3 weeks and 3 countries. An unforgettable experience of varied landscapes and Latin cultures. Southern Divide Classic 2009 GAP 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 South America Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Machu Picchu Santiago Lima Chile Peru Culture/History 22 3 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/chile/chile_fjords.jpg Arrive in Santiago at any time. Fly from Santiago to Calama and transfer to the town of San Pedro de Atacama. Tour the Valley of the Moon and enjoy plenty of optional excursions and outdoor activities. Climb 2000 metres, crossing the Bolivian border. Spend 3 incredible days crossing the Salt Flats by 4x4 trucks, enjoying rugged landscapes and wildlife. A long travel day takes us to World Heritage Potosí. A silver mining centre in colonial times, the town’s mines are open for optional descents into still-working mines—an eye-opening excursion. Explore a variety of museums, markets and colonial buildings in Bolivia’s historical second capital. Options here include a visit to view dinosaur tracks! Fly to La Paz, the highest capital city in the world. The deep indigenous roots of this Andean city are visible in every street market. Cross the border into Peru and spend the night in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The next day, head out onto the lake and tour the floating islands of Uros as well as Taquile Island before returning to Puno. Enjoy spectacular views as we travel through the high altiplano region to Cuzco. Explore the numerous museums and markets or wander the cobblestone streets. Tour the Sacred Valley with our guide on our way to Ollantaytambo, a major Inca archaeological site and your first taste of what lies ahead at Machu Picchu. Take an early morning train to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. Take a guided tour of the ruins with time to explore this amazing lost city before returning to Aguas Calientes. Return to Cuzco by train. Rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking are all options in this colonial gem and ancient Incan capital. Fly to Lima and explore the districts of Miraflores and Barranco, or take in the rich colonial architecture and history. Arrive in Santiago at any time, there are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

Located right in the centre of the country, Chile’s largest city and capital Santiago sits in a semi-arid valley — the perfect climate for growing grapes and making wine. The city is surrounded by mountains, and there are both internationally recognized vineyards and Andean ski resorts within a couple of hours from the city centre.

Explore the city’s many museums and parks and visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Bellavista with its handicrafts, trendy cafés, and San Cristobal Hill with its views of the city and the surrounding area. Day trips include Valparaiso/Viña del Mar, Chile’s premier beach resort, and Isla Negra, Nobel prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s seaside home.

Although Santiago covers an immense area, the central core of the city is relatively small. It is a roughly triangular shaped region, bounded in the north by the Río Mapocho, in the west by the Via Norte Sur and in the south by the Avenida del Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins (more commonly known as the Alameda). The apex of the triangle is the Plaza Baquedano, where O'Higgins forms a junction with two of Santiago's other main thoroughfares, Avenidas Providencia and Vicuña MacKenna.

The centre of this triangle is the Plaza de Armas, the chief plaza of Santiago, bounded on its northern side by the main post office and on the western side by the cathedral. The streets between the Plaza de Armas and O'Higgins are wall-to-wall shops, restaurants, snack and fast food bars, cinemas, expensive hotels and office blocks. The Presidential Palace, La Moneda, is on Avenida Moneda, facing the Plaza de la Constitución. Near the Plaza de Armas is the National Congress building. One of Santiago's main parks, Cerro Santa Lucía, is in the triangle facing O'Higgins. The other main park is Cerro San Cristobal, or Huelén, in the Mapuche tongue. It is a large hill that rises dramatically from the plain to the north of Avenida Providencia. Between this avenue and the mountain, on either side of the Avenida Pío Nono, is Santiago's 'Paris quarter', the barrio Bella Vista. Here you find beautifully landscaped parks and gardens, artists' colonies and impressive views over the city, including the snow-capped peaks of the Andes (when the weather and thick smog permit). From Santiago fly to Calama and transfer to nearby desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. Said to be one of the driest places on the planet, this little town is an oasis in an otherwise barren, dry landscape. There are plenty of optional excursions here, including biking, exploring nearby ruins, horseback riding and tours of the nearby Valley of the Moon, with its spectacular rock formations. Despite its size, San Pedro offers some great restaurants as well as numerous handicrafts and artisan stores for those looking for souvenirs. Climbing 3000 metres from the Chilean desert we cross the border and enter the Bolivian altiplano. Spend three days exploring the stunning landscapes between the Salar de Uyuni and Chile’s Atacama Desert by four-wheel-drive vehicle. Piercing blue skies contrast with blinding white salt as you drive across the flat lakebed. This area’s unusual landscape of mountains, active volcanoes, and geysers is like nowhere on earth.

Twice submerged by a large high-altitude lake, the Salar de Uyuni salt flats now cover a total area of over 12000 square km (7440 square miles) and today serve as one of the country’s main salt mining centres. The last large lake dried up about 8000 years ago, leaving the small lakes of Poopó and Ururu, as well as the salt flats of Uyuni. Absorb stunning views of the salt-encrusted lakebed surrounded by golden-hued mountains, snow-capped peaks and an endless azure horizon that will forever engrave itself in your memory. The tour takes us through Laguna Colorada (4278 m/14,031 ft), a large red lagoon whose colour is the result of algae & plankton growth in the mineral-rich waters; and Laguna Verde (5000 m/16400 ft), a lake that owes its striking blue-green colour to high concentrations of lead, sulphur, copper and other minerals. The numerous geysers, boiling mud pools, thermal baths and Licancabúr volcano (5960 m/19549 ft), which looms just behind the lagoon, are clear evidence of the region’s volcanic activity. Surprisingly, both wildlife and flora manage to survive and even thrive in the desolate landscape, including vizcachas (of the rodent family), flamingos (3 varieties), and assorted varieties of cacti. Our excursion ends in the town of Uyuni, where we spend the night of day 6.

Despite its isolation and challenging climate (cold and blustery most of the year), Uyuni has earned the nickname of Hija Predilecta de Bolivia (Bolivia’s Favourite Daughter). Most of its hardy residents are either public sector workers or salt miners in the dried out lakebeds, with tour operators a close third. The main attraction in town is the Train Cemetery, a collection of rusting railway relics just southwest of the present train station. A long travel day takes us to the old mining capital of Potosí. Sitting at 4070m (13,350 ft), Potosí is the highest city of its size on earth. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 in recognition of its tragic history as a silver mining centre during the time of Spanish colonization. Potosí provided a large share of the silver mined and shipped back to Spain until the early 1800s, when both the supply of silver and world market prices began to decline; it’s said the silver taken out of Cerro Rico (rich hill) propped up the Spanish empire for over 300 years.

Working conditions for miners were appalling, and the indigenous population was decimated. African slaves were brought in to replace the native workers, and it is estimated that as many as eight million indigenous people and Africans died in the mines during the first three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Though sometimes distressing and uncomfortable because of the harsh working conditions, the optional trip underground into the mines of today is an experience that should not be missed. Often referred to as Bolivia’s White City, the country’s official capital, Sucre, is situated at nearly 2800m (9184 ft) above sea level, offering its visitors and inhabitants a more moderate, comfortable climate than many of Bolivia’s cities at higher elevations. Before the conquest, military, religious and political leaders of the local indigenous population made their homes on the present day city site. Later, the city became the headquarters for the Spanish Royal Court, which by the late 1700s ruled over colonial Paraguay, parts of Peru, Argentina, Chile, and most of Bolivia. In 1825, in the wake of the Latin American independence movement, the city was renamed Sucre after Simon Bolívar’s second-in-command, General Antonio Jose de Sucre. The city’s fine museums, colonial buildings and ties to the independence movement make it a city of great historical interest. Optional activities include a visit to dinosaur footprints, an old tin baron’s mansion, a textile cooperative, mountain biking and hiking. We continue by flying today to La Paz. Founded by Alonso de Mendoza in 1548, La Ciudad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz (the City of Our Lady of Peace) is the highest capital in the world. Although Sucre is the official capital, La Paz is the Bolivian centre of commerce, finance and industry, and the de facto capital. This is a busy modern city, with its centre at the base of a canyon 5 km (3 miles) wide and sprawling impromptu housing all the way up the surrounding hillsides. The city is at nearly 4000 m (13,120 ft) above sea level, so visitors should be prepared for cool evenings and mornings.

Explore the city’s many fine museums or its historic ecclesiastical structures, such as the Iglesia de San Francisco, whose architectural details reflect the indigenous and mestizo heritage of modern Bolivia. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechicería (Witches’ Market), where Paceños and visitors may purchase potions and incantations made from all sorts of herbs, seeds, and secret ingredients to remedy any number of illnesses (real or imagined) and protect from evil spirits. With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere is an incredible experience. There is also a thriving black market and a Carnaval market, where locals purchase carnival costumes. You’ll also find a wealth of shops selling all sorts of handicrafts, mainly alpaca wool products, silver jewellery, woven textiles and leather goods.

Optional activities in La Paz include museums or a visit to the world’s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya (5600 m/18,368 ft). To the south of the city is the Valley of the Moon, with crater-like formations made of sand. We will cross the border into Peru and spend the night in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The next day, take a cruise out on the lake to the floating islands of Uros as well as Taquile island for a guided tour before returning to Puno.

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. Despite the short distance that separates the two islands, nearby Amantaní Island is quite distinct. Its soil is a rich terra cotta red, due to the high iron deposits, and the colour contrasts brightly with the deep azure blue of the lake and sky and the greenery of the local crops.

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. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site.
Titicaca is also the largest lake in the world above 2000m, and the views from both Amantaní and Taquile Islands are stunning. 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. Spend 2 nights here--plenty of time to explore the numerous museums, shop in the markets, or wander the cobblestone streets.

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.

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. An important source of food for the Inca, the Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that continues to supply the city of Cuzco with much of its produce. 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. 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. We take a guided tour of the ruins and have plenty of time to explore the amazing lost city of the Incas. Return to Aguas Calientes for the night, where you can relax in the natural mountain hot baths that gave the town its name.

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. Return to Cuzco by train and enjoy two more nights in this vibrant and beautiful city.

Cuzco is considered the mecca of Peru and rightly so. This beautiful colonial town offers nearby ruins, cobble-stoned streets, museums, churches and a lively atmosphere. The more adventurous optional activities available in Cuzco include horseback riding around archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara; white water rafting on the Urubamba River; and mountain biking down to the Sacred Valley, perhaps visiting an Inca ruin along the way. Take a short flight this morning to Lima. 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 coastal districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro 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. 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD 2749 2629 1669 1379 3609 2449 1879 2749 639.00 609.00 389.00 319.00 839.00 569.00 389.00 569.00 Local Payment 300 USD Accommodation Hotels/guest houses (21 nts - multi-share 2 nts). Brochure Notes 1. This trip also runs in the reverse direction, however exact days may vary slightly. Departure Departs monthly DepEnd Sat-Sat Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Sucre, Potosi, Salt Flats, San Pedro de Atacama, Santiago. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD400 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included All meals on the Salar de Uyuni Excursion. Min Pax 6 Reverse Itinerary This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code SMS. StartFinish Santiago to Lima Testimonial "Trip was fantastic! When I came back home, I praised it as a ¨flawless vacation¨." - Lorraine Dean travelled on Southern Divide Transport Local flights, Boat, Bus, 4WD vehicles, Hiking. What's Included Guided tour of the Sacred Valley, Guided tour of Machu Picchu, Guided tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, 3-day 4WD excursion to the Salar de Uyuni, Tour of Moon Valley and surroundings in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. 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 in Sucre, Bolivia:

HOGAR GRANJA SUCRE
Hogar Granja Sucre is a home that provides a positive environment for abandoned children in the city of Sucre. Thanks to a permanent staff and volunteers, the Hogar is home to more than 30 boys from 6 to 18 years old. Besides providing the basic needs of food, shelter, education and healthcare, they offer a safe nurturing environment and workshops that provide basic professional skills for future social integration into society.

The boys are given the opportunity to participate in workshops that provide them with valuable skills for the future including carpentry, metalworking, sewing, bread baking and how to care for flower and vegetable gardens and greenhouses. This enables the children to design their own products and grow their own food. Children attend the local school, but the Hogar also provides music, dance and theatre programs which are not offered as part of the national curriculum.

The ultimate goal of Hogar Granja Sucre is to become self-sufficient however at this point they are still in need of our support.

How You Can Help
Each year we work with the staff of Hogar Sucre to identify the needs of the project. With your support we can help meet these needs with an annual donation through the Planeterra Foundation. G.A.P Adventures pays all administration costs so that 100% of each donation goes to the projects we support.

For more information about this project and/or to make a donation please visit our website: www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org Brochure Intro 3 weeks and 3 countries. An unforgettable experience of varied landscapes and Latin cultures. 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 (optional)
- Pocket knife
- Concealable money belt
- 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
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Purification tablets or filter (optional)
- Flashlight
- Sport sandals
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, and extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

**NOTE: Although near the Equator, higher altitudes on parts of the trip make for cold evenings so you will need a warm sweater/fleece. It’s best to layer clothes rather than bring a heavy parka. This is especially true in the Bolivian Altiplano, where nocturnal sub-zero temperatures are not uncommon. Departure Tax USD31 Detailed Trip Notes Please note that when running the itinerary in the reverse direction, exact days may vary slightly. 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 Enjoy 3 weeks travelling through Peru, Bolivia and Chile. The Southern Divide offers up stunning Andean scenery, ancient Inca culture and plenty of great food and drink. 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 contact in Chile or Buenos Aires (depending on where your tour begins). 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 54 9 11 6 1477 660
From within Argentina
11 15 6 1477 660

G.A.P Adventures Santiago, Chile
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 56 9 96471139
From within Chile
09 96471139

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local contact in Buenos Aires or Chile, 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
Finishing Point Hotel 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.
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 SantiagoHotel Monte CarloVictoria Subercasseaux # 209,Santiago, ChileTel: Int. Dialing Code + 56 2 633 9905 (638 1176, 639 2945)Fax: Int. Dialing Code + 56 2 6335577 Joining Instructions Santiago’s International Airport is Arturo Merino Benitez, located 26 km from the city, about a 45 minute drive. One way to get to the city is by taxi, the approximate cost is $20 USD. There is an exchange desk in the airport, however the rate is usually quite poor. There is no counter for official taxis; you can try your hand at bargaining with the driver or pay the metered fare, which is a little more expensive. Alternatively there are a number of airport shuttle buses to certain points in the centre of the city, especially along the Alameda. A shuttle bus can take you to Los Heroes subway station for approximately $4, then take the subway 3 stops to the Estacion Santa Lucia, which is closest to Hotel Riviera.

SANTIAGO AIRPORT "LANDING FEE": Please be advised that Chile's international airport in Santiago charges a steep arrival fee to people of certain nationalities. At the time of writing, this fee was $132 USD for Canadians, $100 USD for US citizens, and $30 USD for Australian citizens; there is currently no fee for EU or New Zealand citizens. This is payable immediately upon arrival before proceeding through immigration. Once this fee is paid, it is valid for the duration of the passport. Please check with your local embassy/consulate for the exact amounts.


Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities are planned.

Your Tour Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. Your Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. 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 ATM’s 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 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.

Santiago:
City tour $20
Pisco distillery tour$6
Winery tour $8-$10

San Pedro de Atacama:
Mountain biking (1/2 or full day) $10-20

Potosí:
Silver Mine Tour $10
Casa de la Moneda $3

Sucre:
Dinosaur Footprints tour $5
Hiking $25-35
Mountain biking $18-35

La Paz:
Chacaltaya tour $15
City tour $15
Mountain biking $45-$60
Museo de Metales Preciosos Pre-Columbinos entrance $2 for ticket to four museums
Casa de Don Pedro Domingo Murillo entrance included in ticket above

Puno:
Sillustani archaeological site $10

Cuzco:
Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket) $14-25
City tour $12
Horseback riding around ruins (with guide) $25 - $35
Horseback riding around ruins (without guide) $12
Whitewater rafting $30-45
Mountain biking $35
Inka Museum $2 entrance
Action Valley - bungee etc. $60+
Museo de Historia Regional entrance with Boleto Turistico

Lima:
City tour $25
San Francisco Church and catacombs $1.50
Museum of the Nation $2 entrance
Museum of the Inquisition $2 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 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 Responsible Travel Silver Mines in Potosí

Working conditions for miners were appalling, and a large portion of the indigenous population was decimated. African slaves were brought in to replace the native workers, and it is estimated that as many as eight million indigenous and African people died in the mines during the first three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Unfortunately little has changed throughout time and working conditions have remained the same. Although this is not an excursion for everyone, we do recommend a visit as it is an eye-opening experience that gives you a chance to glimpse the realities of life in the Andes in general and more specifically in these mines however we do not condone the working conditions of the mine. Trip Specific Safety Care should be taken when wandering around on your own in central Lima as, some areas can be dangerous and pick-pockets 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 whatever 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.