Classic Peru 10 days

What's Included

Local tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, porterage on Inca Trail trek, meals as indicated, sightseeing, entrance and park fees.

Accommodation, Transport & Meals

Transport

• Bus
• On foot
• Plane
• Trek

Accommodation

• 6 nights Comfortable hotel
• 3 nights Full service camping

Meals

• 9 breakfasts
• 3 lunches
• 3 dinners

Equipment Included

• camping equipment
• Trek pack (sleeping bag, sleeping sheet, warm fleece jacket, wet weather jacket, inflatable mattress, kit bag) - must be returned on completion of trek

Not Included

International flights, domestic flights, airport departure tax, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

Fitness

Altitude Warning - Inca/Lares Trail
This trip ventures over 3500 metres, so there is a potential risk of being affected by altitude sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable travellers to acclimatise to these altitudes, but it is still possible for you to be affected. Your alibility to acclimatise has little to do with fitness or health, and most people travel without problems, as long as they take the time to acclimatise properly. We take this very seriously; have over 30 years experience and one of the best safety records in adventure travel.

Our leaders are experienced trekking guides, and will brief you fully, prior to the start of your trek. The general consensus is to drink plenty of water as soon as you reach altitude, avoid alcoholic drinks for the few days prior to your trek, walk slowly rather than hurrying and enjoy the scenery, wear sunglasses during the day, avoid sleep during the day, and wear adequate warm clothing.

Symptoms may include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. Although rare, prior medical conditions such as heart or blood pressure problems, could affect your performance at altitude, and make you susceptible to altitude sickness. We recommend that you seek medical advice prior to booking. In addition, if you plan to take any medications during your trek, you need to let us know before you depart and it is a good idea to discuss this with your leader before you begin the trek.

Our itineraries ensure that you have time to acclimatise in Cusco (3249m), before you commence your trek to Machu Picchu. Most days begin around 7am and you can expect to trek between 5-8 hours for the first three days, with many rest opportunities available. Day two is generally the longest and most difficult day, as the highest passes are reached on both the Classic Trail (4200m) and Lares Trail (4350m). You can expect to trek over well defined paths and Inca stone pathways, so properly worn in, waterproof boots are essential.

To prepare for the trek, full day hikes with a weighted pack are a great idea. Whilst our porters will be carrying your kitbag, you will need to carry your day pack (camera, water, waterproof/windproof jacket and pants, sun cream etc). Although you may start the day in full sunshine, you can experience rainfall a few hours later, so it is essential to prepare for all kinds of weather.

For those travellers completing the Classic Trail, we recommend taking the stairs as often as possible, leading up to your trek, as this will assist with the challenging Inca stone pathways. It is also possible to hire trekking poles in Cusco, to assist with your treks (US$5 for 1/ US$10 for 2). We recommend adjustable, metal poles, with a rubber stop on the end to protect the stone pathways.

Altitude Warning - Inca/Lares Trail

This trip ventures over 3500 metres, so there is a potential risk of being affected by altitude sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable travellers to acclimatise to these altitudes, but it is still possible for you to be affected. Your alibility to acclimatise has little to do with fitness or health, and most people travel without problems, as long as they take the time to acclimatise properly. We take this very seriously; have over 30 years experience and one of the best safety records in adventure travel.

Our leaders are experienced trekking guides, and will brief you fully, prior to the start of your trek. The general consensus is to drink plenty of water as soon as you reach altitude, avoid alcoholic drinks for the few days prior to your trek, walk slowly rather than hurrying and enjoy the scenery, wear sunglasses during the day, avoid sleep during the day, and wear adequate warm clothing.

When we first arrive at altitude it is common to feel a little short of breath and experience headaches, so it is best not to rush around too much on your first day. Other symptoms of altitude sickness may include general lethargy and a reduced appetite. In most cases a good night's sleep and plenty of water will help you feel better. We recommend that you seek medical advice prior to booking. In addition, if you plan to take any medications during your trek, you need to let us know before you depart and it is a good idea to discuss this with your leader before you begin the trek.

Our itineraries ensure that you have time to acclimatise in Cusco (3249m), before you commence your trek to Machu Picchu. Most days begin around 7am and you can expect to trek between 5-8 hours for the first three days, with many rest opportunities available. Day two is generally the longest and most difficult day, as the highest passes are reached on both the Classic Trail (4200m) and Lares Trail (46000m). You can expect to trek over well defined paths and Inca stone pathways, so properly worn in, waterproof boots are essential.

To prepare for the trek, full-day hikes with a weighted pack are a great idea. Whilst our porters will be carrying your kitbag, you will need to carry your day pack (camera, water, waterproof/windproof jacket and pants, sun cream etc). Although you may start the day in full sunshine, you can experience rainfall a few hours later, so it is essential to prepare for all kinds of weather.

For those travellers completing the Classic Trail, we recommend taking the stairs as often as possible, leading up to your trek, as this will assist with the challenging Inca stone pathways. It is also possible to hire trekking poles in Cusco, to assist with your treks (US$5 for 1/ US$10 for 2). We recommend adjustable, metal poles, with a rubber stop on the end to protect the stone pathways.

Vaccinations

Yellow Fever required for Peru

Yellow Fever: This vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to travel and must be recorded in an official certificate book. You maybe asked to produce this certificate by immigration and health officials both whilst travelling overseas and upon your return to your home country so you must carry this booklet with you at all times.

Other vaccinations may be required or recommended for this trip so you should consult with your travel doctor to obtain the latest up to date information.

Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be required by your home country upon your return.

For travellers from Australia and New Zealand, we recommend the Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics (see www.traveldoctor.com.au or phone 1300 658 844 for an appointment in Australia). Travellers from countries other than Australia and New Zealand should contact similar organisations or their travel doctor for advice. General health and vaccination information is available to all travellers at
www.traveldoctor.com.au/travelreport. Some vaccines require more than one dose, so arrange for your visit at least 4-6 weeks before you travel.