Inca Trail plus sea kayak Lake Titicaca

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ADVENTURE DOSSIER FOR:

Lima - Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Five day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes- Cusco
- Puno - Three Day Sea Kayak -Uros Floating Reed Island - Llachon - Taquile Island - Puno -Lima

IEX1 22-May ITK1 30-May 05-Jun IEX2 12-Jun ITK2 20-Jun 26-Jun
IEX8 09-Oct ITK3 17-Oct 25-Oct

This great adventure new for 2004 combines the famous Inca trail trek with an unique opportunity to sea kayak on one of the World's largest Lakes, the stunning Lake Titicaca.
We fly from Lima, the capital of Peru to the former Inca Capital and Spanish colonial city of Cusco high in the Andes mountains to begin our adventure. This is a wonderful place full of culture, history, good restaurants and fun nightlife. From Cusco we travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing the Inca Fortress town of Ollantaytambo, before embarking on the famous Inca Trail to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This five day / four night trek involves spectacular Andean scenery along an ancient paved Inca trail. We have plenty of time to treasure each view and the many ruins en-route The final night is spent in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes before spending the whole day exploring the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu. The return to Cusco is by luxury train and bus in time for a celebration meal and a chance to explore Cusco's vibrant nightlife.
After a day of rest we head of across the Llama rich high mountain plains to the legendary birth place of the Incas and one of the highest lakes in the world - Lake Titicaca. A stunning expanse of shimmering blue water, surrounded by vast Andean peaks, Lake Titicaca is home to the fierce and unconquered Aymara Indians, who even to this day, speak their very own dialect, dress in their colourful traditional costumes and celebrate their very own fiestas.
Here we continue our fun with four glorious days sea kayaking on its blue waters. By exploring the islands by sea kayak is a unique and enjoyable way to visit these remarkable islands as well as taking part in our pioneering, community-based responsible tourism project, experiencing life on the lake as guests of the local communities, thus helping to conserve their fascinating traditions for generations to come.
Our island visits include the famous floating reed islands and the beautiful Taquile and Amantani Islands. We have full motor boat support to carry our belongings and in-case of emergencies. We use the boat to quickly re-trace our paddle strokes back to Puno for a celebration last supper.
A visit to the Silustani pre-Inca ruins en-route to the airport completes the adventure and we fly to Lima in time to connect with your international flights home.

DAY 2: Early morning spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco, transfer to your hotel and start acclimatising to the rarefied air of this beautiful city (3326m). In the afternoon, we can take a short walking tour of the city. (B)

DAY 3: From Cusco we drive into the Sacred valley of the Incas, stopping to explore the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo. At the end of the road (Km88) we meet the support team of porters for lunch then begin the Inca trail. The first section is ideal for acclimatisation purposes as we hike along the sacred Urubamba river. We camp the night at Llactapata (2,288m) beside some spectacular ruins. We believe in camping and trekking in style, whilst walking all you need to carry is your daypack. Our support team of traditional porters, carries all camping equipment and perform all camp chores. All food is prepared by the cook. (B / L / D)

DAY 4: We trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path continues on up past humming birds and stunted cloud forest. Our camp is the beautiful grassy area at Llulluchupampa (3680m). This has out-standing views down the valley. (B / L / D)

DAY 5: Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the highest point of the trail - the impressive Warmiwanusca (Dead woman's pass 4200m). We then descend into the Pacasmayo valley and then climb again passing the Inca ruins Rucuracay. Our second pass of the day (3998m) gives us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on well-preserved Inca pathway we pass Sayacmarca ruins with plenty of time for an in depth tour and explanation. We continue along the ridge, passing through tunnels and fantastic views and a slight ascent brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins (3650m) where we camp. (B / L / D)

DAY 6: Our final days hiking brings us down into the Cloud forest on Inca stairway to Winay-winay (2600m), another outstanding ruin full of orchids and swallows. And so to Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun, for our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After treasuring the moment we pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to our hostal in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes and celebrate our return to civilisation.(B / L)

DAY 7: First thing in the morning we return to Machu Picchu and have it virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu, walk out to the Inca bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We have a late lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the afternoon train back to Poroy. Here our waiting bus speeds us back to our Cusco Hotel. If you have the energy we can then explore Cusco's excellent nightlife. (B/L)

DAY 8: There is so much to see and do in Cusco that we dedicate a whole day to doing just that. Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting Colonial churches, bargain hunting in Indian markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has it all. (B).

DAY 9: Leaving Cusco early, We travel all day high into the Altiplano to the lakeside town of Puno. En route, if time permits, we can visit pre-Inca ruins and hotsprings. On arrival in Puno, we check into our hotel and can explore the town of Puno. (B / L)

DAY 10: Starting early and following full instruction in the fun sport of sea kayaking, we commence our paddle to the amazing floating islands of Los Uros. Built entirely of reeds, these islands are inhabited by the fierce Uros Indians who were never once conquered by the Incas nor the Spanish. They speak their own language, Aymara but using a local guide, we are allocated accommodation with a family and can trade for their locally made handicrafts. All our equipment is carried by a safety motor boat which is never far away and is on hand for any weary paddlers, should we need it. (B / L / D)

DAY 11: Heading on into the main lake we cross from Los Uros to the remote community of Llachon on the Capichica peninsular, again staying with local families and hopefully going fishing the way it has been done for years. (B / L / D)

DAY 12: Heading out into the middle of the lake, we paddle for Amantani Island, famous for its weavings and Inca ruins. Early morning is best for this paddle to avoid the afternoon winds and we hope to arrive in time for lunch. Once again, we are allocated accommodation with a local family and there is time to go exploring the Inca ruins on the top of the Island or just soak up the atmosphere in the village, and take in an incredible sunset over the lake. (B/L/D)

DAY 13: Our final day by kayak, we cross from Amantani island to Taquile Island and climb the steep steps to Taquile village. Taquile is famous for its intricate weavings and hopefully we can barter for woollen goods and maybe join in a local fiesta to celebrate our incredible voyage. (B/L/D)

DAY 14: Boarding our motor boat we transfer back to Puno and so to the luxuries of a hot shower and comfortable bed. (B/L)

DAY 15: We transfer to Juliaca airport with, time permitting, a visit to Silustani Pre-Inca ruins before boarding the 1½ hour flight back to Lima in time to connect with your international flight home. (B)
(B / L / D).

WE PROVIDE:
All airport transfers, internal flights, transport to the Inca Trail in private vehicle. All camping and cooking equipment: this includes Therm-a-rest inflatable mattresses, spacious two-person tents, dining tent and toilet tent. An emergency first-aid kit and oxygen. A qualified, English speaking, Inca trail guide, all porters and a cook team. A guided tour in Machu Picchu, the $50 entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu ruins, $6 entrance to Ollantaytambo ruins, bus transfers to and from the ruins, train / bus from Machu Picchu to Cusco and quality 5* hotel in Lima, 3* in Cusco & hostal in Aguas Calientes. On the sea kayaking section, private transport to Puno, all kayaking equipment including sea kayaks, life jackets, expert bi-lingual kayaking guides trained in swift water rescue and wilderness first aid, 4 nights basic accommodation with local families allocated on arrival, motorised support boat to carry all gear and weary paddlers, motor boat return to Puno, 3 * hotel in Puno, visit to local ruins and all transfers. All meals provided are indicated in the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner ).

NOT INCLUDED:
International flights, personal belongings, sleeping bag, airport taxes ($5 local, $28 international), personal expenses and tips. Day rooms in Lima on final day are not included but can also be organised if required.

Minimum 4 Maximum 16
Please Note: A) The price is based on twin share accommodation. Single supplements are available on request.
B) CAA ticketing regulations require Internal flights Lima - Cusco, Juliaca - Lima to be paid for in Peru.

EQUIPMENT LIST:
On this expedition we will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate, from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine. During the day hopefully it will be generally sunny enough for shorts and T-shirts though having a fleece and rain gear handy is advisable. It will get cold on the Inca Trail (as low as zero degrees whilst camping) especially in the evenings so bring a warm fleece jacket, a good waterproof and some warm clothes including thermal underwear, gloves, scarf and woolly hat as well as one set of smarter clothes for Cusco. Good quality Alpaca jumpers are available in Cusco. A good quality sleeping bag is essential for your enjoyment of this trip. For the sea kayaking trip you should bring long sleeve quick drying clothing or a set of thermals and shorts to wear while paddling, river sandals or old trainers that will get wet, a good sleeping bag and a complete change warm clothing for the evenings.

Please note:
· On the Inca Trail the porters carry all your heavy camping gear but this is inaccessible during the day so please bring a small day-pack to carry your personal day gear in - ie water-bottle, iodine tablets, camera, sun-block, insect repellent, light fleece and rain jacket.
· Due to new Inca trail rules limiting the porters to 20Kg weight and the number of porters to two per person, we have to limit your heavy gear to 10Kg per person - this is usually more than adequate. We recommend friends share a rucksack to achieve this.
· Any excess gear may be stored in Cusco at your hotel whilst on the Inca trail and canoeing.
· Inca trail regulations stipulate Ski poles are only allowed with PLASTIC PROTECTING COVERS. This is to prevent trail damage.
· We implement a 'porter protection policy' that ensures all porters are well treated, paid, fed and looked after. We do not however supply them with clothes (other than staff jumpers for the head staff). This is also true of our other freelance biking, trekking and rafting guides. Most good quality sporting equipment is unavailable in Peru so if anyone wishes to donate any outdoor clothes, sleeping bags etc they will be gratefully received by our staff.

SUGGESTED LIST
General:
- Comfortable clothes for travel - Smart clothes for night life
- Head torch & spare batteries - Book, notepaper & pen
- Suntan lotion factor 15+ / After sun - Lipbalm
- Binoculars (optional) - Camera & spare film
- Pocket knife - Insect Repellent (High DEET content is best)
- Sleeping bag (-5'C) - Towel
- Water bottle & purification tablets - Sunglasses
- Swim suit - Sun-hat,
- Money belt - Personal toilet & first aid kit

Trekking
- Trekking trousers - After trekking trousers & t-shirt
- Good, well worn -in walking boots - After trek shoes (sandals)
- Shorts - T-shirts
- A warm fleece or down jacket - Thermal underwear
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf - Sweater (Available in Cusco)
- Waterproof coat & trousers (poncho) - Socks / underwear
- Ski poles & protective covers (optional) - Day sack & rain-cover

Sea-kayaking:
Wet suits and Splash jackets are supplied but A set of light-weight, quick-drying long-sleeved clothes for under the wet suit is required.
- Long-sleeve thermals - Quick drying shorts
- River sandals/old trainers/wetsuit boots - Swimming Costume
- After-kayak warm clothes - Warm fleece or Down jacket
- Woolly hat, gloves and scarf - Socks

RECOMMENDED READING
Exploring Cusco by Peter Frost The White Rock by Hugh Thomson
Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming
Valley of the Spirits - A Journey into the lost Realm of the ancient Aymara - Alan Kolata

AND LASTLY PLEASE NOTE
The "Inca Trail plus kayak Titicaca" travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes the Inca Trail and Kayak Titicaca trip so very special could also cause certain problems. Thus, whilst Amazonas Explorer endeavours to minimise the chances of anything unexpected happening, it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidly adhered to. This is the very nature of Adventure Travel and we expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slight alterations in our programmed events.
The Inca Trail involves trekking over several high passes up to 4200m and involves steep descents on old Inca steps -it is recommended that all clients should have some previous trekking experience and should be in reasonable fitness.
The sea kayaking section involves several days of high altitude kayaking, with several open lake crossings. Should the weather or the guide deem the trip not safe to continue we will find an alternative program using boat support to complete our journey.

Please note last minute international & internal flight changes, also excess baggage charges are out of our control. In all cases we will advise you of any changes in the itinerary as early as possible.

You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particular trekking, white-water rafting, inflatable canoeing, mountain biking and travelling in remote areas such as Southern Peru, does carry with it certain inherent risks that you, the client, will have to assume. You will have to take out adequate travel insurance to cover these risks and any costs incurred due to sickness, delayed flights and other factors out of Amazonas Explorer control.

A pre-departure meeting will be held on the day before departure. It is highly recommended you attend. All clients will be asked to sign a risk assumption form and must provide a photocopy of their passport, Peru entry stamp and details of their travel insurance.

tel 00 44 (0) 15395 52281 email info@goldenhilltravel.co.uk
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