PERU
Espiritu PampaPampa- Last City of the Inca
• Machu Picchu and beyond
• Espiritu Pampa- final Inca outpost
• In the footsteps of Hiram Bingham and Gene Savoy
Guided Group Departures
Tour Grade – B
Tour Code - TESP
For dates and prices visit: www.walksworldwide.com
Group Size:- Min 4
Max 16
Introduction
The American explorer Hiram Bingham is of course widely accredited with rediscovering the now
iconic Inca site of Machu Picchu in 1911. At the same time Bingham also explored a remote forest
area around 150km west of Cusco known locally as Espiritu Pampa and subject of his book Lost City
of the Incas. However, it appears that Bingham was so obsessed with Machu Picchu, he was
convinced that was indeed the final refuge of the Inca Empire and thus didn’t realise the true
significance of Espiritu Pampa. In the 19060’s Gene Savoy and then a decade later John Hemming
and others finally provided confirmation that indeed Espiritu Pampa is the true “Last City of the Inca”.
After exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley, we’ll visit fabled Machu Picchu to then trek to this rarely
visited place-Espiritu Pampa-the definitive final outpost of the Inca Empire. Trekking into the
Vilcabamba region we retrace the final journey of the Inca into the jungles of the lowlands. This
rewarding trek at low altitude offers the opportunity to experience a spectacular journey that is rarely
undertaken. Indeed, in 2008 less than 250 people visited the site of Espiritu Pampa. This is jungle
exploration at it’s very best.
__________________________________________________________________________
should ensure you are comfortable walking at
this level of grading and are physically
prepared for the trip. We have given this trip a
B grade on account of the short number of
trekking days and lower altitudes encountered
whilst trekking.
The Holiday
Routine During the trek your main baggage is
transported by mule (please only bring the
items you will need on trek. The rest can be
left at your hotel in Cusco) and you’ll walk each
day along trails to your next camp, in the
company of your friendly English-speaking
guide and muleteers. Usually you’ll take an
early breakfast at your campsite and the trek
team will pack up after your departure. You’ll
walk for a few hours in the morning, then stop
for lunch, a scenic picnic, then continue your
trek in the afternoon and reach your next camp
in the late afternoon. Plenty of time is built into
the schedule to take sufficient breaks, photo
opportunities and take in all the scenery along
the way. Dinner will be prepared for you at
camp.
Walk staff You will be accompanied by a
friendly professional English-speaking guide
on trek, as well as a trek team to transport your
main baggage by mule, set up camp and
provide culinary delights throughout the
trekking days.
What you need to provide Your personal
equipment as detailed in the clothing and
equipment list later in this trip dossier. A 3-4
season sleeping bag is required.
Ecological considerations We believe that
we are one of the most ecologically aware tour
operators in Peru. We ask for your full
consideration and co-operation concerning all
ecological matters, especially in the disposal of
rubbish. Disposal of plastic mineral water
bottles is especially of concern in the Andes. If
you have any suggestions for improvements,
please let our local staff know and inform us at
Walks Worldwide on your return. It is with the
tourists, the locals and the tour operators' cooperation that we can ensure that our tours are
as eco-friendly as possible. Please also heed
the golden rule of ‘pack it in, pack it out’;
everything that you take in or use on the trail
MUST be carried out & disposed of or recycled
responsibly once back in civilisation.
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.
Walking conditions
Underfoot the trekking conditions on the trip
are mostly straightforward. For most of the
trek, you are walking through valleys on good
mountain trails, dirt paths and stone
pavements, as well a jungle trails that may be
muddy and slippery if it has rained. As this is
the Andes (the foothills) there are of course
many sections involving ascent and descent,
although these are quite modest by Andean
standards and rarely sustained. Regular hill
walkers and those with a reasonable level of
fitness should find this trek within their
capabilities. You should ensure you are
capable of
walking 5-8hrs per day
consecutively over sometimes challenging
terrain. As your main baggage is carried for
you, you will only need to carry your regular
daypack during the day. Unlike our other treks
in Peru, the actual trekking itself on this trip is
primarily at low altitude.
A full explanation of the trip grading can be
found online at www.walksworldwide.com. You
Peru –Espiritu Pampa, Last City of the Incas
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DayYour 'at-a-glance' Itinerary
1Depart UK
2Arrive Cusco (via Lima). PM: walking tour of Cusco.
3Exploration of Inca ruins (Tambo Machay, Q'enko, Sacsayhuaman) nr Cusco
4Visit Pisac ruins then late afternoon train to Aguas Calientes
5Guided tour of Machu Picchu. Train/bus to Huancacalle
6Vitcos and Nusta Hispanan (The White Rock)
7Trek in the footsteps of the Inca to Vista Alegre
8Across Rio Tunkimayo to Concebidayoc
9An ancient Inca trail to Espiritu Pampa
10A full day to explore the extensive ruins of Espiritu Pampa
11Trek to the roadhead at Azul Mayo. Overland to Quillabamba
12Over the Abra de Malaga to Cusco
13Transfer to Cusco airport. Fly to Lima to connect with international flight to the UK..
14Arrive UK
IMPORTANT-Due to the specialist nature of our
holidays, day to day itineraries should be taken as a
guide only, and as statements of intent and not
contractual obligations. We regularly update our trip
dossiers to take into account changes to trekking
routes, accommodation, local transport etc. Such
changes are a factor of this type of holiday and when
made are out of necessity. Other factors such as
adverse weather, unforeseen circumstances and other
matters entirely out of our control etc can also lead to
enforced changes during the course of the holiday. It
is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays
will operate exactly as per the anticipated itinerary.
Overnight
Accn.
Cusco
Cusco
Aguas Calientes
Huancacalle
Huancacalle
Vista Alegre
Concebidayoc
Espiritu Pampa
Espiritu Pampa
Quillabamba
Cusco
Hotel
Hotel
Hotel
Hostal
Hostal
Camp
Camp
Camp
Camp
Hotel
Hotel
The most current trip dossier will be made available
on our website. We will also send you the most up to
date trip dossier with your “Final Joining Instructions”
approx. 2 weeks before departure and you should
carefully check this for any changes that may affect
your plans. Before booking you should read our
“Types of Trip” and “Essential and Useful
information”
sections
on
www.walksworldwide.com
including
our
‘Important Warning’.
B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner.
Clients from other tour operators on this trek may join you on this trek.
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Meal plan
BL
BL
BD
BLD
BLD
BLD
BLD
BLD
BL
BL
B
Day 1
Depart UK
accordingly. A few hundred metres back
towards Cusco we visit the site of Puca
Pucara. This delightful ruin on a small
prominence is believed not to be the ’red fort’
its name suggest but a ‘Tambo’ – a rest house
for travelling animals, goods and travellers. We
now cut across country following the old Inca
road from Cusco to Pisac. The traditional
farming methods and highly adapted Andean
crops are a treat to see still functioning. With
Cusco now in our sights we visit the
fascinating Q’enko. This ‘waca’ contains some
of the finest examples of Inca carvings in-situ.
The eroded limestone fissures have been
artfully carved into zigzag channels (from
where Q’enko derives its name), pumas,
condors, snakes and houses. Bountiful
Mummy Niches in the caves, an amphitheatre
and the central phallic column all add to the
mystery of its multi-functional use. After a
picnic lunch we visit our final and most
stunning ruin is the extensive Sacsayhuaman.
Although the smaller stones of Sacsayhuaman
were used to build modern day Cusco, the
remaining stones are up to 8.5m high and
weigh over 360 tones. The distinctive zigzag
ramparts that form are attributed to being
Puma teeth, lightening and also fortification.
This major centre obviously had many
functions with storehouses, administration
buildings, reservoir and play area. It was also
site of a crucial battle between the Incas and
the Spanish. With time and energy permitting
we head down to San Cristobal church built on
top of Inca Manco Capac’s Palace and a
fantastic view point of Cusco, then into San
Blas the photographic, artisan area of Cusco
for some culture and souvenirs. Further down
we can explore the impressive Cathedral on
the Plaza de Armas with its famous paintings
of Cusco’s great city fire and the last supper
where Jesus is eating Guinea pig. Finally the
Qoricancha Sun Temple, this sacred Inca site
was the centre of the Inca Empire SunWorship. It had temples for the sun, moon,
stars and lightening. There was so much gold,
silver and jewels it was said the Spanish took
three months to melt all the treasures down.
Hotel, Cusco.
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 3
Your guide and minibus are at your disposal
for the day to explore Cusco and its outlying
ruins. A 0900 pick up for the ten kilometre
drive out of Cusco at Inca ruin of Tambo
Machay. This is popularly called the Inca’s
Bath due to its finely preserved waterfalls,
carefully diverted through fine stone channels.
The Incas acknowledged water as one of the
principal elements of life and revered it
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Day 4
Your guide and minibus are again at your
disposal for the day. An early pick up for the
thirty two kilometre drive out of Cusco to the
picturesque Andean village of Pisac. The
village is famous for its Sunday market and
superb Artisan stalls. Old Pisac ruins have
much to explore with a circular hike along a
well defined through Royal buildings, lookouts, terraces, tunnels and irrigation channels
before returning on another good trail to the
bus. After lunch near Urubamba, a short drive
down the Sacred Valley of the Incas brings us
to Ollantaytambo, site of the last battle
between Incas and Spanish before the
remaining Incas rebels fled into the jungles of
Vilcabamba. In this well-preserved village and
ruins you can still feel the true magic of the
Incas. Heading to the train station, we take the
late afternoon train down the Urubamba River
gorge to Machu Picchu town (formally known
as Aguas Calientes). As trains in Peru have
baggage restrictions, tonight you just take what
overnight gear you’ll need to Aguas Calientes
in your daysack and you’ll be reunited with
your main baggage the following evening.
Hotel, Aguas Calientes
Inca bridge, walk back up the Inca Trail to the
sun gate or try the strenuous climb to the top
of Huayna Picchu (permits required, please
advise your guide in advance) for an aweinspiring Condor's eye view of Machu Picchu.
Some may prefer to just relax and take in the
awesome location. We return to Aguas
Calientes from where we catch the afternoon
local train to the end of the line at Hidro
electrica. Here, our waiting vehicle drives us
via Santa Teresa, Santa Maria, Chaullay and
so to Huancacalle and onto our charming
lodgings at Hostal Sixpac Manco, home to the
Cobos family of muleteers and pioneer
explorer’s of the region.
Hostal, Huancacalle
Day 6
Today we spend the day exploring the
fascinating
local
ruins
surrounding
Huancacalle. A short steep climb brings us to
Rosaspata, the site where Manco Inca settled,
when they first fled from the Spanish out of
Ollantaytambo. It was here too that sadly his
life was ended by a group of renegade
Spaniards whom he had befriended. They
believed that by killing the emperor they could
gain favour with the Spanish – however they
did not survive long enough to find out, being
set upon and killed by Manco Inca supporters
shortly afterwards. We then hike onto the
famous “White Rock” or Ñusta Hispanan as it
is known locally. Despite having been badly
damaged by the Spanish priests convinced it
was a place of devil worship, the unique
carvings and niches as well as the surrounding
terraces and outbuildings make for a very
interesting visit. In the afternoon, we return to
our lodging and prepare for our next day’s
hiking
Hostal, Huancacalle
Day 7
Departing early, we transfer to the
Q´ollpaq´asa pass where hopefully we have
spectacular views back toward the snowy
Andean peaks and onward deep into the
Amazon rainforest. Following the very
footsteps of the fleeing Incas, we descend for
most of the day and can find occasional parts
of original Inca trail and even the odd Inca ruin
such as Aucapata and Incapata (though
there’s not much left of them to see!). We pass
Ututo and the small hamlet of San Fernando
before arriving in the afternoon at Vista Alegre,
where we set up camp beside the local school
and the brave can bathe in the crystalline but
chilly headwaters of the Rio Concebidayoc.
This is camping and trekking in style. Whilst
Day 5
Early this morning we set off to the fabled "Lost
City of the Incas- Machu Picchu". A short bus
ride takes you direct to the ruins (or hike).
Once there your guide gives you an extensive
walking tour of the ruin and explains the
fascinating history of the Incas to you. If time
permits you may wish to explore further to the
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Day 8
A full days hiking, we set off early to avoid the
stifling heat, as we descend further along the
water shed of the Rio Concebidayoc, through
the beautiful cloud forest, passing small
hamlets and farming communities. We pass
the Inca site of Urpipata and can see up to the
ridge where the Incas planned to hurl rocks
down onto the Spanish near Corcopata, a plan
sadly foiled by traitors in their own midst. We
cross the Rio Tunkimayo - Tunki is quechua
for Cock of the rock and hopefully we may spot
these majestic birds along the way. In the
afternoon we arrive at the small village of
Concebidayoc where we camp on the football
field beside the local school. Concebidayoc
was built on the site of an Inca Settlement –
although little remains today for the passing
visitor, some of the houses sport Inca stones
as part of their structure.
The whole
Concebidayoc valley is home to some of the
best coffee in Peru as well as jungle fruits such
as papayas, oranges, lemons and of course
the ubiquitous coca leaves.
Walking time approx 4-5hrs.
Camp, Concebidayoc
walking all you need to carry is a daypack, all
camping equipment is carried by the porters.
All camp chores are done for us and delicious
food is served by a cook and his helpers.
Walking time approx 5hrs.
Camp, Vista Alegre
Day 9
A shorter but no less spectacular morning of
hiking again follows an ancient Inca trail this
time climbing up to a spectacular view point
with great views over the rainforest and down
to our destination - Espiritu pampa. The well
preserved and slightly restored Mirador would
have served as a lookout point to protect the
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Incas from any invading forces. As we hike
down the vast and impressive Inca staircase to
our campsite nearby the actual site of Espiritu
Pampa, one can only imagine the intrepidation
the Spanish must have felt as they entered this
final place of Inca refuge and base to the
guerrilla resistance of the final embattled
Incas. We set up camp for the next two nights
and in the afternoon can take our first visit
around the recently cleared main square of
Espiritu Pampa.
Walking time approx 3-4hrs.
Camp, Espiritu Pampa
Hiram Bingham for the day!” We explore the
extensive ruins with options for side hikes to
even more obscure Inca sites, returning to our
campsite for our cook’s delicious dinner.
Amazingly less than 1800 people have visited
Espiritu Pampa since records began in since
2002 – That’s less than Machu Picchu gets in
a day!!
Exploration walking time approx 4hrs.
Camp, Espiritu Pampa
Day 11
Our final day’s hiking follows the trail probably
taken by the very last Inca, Tupac Amaru as
the Spanish hunted him and his pregnant wife
down deeper and further into the jungle. We
meet our vehicle at the road head of Azul
mayo and start an epic journey back via the
jungle town of Kiteni and so to Quillabamba
where we spend the night in a local hotel and
can enjoy either traditional “Chicken and
Chips” Broaster style or the local pizzeria is
surprisingly not bad, especially if accompanied
by a few “cold ones”. Walking time approx 34hrs.
Hotel, Quillabamba
Day 10
The last city of the Incas, Espiritu Pampa,
whilst visited by Hiram Bingham in 1911, was
so overgrown by jungle he dismissed it as an
unlikely contestant for the Incas final
settlement (and such was his obsession with
Machu Picchu). So it wasn’t until the 1950s
expeditions of Gene Savoy and later Vincent
Lee managed to clear the incredible
overgrowth, that this place was finally declared
as the true site of their last refuge. Even then it
continued to disappear back into the jungle
fairly regularly and it has only recently been
cleared and rebuilt by the efforts of the
Peruvian Instituto de Cultura. The site covers a
vast area, much is still uncleared so we can
still experience the feeling of past explorer’s as
we uncover walls almost completely destroyed
by jungle trees, or small outbuilding’s covered
in the overgrowth. As one past client with our
Peruvian operator put it - “It was like being
Peru –Espiritu Pampa, Last City of the Incas
Day 12
We complete our epic journey by road,
heading back up into the Andes via the 4300m
Abra de Malaga, finally joining the asphalt
(tarmac) at the tea growing town of Alfamayo.
A short stop in Ollantaytambo to stretch the
legs and we plan to be back in Cusco mid
afternoon in time for those with the energy to
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Lima departs Cusco late morning arriving
Cusco around 1 hour later at approx 1000 on
day 2 of the trip itinerary. The return flights
back to the UK usually depart Cusco midafternoon (approx 1525), to connect with the
onward international flight from Lima to London
Heathrow (via Madrid) which usually departs
Lima late afternoon arriving at London
Heathrow in the evening of the following day.
spruce up and enjoy a night of fine dining and
eclectic night life that Cusco is so famous for.
Hotel, Cusco
Day 13
A single timed group transfer
back to Cusco Airport
Arrangements and Transfers
this trip dossier) for the flight
via Lima.
will be provided
(see Joining
section later in
back to the UK
If you are arriving and departing on different
flights to the designated group flight (whether
you have booked flights with Walks Worldwide
or otherwise) you will need to make your own
transfer arrangements by taxi.
Day 14
Arrive UK
PERU EXTENSIONS
If you would like to extend your holiday to Peru
we can arrange a variety of 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 horseriding. Let us know what you’d like to do and
we’ll get a quote for you.
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.
unsure about the suitability of your main
baggage.
Practical Information
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.
The joining point for this trip is the group hotel
in Cusco.
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 13 of the
trip itinerary a single group airport transfer will
be provided from the group hotel in Cusco
back to Cusco Airport.
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 (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.
T The designated international group flight for
this trip is with LAN (and partner airlines) from
London Heathrow to Cusco via Madrid and
Lima.
Land Only
The Land Only price does not
International flights to/from Cusco.
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
Peru –Espiritu Pampa, Last City of the Incas
include
If you are booking your own flights you will
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Coca Tea along with the locals. This hot tea is
excellent for combating the effects of altitude.
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 13 of the trip itinerary.
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
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.
IMPORTANT- MAKE SURE YOUR CHOSEN
HOLIDAY IS GUARANTEED TO RUN
BEFORE YOU PURCHASE AIR TICKETS
AND MAKING ANY OTHER TRAVEL
ARRANGEMENTS.
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
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.
Altitude
This trek involves going to moderate altitudes
only. However, Cusco is at an altitude of
3300m approx and you should certainly take it
easy upon arrival in Cusco and allow yourself
to acclimatise. You can do this by ensuring you
drink between 3 and 6 litres of liquid each day
in Cusco, and walk at a pace slower than you
perhaps usually would. On the return to Cusco
the road reaches around 4300m. You may
certainly notice the air becomes increasingly
rarified, however as you descend by road very
quickly it is unlikely you will experience any
lingering adverse effects.
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. On trek
you will stay in 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.
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 and train.
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
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
Peru –Espiritu Pampa, Last City of the Incas
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),
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blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET),
rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, altitude
(Diamox) diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium).
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 Walks Worldwide.
Please call us on 0845 301 4737 or e-mail [email protected] for a quotation.
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
Cirrus System), or by exchanging your travel
cash at a bank in either city.
Inclusions and exclusions
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.
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 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
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
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.
Peru –Espiritu Pampa, Last City of the Incas
Exclusions
Drinks
Souvenirs and personal items
Insurance
Meals not indicated above
Tips
3-4 season sleeping bag
Departure taxes (approx $40)
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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+
Shorts
Trekking Pants
Light fleece 1-2
Thick fleece 1
Thermal Baselayer shirt x 2
Waterproof jacket with hood
Waterproof trousers
Warm Jacket
Warm Gloves
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Gaiters (optional)
Swimwear
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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