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 Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 2 www.walksworldwide.com 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. Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 3 www.walksworldwide.com 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 Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 4 www.walksworldwide.com 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 Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 5 www.walksworldwide.com 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 Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 6 www.walksworldwide.com 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 Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 7 www.walksworldwide.com 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. Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 8 www.walksworldwide.com 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 www.walksworldwide.com 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 Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 10 www.walksworldwide.com 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 Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 11 www.walksworldwide.com 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 Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 12 www.walksworldwide.com 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. Peru –Choquequirao to Machu Picchu 13 www.walksworldwide.com
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