MULTI-ACTIVITY - PERU ADVENTURE

LIMA-CUSCO - HORSE RIDING TO LOCAL RUINS-RAFTING-BIKING - PISAC MARKET- INCA TRAIL- MACHU PICCHU- PUERTO MALDONADO- JUNGLE LODGE- LIMA (14 DAYS)

£1475 per person single supp £250

Minimum 4 persons Maximum 16

The former Inca Capital and Spanish Colonial city of Cusco is our base for this great multi-activity adventure, a wonderful place full of culture, history, good restaurants and fun nightlife. From Cusco we explore nearby ruins on horse back, raft the fun grade III-IV rapids of the upper Urubamba river, visit Pisac artisan market, descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas by mountain bike and hike the famous Inca Trail to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. A rest day in Cusco is followed by a short flight to our Amazonian jungle lodge where we enjoy hikes, canoe rides and rainforest exploration before returning to Lima.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrive Lima. Transfer to hotel and rest up.

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 take a short walking tour of the city. (B)

DAY 3: We head out of Cusco and meet up with our horses for a fun day of easy horse-riding. For those not keen on horse riding, we can also enjoy the same route on foot - an ideal acclimatisation hike. We will visit all the main Inca ruins in the Cusco valley and some less known ones too. We will enjoy a picnic lunch and end with a visit to Sacsayhuaman fort before returning to Cusco for the night (B/L)

DAY 4: From Cusco we drive to the upper Urubamba, the sacred river of the Incas for some fun grade III-IV rafting. Full instruction and safety talk are given so no previous experience is necessary. Following the rafting we take a rarely used road along the Urubamba valley to Pisac where we can visit the local artisan market before heading on to a beautiful Hacienda deep in the Sacred Valley which will be our base for the next two days adventure(B / L / D)

DAY 5: A short transfer up to Chinchero for the start of probably the best one day mountain bike adventure in Peru. Again largely downhill, we pass Lake Huaypo, famous for UFO sightings and enjoy great views of the Vilcanota mountain range. We enjoy a fantastic downhill on old Inca trails to the village of Maras and then a "descent of a life time" on donkey trails into the spectacular salt pans. For those not wishing to bike there is a hiking option available. We arrive back at our hacienda for a late B-B-Q lunch and time to relax in the lovely garden. (B / L / D).

DAY 6: Our Inca Trail guides pick us up this morning for a tour of the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. After an interesting drive to the end of the road at Chilca we have lunch and meet our support team of traditional porters before embarking on the famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu. The afternoon trek is along the banks of the fascinating Urubamba river and we camp the night at Llactapata (2,288m) beside some spectacular ruins. This is camping and trekking in style. Whilst 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. (B / L / D)

DAY 7: We trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path continues on up beautiful Inca path, past humming birds and stunted cloud forest. Our camp is at Llulluchupampa (3680m) - a beautiful grassy area with outstanding views down the valley. (B / L / D)

DAY 8: Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the top of Warmiwanusca (Dead woman's pass 4200m). This is the highest point of the trail before we descend into the Pacasmayo valley and then climb again passing the first of many Inca ruins Runkuracay. 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 before passing through a tunnel and a gentle climb which brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins where we camp (3650m). (B / L / D)

DAY 9: After an early morning chance to catch the sunrise on the surrounding snow capped mountains, we say a farewell to our porters with a traditional song and dance. Our final days hiking brings us down into the cloud forest on a series of Inca stairway to Winay Wayna, another interesting ruin full of swallows and orchids. And so to Inti Puncu, the gateway of the Sun and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. 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 10: Returning first thing in the morning we have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu or else just wander through the ruins, soaking up the amazing atmosphere. After a late lunch we board the afternoon train for an exhilarating ride along the Sacred Valley of the Incas back to Poroy. Here our waiting bus whisks us back to Cusco and our hotel. Then if we have the energy we can explore Cusco's excellent nightlife. (B / L)

DAY 11: 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 12: A short flight over the Andes brings us to Puerto Maldonado, in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Here we travel by motorized dug out canoe boat away from the town to our jungle lodge. With our resident expert guides on hand we can choose to do as little or as much exploring as we like. We can take canoe rides, hike trails, go out at night in search of Caimen or simply relax in our hammock and soak up the atmosphere. (B / L / D).

It is possible for those short on time to fly to Lima and connect with their international flight on day 12 making the price per person £1345

DAY 13: Up at dawn we continue our exploration of the jungle, by foot into the pristine rainforest or by canoe on the nearby lake. Our resident naturalist guides will explain to us the amazing flora and fauna of the Amazon. Hopefully we see several species of monkeys, many exotic birds and if we are lucky maybe a mammal or two. Another siesta and for those who wish, more exploration of the rainforest.(B / L / D)

DAY 14: We transfer back to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Lima in time to connect with your international flights home. (B)

WE PROVIDE: All airport transfers, transport in private vehicle, all camping and cooking equipment including Therm-a-rests, spacious two person tents, dining, cook and toilet tent. Extensive first-aid kit including Oxygen. Horses, Mountain bikes, gloves and helmets. Entrance fee to the Moray circular ruins and Salineras salt-pans. All rafting equipment, professional English and Spanish speaking guides, trained in first-aid, swift water rescue and C.P.R. A Qualified Inca Trail guide, all porters, cook team, guided tour in Machu Picchu, entrance to Cusco & Ollantaytambo ruins ($21), the Inca Trail $60 and Machu Picchu ruins ($24), bus transfers to and from the ruins $12. Quality hotel in Lima, Cusco, hacienda in the Sacred Valley, hostal in Aguas Calientes and jungle lodge in Puerto Maldonado. Entrance fee to Tambopata Rainforest Reserve ($20). All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

The Amazonas Explorer Inca Trail is known to be one of the most luxurious trekking experiences available. Our trip includes:
· Private, luxury bus transfer to and from Cusco
· All entrances including a guided tour of Ollantaytambo Inca fortress en route, the Inca Trail permit and Full guided tour of Machu Picchu
· A relaxed 5 day / 4 night combination (only 3 nights camping) avoiding the busiest campsites, allowing more time for clients to acclimatise before attempting the highest pass, plenty of time to visit the fascinating ruins en route and allowing a whole day to really explore Machu Picchu.
· A University trained Inca Trail guide, trained in wilderness first aid, fluent in English, highly knowledgeable and fun to be with
· State of the art camping equipment - Swiss imported tents (the biggest and most comfortable on the trail), Thermarest inflatable mattresses, dining, cook, porter and toilet tents
· Delicious hygienically prepared food - our menu was designed by the owner of the top restaurant in Cusco - A truly Gourmet cuisine experience.
· Full emergency first aid kit, oxygen, satellite phones and radio communications
· A variety of hotels and luxury packages to choose from in Aguas Calientes
· Luxury Autovagon or decadent Hiram Bingham train return to Poroy followed by private bus transfer to Cusco hotel.
· Well looked after porters - please ask for a copy of our "Porter Protection Policy"

Quite simply, if you are going to do the Inca Trail in style,we are your only choice!

NOT INCLUDED: International flights, personal belongings, sleeping bag, cycling shorts, mountain bike toe-clips, 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

WHAT TO BRING:
On this expedition we will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate, from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine.
General:
- Comfortable clothes for travel - Smart clothes for nightlife
- Sleeping bag (-5ºC) - Towel
- Sunglasses with attaching string - Peaked cap
- Water bottle & purification tablets - Lipbalm
- Suntan lotion factor 15+ / After sun - Head torch & spare batteries
Biking:
- T-shirt - Fleece jacket
- Cycling shorts - Suitable boots
- Toeclips/ SPDs shoes / pedals (optional)
Rafting: Wet suits and splash jackets and a limited number of wetsuit boots are provided.
- Thermal top - Old trainers / Sandals (that will get wet)
- Swim suit
Trekking:
- Shorts - T-shirts
- Warm fleece or down jacket - Thermal underwear
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf - Sweater (Available in Cusco)
- Raincoat / waterproof trousers / poncho - Socks / underwear
- Trekking trousers - After trekking trousers & t-shirt
- Good / Well worn -in walking boots - After trek shoes (sandals)
- Ski poles & protective covers (Optional) - Daysack & raincover
- Large kit bag for porter carried items
Jungle:
- Light weight long sleeved shirt - Light weight long trousers
- Wellington boots / Walking boots - Change of evening clothes & shoes
- Raincoat & Fleece jacket - Binoculars
- Insect Repellent (High DEET content is best)
The best way to keep biting insects at bay is by keeping covered up with long sleeved light-weight clothes.
Personal gear:
- Personal toilet kit - Camera & spare film 100 & 400 (optional)
- Pocket knife - Book, notepaper & pen (optional)
- Money belt - Spare Glasses / Lenses
- Personal first aid kit to include: Painkillers, Plasters (Band-Aids), Moleskin, Anti-biotic cream, General anti-biotics (ask your GP), After-bite(tiger balm), Anti-diarrhoea tablets, Throat lozenges, Re-hydration salts & personal medication. (Amazonas Explorer carry an extensive first aid kit & Oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only)
· Whilst trekking 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, 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 Kitbag to achieve this.
· Any excess gear may be stored in the vehicle whilst canoeing and at your hotel in Cusco whilst trekking.
· 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.
· 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 any of our staff.
· Amazonas Explorer also supports the recognised Scottish charity www.dentalprojectperu.org . This is founded by past client Jacqui Nimmo.

RECOMMENDED READING
The White Rock by Hugh Thomson, Running the Amazon by Joe Kane.
Exploring Cusco by Peter Frost The Inca Trail by Richard Danbury
Field guide to the birds of Machu Picchu by Barry Walker
Neo-tropical companion by John C Kricher
Exploration Fawcett - Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett (Century 1988)
The bridge of San Luis Rey by Thorton Wilder Conquest of the Incas by John Hemmingway
Into the forests of the night by John Simpson Touching the void by Joe Simson
Heart of the Amazon - Yossi Ghinsberg Inca Kola - Matthew Paris
Inca Gold by Clive Cussler Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord by Loius de Bernieres
Realm of the Incas - Max Milligan

BOOKING CONDITIONS IMPORTANT
The purchase of Inca Trail permits is a strictly controlled procedure by the Peruvian Institute of Culture. There are only 500 permits for guides, porters and trekkers per day. This has led to very competitive demand with permits sold out at least three months in advance.
With regard any trip that involves trekking the Inca Trail, we are therefore introducing the following booking conditions.
1: Space on a trip cannot be confirmed until we receive your booking form detailing:
Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth and Occupation without these details we are unable to purchase your Inca trail permit.

2: You must bring with you the passport with which the permit was issued - ie the passport number that you provided us with at time of booking - otherwise entry to the Inca Trail or KM 104 Inca Trail will not be permitted.

TO MAKE A RESERVATION
1. Complete the booking form making sure that the name on the booking form matches that on your passport.
2. Enclose a deposit of £200 per person plus any insurance premium and forward to Golden Hill Travel. If we are making international flight arrangements on your behalf full payment for the flight is required at the time of booking.
3. Upon receipt of your booking we will forward confirmation, an infopack and guide to Machu Picchu.
4. The balance is due not less than 8 weeks prior to departure.
5. Upon receipt of your final balance you will receive detailed joining instructions.

AND LASTLY PLEASE NOTE
The "Multi-activity Peru" travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes this 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. At certain times of the year this trip may be run with the activities (walking, trekking the Inca trail, mountain biking, rafting and jungle) taking place in a slightly different order to those indicated here. This is to best suit the climate, take in any local fiestas or due to availability of permits for the Inca Trail. Due to the uncertainty, at time of going to press, of the exact requirements for obtaining Inca Trail permits in 2005, we will not be able to guarantee the actual trek dates until 30 days prior to trip departure and we reserve the right to offer an alternative and equally impressive trek, ending with a short train journey to Machu Picchu.
In all cases we will advise you of any changes in the itinerary as early as possible. We have taken all these possibilities into account when planning this expedition and have allowed sufficient leeway to enable us to successfully run this exceptional trip.
You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particular trekking, white-water rafting, mountain biking, jungle river travel and general travelling in remote areas such as Southern Peru, does carry with it certain inherent risks that you, the client, will have to assume. Jungle flights are also prone to cancellation in bad weather. 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 arrival in Cusco. It is highly recommended you attend. All clients will be asked to sign a release and waiver form and must provide a photocopy of their passport, Peru entry stamp and details of their travel insurance.

We look forward to seeing you in Cusco.