A 2 week comfortable tour of the essential Peruvian highlights. Perfect for those who seek adventure with a higher level of comfort. This is adventure in style! Inca Explorer Classic 2009 GAP 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 South America Peru, Machu Picchu Lima Lima Peru Peru Culture/History 15 3 Comfort http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/peru/peru_cuzco.jpg Arrive in Lima at any time. Spend the evening relaxing in this sea-side village and enjoying the local drink, the Pisco Sour. Visit the nearby Ballestas Islands to view sea lion colonies, penguins and bird life. From Pisco, drive to Nazca, stopping en route at the sand dunes of Huacachina. Take an optional flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines then visit a fascinating Pre-Inca cemetery in the Nazca desert. Journey down the coast to Puerto Inca. Enjoy a hike along the coast and don't miss out on the spectacular Pacific coast sunsets. Drive south towards the beautiful Andean town of Arequipa. Relax in this city surrounded by towering mountains or enjoy the peaceful Santa Catalina Monastery. Fly to Juliaca and take a short drive to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to visit the floating reed islands of Uros and continue on to experience the unique culture of Taquile Island. Travel from Puno to Cuzco through spectacular high altiplano countryside. Travel through the Sacred Valley on an expert guided tour that includes lunch and a stop at the Pisac market. Spend a night in the valley to get a real taste of village life in the Andes. Ride an early morning train and wind through the Urubamba Valley towards Aguas Calientes. Archaeology buffs can visit Machu Picchu independently before the guided tour the following morning. Rise early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu in the early morning light. This is the best time to view the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Our local guide will provide a detailed interpretation of the Inca history before other tour groups arrive at midday. Leave for Cuzco by train in the afternoon of Day 13. Fly back to Lima and enjoy a final night out on the town. Arrive in Lima at any time. On arrival you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. The day is free to spend at leisure.

Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital city Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima, and it is here you find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro. To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard at noon. Walk the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to get a taste for life in a large South American city.

There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. The more affluent districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, which are on the coast, offer good nightlife and cafés. Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known. Today we will travel two and a half hours to the province of Chincha, where you'll be able to spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the local culture with an included "cajon" show, the box-like instrument made famous by Flamenco but originating in Peru.

Chincha, whose history dates back to the 11th century when an advanced and warlike culture descended into the valley of the San Juan River, was named after the people who worshipped the God of the Jaguar or "Chinchay." They lived and cultivated the area until mid-15th century when they were overtaken by the Inca Civilization who left behind Tambo Colorado which can be visited from Chincha. After the Incas came the Spaniards who took advantage of the fertile lands and built many Haciendas using slave labour to produce, cotton, certain fruits, including grapes for wine and Pisco, vegetables and sugar cane.

El Carmen, located in the province of Chincha is renowned as the heart of Afro Peruvian culture and home to an extremely well preserved Colonial Hacienda, the Hacienda San Jose, where we will spend the evening. The Hacienda dates back to the 17th century and entered the social map when Rosa Jesepha de Muñztones y Aguado married Don Andres de Salazar and the her families country home was offered as the dowry. It was turned into a sugar plantation and ran with the help of over eighty Black slaves that had been brought from Guinea. Through marriage more property was acquired and and at one point there were up to 1000 slaves working the land. In the early 1800s the hamlet of El Carmen came into existence as slaves used to hide there trying to escape the ill-treatment they received while on the Haciendas. It is from there that the rich tradition of music and dance was founded in the area. Instruments were formed from the materials that they had and include the "cajon" which is a wooden box used for percussion and played with your hands and the "caracacha" which is the jaw of a donkey that when hit causes the teeth to rattle together creating sound, demonstrating the resourcefulness of the people.
This morning we visit the Ballestas Islands by boat to view sea lion colonies, penguins and other bird life.

Continue south by land to Nazca with a stop to see the Huacachina sand dunes along the way. The pleasant colonial town of Ica enjoys a dry and sunny climate and is known for its huge sand dunes around the Huacachina oasis. Apart from the dunes, the town is well known for its wines, and there are several wineries and distilleries in the area.

Next visit one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. The lines consist of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing a wide area of flat desert. Some of the lines measure up to 10 km (32 miles) in length, and yet remain perfectly straight. The depictions of birds, insects and animals are only recognizable from the air. Who drew the lines, and why, is something modern archaeologists can only theorize about, but current beliefs suggest that they may be part of complex agricultural calendar. From the ground we can make out very little, and the best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged.

The entire desert area was also once the home for the ancient Paracas and the Nazca cultures, which preceded the Incas by more than half a millennium. Remains of the Nazca culture are still visible during our included tour of an ancient Pre-Inca desert cemetery site, with 1500 year-old mummies, bones and pottery on the desert floor. The tour also includes a visit to an artisan’s workshop, where modern masters create Nazca style pottery.

A short bus journey in the afternoon takes us further down the coast to Atiquipa, where we can sea lion colonies and hike along the coast. The ruggedness of the Peru's desert coast and the endless expanse of the Pacific make for some spectacular sunsets. A full day of travel awaits as we continue south to the town of Arequipa.

Peru’s second most important city after Lima, Arequipa maintains a traditional colonial style and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Sitting at 2325 m (7626 ft) above sea level and surrounded by the Andes mountains, this delightful colonial town is well worth a visit. Arequipa was built from a very light coloured volcanic rock called sillar, so older buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname, “the White City.” The main plaza with its cafés and nearby cathedral is a top draw for visitors.

Those with an interest in history, culture and architecture will enjoy our visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina during our city tour, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a by-gone way of life. Spectacular mountains surround Arequipa, the most famous of which is El Misti Volcano, at 5822 m (19096 ft) and with a beautiful snow-capped peak.
Our day starts with a flight to Juliaca and a short drive to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The remainder of the day is at leisure in the town. The next morning we head out by boat across Lake Titicaca for an included excursion to visit the remarkable floating reed islands of Uros and to explore beautiful Taquile Island.

Located at 3830 m above sea level, Puno is the highest night stop on the tour. As a result the weather can be extreme with very cold nights and a strong sun during the day. Puno is also known for its wealth of traditional dances: there are up to 100 different varieties, usually performed in the street processions celebrating Catholic feast days. If you are fortunate enough to be visiting at the right time you may even catch one of these celebrations.

Titicaca is also the largest lake in the world above 2000m, and the views from the islands are stunning. We explore the unique floating islands of the Uros people, made of Totora reeds. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from the Colla and Inca tribes. Sadly, the Uros language has died out, and today the islanders speak Aymara due to intermarriage with Aymara-speaking clans. Today about 300 families live on the islands, however their numbers are slowly declining.

The Totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake are used for making everything from the islands themselves to the model boats that the islanders sell. The islands are made up of layers upon layers of reeds; as the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top. The reeds are also used to build their boats, which if constructed well will last up to 6 months. The trip from Puno to Cuzco takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route as you travel through the high Altiplano region.

Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend.

Every year Cuzco attracts thousands of travellers who come to delve into its noble but tragic past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude.

Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the city’s most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build; it is also one of the city’s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.

While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. Today the ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure.

There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. Our best advice for exploring Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore! Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the impressive Pisac ruins and the colourful artisan market (market days only). The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin.

The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading out towards Machu Picchu the next morning. We board a morning train that winds through the steep Urubamba Valley to its final destination of Aguas Calientes. Relax in the natural mountain hot baths that gave the town its name. For serious archaeology buffs, there is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following morning. Rise early to take advantage of viewing Machu Picchu in the early morning light. This is the best time to view the 'Lost City of the Incas'. Join our local guide for a detailed interpretation of the site and Inca history without the pressure of other tour groups that arrive at midday. Later in the afternoon of Day 12 we return to Cuzco by train, arriving in the evening.

Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. The local Quechua farmers in the area knew of Machu Picchu for centuries, but it was not until an 11-year-old boy led the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) to the site on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time the site was covered in thick vegetation, and Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, much work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain. Time for some last minute shopping in Cuzco before our flight back to Lima and the final stop on our journey. Enjoy one last night out on the town. Overnight Lima. 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 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2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2019 1929 1229 939 2649 1799 1399 2049 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 250 USD Accommodation Comfort hotels (14 nts). Associated RT Project Optional visit to Planeterra community projects Departure Departs every Sunday, year round. Departs Wednesdays (May-Sept). DepEnd Mon-Mon, Wed-Wed Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Chincha, Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD300 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included Continental breakfast daily. Min Pax 6 Recommendation Consider adding the Galapagos Islands to create our Inca & Galapagos Explorer PI06G trip. StartFinish ex Lima Testimonial "This was my first international trip and I found it to be wonderous and completely fulfilling, spectacular, and safe." - Luke Truempy travelled on Inca Explorer Transport Private van, Local flight, Train, Boat. What's Included Ballestas Islands trip, Chauchilla cemetery and potter's workshop tour, Arequipa city tour, Guided tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, Sacred Valley tour, Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Arrival transfer and breakfast daily. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Associated Planeterra Project On this tour you may have the opportunity to visit the following Planeterra projects:

HOUSE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE SUN
Inti Runakunaq Wasin (IRW) is Quechua for “House of the People of the Sun”. It is a non-profit organization based in Cuzco that acts as a haven for children and adolescents who live in extreme poverty. The home is open during the day and is run by a staff of volunteer teachers and social workers. Children are given the opportunity to voluntarily drop-in to receive help with homework, a warm meal and participate in a variety of classes and workshops that teach them valuable skills including jewelry making, leather working, cooking, music and English.

IRW currently rents a house and supports 50 children through their programs. However, there are still many more children working and living on the streets of Cuzco. The goal of Planeterra together with IRW is to purchase this home in order to provide long-term support to more children and families.

It is possible to visit this project on most tours that pass through Cuzco. To arrange a visit please speak to your G.A.P Adventures tour leader.

How You Can Help
All donations to this project are being matched by G.A.P Adventures with the goal of raising $100,000 USD, which will be used to purchase the home they are currently renting. With your support we can make this dream a reality.


WOMEN'S WEAVING PROJECT – Ccaccaccollo Community
In January and March 2005, G.A.P Adventures developed and offered training courses to 123 people from four local communities just outside of Cuzco to work as Porters and Cooks on the Inca Trail. The women and wives of our cooks and porters from the Ccaccaccollo Community saw how G.A.P Adventures was working to provide jobs on the Inca Trail and approached us to ask us for support to develop a women's weaving project.

Three women from the Ccaccaccollo Community took part in a three month training course held by a local organization in which they learned ancient weaving techniques of the Incas including how to dye the wool using native flowers and plants. Each of the three women continued on to teach the rest of the women what they had learned and today 60 women have joined together to create the Ccaccaccollo Women's Weaving Project.

Beginning in April 2005, G.A.P Adventures groups began to visit this community as part of the Sacred Valley Tour where they have the opportunity to meet the women and learn about all the stages of the weaving process; from spinning the sheep wool, to dying the wool using natural dyes, and participating in a weaving demonstration. Travellers are also given the opportunity to purchase high quality textiles directly from the women who made them.

By working directly with the Ccaccaccollo community G.A.P Adventures and the Planeterra Foundation are encouraging men and women to be proud of their cultural heritage, and enabling them to benefit from tourism in a way that avoids negative social and cultural impacts while providing economic benefits.

How You Can Help
You can help support this project by purchasing these high quality weavings during your visit to the Ccaccaccollo community. All proceeds go directly to the woman who made the weaving.

Donations made through the Planeterra Foundation are based on the needs of the community. In the past our donation has been used to purchase needed construction material to build a place for the women to weave indoors on rainy days and showcase their work. We have also used donation to purchase alpacas for the community so that they do not have to purchase the wool but instead will have their own animals provide a steady supply.

For more information about these projects and/or to make a donation please visit our website at www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org Brochure Intro A 2 week comfortable tour of the essential Peruvian highlights. Perfect for those who seek adventure with a higher level of comfort. This is adventure in style! Checklist - Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash and travellers cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Fleece top
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swim wear
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
- Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
- Sport sandals
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Insect repellant
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax USD31 Detailed Trip Notes Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro A 2 week comfortable tour of the essential Peruvian highlights. Perfect for those who seek adventure with a higher level of comfort. This is adventure in style! Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in Lima. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures Lima, Peru.
Open 7 days a week, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT –5).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 51 1 719-8866.
Tel/ Fax: Int. Dialing Code + 51 1 719-8873.

Lima Emergency Cell Phone: +51 199 758 2712, after office hours.

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office in Lima,
we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 416 305 6139.

Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description This G.A.P Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However,everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on
how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician. Important Notes 1. Please note that this tour combines with other G.A.P Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G.A.P Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G.A.P Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Embajadores Hotel
Juan Fanning 320
Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + (51 1) 242-9127
Fax: Int. Dialing Code + (51 1) 242-9131 Joining Instructions Jorge Chavez International Airport in Callao Lima, is approximately a 45-minute drive from the Miraflores district, where our joining hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is via taxi. Immediately after the customs and immigration area, as you head to the exits, you will find an official taxi stand. You can pay for the car at set (approximately $27 USD) rates and won’t need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities, where the situation tends to get more chaotic, with many drivers vying for few clients. There are exchange facilities in the Arrivals area open 24 hours.

If you are arriving from abroad and have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, someone will be at the airport to meet you. Upon leaving the baggage claim area you will see a large open area with sign boards all around. Look for a G.A.P Adventures sign board with your name. As there are many people and signs in this area it may be difficult for you to spot the sign immediately. Please take your time in doing so and if at that stage you do not see a G.A.P Adventures sign board with your name go to the customer service area to wait. In the event that your driver does not arrive within 20 minutes please ask the information desk to arrange an official taxi for you which should cost approximately $27 USD and this money will be reimbursed by your tour leader or G.A.P Adventures representative.

FINDING YOUR TRANSFER - As you walk out of the airport there will be many drivers holding signs with agency or passenger names as well as taxi drivers asking you if you require their services. These are NOT our drivers and you should not accept their services. Please wait for our designated transfer person with a G.A.P Adventures sign board. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G.A.P Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa (PLUS system) cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and credit cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities All prices are per person in US dollar amounts.

Lima:
Museum of the Nation $2 entrance
Museum of the Inquisition $2 entrance

Nazca:
Flight over the Nazca Lines $55

Arequipa:
Juanita Museum $5

Cuzco:
City tour $12
Horseback riding around ruins (with guide) $25 - $35
Horseback riding around ruins (without guide) $10
Whitewater rafting $25/$45 (half day/full day)
Mountain biking $35
Inka Museum $3 entrance
Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or