Combine the best activities in the Inca region near Cusco on this 5-day Inca Trail trek and Apurimac River whitewater rafting trip! This trip begins and ends in Lima, and includes all transportation and hotels along the way. There is also time to explore Cusco and the surrounding ruins and cultural sites, as well as a full-day at Machu Picchu. The former Inca Capital and Spanish colonial city of Cusco is our base for this great expedition. This is a wonderful place full of culture, history, good restaurants and fun nightlife. Our first adventure takes us from Cusco 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 visiting many ruins. The final night is spent in the colorful town of Aguas Calientes before spending a whole day exploring the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu. The return to Cusco is by luxury train and bus in plenty of time for a celebration meal. We then have one day of rest in Cusco to prepare for the next phase. Our next journey takes us to the start of the river deep in the heart of an impressive 3000m deep canyon. From here all supplies are taken for four days of wild rafting. As well as being the true source of the mighty Amazon river, the Rio Apurimac is undeniably one of the world's hidden gems of whitewater. The Granite Canyon of the Rio Apurimac is justifiably gaining a reputation as one of the world's top ten rafting rivers, combining a perfect mix of exhilarating rapids and awesome scenery. Even the most novice crews are expertly trained up to meet the challenges and thrills of this non-stop adrenaline-pumping roller coaster ride of a life time. Apart from world class rapids the Apurimac boasts pristine sandy beaches for camping, spectacular sun-bleached rock formations and rare wildlife including otters, puma and the ultra elusive Andean bear. It is an adventure lover's dreams come true. A final day in Cusco allows for any last minute shopping followed by a short flight back to Lima in time to make your international connection. Please note: This trip may also run in reverse with Apurimac rafting first then the Inca trail.
Highlights
-Trek the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
-White water raft the class 3-4+ Apurimac river canyon.
-Explore Cusco - full of culture, history, fine dining and fun nightlife
-Bike the Andes extension available. ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Lima. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2 Fly to Cusco the old capital of the Incas. Acclimatise to the altitude with a short City tour. (B)
Day 3 Drive to the Sacred Valley, explore Ollantaytambo ruins then begin the Inca Trail. (B / L / D)
Day 4-6 Camping and trekking in style. This five day Inca Trail ensures we have plenty of time to treasure each view and ruin en-route. (B / L / D)Arrive Machu Picchu and O'night in Hostal in Aguas Calientes (B / L )
Day 7 Machu Picchu fully guided tour and then free time. Afternoon train back to Cusco for celebration dinner. (B/L)
Day 8 Free day in Cusco shopping, visiting ruins or just resting. (B)
Day 9 Drive to Apurimac river canyon, full safety talk then begin rafting. (B / L / D)
Day 10-11 Superb grade 3-4+ White water rafting. (B / L / D)
Day 12 1/2 day rafting and return to Cusco for celebration party! (B/L)
Day 13 Final free day in Cusco. Shop, relax or party. (B)
Day 14 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 trip is an adventure classic---the best short raftingtrip in Peru, the Inca culture of Cusco, and the world famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Amazonas Explorer is the most professional radfting and treking outfitter in Peru, and will make this trip memorable for you. ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
Adventurous, active people who want the best adventures in Inca country will love this trip. ...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). There is a short pre-departure meeting to introduce Cusco, explain altitude sickness, exchange paperwork and a briefing on rafting and trekking. 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, calling in at the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo. At the end of the road we meet the team of porters and cooks for lunch and start to trek along the banks of the Urubamba river. This is ideal for acclimatisation purposes. 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 our support team of traditional porters. All camp chores are done for us and delicious food is served by a cook and his helpers. (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 at Llulluchupampa (3680m) - a beautiful grassy area with outstanding views down the valley. (B / L / D)
DAY 5: 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 (3850m) gives us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on incredibly 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 (3650m) where we camp. (B / L / D)
DAY 6: Our final days hiking brings us down into the cloud forest on a Inca stairway to Winay Wayna (2,600m), another interesting ruin full of orchids and swallows. And so to Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun for our first glimpse of Machu Picchu (2,400m). 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: We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco for the spectacular drive to the Apurimac canyon, hopefully glimpsing on route the snow-capped Vilcanota mountain range before descending into the canyon to our starting point on the banks of the Apurimac. Here we inflate our specialised rafts, load up with provisions and, following a full safety talk and instruction in the art of white water rafting; we head off into the canyon in search of adventure. (B / L / D)
DAY 10-11: For the next three days we challenge the rapids of the mighty Apurimac. "Apu - rimac ", in Quechua, signifies " The Great Speaker " - Inca nobility and priests would often ' consult ' the river on route to the city of Cusco. The rapids are pretty much non-stop and at times the huge boulders that block our way force us to the bank for further scouting. At several points we have to portage un-runnable falls. At night we camp on beautiful sandy beaches and explore the amazing rock formations. Andean foxes, otters and pumas have all been sighted on the banks of the river. In between the harder rapids there is plenty of time to take in the awesome scenery and marvel at the near sheer sided gorge down which we are travelling. (B / L / D)
DAY 12: Finally we reach a break in the canyon walls and from here it is a short bus journey back to Cusco, passing on route the towering snow capped Salcantay mountain. On arrival in Cusco we drop you off at your hotel for a well-earned hotel bed, hot shower and perhaps a small party to celebrate your successful descent of through the mighty Apurimac canyon. (B / L)
DAY 13: A final day in Cusco for sightseeing, souvenir hunting or just relaxing and reflecting on our recent adventures. (B)
DAY 14: An early morning flight from Cusco to Lima, in time to connect with your international flight home (B). Or try our 2 / 3 day Bike the Andes extension.
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 and Inca trail in private vehicle. Quality hotel in Lima, Cusco and a hostal in Aguas Calientes. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
On the river -State of the art rafting and canoeing equipment including self-bailing rafts, Hi-flotation life-jackets, helmets, spray jackets, wet-suits, limited numbers of wetsuit boots, dry bags for personal gear, special containers for cameras; camping and cooking equipment including spacious two person tents and Therm-a-rests. Extensive first-aid kit and oxygen. Professional English and Spanish speaking river guides, trained in Wilderness first-aid, swift-water rescue and C.P.R.
On the Inca trail - All camping and cooking equipment: this includes spacious two-person tents, Thermarests, 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. Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail $60, Machu Picchu ruins ($24) and Ollantaytambo ruins($12). A guided tour in Machu Picchu and the bus transfers to the ruins.
Not Included
Internal Flights ($160), Personal belongings, sleeping bag, airport taxes ($5 local and $28 international), personal expenses, and tips. Day rooms in Lima on final day are not included but can be organised if required.
All airport transfers; transport to and from the river and Inca trail in private vehicle. Quality hotel in Lima, Cusco and a hostal in Aguas Calientes. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
On the river -State of the art rafting and canoeing equipment including self-bailing rafts, Hi-flotation life-jackets, helmets, spray jackets, wet-suits, limited numbers of wetsuit boots, dry bags for personal gear, special containers for cameras; camping and cooking equipment including spacious two person tents and Therm-a-rests. Extensive first-aid kit and oxygen. Professional English and Spanish speaking river guides, trained in Wilderness first-aid, swift-water rescue and C.P.R.
On the Inca trail - All camping and cooking equipment: this includes spacious two-person tents, Thermarests, 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. Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail $60, Machu Picchu ruins ($24) and Ollantaytambo ruins($12). A guided tour in Machu Picchu and the bus transfers to the ruins.
Not Included
Not Included
Internal Flights ($160), Personal belongings, sleeping bag, airport taxes ($5 local and $28 international), personal expenses, and tips. Day rooms in Lima on final day are not included but can be organised if required.
Notes
Trip Notes
The "Inca Explorer" travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes the Apurimac river 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. Should Amazonas Explorer deem the rafting portion of the Rio Apurimac to be too high to be safely navigated we reserve the right to offer an alternative river. Rapids deemed too dangerous to safely run are portaged, the decision of the river guide is final in these circumstances. We also reserve the right to run the program in reverse if conditions make this necessary. Also last minute changes to international flights, internal flight and excess baggage rules 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, 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 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.
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Types
Private Bus Train 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. Our camps are comfortable well tended by or staff.
Lodging Types
7 Nights hotels 6 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 good condition, self bailing Avon rafts, 4mm Long John wetsuits & Wet suit boots (except on Jungle rivers), Splash Jackets. Palm Helmets, America's cup High flotation life jackets, Carlise industry standard raft paddles for the Apurimac.
Camping: Spacious two person tents or single tents, Dining tent, Cook tent & toilet tent All camping and cooking equipment including Therm-a-rests and camping stools.
Tell me about the guides on this trip
Professional English and Spanish speaking river guides, trained in Wilderness first-aid, swift-water rescue and C.P.R. A qualified, English speaking, Inca trail guide, all porters and a cook team.
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
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.
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
Trip Specific Policies
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 trip cannot be confirmed until:
A): Full client information (Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth and Occupation) are sent to us in order to purchase your Inca trail permit.
B): Amazonas Explorer has confirmed that an Inca Trail permit is available for the trip of your choice.
2: Once issued an Inca Trail permit is non-refundable and non-endorsable and clients will be liable for cost of permit (at present $60) plus an administration charge of US $25
3: Client must bring with them 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.
4: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and local ruins entrance fees for 2006 have not yet been confirmed and should there be a significant increase, Amazonas Explorer will not be able to assume this extra cost and the extra will have be passed onto the clients
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 - The Inca Explorer
