This exceptional expedition takes you into a rarely visited part of Peru, from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the very heart of the Amazon jungle. We spend time exploring the floating islands of the Uros and visiting the Pre-Inca ruins of Silustani, whilst acclimatising to the high Altiplano. Our journey to the river takes us high into the Andes with breathtaking views of the Apolobamba and Carabaya mountain ranges, before dropping down into the Amazon rainforest. From our put in on the banks of the Rio Tambopata, we soon bid farewell to all traces of civilization as we head into pristine jungle in search of wilderness, wildlife and wild-water.
The first few days we tackle the grade III-IV rapids. The rapids become less technical and more high volume roller coaster as the river grows through the Amazon Basin foothills. As we reach the Amazon Basin the last few days are spent drifting silently, spotting rare wildlife and exploring tributaries. A night in a comfortable jungle lodge beside the spectacular Macaw lick gives us time to explore jungle trails, before heading downriver past gold miners and so to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to back Lima in time to connect with your international flight. If you would like to extend your stay, we also offer tours in Cusco the ancient capital of the Incas from where we can visit the amazing "Lost City of the Incas" - Machu Picchu and the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The Bahuaja / Sonene national reserve is considered to be the “World´s best-preserved Tropical Rainforest reserve” and the “Last Human-free Jungle on the planet”. It is home to jaguars, tapirs, giant otters and capybaras as well as over 800 species of birds and 1200 different species of butterflies. Rafting the Rio Tambopata, through the very heart of this National Park has recently been described by the scientific world as “The Ultimate Jungle Experience”.
Highlights
-6 days warm class 3-4 Wilderness Whitewater rafting
-The best wildlife in the Amazon
-The World's Largest Macaw lick
-Lake Titicaca boat trip
-Alpaca ranch and High Andean traverse ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Lima, transfer to hotel and rest up.
Day 2 Fly to Juliaca, transfer to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca and acclimatise. (B)
Day 3 Visit the amazing floating islands of Uros, the Pre-Inca ruins of Silustani then drive to the Malkini Alpaca ranch. (B/D)
Day 4 We drive through the Andes then down deep into the Amazon Jungle and camp near the start of the Rio Tambopata. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Packing all the supplies on our rafts and following a full safety briefing, we set off rafting into the Rainforest. (B/L/D)
Day 6-10 Our first days are spent rafting fun rapids as we head deeper into the Tambopata canyon, camping at night on pristine beaches. Later our rafts become perfect wildlife watching platforms as we float silently on the Amazon headwaters, many days from human contact. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Arriving at the confluence with the Rio Tavara, we camp the last night and meet our re-supply motor boat. (B/L/D)
Day 12 A short motor boat trip takes us to the Tambopata Research Centre, a beautiful lodge where we can relax, clean up and explore the myriad of trails in search of more rare wildlife (B/L/D)
Day 13 Rising early we cross the river for a fantastic sight - the World's largest Macaw Lick where every morning thousands of parrots, macaws and parakeets converge in a delightful fusion of noise and bright colours to eat the clay in the cliffs. Later we continue to Puerto Maldonado by motor boat and overnight in a hotel. (B/L)
Day 14 A short flight over the Andes brings us to the beautiful Colonial city and home of the Incas, Cusco (B)
Day 15 Optional day trip to Machu Picchu. Overnight Cusco (B)
Day 16 Fly to Lima in time to connect with your international flight home. (B) ...see full itinerary
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
The Bahuaja/Sonene national reserve is considered to be the "World's best-preserved Tropical Rainforest reserve" and the "Last Human-free Jungle on the planet". It is home to jaguars, tapirs, giant otters and capybaras as well as over 800 species of birds and 1200 different species of butterflies. Rafting the Rio Tambopata, through the very heart of this National Park has recently been described by the Scientific world as "The Ultimate Jungle Experience." ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
This is the perfect trip for adventurous nature lovers who want to experience the pristine Amazon basin, and who love birds and wildlife. ...view more details
On arrival at Lima Airport you will transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day may be spent exploring central Lima and its fascinating museums.
DAY 2:
An early morning transfer back to the airport to board the first flight along the Andes to Juliaca where you will be met by your Amazonas Explorer guide and transferred to our hotel in Puno near the shores of Lake Titicaca. Today is for acclimatisation to the rarefied air of the Andean Altiplano (3800m). Drink plenty of liquids and take it easy. In the afternoon we can explore Puno and its environs. (B)
DAY 3:
Today we board a motor launch on Lake Titicaca for a fascinating visit to the floating islands of the Uros Indians. We then say farewell to Puno and begin our journey to the river. At Juliaca we stop for lunch where we catch up with the remaining Amazonas Explorer team and equipment. We then continue across the high plains. We camp overnight on the roadside where the weather, road conditions and altitude dictates. (B/L/D)
DAY 4:
The adventure continues overland, high into the Andes, passing llama herds, glaciers and spectacular mountain ranges. As we cut through the Andes, we begin to descend through Inca terraces and into the cloud forest. From here to our launching site on the banks of the Rio Tambopata the road can be a real challenge. We drop deeper into the jungle and finally to Putina Punku where we will camp overnight. (B/L/D)
DAY 5:
The morning is spent inflating the rafts and securely packing all our gear and supplies. Following a full safety briefing and instruction in the art of white water rafting, we don our life jackets and helmets and head into the Amazon rainforest. Any excess gear can be sent back with our vehicle to await our arrival in Cusco. (B/L/D)
DAY 6-10:
Leaving all traces of civilization behind, we raft exciting rapids by day and at night camp on pristine sandy beaches. The first days are full of class II-III rapids, starting small and technical, giving us plenty of time to practice the necessary skills required to negotiate the harder rapids to come. The river increases in volume, as tributary after tributary join the Tambopata, creating exciting and challenging class IV rapids.
There will be plenty of time for scouting and photographing the harder rapids. Eventually the river relaxes and for the last few days, our rafts float silently through the calmer stretches, giving us ample opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife. Here we hope to see families of capybaras - the world's largest rodent, herds of peccaries. Lone tapirs have also been known to walk through the campsite at night and monkeys watch us pass from their tree top hideaways. Jaguars, jaguarondis, caiman, ant-eaters and giant river otters have also been spotted as well as countless species of rare birds and butterflies. Time is spent exploring beautiful side creeks and, if you wish, fishing for the delicious but elusive Paiche. (B/L/D)
DAY 11:
Where the Tambopata meets the Rio Tavara, the river becomes flat and thus hard work. This is our last night’s camp and where we meet our re-supply boat. (B/L/D)
DAY 12:
Today the motor boat transfers us a few hours down river to a comfortable jungle lodge situated beside the famous Macaw lick. Here we can enjoy the luxuries of a refreshing shower, a comfortable bed, fresh food and a cold beer. Resident expert guides are available for further jungle walks if desired. (B/L/D)
DAY 13:
Perhaps the wildlife highlight of the trip still awaits us as we rise just before dawn to see the truly extraordinary spectacle of hundreds of macaws, parrots, and parakeets feasting on the minerals contained in the cliff wall. After breakfast, the motor boat transfers us further downstream, passing groups of gold miners and finally to the frontier town of Puerto Maldonado and a well earned night in a hotel. (B/L)
DAY 14:
From Puerto Maldonado we take a flight back to Lima in time to connect with our international flight home. Alternatively one can change this flight to the colonial city and ancient Inca capital of Cusco from where excursions to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu can easily be organized. (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; transport to and from the river in private vehicle. State of the art rafting equipment including self-bailing rafts, Hi-flotation life-jackets, helmets, spray jackets, dry bags for personal gear, special containers for cameras. All camping and cooking equipment including Thermarests, spacious two person tents, mosquito-netting dining tent, tables and stools. An Extensive First-aid kit; professional English and Spanish speaking river guides, trained in first-aid, swift-water rescue and CPR. Quality hotel in Lima, Juliaca, Puerto Maldonado and Cusco; comfortable Jungle lodge on the banks of the Rio Tambopata. an expert naturalist guide at jungle lodge. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Not Included
International flights, personal belongings, sleeping bag, , Tambopata National park fees, airport taxes ($5 local, $28 international), personal expenses and tips. Optional trip to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley of the Incas. Day rooms in Lima on final day are not included but can be organised if required.
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Overall Rating:
1 customer review
Destination:
5.0
Activity:
5.0
Equipment:
5.0
Food:
4.0
Guides & Service:
5.0
Provider Rating: 10 trip reviews
Equipment:
4.6
Food:
4.8
Guides & Service:
4.9
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
4.2
Trip Rating:
Destination:
Equipment:
Activity:
Food:
Guides & Service:
Rio Tambopata--Wilderness, Wildlife and Whitewater
by Keith Findley, Apr 16, 2006
This trip has everything, from cultural, natural and historic wonders to whitewater adventure. Accommodations range from comfortable hotels in cities like Cusco and Puno to fairly primitive lodging in backcountry villages to rustic (but nice) open air lodging at the Tambopata Research Center to tents on the Tambopata River. The trip is an expedition, but can be handled by anyone with an adventurous spirit who doesn't mind getting wet and dirty and doesn't need comfort all the time. I went with both my 13-year-old son and my 67-year-old mother and they both loved it (although admittedly my mother is a tough one). I have done a fair bit of traveling throughout the world, and this is probably the most memorable and exciting of all my travels. We saw incredible sites, including Inca ruins, Machu Picchu, and more wildlife than I have seen anywhere before. While rafting the Tambopata River through stretches of the rainforest inaccessible to humans except by raft we saw tapir, caymans, monkeys, capybarras, macaws, parrots, parakeets, giant river otters, and even a jaguar. Oh, and our local guides were great!
All airport transfers; transport to and from the river in private vehicle. State of the art rafting equipment including self-bailing rafts, Hi-flotation life-jackets, helmets, spray jackets, dry bags for personal gear, special containers for cameras. All camping and cooking equipment including Thermarests, spacious two person tents, mosquito-netting dining tent, tables and stools. An Extensive First-aid kit; professional English and Spanish speaking river guides, trained in first-aid, swift-water rescue and CPR. Quality hotel in Lima, Juliaca, Puerto Maldonado and Cusco; comfortable Jungle lodge on the banks of the Rio Tambopata. an expert naturalist guide at jungle lodge. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Not Included
Not Included
International flights, personal belongings, sleeping bag, , Tambopata National park fees, airport taxes ($5 local, $28 international), personal expenses and tips. Optional trip to Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley of the Incas. Day rooms in Lima on final day are not included but can be organised if required.
Notes
Trip Notes
The Tambopata river expedition travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes the Tambopata 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.
Specific to the Rio Tambopata is the possibilities of delays due to the difficulty in reaching the river. Whilst on the river, we may experience heavy rainfall which leads to a significant rise in water levels, thus forcing us to camp and wait for more favourable conditions. 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, whitewater 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 arrival in Puno. 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.
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Description
The drive from Puno over the Andes and down to the Tambopata River is a long, tough trip in 4x4 vehicles. Most of the drive is on dirt roads that can be muddy and rutted. The drive, while difficult, is spectacular as is traverses 7 different life zones from the altiplano, the cloudforest, to the Amazon Basin.
Transportation Types
Private Bus 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle Motor Boat Commercial Jet
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.
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.
All rafting equipment, Self bailing good condition Avon rafts, Splash Jackets. Palm Helmets, America's cup High flotation life jackets, Carlise industry standard raft paddles.
Tell me about the guides on this trip
All our river guides hold the internationally recognised "Swiftwater 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 first aid certificates, have agreed to abide with our commitment to maximum risk reduction and are aware of emergency & evacuation procedures at any point.
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
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 - Rio Tambopata--Wilderness, Wildlife and Whitewater
