PERU, HUAYHUASH CIRCUIT TREK

Transcription

1 The Huayhuash Circuit is world class, high altitude, remote 10-day trek in stunning mountain terrain. Crosses 7 alpine passes, all over 4700m Lush valleys, emerald glacial lakes, green pastures and tiny remote hamlets Full service camping; wholesome food Remote region; few people Highly recommended FAST FACTS Destination Difficulty Altitude Trip Duration Nights on Trek Nights in Hotels Meals Peru, Huayhuash Circuit Challenging 5000m 16 days UK ~ UK 9 nights 2 nights Lima, 3 nights Huaraz All meals (and water) on trek, B&B in hotels

2 page 2 Introduction The Huayhuash Circuit is a highly recommended high altitude, remote 10-day trek in glorious alpine scenery. It is for those who seek a challenging, beautiful, tranquil and little frequented route. The tiny villages en route look blissfully out of touch with the rest of the world! Together with the Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range is widely reputed to be the best mountain trekking region in the world outside of the Himalaya and is well supported by the town of Huaraz. Even for the experienced trekker, this is a mouth watering experience. The basic facts of this trek speak for themselves: 10 days of glorious trekking, remote, it crosses 7 Passes (all over 4600m) and camping every night above 4000m. In doing so it passes through through lush valleys, emerald glacial lakes and tiny rural villages. Whilst the Inca Trail attracts the vast majority of attention due to Machu Picchu, it is no trekking match for the Huayhuash Circuit. This trip flies London Lima, overnight hotel before driving up to Huaraz to acclimatise. The trek begins at Llamac and treks what is an anti-clockwise circuit. The first Pass (Punta Cacanan, 4750m) comes immediately on Day 2 and after that, they just keep on coming with a rest day in amongst it all when needed. There is a final night in Huaraz before driving back to Lima (overnight hotel) and your return flight to the UK. Why travel with us? Isolation & solitude - we want you enjoy your trekking and these routes have been chosen for their isolation and solitude; very few people trek these routes. Safety at Altitude - we take high altitude very seriously and make sure you understand the dangers, signs, symptoms and treatment. It could save your life or those with you. Maximising your Journey - there is plenty of scope to extend your overall journey either at the beginning or end of the trip in Lima if you wish to travel on elsewhere. All Meals Included on Trek - all meals on trek are freshley prepared for you by our experienced chef. All dietary requirements can be catered for including Vegan and Gluten free - just let us know. Qualified English Speaking Local Guides - we employ our local guides full time and we ensure that their training, including first aid, is renewed regularly. They know what they re doing and they love their jobs. and it shows! Financial Protection - whether Land Only or flight inclusive; we have you covered. No supplements to extend - in conjunction with the above, we charge no fees to alter your return flight dates provided we know from the outset what your plans are. The only costs you incur are the cost of the extended trip such as accommodation/transport, etc... Low Minimum Numbers Our trips are perfect for solo travellers wishing to book on their own to join a trip which is guaranteed at an early stage. Low Minimum numbers enables small pre-formed groups to tailor their trek to suit particular dates as opposed to joining a fixed group, and without incurring high additional charges. Low Guaranteed Status Peace of mind from the outset enabling you to make your travel plans immediately as opposed to waiting for a future guaranteed status and the uncertainty of cancellation due to lack of minimum numbers. Your protection...peace of mind! All our trips provide complete protection with ATOL or International Passenger Protection. See last page for full details.

3 page 3 Itinerary Day 1. Depart UK, arrive Lima, overnight hotel For Land Only packages, your trip starts on arrival at the group hotel in Lima. On arrival in Lima, transfer to the hotel in the Miraflores area of the city. You will be given timings for the following morning. Day 2. Transfer to Huaraz You will be driven to the bus station for your comfortable journey up to Huaraz. Sit back, relax and enjoy the changing scenery. It is a 400km journey (8-9 hrs). You will be met in Huaraz and transferred to your hotel and briefed about the following days. B. Day 3. Huaraz (3010m), Acclimatisation day After breakfast, we drive to Pitec (1 hr) for a 3hr acclimatisation trek up to Churup Lake (4460m). The whole day takes approx 6-7 hrs and provides a real taster for what is to come. Overnight back in Huaraz. B Day 4. Drive Huaraz - Llamac, Trek to Quartelhuain Camp (4170m) A few hours of driving to the village of Llamac before a straightforward but delightful trek along the Rio Llamac to the village of Quartelhuain. A steady climb through an often narrow valley with plenty of local life. BLD Day 5. Quartelhuain - Mitucocha (4150m) A good climb up to the first Pass (Punta Cacanan (4700m)) with great views of Ronday and Jirishanca before descending to the camp at the beautiful lake Laguna Mitucocha. 6 hrs, BLD Day 6. Mitucocha - Carhuacocha Camp (4250m) A morning climb up to the Pass Paso de Carhuac (4650m) before descending to the camp at the big lake Laguna Carhuacocha. 6 hrs, BLD There is an alternative, more demanding route that crosses a 4800m Pass. This will be discussed on trek and is optional Day 12. Huatiac - Jahuacocha (4100m) A challenging day with two high passes in quick succession. An initial climb up to Punta Tapush (4770m), descend past Laguna Susucocha before ascending again over the Yaucha Pass (4800m). In between the two, the altitude drops to about 4400m. The valley descent finally opens out by the lake of Jahuacocgha. BLD There is an optional route, using the trekking peak of Diablo Mudo (5350m). Requires crampons (not supplied) and rope (supplied). This route crosses Punta Tapush, the trekking peak and then Jahuacocgha (doesn t cross Yaucha Pass). Day 13, Jahuacocha - Llamac - Huaraz After b fast, you head off to your final Pass. It is a gradual climb to Pampa Llamac (4300m). Take a good look as it is a long descend all the way back to Llamac. 5 ½ hrs, BL In Llamac the bus will be waiting to take us back to Huaraz for hot showers!! Hotel. Via the Pampa Llamac Pass (4300m) Rest, overnight Day 14, Drive to Lima, overnight hotel Transfer back to Lima and the hotel by public bus/taxi. B Day 15, Depart Lima, flight back to UK Transfer back to the international airport by taxi. B This is usually an evening flight. Your luggage can be stored in the hotel during the day Day 16, Arrive UK Note - B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner Day 7. Carhuacocha - Rest Day Whilst the rest day is programmed here, it may change depending on numerous factors, BLD Day 8. Carhuacocha - Huayhuash Camp (4250m) A moderate climb up to Pass Carnicero (4600m) and make an easy descent to camp either at isolated Laguna Carnicero 4300m (also called Juraucocha) or 30 minutes walk further on to another camp in the open valley of Huayhuash (4250m), 5-6hrs, BLD There is another demanding optional route available should it be appropriate. Not compulsory. Day 9. Huayhuash - Viconga Camp (4300m) Climb up to the Pass Portachuelo (4,650m) from where you look across to the Cordillera Raura and the snow topped peak Leon Huacanan. Skirt around the large lake Laguna Viconga before walking up the valley ½ hour to set up camp (4300m). 6½ hrs, BLD There are some hot springs near Viconga! Day 10. Viconga - Huanacpatay (4150m) It is a 3 hr climb to the Cuyoc Pass at 5,000m; the highest Pass in the huayhuash trekking region. From the Pass, you will see the Cordillera Raura and the mountains of the Cordillera Huayhuash. It is just a 1 hr descent to San Antonio Camp. 4-5hrs, BLD Day 11. Huanacpatay - Huatiac (4250m) Predominantly descending, this is a glorious path following the river down to a lush plain and into the settlement of Huayllapa village (3490m). We then climb steadily in the afternoon for 2-2 ½ hours to the campsite on top of the flat prairie Huatiaq. 6 hrs, BLD Important: Whilst the above itinerary is the intended aim of this trip, a variety of factors may force changes. Adventure trips of this nature, which include (but not restricted to) adverse weather conditions, political instability and difficulties with transportation, may all cause plans to be changed and are out of our control or that of the Guide. Any changes affecting the group will be explained but ultimately the subsequent action will be the Guide s decision with safety and the original aim in mind. Furthermore, our trips do carry inherent risk as they as they are invariably carried out in remote, mountainous (high altitude) or desert conditions where professional medical assistance is not immediately available. A good degree of flexibility, patience, robustness, understanding and go with the flow attitude is often what is required. If you are not willing to accept these type of conditions or risks then these trips are perhaps not for you.

4 page 4 Trip Details Group Size and Low Number Guaranteed Status Our treks are generally run with smaller numbers ensuring a more personal and efficient service throughout. With these smaller group sizes, our guides are able to better care for each individuals needs and abilities, working at their pace to achieve greater success and a far better experience. Larger groups are also catered for with additional guides and support to provide the same guide:client ratio and therefore the same positive experience. Most of our trips are guaranteed with numbers as low as 2. This allows us to guarantee your trip at a very early stage if not immediately upon booking. Once you receive your confirmation letter, your trip is guaranteed to run and will not be cancelled due to low numbers at a later date. Flight Inclusive or Land Only We offer both flight inclusive and Land Only packages to suit the individual. Flight inclusive clients will be met at Lima s airport on arrival and receive a complimentary transfer to the group hotel. Land Only clients will be required to meet the group at the hotel. Clients are still required to provide T+T with full details of their flights. Hotel contact details and emergency numbers will be provided in your final travel information. Services Included International flights and return airport transfers (flight inclusive only) An experienced and qualified English speaking local guide All land transfers involved in the itinerary Hotel accommodation in Lima, 2 nights, twin share, B&B Hotel accommodation in Huaraz, 3 nights, twin share, B&B Full camping services; sleeping tents, sleeping mats, kitchen, dining tent, toilet tent, porters (own sleeping bag required). All meals and drinking water (boiled) on trek. All camping, park and trekking fees. Full support pre trek Services Excluded Travel Insurance Tourist Visa (see further details in this document) Tips for trek staff Personal spending Sole Occupation Sole occupation is available if requested. Please refer to the dates and prices section on the web site for the optional supplement. Accommodation Our hotels are of 3* standard with very friendly staff. Our costs are based on a B&B basis, twin share. All rooms are en suite. Accommodation on trek is two man tents with sleeping mats. Meal Plan All hotel accommodation is based on a B&B basis allowing you to roam and discover the vast array of amazing restaurants from traditional cuisine to pizza houses, from late night bars to quiet coffee shops. In the Mountains, full board on trek. There are no resupply facilities on trek; no shops. Any preferred snacks such as energy bars must be purchased and taken with you. To give you and idea of the food choices: Breakfast will consist of a variable buffet spread: cereals (including porridge), bread with various spreads (jam, nutella, etc..), cream cheeses, omelettes, hot drinks. Lunches are packed meals with a drink and taken en route. Evening meals consists of 3 courses: soup, main course and desert. Starter - various soup with bread. Main course - Lots of vegetables, rices, lentils, pasta and similar hearty dishes. Catering for vegetarians presents no issues. Deserts - varied. Hot drinks. Water Boiled drinking water is provided on trek. Please remember two things: Ensure that your drinking bottles are capable of withstanding hot water Flimsy plastic bottles are inadequate. Please take at least 2 x 1 litre bottles. Only drink treated bottled mineral water elsewhere. Altitude This trip involves trekking at high altitude with 9 nights sleeping above 4000m. It also crosses 7 x Passes, all above 4600m. This trek includes an acclimatisation day in Huaraz and once up at

5 page m, uses camp sites at about the same altitude throughout (max 4300m). Trekking at altitude is not something that should worry you as the human body is capable of adapting to higher altitudes if some simple rules are followed. We take this subject very seriously and strongly advise you to read the more detailed information on our Information webpage.. Fitness This trip is classed as Challenging. There are 7 Passes, all over 4600m, which can take their toll over time. In general terms, a good level of fitness based on the ability to walk at your own comfortable pace for up to 6 hrs a day (with rest stops), for several consecutive days carrying a day sack weighing approx 6kg is all that is required. If you are in any doubt about whether you are fit enough, please consult us prior to booking. Spending Money The Perivian Sole (sl) is the currency of Peru and is obtainable only in Peru. Money changing is big business in Peru so be wary. They use the US$ a lot as they make money on the exchange rate. Keep low denominations of the Sole (10 s and 20 s) and don t accept anything larger than the 50. You will find anything higher difficult to change. Take US$ as opposed to UK; the latter are difficult to change. Foreign exchange rates seem to apply to currencies other than the US$. Take NEW US$ and nothing over US$50 notes. There are ATM s in Huaraz and credit cards are acceptable in most places. Watch some restaurants; prices often do not include the VAT and Service charges. It is recommended that you carry a credit card for emergencies. Baggage Allowance You are not formally limited to a weight allowance on trek. Your international airline baggage allowance will naturally restrict you to a limit, of what you take. By the time you extract items to leave behind in the hotel whilst you trek, your trek bag will weigh approx kg plus your daypack at about 6-7 kg. The hotel in Huaraz will happily store a bag containing items not required on trek until you return. It will be secure, however we recommend that you do not leave any valuables behind as these should be carried with you at all times. A Typical Day Shortly after breakfast you will set off trekking for the day. Rest stops are as and when required. Lunch is a packed meal en route. Tea and biscuits are normally served shortly after arriving at the next night stop with the evening meal served later on. Distance in the mountains is generally measured in hours and not kilometres/miles. Expect to walk on average 6-7 hrs a day; some days are longer. General Information Kit and Equipment We provide an Equipment List for each of our holidays. These highlight any specialised equipment you will require and also act as a packing check list. Guidance on Tipping This can always be an emotive and tricky subject. Common sense has to prevail. You are strongly advised to discuss the tipping with your fellow trekkers well in advance of the end of the trek, indeed maybe even pre-trek in Huaraz as you will need to have the cash with you in order to hand out. Tip in local currency and in cash. Our advice is to put between (local equivalent) per trekker into the pot, give that to the Guide (as one lump sum) and allow him to distribute. Don t get involved in that! You can alter that figure up or down as you see fit. Resist the urge to go too high. You must always remember that this does not form part of their wages and the cost of living is much lower than your own so any tip will represent a nice bonus. Guide and Support Staff Our Guides in Peru are english speaking, qualified, personable and have a wealth of experience. Whilst the Guide is your main point of contact, the Camp Chef and porters will also be with you throughout your time on trek. Weather In general terms, during the main trekking season, you will be trekking in a moderately warm environment whilst the sun is up (approx 20 deg C); as soon as it goes down, the temperature will drop quickly (down to single figures overnight and potentially below freezing at the higher altitudes). Shorts/trousers and a T-shirt will be the standard style of dress on a daily basis. You should carry warmer clothing for the higher altitudes when something warmer will be needed. In the evenings you will require several layers of clothing. Carry your waterproof clothing with you all of the time. If it rains, it could be heavy and drying clothing at altitude is virtually impossible. The simple rule of thumb is to be well prepared for all weathers. Vaccinations and Medical You should visit your doctor and dentist during the run up to your trip for a general check up and to discuss the most up to date requirements regarding vaccinations and medication you may require. You can also seek advice online by visiting fitfortravel. You should carry your own medical kit to cover your personal needs. The Guide will also be carrying a small medical kit. An itemised list to assist you is included on our Information webpage. Visa and Passport Requirements Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months on the date on entry into Peru. You are required to complete an immigration form on entry into Peru. Keep this form as you will also require it on departure. No formal visa is required. For reference, this is the UK s FCO Travel Advice for Peru. Travel Documents In addition to carrying your documents, (passport and travel documents are examples) you are advised to have a back up if they get lost or are stolen. We would recommend that you carry a colour photocopy of the documents and ask a friend to carry the copies. Make sure that they are protected from the elements and general wear. Clear plastic bags or lamination are good enough. You can also scan the documents before you travel and make them accessible using one of the many facilities available these days such as icloud or use a web based server such as Hotmail or Yahoo. Alternatively, carry a portable hard drive or memory stick with you.

6 page 6 Insurance It is a condition of joining any of our trips that you are insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also recommend that your policy includes cover for delayed/missed departure and cancellation insurance, as all deposits paid are non-refundable. Please ensure that your insurer is aware of your full itinerary and that you are covered for the activities being undertaken and maximum altitude you will be achieving. You are asked to provide proof of your policy details and a completed Insurance Declaration, together with your Emergency Details Form (provided) no later than one month prior to travel. We strongly recommend that you take out your travel insurance as soon as you make your booking in order to gain the full benefits of the policy (ie cancellation). If you have an annual policy in place with your bank for example, you should check that the cover is adequate for your trip. For further information, advice and companies, go to our Information webpage. Cultural Insite Peru is best known for its links to the Inca Empire but due to its geography, is now hugely diverse. This Spanish speaking country s habitats range from arid Pacific coastal plains to the peaks of the mountains (and they are high) to the Amazon rain forest. As a result, modern developing communities exist along side ancient cultures deep into the country. Wikipedia is a good source of information. This is mainly a Catholic country (around 80%). As the oldest civilisation is South America, Peruvians are proud of their long history and it is no secret that tourism has developed and increased on the back of it. Democracy has been with Peru for two decades now so this is a well developed country. Lima The capital of Peru with around 10 million people, it is the international gateway to the country. It has developed its tourist industry well and established restuarants, bars, museums, festivals and the nightlife to match. Its beaches are well visited in the summer months. Tours are available as with most major city so do your homework prior to arrival and perhaps decide how best to use your time. Most of our trips spend 2 nights here and on your departure back to London, you should have most of the day to explore before your evening flight. Huaraz Huaraz is the hub of this region, mainly used as a base for trekking, mountain biking and snow activities for the mountain regions close by. It sits at an altitude of just over 3000m and has about 120,000 inhabitants so it s not a huge place. It is however, more than adequate to begin and finish your trek and has facilities to match. Electrical Supply The country s electricity supply is 220v, 60Hz. Both the round 2-pin European continental plugs are used as well as the 2-pin flat prong type used in the USA. There are no charging facilities on the trek (no electricity at all). Communications Communications are good in Peru. Landline (hotels), mobiles and internet facilities are all available. The quality of mobile signals (and supplier) cannot be guaranteed. Mobile coverage in the mountains is sparodic and dependent on your location. Use of mobiles on trek - please be considerate. The intrusion of mobile calls and/or texts can destroy that environment. By all means use your mobile but move out of camp and earshot of others. Know Before You Go! As a reputable tour operator, Travel and Trek Limited is a partner of the FCO s Know Before You Go! campaign. The campaign was introduced to assist and advise British citizens in their preparations for their journeys overseas and to stay safe and healthy while abroad. We strongly recommend that you take a look at the FCO Know Before You Go website prior to travelling for all the latest information by following this. T+T treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates direct from the FCO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office. Reference Books and Maps There are many books available as well as detailed web information should you wish to read up on your destination before your visit. If you wish to purchase maps prior to arrival, try Stanfords of London.

7 page 7 Flight Information Booking a Flight Inclusive Package The flight inclusive dates and prices are based upon flights from London to Lima s J Chavez International airport (LIM). Flights will depart from London, arriving into Lima same day. We will always endeavour to use direct flights but may use a one stop indirect flight depending on schedules at the time. Return flights usually depart Lima in the evening arriving back into London next day. There is an overnight stop in Lima on arrival and prior to departure back to London. Please be aware that the advertised price is available on trips booked well in advance of the departure date. We therefore recommend that you book as early as possible to avoid any increase. Any increase in price will only be due to flight price changes. We will confirm this with you before we process your booking. All our flights are booked and paid for in full in advance to ensure the most economical, time efficient and quality flights available. We do not wish to see our clients endure a 24 hour flight which can be completed in 13 hours! In order to do this we require an interim payment at least 6-8 months prior to departure or a larger deposit (depending upon date of booking) to secure this part of your package. Booking Your Own Flights (Land Only). You SHOULD NOT book your flights until you have received your written confirmation from us. At this point your trip is immediately guaranteed and you do not need to wait for any further status updates. You can choose to book flights that travel before the stated arrival date on your itinerary and depart after the departure date should you wish to extend your stay. We are happy to assist you with additional nights in the group hotel. You MUST ensure that you arrive no later than the itinerary s stated arrival in Lima (usually Day 1) and depart no sooner than the stated departure day. If you are unsure about the exact date, contact T&T for confirmation. International Client Bookings Our international clients should contact us if they would like us to provide a flight inclusive package. You may prefer to book your own flights and therefore the Land Only cost will apply. As many international flights route through London, it is still possible to join group flights at that stage so please contact our office for assistance. Your Protection You are financially protected against our insolvency. Flight Inclusive Trips Our ATOL Licence number is Click here to view verification. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. That agree that in return for such a payment of benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. Click here for Consumer Information on your ATOL protection. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed in this brochure. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: Land Only Trips Our Land Only trips are protected through International Passenger Protection (IPP). Click here for more information on what IPP does. Consumer aware: Your booking is insured by IPP Ltd and its panel of insurers. This insurance is only valid for passengers who book and pay directly with/to Travel and Trek Limited. If you have booked and/ or paid direct to a Travel Agent for a holiday with Travel and Trek Limited please request proof of how the booking is secured as this will not be covered by IPP Ltd in this instance. For further information please go to This Insurance has been arranged by International Passenger Protection Limited and underwritten by Insurers who are members of the Association of British Insurers & Lloyds Syndicates. Claim procedures: download claim form from any occurrence which may give rise to a claim should be advised within 14 days to: International Passenger Protection Limited, Claims Office, IPP House, Station Road, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0PR, United Kingdom. Telephone: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) In order to deal promptly with any claims hereunder it is essential that you retain all bills, receipts and other documents relating to your travel arrangements. Claims forms must be submitted to IPP within six months of date of insolvency they cannot consider or pay claims received after this date.