A condensed tour of the essential Peruvian highlights, culminating with a visit to magnificent Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas". Peru Uncovered Classic 2009 GAP 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 South America Peru, Machu Picchu Lima Lima Peru Peru Culture/History 10 3 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/peru/peru_colca.jpg Arrive in Lima at any time. Fly to Juliaca and drive to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy a day trip out on the lake to visit Taquile and/or Amantani islands, stopping on the floating reed islands of the Uros people, before returning to Puno for a second night. Take in spectacular views of the Altiplano region on this full day of travel from Puno to Cuzco. Enjoy scenic stops along the way before arriving in Cuzco; the evening is free to relax. Spend a free day exploring this delightful town on foot, go horseback riding, mountain biking, white water rafting or visit the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a massive Inca fortress overlooking the city. A morning train takes us through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to the village of Aguas Calientes. Enjoy the rest of the day taking advantage of the hikes and hot springs in the area. Early wakeup on Day 8 to take the bus up to the historic spiritual centre of the Incas, the "Lost City" of Machu Picchu. Take a guided tour of the ruins, learning about the history and importance of Machu Picchu. After our tour, continue exploring the ruins on your own or hike up spectacular Wayna Picchu to get away from the crowds. Do some last minute shopping or sightseeing in Cuzco before flying to Lima for one last night out on the town. Arrive in Lima at any time. As your fellow travellers are arriving at various times throughout the day, there are no planned activities other than a group dinner and info session. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Look in the hotel lobby for notices on when and where the group meeting will occur.

Peru is frequently referred to as the 'Land of the Incas'. It is true that the Incas formed the greatest empire on the continent and left mysterious cities such as Machu Picchu. However, it is important to remember that the Incas were the only the last in a long series of Peruvian civilizations spanning several thousand years and the ruins of many of these earlier civilizations can also be visited. Peru is made up of three main geographical areas: the Andes, the Amazon and the desert coastal area. On this trip we concentrate on the Andes region of south-central Peru, and the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco.


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 in the afternoon. 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. An optional city tour visits many of the city’s highlights.

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 all within walking distance. 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. Fly to Juliaca on Day 2 and take a short bus ride to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The next morning board a boat to visit the floating islands of Uros and Taquile Island.

Located at 3830 m above sea level, Puno is the highest altitude of any place we sleep on the tour. As a result the weather can be extreme with very cold nights and a strong sun during the day (don’t worry, if you get cold, buy an alpaca sweater from the market — they are inexpensive). 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 both Amantaní and Taquile Islands are stunning.

Our first stop on Lake Titicaca is the floating islands of the Uros people. 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 people of Taquile Island’s unique culture, style of dress and lifestyle make for a memorable visit. The men of the community do all the knitting, as this is strictly a male domain, while the women do the spinning. High quality, locally knitted goods are available for purchase at various cooperatives on the island. 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. The next day is free to explore fascinating Cuzco.

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! Board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu. Enjoy the rest of the day taking advantage of the hikes and hot springs in the area.

Early wakeup on Day 7 to take the bus up to the historic spiritual centre of the Incas, the "Lost City" of Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins with our expert guide, explore on your own or hike up spectacular Wayna Picchu to get away from the crowds. In the evening return to Cuzco by train.

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. Today is free to explore some more of the capital's attractions before your flight home. 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 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249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD 1349 1289 819 679 1769 1199 959 1399 249.00 239.00 149.00 129.00 329.00 219.00 149.00 219.00 Local Payment 200 USD Accommodation Hotel/guesthouse (9 nts). Associated RT Project Optional visit to Planeterra community projects Brief Highlights Lake Titicaca, Cuzco, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Lima. Departure Departs twice per month DepEnd Sun-Tues / Fri-Sun Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Included Highlights Guided tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, Guided tour of Machu Picchu. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD150 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included No meals included. Min Pax 6 StartFinish ex Lima Testimonial "Truly amazing!!! I've never seen a place on Earth like this!!" - Dan Panko travelled on Peru Uncovered Transport Public bus, Boat, Train, Local flight. 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 project:

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.

For more information about this project and/or to make a donation please visit our website at www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org Brochure Intro A condensed tour of the essential Peruvian highlights, culminating with a visit to magnificent Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas". 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
- Cover for backpacks
- Fleece top
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- 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
- Small towel and swim wear
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Purification tablets or filter (optional)
- Pocketknife
- 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 condensed tour of the essential Peruvian highlights, culminating with a visit to magnificent Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas". 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 All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. 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 travelling 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. For our shipboard expeditions and voyages we have a highly experienced shipboard staff and crew, including level III guides in the Galapagos, and an expedition team aboard the M/V Explorer and M/S Andrea. On truck trips in Africa you will be accompanied by a G.A.P Adventures leader, and a driver/cook, who offer a wealth of knowledge on the regions you will be visiting. 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 La Castellana Hotel
Grimaldo del Solar 222
L18
Miraflores-Lima
Tel: (511) 444-3530
Fax: (511) 446-8030 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 cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit cards 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 or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best, although you will usually be charged a commission or given a less-favourable exchange rate for travellers cheques. 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:
City tour $25
San Francisco Church and catacombs $1.50
Museo de la Nation $2 entrance
Museum of the Inquisition $2 entrance

Puno:
Sillustani archaeological site $10

Cuzco:
Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket) $14-25
City tour $12
Horse riding around ruins (with guide) $25 - $35
Horse riding around ruins (without guide) $12
Whitewater rafting $30-45
Mountain biking $35
Museo Inka $2 entrance
Museo de Historia Regional entrance with Boleto Turistico 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 the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Care should be taken when wandering around on your own in central Lima, as some areas can be dangerous and pickpockets are daring. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.