The Ausangate Mountain Trek is quite possibly the most spectacular hike in the Andes, and also includes the opportunity to do a technical climb to 5500M on Campa peak, and visits to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The sacred mountain of Ausangate is visible at the end of the valley from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. The largest mountain in the Cusco region at 6372m it is still worshipped by the locals for the ‘Apu’ (god) that resides at its summit. Our eight day hike around this awesome massif, takes over several 5,000m high passes, through llama grazing plains, ancient Inca villages, past red, blue and green lakes and remote campsites with spectacular views. The trek is mule supported so all the comforts of home can be taken, leaving you unburdened to fully enjoy the hike.
The optional ascent of Campa, a 5500m trekking peak en-route, hot-springs and the turquoise waters of the remote Laguana Singreacocha; complete this trek as one of the great mountain circuit treks available.
Acclimatization walks around Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the return to the delights of Cusco plus the classic train journey to the sacred Machu Picchu; complete this rewarding trek.
Highlights
Possibly the most spectacular hike in the Andes
A chance to climb Campa peak and visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Very remote mule supported trek circumnavigates the awe-inspiring Ausangate Massif
Ancient Inca villages,
Relaxing hot springs and pristine campsite. ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Lima, Transfer to hotel and rest up
Day 2 Fly to Cusco and acclimatize with a short walking tour (B)
Day 3 Acclimatization hike to the ruins around Cusco (B)
Day 4 Drive to Pisac market and ruins of the Sacred Valley. (B/L)
Day 5 Drive to Tinqui, meet muleteers and camp(B/L/D) (B/L)
Day 6-11 Hiking around the Ausangate Massif, hot springs and optional ascent of Campa (B/L/D)
Day 12 End Hike and drive to Cusco (B/L)
Day 13 A free day in Cusco to shop, relax or party (B)
Day 14 Day tip to Machu Picchu and fully guided tour and PM return to Cusco. (B)
Day 15 Fly Cusco to Lima for your international flight home (B) ...see full itinerary
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
This is one of the most specatular treks in the Andes, and is extremely convenient due to its proximity to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Pichu. Visit all of these incredible destinations on one trip. Mules carry the packs so you can focus on enjoying the scenery. ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
Active, adventurous hikers who want to circumnavigate a spectacular Andean Massif, and who are interested in experiencing Andean culture and historic Incan sites. ...view more details
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 mainly down hill walking tour of the old Inca ruins surrounding the city. Spectacular sites like Tambo Machay, Puca Pucara, Quenko and Sacsayhuman conjure up the magical feel of this ancient civilization. (B)
DAY 3: We head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas for more acclimatization walks and Inca history. The extensive ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, further emphasis the organization and building skills, of this once powerful empire. We return to Cusco to pack and prepare for the big trek ahead. (B / L)
DAY 4: After breakfast we set off for the stunning drive to the trailhead. We break up the journey with a lunch spot with views of the awaiting Ausangate. On arrival at Tinqui (3,800m) we meet our muleteers and families. Here we have a chance to understand a little of their lives, before camping the night. (B / L / D)
DAY 5: We wake to an introduction of camp life and packing the mules. A day of gentle up hill walking past open puna, highland meadows and several water tables; we may be lucky to see viscachas (the long tailed highland rabbits), condors and Andean foxes before arriving at our campsite of Upis ( 4,400m). Here the hotsprings, in the shadow of the snow covered Ausangate provide a spectacular yet eerie camp setting. (B / L / D)
DAY 6: After a morning’s sharp ascent, we skirt the western shoulder of Ausangate at Arapa pass (4,800m). The colourful moon like rock formations are in stark contrast to the white beauty of Ausangate. Our afternoon’s descent we pass the spectacular Lake Uchuy Pucacocha and its waterfalls before arriving at our campsite beside the turquoise waters of Lake Jatan Pucacocha. (B / L / D)
DAY 7: A day of mainly steady ascent rewards us with the passes of Apuchata (4,900m) and Palomani (5,200m). The beautiful azure lake of Ausangatecocha and the back view of Ausangate provide the backdrop for this fascinating day. We pass through the traditional base camp used for mountain ascents before finishing with a descent to our campsite on the meadow below. Glacial moraines surround our campsite at 4,510m. (B / L / D)
DAY 8: We follow up the broad green valley to the small lake of Ticllacocha. More viscachas and hopefully some rare vicuñas should accompany us on our journey. Our last big pass now lies before us, the Campa pass (5050m) is the most impressive with glaciers, scree and snow providing a truly big mountain expedition feel. We descend to the meadow below to camp at 4,850m. (B / L / D)
DAY 9: Today we have the option to attempt the ascent of Campa, a 5,500m trekking peak. An early start is required to retrace part way up the pass before heading up the steep shale slopes to the edge of the Campa Galcier. Here we don our snow equipment to climb the steep glacier to the summit. Weather and ice conditions dependant, this usually takes a good six hours but the aim is to back in camp for a late lunch. Those who decide not to do Campa peak, will have a rest morning in camp. In the afternoon we have a gentle down hill to the hot-springs at Pachanta (4360m) where we camp and have a chance to soak our exhausted muscles in the lovely hot water pools. (B / L / D)
DAY 10: Leaving the hot-springs, we have a steady climb to the picturesque lake Amaccocha. This stunning campsite at 4,665m under the snow capped Nevado Collque Cruz ranges is quite breath-taking. (B / L / D)
DAY 11: We climb the steep shoulder to arrive at a stunning panorama of snowy mountains. The next pass (4,940m) brings our first glimpse of the impressive turquoise waters of the lake Singrenacocha and the most impressive view of the trip so far. A side hike to the mountain lakes of Mullucocha in their amphi- theatre setting brings us down to on the shores of lake (4,390m) and our most scenic campsite. (B / L / D)
DAY 12: Our final days trekking we follow the shores of the astoundingly-coloured lake before following its exit river down to the trailhead where our bus will be waiting for us (4237m). After lunch we wave goodbye to the mules and begin the long drive back to Cusco where hopefully hot showers and cold beers await. (B / L)
DAY 13: After a well deserved lie-in, 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 main Plaza, Cusco has it all. (B).
DAY 14: A chance to visit the famous Machu Picchu. The early morning luxury train from Cusco will take you to this famous citadel high above the Sacred Urubabamba river. Fully guided tour with plenty of 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 board the afternoon train Aguas Calientes 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)
DAY 15: Transfer to airport and fly Lima in time for your international flights home. (B)
This provider can help with your other additional needs
local flights
transfers
additional accomodations
trip extensions
... and other requirements.
Request these additional services when you check availability above
What's Included
All airport transfers, internal flights. Transport to and from the trail 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; professional English and Spanish speaking guides trained in first-aid and C.P.R. Mules, cook team. Quality hotel in Lima and in Cusco. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Not Included
Internal Flights ($160), International flights, personal belongings, sleeping bag, climbing equipment for optional ascent of Campa, 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.
Technical equipment required for the optional ascent of Campa includes: a pair of boots which are sufficiently rigid to take crampons securely; crampons with front points; a medium length (60 to 75cms) ice-axe; climbing harness, climbing sling and two screw-gate karabiners.
All airport transfers, internal flights. Transport to and from the trail 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; professional English and Spanish speaking guides trained in first-aid and C.P.R. Mules, cook team. Quality hotel in Lima and in Cusco. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Not Included
Not Included
Internal Flights ($160), International flights, personal belongings, sleeping bag, climbing equipment for optional ascent of Campa, 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.
Technical equipment required for the optional ascent of Campa includes: a pair of boots which are sufficiently rigid to take crampons securely; crampons with front points; a medium length (60 to 75cms) ice-axe; climbing harness, climbing sling and two screw-gate karabiners.
Notes
Trip Notes
• The mules 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.
• Any excess gear may be stored in Cusco at your hotel whilst trekking.
• 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.
The “Ausangate mountain trip’’ travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes this trail so very special could also cause certain problems. Thus, whilst Amazonas Explorer endeavors 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.
This expedition involves trekking over several high passes up to 5,200m, an optional climb of 5,500m and involves steep descents. It is recommended that all clients should have some previous trekking experience and should be in reasonable fitness.
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. 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 and traveling 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 arrival in Cusco. 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.
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Types
Private Van Private Bus Commercial Airplane
Lodging - Accommodations
What are the accommodations like?
All hotels are clean and functioning 3* Hotels. Laundry service, hot water & cable TV are standard in Cusco, Puno, Arequipa & Lima. Further afield we use charming local hostals where standards vary but our aim is to provide a comfortable bed, clean rooms and hot water where available.
Lodging Types
7 Nights hotels 7 Nights camping
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
WHAT IS OUR "PORTER PROTECTION" POLICY?
According to Peruvian legislation the definition of a porter is "an independent worker who offers his services and who with his own body carries gear, personal equipment and other goods necessary for touristic expeditions." Each individual can establish working relationships with one or more employer, subject to the laws being obeyed by the operating company.
-The payment for porters has been established as a percentage of the UIT (an official tax code) - Amazonas Explorer pay their porters the correct amount on time for their work done in accordance with this legislation. This wage has been agreed by Amazonas Explorer and their porters and is also accepted by the Porters' union in Cusco.
-Porters are contracted by a designated Head porter and Payment is made directly by the Head guide, thus avoiding any intermediaries or other possible conflicts. Whilst the legislation is unclear at present, we pay the $10 Inca trail Porter fee and do not take it out of their wages.
-The Inca trail rules state they can not carry more than 20Kg of company equipment and 5kgs of personal equipment. We abide by this and it is enforced by the Inca trail governing body at several weigh stations on the way.
-We provide a large communal tent with carry mat floor for them to sleep in. It is not the clients' dining tent.
-We provide our porters with plenty of good food. This is not the same menu given to the passengers, but it is nutritious, abundant and what they are used to eating. They have their own cooking facilities so do not have to wait for the clients to finish eating before they get their food.
-We provide the porters with return train tickets (with designated seat allocation) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
-We only use registered Inca trail porters (as Inca trail rules stipulate) - these have to pass several forms of ID, Character reference and a letter of good health and to have attended an Inca Trail Porter Awareness course.
-All porters work freelance and our governing body APTAE is working on providing individual cheap good insurance policies for their health care. When this is in place we will donate to this directly.
-We provide a porter uniform.
What special equipment will we use on this trip? Tell me about it.
We use mules to carry all of our heavy camping gear on this trip.
The mules 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.
Any excess gear may be stored in Cusco at your hotel whilst trekking.
Tell me about the safety precautions and plans for this trip.
SAFETY FIRST:
We pride ourselves on our safety record and plan to maintain our claim as being the safest and best equipped team on any expedition. Whilst rafting, safety kayaks and catarafts are present wherever deemed necessary and we carry an extensive emergency first aid kit and satellite telephones on all remote expeditions.
The key to Amazonas Explorer's Safety Policy are our highly trained and superbly motivated Staff. The guides make decisions that put safety above all else. These decisions include walking around rapids, waiting out for better weather, route changes and limiting trip participation if the client is too sick to continue. We expect the clients to abide by these decisions.
River Guides
All our river guides hold the internationally recognised "Swift-water Technician" qualification. Staff training on safe river-running techniques is constantly being reviewed. All guides are deemed experienced and capable to raft at the high levels necessary on these demanding rivers. All have up to date Wilderness first aid certificates, have agreed to abide with our commitment to maximum risk reduction and are aware of emergency & evacuation procedures at any point.
Inca Trail Guides
All have the necessary Tourism University degree required to be registered Inca Trail guides. This course includes Peruvian history, languages, International tourist circuits, geography, geology, company organisation and administration. They have up to date Wilderness first aid certificates and a working knowledge of hypothermia and altitude sickness. They are aware of emergency & evacuation procedures at any point. By trekking the Inca trail in five days this ensures you never camp between the two high altitude passes where altitude sickness can take its toll. This means evacuation is a simple quick and effective operation.
Mountain Bike Guides
All have up to date Wilderness first aid certificates and are aware of emergency & evacuation procedures at any point. They have a background of biking and can fix most roadside problems. On longer endurance trips a professional bike mechanic and spare bikes are taken as an extra precaution.
Tour Conductors:
All have up to date Wilderness first aid certificates, insure the implementation of our risk assessment and reduction policy and are aware of emergency & evacuation procedures at any point.
Risk Assessment:
Amazonas Explorer has undertaken a risk assessment for all activities that we offer. Individual risk assessments per activity are available on request. Passengers should be aware they are taking part in adventurous activities in remote locations with inherent risks including possible personal injury. They should be prepared to accept such inherent risks and personal injury that may occur on a trip of this nature. A prerequisite of joining an Amazonas Explorer trip is all clients must take out personal travel insurance that will cover personal injury (including search & rescue) should any accident occur whilst partaking in an adventure, details of which must be given to their tour guide at the start of the trip.
Maximum Age
None
Elevation Range (Max, Min)
Up to 5200 M
Weather
The dry season is considered April – October. The trips in November & December are chosen with slightly wetter, warmer weather in mind. The rainy season is considered January to March and Amazonas Explorer do not operate in these months. However no guarantees are given for perfect weather at any time of year.
Travel Provider
Provider Name
Amazonas Explorer
Why should I choose this provider?
Amazonas Explorer specializes in small group fixed departure adventures in Peru and Bolivia. Whether it is Trekking, Rafting, Canoeing, Mountain biking, Cultural tours, Multi-activity, Family adventures, Exploratory expeditions or Customised adventures, here you will find the very best Alternative Adventures available in Peru and Bolivia.
Provider FAQ's
WHO TRAVELS WITH AMAZONAS EXPLORER?
From wonderfully differing backgrounds and countries, our genuinely small groups of 4 - 16 clients, typically share a passion for the outdoors, a healthy appetite for adventure and a love of the good life. No previous experience is necessary for any of our trips unless specified in the adventure
RECOMMENDED READING
The White Rock - Hugh Thomson
Running the Amazon - Joe Kane.
Exploring Cusco - Peter Frost
A Neotropical Companion -John C.Kricher (1997 [second edition] Princeton University Press)
A Guide to the Birds of Colombia - Stephen Hilty & William Brown (Princeton University Press)
Exploration Fawcett - Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett (Century 1988)
The bridge of San Luis Rey - Thorton Wilder
Conquest of the Incas - John Hemmingway
Heart of the Amazon - Yossi Ghinsberg (Macmillan 1999)
The Inca Trail - Richard Danbury
Field guide to the birds of Machu Picchu - Barry Walker
Into the forests of the night - John Simpson
Touching the void - Joe Simson
Inca Kola - Matthew Paris
Inca Gold - Clive Cussler
Realm of the Incas - Max Milligan
Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord by Loius de Bernieres
WHAT INNOCULATIONS DO I NEED?
A doctor should always be consulted for the latest information and what is suitable for you.
Generally: Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A.
Jungle Areas only: Yellow fever & Malaria
Local Epidemics: Typhoid & Cholera
There is a very effective dog rabies vaccination program in Peru but if remote Mountain biking or trekking is to be undertaken Rabies vaccines should be considered. In emergencies this is available locally.
WHAT IS AN AVERAGE TREKKING DAY?
Wake up call at 0600 with a cup of tea & bowl of water for washing. You then have one hour to pack up your rucksack before breakfast at 0700. This enables the porters to take down your tents whilst you are eating.
0730 Start trekking.
1100 Snack break
1230 - 1330 Lunch break
1530 Arrival at camp. The porters will have set up camp and have hot drinks and snacks waiting.
1800 Three-course dinner & hot drinks
Trekking is at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for rests & exploring the ruins on route. This itinerary is flexible depending on the weather & group health.
WHAT IS AN AVERAGE RAFTING DAY?
0700 Wake up call and time to pack up gear & tents.
0800 Breakfast & load kit on the rafts.
0830-0900 Begin rafting
1100 Snack time
1230 - 1330 Lunch break
1530 Stop rafting & set up camp
1800 Dinner
Rafting is at the speed deemed safe by the raft guides at the water conditions at the time. Plenty if time is allowed for portaging/walking the rapids deemed to dangerous to run.
WHAT IS AN AVERAGE BIKING DAY?
0700 Wake up call and time to pack up gear & tents.
0800 Breakfast & load support truck.
0830 Begin Biking
1230 - 1330 Lunch break
1530 Stop Biking & set up camp
1800 Dinner
This itinerary is flexible depending on the weather & group health.
WHERE DO I STORE ALL MY RAFTING GEAR WHILE BIKING?
All excess gear may be stored in either the Hotels, support vehicles or in the Amazonas Explorer deposit whilst on alternative activities.
WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION SHOULD I EXPECT?
A 5* Hilton Hotel is used on arrival in Lima. All other hotels are clean and functioning 3* Hotels with laundry service, hot water & cable TV standard in Cusco, Puno & Arequipa. Further afield we use charming local hostals where standards vary but our aim is to provide a comfortable bed, clean rooms and hot water where available.
WHAT DIETARY REQUIREMENTS DO YOU PROVIDE FOR:
All dietary requirements from vegans, Lacto-allergies & general dislikes can be catered for so long as prior warning is given when booking the trip.
HOW MANY PEOPLE IN A RAFT?
We pride ourselves on our high guide to passenger staff ratio.
Optimal weather and water conditions would give 4 or 6 passengers in paddle rafts (raft size depending). We do not pack 8 people into any raft. In high water Oar frames are used for extra safety. These may have 2 or 4 passengers. Tail frames are also used to provide more safety.
WHAT WASHING / TOILET FACILLITIES ARE PROVIDED ON TRIPS?
Camping toilets & toilet tents are provided on all but the remotest expeditions.
On the rafting the river is generally used for washing and clean water supplied for drinking & teeth brushing.
On the Inca trail bowls of hot water are supplied in the morning and night. Clean hand washing water is available at all meal times.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?
The dry season is considered April - October.
The trips in November & December are chosen with slightly wetter, warmer weather in mind.
The rainy season is considered January to March and Amazonas Explorer do not operate in these months.
However no guarantees are given for perfect weather at any time of year.
WHAT DO I DO IN MY FREE TIME IN TOWNS?
Your guides will advise you of all possible options during the trip. Cusco has an abundance of good artisan markets, local ruins, internet cafes, bars, restaurants & night-clubs. Sleeping & reading books is also popular between activities.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM / MAXIMUM AGE?
The minimum age for the most adventure trips is 16 years. Occasionally younger clients can be taken prior previous consultation with Amazonas Explorer.
Private trips can be arranged for passengers and friends under 16 years old.
There is no maximum age limit but individuals are asked to be realistic of their capabilities when choosing an adventure trip.
Family trips are specifically aimed at 10 to 18 years olds travelling with their parents.
WHAT MEDICAL PROBLEMS ARE CONSIDRED A RISK?
Most of the adventure trips are at altitudes greater than 2,800m where altitude effects can be felt.
Altitude tends to aggravate any pre-existing medical condition. Travelers with anemia, heart conditions and high blood pressure should check with their doctors before undertaking travel at altitude.
A multi-activity adventure with no altitude involved is the Christmas TUMBES trip.
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?
The Peruvian New Sol is the current currency. US Dollars can be used in most restaurants (at a poorer exchange rate). UK pounds and Euros are not recommended.
Current exchange rates (as of Nov 2004):
1GBP = 5.2 soles 1US$ = 3.3 Soles
WHAT MONEY CHANGING FACILLITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
All large towns and airports have ATM's that accept Credit (Visa preferred) & normal bank cards (Connect, Cirrus).
Banks will accept paper credit card withdrawals - but the hours and queues are annoyingly unsociable.
Money changing houses are available in all towns. US Dollars are the preferred currency; GB Sterling is not widely accepted.
Out of towns try to have as many small coins & notes as possible as change is not widely available.
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN PERU?
The official language is Spanish.
Quechua, the language of the Incas, has finally received some official status and is widely used in the mountains. Aymara is the language of the mountain people of Lake Titicaca and Bolivia.
The jungle tribes have their own dialects.
English is not widely spoken outside the tourist industry & the normal tourist routes.
WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL FLIGHT BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE?
International flight allowances vary between 20Kg and 64Kg - please check with your ticket agent.
National flights generally have baggage weight restrictions of between 20-30Kg per passenger. Passengers are responsible for their own excess baggage charges. These are currently $2.50 per Kilogram. We always try to book the most lenient airline for passengers travelling with bikes or extra baggage if notified at the time of booking. Hand luggage is also strictly controlled and must not weigh more than 5 Kg nor be much bigger than a small day-pack. Security is tight in the airports so remember to pack any pocket-knives and sharp objects (tools for example in your check-in luggage)
WHAT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IS THERE?
220V, 60Hz, American Style two-pin plugs
WHAT SHOULD I TIP IN PERU?
Generally in restaurants you only tip if the service is good up to 10% of the cost of the meal.
Hotel porters may receive a tip again if you believe they have provided a good service.
Street children & other beggars in the country. We believe in paying only for services rendered, helping with water bottles, directions or posing for photographs. There are some ladies in Cusco whose occupation is posing for photographs in full traditional costume with Llamas, this is their livelihood and payment is required for photographs.
A rough tip system has been set for the guides & porters. This varies with service, length of trip & size of group.
Drivers / Porters $10-$15
Head porter/ toilet carrier / Assistant cook $20
Day guides for Biking, Rafting & Cultural tours $20
Head cook $40-$50
Inca Trail / Raft Guide / Bike guide /Tour Conductor $60-$100
Most good sporting equipment is unavailable in Peru. Equipment given in lieu of a cash tip is very much appreciated.
HOW CAN I STAY IN TOUCH WITH HOME?
The office may be contacted directly in case of emergencies. There are numerous Internet cafes in Cusco for e-mailing home, direct dial phone cards are widely available and telephone calls can be made from most hotels. Tri-band cellular phones also work in the major cities. On remote expeditions we carry a satellite phone but this is exclusively for emergency use.
HOW SAFE IS PERU?
Petty theft is wide-spread with thieves being quick & clever, most of the time people are unaware they have been robbed until later. Being vigilant with possessions, use a money belt and not carrying expensive items of value late at night and in busy markets and stations avoids most losses. At night in towns the normal street rules apply so do not walk alone, but take one of the many cheap official taxis. On the whole Peru is still safer than most European cities.
Provider Policies
Terms and Conditions
Terms, Conditions
The Small Print
Amazonas Explorer trips travel through remote and rarely visited parts of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes these trips 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.
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, 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 an adequate travel insurance to cover these risks. National flight time tables are also subjected to local weather conditions. Please ensure your travel insurance covers any cost incurred due to delayed and cancelled flights. Excess baggage is also at the client's expense. 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.
Cancellation Policies
If the trip is cancelled by the customer we reserve the right to charge:
1. The full cost of Inca Trail permit purchased on clients behalf.
2: Between 60 and 45 days prior to departure we charge 10% of trip price
3: 44-15 days prior to departure we charge 50% of trip price
4: 14 days or less we charge 100% of trip price
In exceptional circumstances and entirely at our discretion, we can offer up to 50% off trip price as an advance towards a future Amazonas Explorer fixed departure trip.
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Ausangate Mountain Trek
