved. Occupying a strategic position some 1700m above the
roaring Apurimac River, more of the “Cradle of Gold” is being uncovered. Unlike Machu Picchu,
Choquequirao has yet to be invaded by the hordes as it’s a tough trek to reach it and thoroughly
warrants a full day to explore. This outstanding trek then continues across the rugged Cordillera
Vilcabamba by way of an Inca trail, with impressive of views of giant snow-covered Andean summits
into a land inhabited by the traditional Quechua. This dramatic and challenging trek naturally
culminates with a full day at Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco. We predict this trek will become
the “Ultimate Inca Trail”.
main baggage by truck, set up camp and
provide culinary delights throughout the
The Holiday
trekking days. You will also have a mule and
Routine During the trek your main baggage is
muleteer for a few days.
transported by mule (please only bring the
items you will need on trek. The rest can be
What you need to provide Your personal
left at your hotel in Cusco) and you’ll walk each
equipment as detailed in the clothing and
day along trails to your next camp, in the
equipment list later in this trip dossier. A 3-4
company of your friendly guide. Usually you’ll
season sleeping bag is required.
take an early breakfast at your campsite and
the trek team will pack up after your departure
Ecological considerations We believe that
and your main baggage will travel ahead to
we are one of the most ecologically aware tour
your next overnight halt by mule. You’ll walk
operators in Peru. We ask for your full
for a 3-4 hours in the morning, then stop for
consideration and co-operation concerning all
lunch, a scenic picnic, then continue your trek
ecological matters, especially in the disposal of
for a further 3-4 hrs in the afternoon and reach
rubbish. Disposal of plastic mineral water
your next camp in the late afternoon. Plenty of
bottles is especially of concern in the Andes. If
time is built into the schedule to take sufficient
you have any suggestions for improvements,
breaks, photo opportunities and take in all the
please let our local staff know and inform us at
scenery along the way. Dinner will be prepared
Walks Worldwide on your return. It is with the
for you at camp.
tourists, the locals and the tour operators' cooperation that we can ensure that our tours are
Walking conditions
as eco-friendly as possible. Please also heed
Underfoot the trekking conditions on the trip
the golden rule of ‘pack it in, pack it out’;
are usually straightforward. For most of the
everything that you take in or use on the trail
trek, you are walking through valleys and over
MUST be carried out & disposed of or recycled
mountain passes on good mountain trails
responsibly once back in civilisation.
paths and stone pavements. There are several
sections involving sustained ascent and
Itinerary
descent of steep-sided valleys and the
IMPORTANT-Due to the specialist nature of our
occasional river crossing too. Snow can be
holidays, day to day itineraries should be taken as a
encountered on the crossing of the highest
guide only, and as statements of intent and not
passes. A good level of fitness and staimina is
contractual obligations. We regularly update our trip
dossiers to take into account changes to trekking
essential for this short, but demanding trek.
routes, accommodation, local transport etc. Such
You should ensure you are capable of walking
changes are a factor of this type of holiday and when
at least 8hrs per day consecutively in
made are out of necessity. Other factors such as
mountainous terrain. Approximately 5000m of
adverse weather, unforeseen circumstances and other
matters entirely out of our control etc can also lead to
ascent and descent is accumulated during the
enforced changes during the course of the holiday. It
course of this trek. As your main baggage is
is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays
carried for you, you will only need to carry your
will operate exactly as per the anticipated itinerary.
regular daypack during the day.
The most current trip dossier will be made available
on our website. We will also send you the most up to
A full explanation of the trip grading can be
date trip dossier with your “Final Joining Instructions”
found online at www.walksworldwide.com. You
approx. 2 weeks before departure and you should
should ensure you are comfortable walking at
carefully check this for any changes that may affect
this level of grading and are physically
your plans. We also recommend you read the “Useful
Information” section on our website and in our current
prepared for the trip.
brochure.
Walk staff You will be accompanied by a
friendly professional English-speaking guide
on trek, as well as a trek team to transport your
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Outline Itinerary
Day
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Your 'at-a-glance' Itinerary
Overnight
Depart UK
Arrive Cusco (via Lima). PM: walking tour of Cusco.
Cusco
Drive to Cachora via Inca ruins at Tarawasi
Cachora
Trek down into the Apurimac canyon and ascend to Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa
A challenging ascent to almost reach Choquequirao, the "Cradle of Gold" nrChoquequirao
A full day to explore magnificent Chquequirao
nrChoquequirao
Up and down and up again to Maizal
Maizal
Over the Abra San Juan pass to Yanama
Yanama
Views of Sacsayraoc en route to Totora
Totora
Changing scenery as you trek to Lucmabamba
Lucmabamba
Trek an ancient Inca Trail to Llactapata then train to Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes
Visit & free time at Machu Picchu. Train and bus to Cusco
Cusco
Free day in Cusco
Cusco
Depart Cusco
Arrive UK
Accn.
Hotel
Camp
Camp
Camp
Camp
Camp
Camp
Camp
Camp
Hotel
Hotel
Hotel
B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner.
You may be joined by clients from other tour operators on this trek
This trip supports the "One Percent for the Planet"
foundation. This has meant that in conjunction with
the NGO body ECOANPERU already over 65,000
native trees have been replanted in the region since
2007.
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Meal plan
BLD
BLD
BLD
BLD
BLD
BLD
BLD
BLD
BL
B
B
B
Day 1
Depart UK
snowy peaks of the Andes. Altitude at camp
2,900m
Camp, Cachora
Day 2
Arrive Cusco. Rendezvous at the group hotel
in Cusco. A single timed group transfer will be
provided from Cusco Airport to the group hotel
in
downtown
Cusco
(see
Joining
Arrangements and Transfers section later in
this trip dossier). The afternoon will be spent
enjoying a walking tour of the city, followed by
an all important briefing. Beautiful Cusco lies
nestled amongst the magnificence of the
Andes at a lofty 3326 metres above sea level,
so it makes the perfect base to acclimatise
before you start your trek. It’s cobbled streets,
religious and colonial architectural splendours
coupled with it’s traditions deeply embedded
into the Quechua-speaking descendants of the
Incas, it’s rich colours and clear, rarified air
makes Cusco one of the continents most
thrilling destinations.
Hotel, Cusco
Day 4
Straight in at the deep end with a tough and
challenging day to start. After a short walk to
Capuyiloc, we get our first sight of the
Apurimac River far below. In fact it’s about
1600m below as you’ll find out, as we now
descend all the way to the valley floor. Before
descending too far, Choquequirao itself is
visible higher up on the opposite side of the
canyon. Not too far as the crow flies, but with
the descent and subsequent ascent still a good
day and a half walk away. Descending ever
further on a steep, switchback mountain trail
we’ll no doubt notice the temperature rising as
we reach lower elevations. We’ll cross the
Apurimac by means of a small, bridge and
must then begin to ascend. It’s a tough 600m
climb to reach camp at Santa Rosa, however
the grandiose scenery affords a suitable
distraction from the exertions of today. Altitude
at camp 2100m
Walking time: approx. 8+ hours.
Ascent: 700m Descent: 1620m
Camp, Santa Rosa
Day 3
The day begins with an early morning transfer
overland that affords views of Andean giants
such as Salkantay with a halt to visit the Inca
ruins at Tarawasi. There’ll also be a visit to the
incredible Inca carved boulder at Sahuite too.
Leaving the main road, a dirt road enables us
to arrive at the delightful village of Cachora,
spectacularly located above the Apurimac
River canyon. Camp will be set up just below
the village, with good views across to the
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Day 5
Today is all ascent ( almost 1000m of it) as we
climb up to our camping area on an area of
terraced fields within sight of Choquequirao
itself. We’ll make an early start to avoid
ascending the continuously steep zig-zagging
trail in the heat of the day and should arrive at
our camp site beneath the magnificent site of
Choquequirao around lunch time. The rest of
the day is free to relax (you’ll probably need it),
although there is the option of visiting
Choquequirao if you can’t wait until tomorrow.
Altitude at camp 2950m
Walking time: approx. 5 hours.
Ascent: 900m
Camp, nr Choquequirao
including: the stone-work is that of en-slaved
Chachapoyans from the North – they were
supposedly more than happy to burn and leave
the site on the downfall of the Incas. Another is
that it would have been used a main highway
look-out by the last Incas during their thirty
year exiled rule in Vilcabamba: this Inca road
would have connected Vilcabamba to the
Central Highlands whilst by-passing the
Spanish in Cusco. We return to base camp
below to ponder our own theories for the
evening.
Altitude at camp 2950m
Camp, nr Choquequirao
Day 6
After the exertions of the last two days, a spot
of afternoon resting yesterday should hopefully
result in a better appreciation of the
magnificence of our surroundings. Almost
1700m above the roaring Apurimac River and
views to the north of the snow-capped Andean
peaks, the location of Choquequirao is breathtaking. There is an enormous curving bank of
fine terracing, a chain of ritual baths and a
central plaza surrounded by fine ceremonial
and high status residential architecture.
Day 7
This is probably the most challenging day of
the entire trek as we bid farewell to
Choquequirao. A short climb of around 400m
is then followed by a descent of around
1400m. Along the way we can make a stop to
visit the Picha Unuyoc (water shrine) ruins.
We’re now descending into the Rio Blanco
Canyon and once again as we descend we’ll
notice a rise in temperature. It’s a good idea to
wear long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt
today (or carry both with you for use) as the
Rio Blanco is notorious for pumahuacachi, a
biting sand fly. The fly’s local name translates
as “makes the puma cry”, so if you’re not
properly covered up they make you cry too.
From the canyon floor a thigh-busting 1200m
ascent follows to reach camp at Maizal, where
Large areas still remain covered in the thick
cloud forest giving an insight into how the first
explorer’s felt arriving at this deserted city. Its
purpose is also still largely unclear as the
largest of the outlying sites it is unmentioned in
the chronicles and remained uncharted until
the 18th century. There are several theories
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we’re sure upon arriving here you’ll agree that
this is the toughest day of the trek.
Altitude at camp approx 3000m.
Walking time approx 9hrs. Ascent 1600m,
descent 1400m.
Camp, Maizal
Day 10
All in all, around 2000m of altitude is lost today
as you initially descend into the valley of the
Rio Santa Teresa, to then follow the rivers
course for several hours. It will all appear a bit
different from the last few days spent at higher
elevations in the mountains and waterfalls,
birds and semi-tropical vegetation provide
contrast and interest. Although our journey is
not yet complete our camp by the village of
Lucmabamba is close to a shop that sells beer
(and soft drinks too) may be cause for an early
celebration.
Altitude at camp approx 1800m.
Walking time approx 8hrs. Ascent 150m,
descent 2000m.
Camp, Lucmabamba
Day 8
A great day of trekking to look forward to, with
the now usual early start as we ascend to the
Abra San Juan Pass (approx 4200m). On clear
days the views from the pass are sensational
with peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba
including Sacsarayoc on display. En route to
the pass the not too long ago discovered ruins
of Corihuayrachina can be seen, as well as an
old silver mine reputed to have not been
operable for over a thousand years. From the
pass we then descend along a high mountain
trail and a sharp eye should be kept out for the
Andean Condor. Camp is set up at the village
of Yanama.
Altitude at camp approx 3500m.
Walking time approx 7hrs. Ascent 1200m,
descent 800m.
Camp, Yanama
Day 11
Trekking through lush coffee and tropical fruit
plantations gives way to pristine cloud forest
as we follow another ancient Inca Trail to
Llactapata, another Inca site only now being
excavated. Eventually Mach Picchu comes into
sight and from our Inca Trail, we get a view
quite different and lesser seen as we approach
from the back of the citadel. We then descend
into the Urubamba Valley and make short, but
spectacular train journey to Aguas Calientes,
these days known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Tonight is spent in a comfortable hotel and we
Day 9
Today’s walk is the high point (altitude wise
anyway) as we trek up the Yanama Valley
along more ancient trails of the Inca and head
for the Totora Pass (4600m). Again we can
look forward to spectacular views of
Sacsarayoc. We continue and descend to
camp close the village of Totora.
Altitude at camp approx 3700m.
Walking time approx 7-8hrs. Ascent 1100m,
descent 900m.
Camp, Totora
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Day 15
Arrive UK
can enjoy the luxury of a hot shower before
heading out into town to dine.
Walking time approx 8hrs. Ascent 250m,
descent 900m.
Hotel, Aguas Calientes
PERU EXTENSIONS
If you would like to extend your holiday to Peru
we can arrange a variety of standard
extensions, such as rafting or canoeing on the
Urubamba river, an excursion to Lake Titicaca,
a visit to the Amazon Rainforest, Colca
Canyon or the Nazca Lines. Other options
include a day (or longer) mountain biking in the
Andes or horse-riding. Prices are dependent
upon the number of participants and duration.
Please
contact
us
or
visit
www.walksworldwide.com for further details.
Practical Information
Passports and Visas
British nationals do not need a visa for Peru.
You will also need a valid passport with at
least 6 months remaining validity.
Accommodation will be reserved for you on a
twin share basis for nights in hotels and whilst
camping. Single rooms and single tents can be
arranged at extra costs, subject to availability
and must be requested in advance. In Cusco
and Aguas Calientes you will be staying in a 3*
hotel, with en suite facilities. On trek you will
stay in spacious two-person tents. Toilet tents
will be provided at each camp. Bowls of hot
water are supplied each morning and night for
washing yourself whilst on trek.
Day 12
We should make a very early start to get to
Machu Picchu before the hordes arrive. We
can ride up by bus, or if you have any energy
left you can walk up! We’ll then have a guided
tour of this now world-famous site, and if
possible climb Huayna Picchu too. You’ll have
plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and
explore at your leisure too before we leave on
the afternoon train to the Sacred valley of the
Incas and our waiting bus to return us to
Cusco. If you’ve anything left in reserve then a
night out on the town in Cusco is de rigeur.
Hotel,Cusco
Food
In Cusco there is an abundance of great
places for eating out to choose from, serving
both delicious local and International cuisine to
suit a broad range of tastes and budgets.
Whilst on trek your crew will serve first class
meals at the beginning and end of the day and
tasty picnics will be provided for lunch taken at
suitably picturesque spots along the route. If
you have specific favourite snacks you like to
eat whilst hiking, please bring those with you
from home or buy in Cusco prior to departure.
You will be provided with hot drinks in the
morning and evening. Likely you will be sipping
Coca Tea along with the locals. This hot tea is
excellent for combating the effects of altitude.
Day 13
Today is a free day for you to explore and
enjoy Cusco at your leisure.
Hotel,Cusco
Day 14
A single timed group transfer
back to Cusco Airport
Arrangements and Transfers
this trip dossier) for the flight
via Lima.
Climate
It is of course impossible to predict the precise
weather conditions you will encounter during
the course of your holiday. You can trek in the
Andes most of the year. April to October are
the driest months, most conducive for trekking.
November and December are a little wetter but
will be provided
(see Joining
section later in
back to the UK
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Responsible Tourism
Acting responsibly in the way that we operate
our holidays is very important to us at Walks
Worldwide. In recognition of our Responsible
Tourism values and practices, we have been
awarded 4-star status in AITO’s Responsible
Tourism scheme. We would also request that
as a client you endeavour to take part in any of
our holidays with a positive attitude to
Responsible Tourism and travel in a socially
responsible manner. Many of our holidays
travel to ecologically and culturally sensitive
areas, where it is important to minimise any
negative impact. We would especially
recommend that before you start your chosen
holiday you take the time to learn more about
the country you are visiting, especially with
regard to local culture, religion, customs,
taboo’s, acceptable modes of dress etc. Bradt,
Lonely Planet and Rough Guide publications
are an excellent resource for this and much
more too. We are of course always happy to
help and advise with regard to the country you
are visiting.
usually warmer. Whilst on trek you can expect
temperatures to drop to below freezing at
night. Mountains are notorious for creating
their own, localised weather conditions, so you
should always be prepared for inclement
weather conditions. For climate statistics visit
www.worldweather.org/.
Roughly speaking temperatures decrease by
approx. 1ºC for every 200 metre increase in
altitude.
Altitude
This trek involves going to reasonably high
altitudes, but is not something to be worried
about. Most people adapt to altitude quite well
and there is plenty of oxygen even at the
highest point of this trip. But, you should take
care to allow yourself to acclimatise. You can
do this by ensuring you drink between 3 and 6
litres of liquid each day, and walk at a pace
slower than you perhaps usually would,
especially at the outset and when ascending.
We are always happy to give further advice on
altitude related concerns.
Vaccinations and medical precautions
We always recommend visiting your doctor
and dentist for a check up before travelling.
Your doctor will also have access to the most
up to date information on vaccinations and
medical precautions for the country you are
about to visit. In general we recommend
however,
that
you
be
protected
against TB, typhoid,
polio,
tetanus
and
hepatitis A. Malarial prophylaxis and Yellow
Fever is not necessary for this trip unless you
are visiting the Rainforest. A useful travel
health online resource is fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Local transport
Airport transfers will usually be by car or
minibus. Throughout the rest of your trip, you
will travel by a mix of minibus, public bus and
train.
Baggage
Please make sure that your baggage is clearly
marked with your name, inside as well as
outside, in case the labels get detached. We
request you limit your luggage whilst on trek to
a reasonable sized soft holdall style kit bag,
and recommend you to pack your clothes in
plastic bags to ensure they remain dry.
SUITCASES MUST NOT BE USED for your
main baggage. Extra baggage may be left in
your hotel in Cusco while you are trekking.
Please note that as from July 1st 2009 we are
no longer providing complimentary Walks
Worldwide Kitbags. Contact us if you are
unsure about the suitability of your main
baggage.
First Aid
You should always carry your own small,
personal first aid kit. This should consist of the
following: A general anti-biotic, throat
lozenges, painkillers, plasters (band-aids),
blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET),
rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, altitude
(Diamox) diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium).
Currency.
The Peruvian currency is the Nuevo Sol. The
US Dollar is also accepted in most restaurants,
although be aware that your change will be in
Soles. Please refer to www.xe.com/ for up to
date rates. You will need to change the
majority of your travel money whilst in Lima or
Cusco at the beginning of your holiday. You
can do this by withdrawing money (in Soles
only) from one of many ATM’s in Lima or
Cusco (if your card is linked to the International
Please note the luggage weight limits for Peru
Rail and thus for the trek portion of your trip:
•
•
1 backpack—11 lbs/5kg (per person)
1 Kitbag—22 lbs/10kg (per person)
Anything over this weight limit, Peru Rail will
charge guests directly (US$1.80 per kg extra)
or simply refuse to take your luggage. Your
hotel in Cusco will allow you to store extra
luggage whilst on the trek.
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friendly and nothing ever seems too much
trouble for them. Your guide and trek crew will
be no exception and as a tip is the accepted
form of saying ‘thank you’ if you have received
good service, a tip at the end of your trek will
be greatly appreciated. You will be sent a
‘Tipping Guidelines for Peru’ document with
your final joining information. Technical
equipment and clothing are greatly prized
amongst guides and trekking crews alike too.
Cirrus System), or by exchanging your travel
cash at a bank in either city.
Language
The national languages in Peru are Spanish
and Quechua. Although your guide will speak
English, it’s always a good idea to take along a
English/Spanish/Quechua phrase book and
learn a few simple words to greet the local
people. Any attempt to speak the language is
usually greatly appreciated and all part of the
fun in being in Peru. Your guide will naturally,
also be delighted to help you with your
pronunciations.
Maps
We recommend either: The Map Shop, 15
High Street, Upton-on-Severn, Worcs WR8
0HJ (Tel: 01684 593146)
www.themapshop.co.uk or Stanfords at 12-14
Long Acre, London WC2E 9LP (Tel: 0207 836
1321) www.stanfords.co.uk
You’ll also be able to find a wide selection of
maps of the Cusco region in Cusco.
Know before you go Walks Worldwide are
fully committed to the British Foreign and
Commonwealth Office’s “Know before you go”
campaign. We thoroughly recommend that all
Walks Worldwide clients visit the FCO website
www.fco.gov.uk
If you have any questions or concerns about
government travel advice to your chosen
country please contact the Walks Worldwide
office.
Joining Arrangements and Transfers
A single group airport transfer will be provided
from Cusco Airport to the group hotel in Cusco
on Day 2 of the trip itinerary. On Day 14 of the
trip itinerary a single group airport transfer will
be provided from the group hotel in Cusco
back to Cusco Airport.
Contact details
It is not our policy to provide addresses and
telephone numbers of every location that you
will be staying at on this tour, as, due to
frequent changes in contact details, it is very
difficult to provide an accurate list for all our
tours. Your Final Joining Instructions, which
you will receive 2 weeks prior to departure, will
show any local contact details that are required
for your tour. However we will endeavour to
provide you more details if you have a specific
reason.
Mobile phones do work in Peru. Although in
most of the areas you are trekking in there
may be no signal. If you have not used your
mobile outside the UK before you will have to
contact your operator to enable international
calls. Please ensure your phone is set for
roaming if you are taking a mobile. Please
note that it is expensive to phone both to and
out of a mobile when abroad. We do not
however encourage mobile phone use whilst
walking on any of our trips – out of courtesy to
other clients and trekkers please use your
mobile phone discretely. If you do need to get
in touch, or if anyone needs to get in touch
with you, please contact our office during office
hours.
Both of these transfers will be timed to
coincide with the arrival time and subsequent
check in time for departure of the designated
group flight only. Please note that as all
International and internal flight times are
subject to change, the timings of the single
timed group airport transfers will be changed to
suit any changes to the flight schedule of the
designated group flights accordingly.
The designated international group flight for
this trip is with LAN from London Heathrow to
Cusco via Madrid and Lima.
The LAN flights usually depart London
Heathrow in the early evening, arriving Lima
early the following morning (via Madrid). The
connecting onward internal flight to Cusco from
Lima departs Cusco late morning arriving
Cusco around 1 hour later at approx 0955 on
day 2 of the trip itinerary. The return flights
back to the UK usually depart Cusco midafternoon (approx 1530), to connect with the
onward international flight from Lima to London
Heathrow (via Madrid) which usually departs
Lima late afternoon arriving at London
Heathrow early evening on the following day.
Tipping
This is at your discretion and we must stress
that tips do not form part of the wages of your
guide and trek crew. However, Peruvian
people are as a rule incredibly cheerful and
Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
If you are arriving and departing on different
flights to the designated group flight (whether
you have booked flights with Walks Worldwide
9
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or otherwise) you may take advantage of these
transfers only if your flight times coincide with
these timed transfers. If you are not arriving
and departing on the designated group flight,
please let us know in advance if you intend to
take advantage of these group airport
transfers. If not you will need to make your
own transfer arrangements. Private airport
transfers can be booked in advance at extra
cost. Contact us for prices of private transfers.
available for sale on the internet or from low cost
carriers are non-refundable in the case of
cancellation. For this reason we strongly advise
you check the rules of the ticket when you make
a flight booking, and check the limitations of any
cancellation insurance policy you have. We
cannot be held liable, for losses incurred relating
to any flight bookings or subsequent travel
arrangements you have made yourself.
Once your chosen holiday has reached
‘guaranteed’ status we will contact you.
Flight Inclusive Package Options
Walks Worldwide will be delighted to make
your International Flight arrangements for this
holiday. We have full ATOL bonding and can
book flights with most Airlines Most
International flight prices are variable and
usually can only be guaranteed at the time of
booking. If you would like to upgrade to
business or first class, or even arrive at an
earlier date/depart at a later date we can also
arrange this for you.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking any of our holidays
that you have comprehensive travel insurance.
It is your to responsibility to ensure you are
covered for medical and personal accident
risks for the part of the world you intend to
travel and the activities involved. This cover
should
include
repatriation
costs,
air
ambulance and helicopter rescue. It is also
advisable to take out cancellation insurance as
all deposits paid are non-refundable. You may
arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip
travel insurance through our preferred
specialist insurance brokers Campbell Irvine,
for example, underwritten by AXA Insurance
(UK) plc. This cover has been specifically
designed to cover our type of travel and we
strongly recommend that you use it.
To arrange cover or to obtain a quotation
please contact Campbell Irvine directly.
·Apply online at www.campbellirvine.com
Inclusions and exclusions
The designated international group flight for
this trip is with LAN (and partner airlines), from
London Heathrow to Cusco via Madrid and
Lima. See Joining Arrangements and
Transfers section
Please contact the Walks Worldwide office for
an up to date Flight Inclusive Package quote
plus flight advice and options for your chosen
holiday. Please note all airline schedules are
subject to change.
Land Only
The Land Only price does not
International flights to/from Cusco.
Inclusions
International Flights and airport taxes (if
booking a flight inclusive package)
All meals as shown in the outline itinerary
All accommodation
All camping equipment (except sleeping
bag)
English-speaking trek guide and trek crew
Mule and Truck support for baggage
transfers
All overland transfers within the itinerary
Airport transfers as detailed in the Joining
Arrangements and Transfers section
Machu Picchu guided tour
All entrance fees to sites
include
If you are booking your own flights you will
need to book flights that enable you to arrive in
Cusco on Day 2 of the trip itinerary. Return
flights should be booked to depart from Cusco
no sooner than Day 14 of the trip itinerary.
IMPORTANT- MAKE SURE YOUR CHOSEN
HOLIDAY IS GUARANTEED TO RUN
BEFORE YOU PURCHASE AIR TICKETS
AND MAKING ANY OTHER TRAVEL
ARRANGEMENTS.
Exclusions
Drinks
Souvenirs and personal items
Insurance
Meals not indicated above
Tips
3-4 season sleeping bag
Departure taxes (approx $40)
Please contact the Walks Worldwide office to
check the status of your chosen holiday
BEFORE purchasing your International Air ticket.
You should not book your International flight
tickets or other travel arrangements until your
chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. If you are
purchasing your own air ticket, you should be
aware that most of the cheaper airline tickets
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Clothing and Equipment Lists
At least one set of casual / non-walking clothes will be useful for wearing in hotels on this holiday.
Whilst walking you must not worry about how you look: comfort and protection against bad weather
are of prime importance. Because mountain weather is so very variable, we recommend a number of
thin layers rather than a few thick ones. The following list is our suggested guide to help you with your
packing based upon our many years of travelling/walking. Using your own judgment for packing is of
course important, especially with regard to casual clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us
if you have any questions about packing for your holiday, or are uncertain as to the suitability of your
clothing and equipment.
CLOTHING
Walking boots and spare laces
Trainers/approach shoes
Socks – 3+ pairs (Walking and Casual)
Underwear 3+
Casual/T-shirts 3+
Trekking Pants
Light fleece 1-2
Thick fleece 1-2
Thermal Baselayer shirt x 2
Thermal underwear
Waterproof jacket with hood
Waterproof trousers
Warm Jacket
Warm Gloves
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Gaiters
EQUIPMENT
Daypack/rucksack (min. 30 litres) with rain cover.
Sleeping bag (3-4 season)
2 Large water bottles (1 litre each) or hydration pack.
Towel – quick drying pack towel is recommended
Headlamp (and spare bulb and batteries)
Camera & accessories
Binoculars (optional)
A variety of dry bag/plastic bags
Sunglasses
Trekking poles (highly recommended)
Reading material (optional)
Washing/Shaving kit & toilet paper
Insect Repellent
Small personal First Aid kit (see section above)
Anti-Bacterial Handwash
Sun Cream & lip salve (total bloc for nose, lips etc)
Blister plasters – i.e. Compeed
Tickets/E tickets
Passport
Money
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The following items should also considered as being useful on a walking holiday
Penknife/small scissors (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE)
Moisturising cream
Baby wipes
Snacks/Energy bars
Safety pins (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE)
Padlock for your kitbag
Small sewing/repair kit (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE)
Small mirror
Nail clippers (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE)
Spare glasses/contact lenses
Earplugs (against snorers)
Cold water Travel Wash (preferably biodegradable)
Travel adaptor
Money belt
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What to do next We hope that you found this trip dossier helpful and informative. If you would like further
information, our friendly team would be delighted to help and advise with any questions you may have.
How to book this trip To check availability for specific dates and to receive a flight quote please contact us,
also if you are looking at a group trip please check the trip status with us before you book.
The easiest way to book your holiday is via our website: www.walksworldwide.com or to go directly to the
online booking form please CLICK HERE.
There is also a booking form on the website and in the brochure which you can complete and post to us.
Alternatively you can telephone us and we can accept your booking over the telephone on 0845 301 4737
Deposit We require a deposit of either £100 per person or 10% of the total cost of the holiday (whichever
is greater), including extensions, single supplement and flights if we have quoted these separately to you.
Certain non-refundable, instant purchase flights will require full payment – we will advise you this at time of
enquiry.
Your deposit can be paid by cheque, debit or credit card.
YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION
We are an ATOL bonded tour operator authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Every
holiday we sell that includes a flight element is protected under our ATOL licence number
10186. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded
abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advanced booking.
We protect all UK customers who purchase tours that do not include flights from the UK through
the AITO-arranged AITO Trust Ltd (AITOT). AITOT work closely with the CAA - they share
much of their information. Their financial requirements are as rigorous as those of the CAA
IATA is the Trade Association of the world’s international airline industry. To become an
Accredited IATA Agent we have to demonstrate financial soundness, and proficiency of staff
We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. AITO represents
Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and
service. We abide by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adhere to the AITO Quality
Charter which can be viewed at www.aito.co.uk
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Climate Care is the organisation through whom we offer people the opportunity to
offset their carbon emissions. We were one of the first travel companies in the UK to
provide this facility.
In recognition of our Responsible Tourism values, we have been awarded 4-star status in AITO’S
Responsible Tourism Scheme
LOYALTY SCHEME
Up to £100 off
If you’ve already experienced the magic of one of our holidays, you automatically
qualify for a discount on holidays offered by the other specialist travel brands in our
group. See our website or brochure for details.
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