Peru 4 x 4 Off Road Adventure 19 Day

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1 Peru 4 x 4 Off Road Adventure 19 Day Machete Tours 19 day Peru Off Road Adventure offers an offbeat and off-road insight into many of central and southern Peru s most scenically spectacular, culturally rich and remote locations. A stupendous overland adventure with professional driver guides, the journey allows us to access regions of central and southern Peru that without the 4 x 4 transport could only be accessed in some cases on foot. This is a journey tailored for lovers of rich cultures, photography, archaeology and magnificent landscapes and nature. The Incas were the great and famed culture of the Andes, but just as Europeans have ancient origins stretching back thousands of years to Rome, the Vikings, Celtic Tribes and Ancient Greece, the Incas were the last in a line of diverse lineage of powerful cultures. On this Peru Off Road Adventure we visit many of impressive remains of these sophisticated empires: the giant symbols of the Nazca, the Wary and the Chanka peoples, as well as many of the most impressive sites of the mighty Incas themselves, including one modern wonder of the world, Machu-Picchu, the spectacular lost city discovered by the real Indiana Jones, Hiram Bingham in For lovers of nature witnessing Andean Condors, the world s largest flying bird, over the vast expanse of the Colca Canyon is a sight hard to beat, but the Marine Wildlife, including Sealions, Pelicans and Magallenic Penguins and beautiful high altitude tranquillity of the World s highest navigable lake, more than 3800m above sea level must also be strong contenders. Vast volcanoes towering above the elegant colonial city of Arequipa. Machete Tours 4 x 4 Adventure shows you some of the best sights experiences in the truly remarkable Andean nation of Peru! Day 1 Arrival in Lima. Arriving in Lima, Peru s vast and diverse modern capital you will be met at the airport by our staff and transferred to Miraflores, a stylish and easy to navigate district of the capital city overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Checking into our comfortable and welcoming Hotel this is a day to relax and get orientated in your new surroundings. Miraflores has a wide range of excellent shops and restaurants, banks and any modern amenities that you may require. After making yourselves comfortable you will be introduced to your professional driver and chauffeur who will give you a short Peru Off Road Adventure introduction to the programme and any answer any questions that you may have. Rest of the day free to relax. Day 2 The Ticlio Pass, the Mantaro Valley and Huancayo. Today we rise early and begin our journey initially travelling south along Peru s desert rugged coastline before turning inland and travelling eastwards into the mighty Andean Mountains. Climbing ever higher into literally breathtaking mountains we arrive at our highest point and one of the highest drivable points in the Andes, the Ticlio pass at 4758m. With an opportunity to take in... 1

2 ...Coming from Day 2. surrounds, spectacular mountain peaks and glacial lakes we then descend into the fertile Mantaro Valley, one of Peru s richest agricultural and mining regions cultural stronghold for Peru s traditional indigenous cultures.passing the route of the highest operating train on earth we finally arrive in the Mantaro regions hub, the historic but straightforward and untouristy city of Huancayo at 3271m. At this altitude nights can be cold, so the comfort of our hotel will be appreciated. Evening free to relax and explore. (B, L, D) Day 3 Travelling Huancavelica, Pampas Galeras National Reserve to Ayacucho. Today we continue our epic highland odessey through an area of fertile agricultural lands an area that despite its apparent agricultural wealth and mining development has remained financially impoverished. Despite the lack of money the region and its indigenous people are amongst the richest in terms of undiluted culture. Our first Peru Off Road Adventure stop on our route today is the welcoming and traditional town of Huancavelica. Founded as a mining town by the Conquestadores in the 16th century the town formally was a rich source of silver. We take in the city s cathedral which boasts some of the finest colonial art in the country before heading south, around 100km to the city of Ayacucho. En route we pass through the Reserve National de Pampas Galeras, a protected area for the wild relative of Llama, through magnificent high altitude mountain scenary to Ayuchuco, a thriving capital of the region known as the city of the churches`. The city is known for its magnificent Semana Santa celebrations when the city erupts of flowers and celebrations, its crafts and impressive markets. Boasting a lovely climate at 2748m, the rest of the day is free to explore from colonial hostel set just 1 block from the city s heart, the Plaza Major. (B, L) Day 4 Ayacucho, Huari and Pampas de Quinua. Today we visit the fascinating surrounds of Ayacucho in an area more than 1500 years of rich Peruvian history. Travelling just over 20 km to the West of Ayacucho we rich Huari, the administrative capital of one of Peru s great empires, and the culture of the same name, which thrived across the Peruvian Andes between 600 and 1000 AD. At this site the Huari built the Peru s first urban stone walled centre, with temples, houses, canals and royal tombs. After our guided visit of the Huari Archaeological Centre we visit the Pampas de Quinua, also known as the Pampas de Ayachuco. It was here on these plains on the 9th December 1824 and after a struggle of 44 years that Peru finally won its independence from Imperial Spain. In the afternoon we return to Ayachuco and our hotel to relax and enjoy this colourful city. (B) Day 5 Ayacucho to Chincheros and Andahuaylas. Leaving Ayacucho early we travel 173km south on rugged unpaved roads to the town of Chincheros where we view the church, built on and using the stones from a great Inca Palace. 2

3 ...Coming from Day 5. We continue onwards to Andahuaylas, a town surrounded by picturesque Andean Peaks and the location of the strange and unique Señor de Huanca festival. Every September here an Andean Condor is strapped to the back of Spanish bull in an arena and a bloody spectacle then ensues, symbolizing the battle between Spanish and Andean Cultures. (B,L) Day 6 - Andahuaylas to Abancay and Cusco. Leaving Andahuaylas behind in our tire tracks we head on to the beautiful Pacucha Lake and just beyond this the Piramide of Sóndor, once the focus of the Chanka civilization. The summit of the Piramide offers breathtaking views over the surrounding Andean landscape. The Chanka civilization, like many others were defeated in 15th century by the rapidly expanding Inca Empire. Emerging from rough mountain roads to the busy mining town of Abancay we once again emerge on one of Peru s main paved highways and begin our journey to the Great City of the Incas, Cusco. On the Peru Off Road Adventure route we also pass several places of interest, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone of Saywite, a huge carved monolith and Inca Sacred site that is said to represent the different regions of the Inca World, the Mountains, Desert and Jungle. In the late afternoon/evening we finally reach the magnificent Inca capital and colonial centre of Cusco where we check into the El Puma Hotel, relax and if you re energetic explore a little of Cusco s luminous restaurant and nightlife centre around the Plaza de Armas, Cusco s buzzing centre. (B,L). Day 7 Guided tour of Cusco and its surrounds. Today your Peru Off Road Adventure guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on a tour of the Cuzco and its surrounds, taking in the city s most impressive monuments and putting these in the context of the truly cataclysmic events that played out here in the 16th Century, when two of the world s great cultures collided. We visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Koricancha, and the magnificent Inca Temple of the Sun, home to probably the finest Inca stonework precisely carved stones that fit perfectly, without the need for mortar. We continue to the great ceremonial centre of Sacsayhuaman located in a beautiful position overlooking Cusco in the valley below. Sacsayhuaman s scale is quite awe-inspiring, vast walls built with individual carved stones, the largest of which weigh more than 125 tons. The Quechua festival of Inti Raymi concludes within these walls every year in June a truly spectacular demonstration of Indigenous culture, and well worth seeing! On leaving Sacsayhuaman we visit the well preserved Inca sites of Quenco, Puka Pukara and the Temple of Tambo Machay. After a tour of approximately 4 ½ to 5 hours we return to our hotel. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the Inca capital. (B). Day 8 Sacred Valley of the Incas. Today we take a tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Leaving Cusco we cross the hills dividing Cusco from this fascinating centre of Quechua culture. The countryside is largely rural, with local farmers going about... 3

4 ...Coming from Day 8. their lives in much the same way as they have for centuries. Soon after leaving Cusco the magnificent peaks of Vilcanota Mountain Range reveal themselves, jagged glacial forms rising to well over 5000 meters. These mountains were and still are considered Apus (gods) to the local people. We visit the market town of Pisac, overlooked by an impressive Inca fortress. After lunch we continue to Ollantaytambo, another charming agricultural town in the heart of the valley. The Inca terraces above town were the site of a historic battle during Manco Incas famous uprising against the Spanish Forces. On the way back to Cusco we stop at the lovely village of Chinchero, located in the highlands dividing Cusco and the Sacred Valley. After visiting the central square, the church and the market we travel to Urubamba and our Hotel. (B,L). Day 9 Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco. Early in the morning we transfer to the Urubamba train station and board the special train service to Aguas Calientes, the small town located beneath the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu World Heritage Site. The train journey itself, through a deep forested gorge flowing towards the Amazon Basin is spectacular. On arrive in Aguas Calientes (now sometimes referred to as Machu Picchu town) we take a 25 minute ride above Aguas Calientes to the truly awesome Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a site straddling a mountain top at more at 2380 m above sea level and surrounded by misty cloud forest covered peaks and incredible views on all sides. This site lay undiscovered and engulfed the jungle until Yale University Professor Hiram Bingham chanced upon the site during an archaeological expedition. Since then much of purpose and nature of this site has remained a mystery. After a guided tour of the site you will have time to explore the ruins on your own and if you re feeling energetic there s the possibility of climbing Huayna Picchu peak (separate activity), the distinctive steep sided mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. Returning to Aguas Calientes we board the train for Cusco at around 3.30pm, arriving in the early evening. From here you are transported back to your hotel. (B,L) Day 10 Cusco, Free Day. Today is free to relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and easy going cultural mix that is Cusco. Some interesting spots to visit include the 12 angled Inca stone in Calle Hatun Rumiyoc, the Witches Market or the church of La Merced, rebuilt by Indigenous residents after the initial colonial structure was destroyed by one of the regions frequent earthquakes. (B) Day 11 Cusco to Puno. Today we have a long Peru Off Road Adventure journey across the altiplano, roughly 9 hours from Cusco to Puno. Leaving the Sacred Valley behind we pass beautiful Andean villages, and we also take in the Inca ruins of Tipon and Piquillacta, the only pre-inca site in the Cusco region. On reaching the community of Raqchi we visit the ruins of the Temple of Viracocha, one of Incas most sacred sites. In Inca mythology Viracocha is the creator of all living things and the greatest of Inca deities. 4

5 ...Coming from Day 11. We climb to the mighty La Raya Pass, the highest point on our journey today at 4312 meters above sea level. We stop to admire the view before continuing onwards. We pass the commercial centre of Juliaca before we continue on to the burial towers of Sillustani; they are a moment to pre-inca Colla tribe, employing unique and complex construction methods in a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Umayo. Finally we arrive at town of Puno on the shores of magnificent Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on earth at 3856m above sea level almost a sea in itse We climb to the mighty La Raya Pass, the highest point on our journey today at 4312 meters above sea level. We stop to admire the view before continuing onwards. We pass the commercial centre of Juliaca before we continue on to the burial towers of Sillustani; they are a moment to pre-inca Colla tribe, employing unique and complex construction methods in a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Umayo. Finally we arrive at town of Puno on the shores of magnificent Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on earth at 3856m above sea level almost a sea in itself. We check into the Hotel after a spectacular crossing of the Peruvian Altiplano. (B,L). Day 12 Puno Lake Titicaca and Taquile Island. Around mid-morning we check out of our hotel on the lake shore and take a short ride to Puno, where we find our boat waiting to take us out onto the lake. First we visit the villages of the Uros tribe a people highly evolved to living in this watery environment. Constructing boats and houses from the reeds of the lake we spend time with the Uros people who have long survived from a combination of hunting and fishing. Moving on we arrive at the peaceful island of Taquile. A local guide will take us on a short walk across the island taking in the highly development terraces and archaeological sites, many of which date from the Inca period or even older. On the island we have the opportunity to buy locally made handicrafts and we also enjoy a lunch of freshly caught trout from the lake surrounding us. Leaving the island at around 17:00 we return to Puno and our hotel. (B,L). Day 13 Puno to Chivay and the Colca Canyon. Today we travel north from Puno to take in the pre-colombian burial towers of the Colla people at Sullustani. Turning west we begin our high altitude journey across the Peruvian high plains. We pass through the busy Andean town of Juliaca and continue to Imata. From Imata you pass through the Aquada Blanca National Vicuña Reserve. It s often possible to see these wild, rare and elegant camilids here, along with Llamas and Alpacas, their domesticated relatives, and a host Andean Birds. From this point, travelling on unpaved roads, we travel towards the Colca Canyon, and the main town at its entrance, Chivay. The Colca is one of the planet s deepest canyons, more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the USA. It s a place of extraordinary beauty and spectacle where many of Peru s most traditional communities still thrive. On arrival in Chivay we check into our hotel and go and enjoy the towns natural hot baths. A packed lunch is provided today. (B,L). 5

6 Day 14 Colca Canyon to Arequipa. After an early start we head for the Cruz del Condor, a magnificent viewpoint overlooking one of the deepest sections of the Colca Canyon. True to the description this is an excellent place to see Andean Condors, the world s largest flying bird with wingspans of up to 3 meters. Early in the morning these birds wait for warm air currents, thermals, rising from the depths of the canyon to carry them aloft, from which point they can more easily locate dead or injured animals their staple diet. After this wonderful Peru Off Road Adventure natural spectacle we take a short walk in the valley to visit an Andean community and to observe the ancient agriculture terraces that have been in use in the canyon for centuries. From the Colca Canyon we travel to the region s great colonial city, nestled beneath vast volcanic peaks. Tonight we stay in the welcoming Hotel, a short walk from the centre of the City. (B). Day 15 Arequipa. In the early afternoon we begin a tour of this very special city, constructed almost entirely of a white volcanic rock, sillar. Situated at nearly 2400m above sea level the sources of this volcanic material are plain to see and add to the city s very special atmosphere. The snow capped volcanoes of Misti (5,822m), Chachani (6,057m) and Pichu-Pichu (5,669m) tower over the city, beautiful but ominous guardians and reminders of the titanic forces that have built, and continue to build the Andes. After visiting the beautiful Main Square and Cathedral we visit Arequipa s best known attraction, the Santa Catalina convent. Closed to the public until 1970 this is where more than 400 nuns lived in what essentially is a self contained town set within the city. We visit the Yanahuara Square for some photographic opportunities of Arequipa s volcanic surrounds before returning to our hotel. (B). Day 16 Arequipa to Nazca. Today we enjoy an early breakfast before continuing our Peru Off Road Adventure journey, now descending slowly out of Peru s mountainous centre and returning to Atacama desert and Peru s misty Pacific coastline. After a 500km drive on good roads we reach the small town of Nazca where we spend the night. (B,L). Day 17- Nazca Lines to Huacachina Oasis. After breakfast at 7am we are transferred privately to the local airport where we board our small plane for our low altitude flight over the Nazca Lines. The lines, etched into the desert over hundreds of years in a process beginning more than 2000 years ago can only be appreciated from above, and our flight provides a remarkable perspective on these geometrical shapes and animal forms, many of which are hundreds of meters across. The images, whose exact purpose has never been comprehensively proven, include birds, a monkey, a killer whale and a spider. Returning to earth we visit the pre-inca cemetery site of Chauchilla. Taking a guided tour we explore an area covered with bones, pottery and well preserved mummies. From Nazca we continue on to Huacachina, a pretty oasis town set around a lake and surrounded by Palm... 6

7 ...Coming from Day 17. Carob trees. Here we get to try out some buggy riding on the huge sand dunes surrounding this light hearted oasis town. Huacachina is also famed for its excellent sandboarding. (B,L). Day 18 Huacachina to Paracas. Following breakfast we will be privately transported to Pisco s seafront where we board our boat for a voyage out to the windswept Ballestas Islands, home to huge populations of marine wildlife. The islands have been spectacularly eroded by the sea forming steep cliffs and huge arches perfect homes for some of the eastern Pacific s largest seabird colonies. Pelicans, Peruvian Booby s, Red Legged and Guanay Cormorants all find sanctuary here. At the water s edge thousands of noisy sealions compete for space with Humboldt Penguins all evidence of the richness of the cold waters carried up from the Antarctic by the powerful Humboldt Current. After lunch we enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant before heading north and returning to Peru s vast capital, Lima. (B,L). Day 19 Lima and International Flight Home. At 9am we begin a guided trip of Lima s old colonial centre, taking in the main square, the impressive Cathedral, rebuilt after a huge earthquake in 1746 and the Plaza San Martin amongst other highlights. Returning to Miraflores we continue our guided visit at the Gold Museum, featuring one of the most extensive collections of pre-colombian jewellery and artefacts in the country. We take lunch in a local restaurant before returning to our hotel, and then we are taken by bus to Peru s Jorge Chávez International Airport for your international flight home. (B,L). End of our Peru Off Road Adventure service. What s included Staff/Crew English speaking tour guides, drivers and boat (Titicaca Lake) staff. Accommodation: 02 nights at El Ducado Hotel Lima ***+ 01 night at El Marquez Hotel Huancayo *** 02 nights at Santa Rosa Hotel Ayacucho *** 01 night at Sol De Oro Hotel Andahuaylas *** 04 nights at Hotel Garcilaso Cusco *** 01 night at Las Chullpas Hotel Sacred Valley, Cusco *** 02 nights at Queqatani Hotel Puno ***+ 01 night at Pozo del Cielo Hotel Colca ***+ 02 nights at La Casa de Mi Abuela Hotel Arequipa *** 01 night at Cantayo Hotel Nazca ***+ 01 night at Mossone Hotel Huacachina Oasis *** Local Tours and activities: Tours: Lima City Tour Ballestas Islands Tour Nazca Lines Air Tour Arequipa City Tour Colca Canyon Tour 2 days Lake Titicaca Day Tour Cusco City Tour Cusco Sacred Valley Tour Machupicchu Day Tour Ayacucho City Tour Las Pampas de Quinua Tour Huancayo City Tour Tour Staff includes Professional bilingual chauffeur leader/guide. No more than 3 tour participants per guide/vehicle. 7

8 Vehicles: Toyota Hilux pickups: 3 tour participants and 1 professional tour guide-chauffeur per vehicles. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs: 3 tour participants and 1 professional tour guide-chauffeur per vehicles. Vehicle Specifications: Car insurance, 2 spare tires, 1 toolkit, air conditioning, oxygen tanks and GPS. Emergency satellite telephone (additional fees apply for personal calls). Fire extinguisher; Emergency lights; Laptop with internet access (by request additional fees apply). Car theater equipment (by request and additional fees apply). ASK FOR VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS, WE WILL SEND IT IN A SEPARATE . Tour Conditions: Easy walk, transportation is 4x4 WD, private tour bus and motorized boat. Departure Dates: Everyday all year round. Highway Taxes: All highway taxes are included in the tour price. Fuel: Prices include fuel costing during the whole program. Distances and Altitudes Day 1 Arrival in Lima. Day 2 The Ticlio Pass, the Mantaro Valley and Huancayo. Lima (400 m.a.s.l.) La Oroya (3,750 m.a.s.l.) Huancayo (3,250 m.a.s.l.) Summit: Ticlio (4,850 m.a.s.l.) Distance: 298km Estimated Travel Time: 7 to 8 hours Road Conditions: Paved roads; good condition Day 3 Travelling Huancavelica, Pampas Galeras National Reserve to Ayacucho. Huancayo (3250 m.a.s.l.) Huancavelica (3680 m.a.s.l.) Aycucho (2746 m.a.s.l.) Distance: 257 km Estimated Travel Time: 7 to 8 hours Road Conditions: Paved roads with some unpaved sections Route: Highway 3S Day 4 Ayacucho, Huari and the Pampas de Quinua. Day 5 Ayacucho to Chincheros and Andahuaylas. Ayacucho (2,746 m.a.s.l.) Andahuaylas (2,899 m.a.s.l.) Distance: 261km Estimated Travel Time: 9 to 10 hours Road Conditions: Unpaved roads Route: S3 Day 6 - Andahuaylas to Abancay and Cusco. Andahuaylas (2,899 m.a.s.l.) Abancay (2,378 m.a.s.l.) Cusco (3,300 m.a.s.l.) Distance: 327km Estimated Travel Time: 10 to 11 hours Road Conditions: Unpaved roads; paved roads after Abancay Route: S3 Day 7 Guided tour of Cusco and its surrounds. 8

9 Day 8 Sacred Valley of the Incas. Cusco (3,300 m.a.s.l.) The Sacred Valley (2,600 m.a.s.l.) Urubamba (2,600 m.a.s.l.) Distance: 140km Estimated Time: 10 to 11 hours Road Conditions: Paved roads in good condition Route: The Sacred Valley of the Incas Day 9 Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco. Urubamba (2600 m.a.sl.) Machu Picchu (2430 m.a.s.l.) Cusco (3,300 m.a.s.l.) Distance: Urubamba to Machu Picchu by train: 1 hour, 21 minutes. Machu Picchu to Cusco: 4 hours, 20 minutes. Day 10 Cusco, Free Day. Day 11 Cusco to Puno. Cusco (3300 m.a.s.l.) Puno (3825 m.a.s.l.) Distance: 395 km. Estimated Travel Time: 8 to 9 hours Road Conditions: Paved roads Route: 3S Day 12 Puno Lake Titicaca and Taquile Island. Day 13 Puno to Chivay and the Colca Canyon. Puno (3825 m.a.s.l.) Chivay (3635 m.a.s.l.) Distance: 310km Estimated Travel Time: 7 to 8 hours Road Conditions: Paved roads to Imata; unpaved roads from Imata to Chivay Route: 30-A Day 14 Colca Canyon to Arequipa. Chivay (3,650 m.a.s.l.) Arequipa (2,350 m.a.s.l.) Distance: 160km Estimated Travel Time: 5 to 6 hours Road Conditions: Unpaved roads along the first portion; paved when arriving in Arequipa. Day 15 Arequipa. Day 16 Arequipa to Nazca. Arequipa (2350 m.a.s.l.) Nazca (588 m.a.s.l.) Distance: 566km Estimated Travel Time: 9 to 10 hours Road Conditions: Paved roads Route: Pan Americana Sur, 30-A & 1-S Day 17- Nazca Lines to Huacachina Oasis. Nazca (588 m.a.s.l.) Ica (406 m.a.s.l.) Huacachina Oasis (460 m.a.s.l.) Nazca to Ica: 149km Ica to Hucachina: 5km Estimated Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours Road Conditions: Paved roads along Pan Americana Sur Route: 1-SB Day 18 Huacachina to Paracas. Huacachina (460 m.a.s.l.) Paracas (sea level) Lima (150 m.a.s.l.) Distance, Huacachina to Paracas: 48km Distance, Paracas to Lima: 240km Estimated Travel Time, Huacachina Paracas: 1.5 hours Estimated Travel Time, Paracas Lima: 4 to 5 hours Road Conditions: Paved roads Route: Panamericana Sur, 1-S Day 19 Lima and International Flight Home. 9

10 What is not Included Travel Insurance is not included a good policy covering all tour activities and possible health emergencies is highly recommended and should be considered a priority. International flights can be purchased independently or by consulting Machete Tours. Tipping is expected in Peru. Extra driving or activities that involves driving which are out of the program (additional fees apply). Domestic airport tax. This is about 8 dollars per flight per person in domestic and 35 dollars in international flights Meals not mentioned in the program Alcoholic beverages Note: This Peru 4 x 4 off Road Adventure is an excellent introduction to the wonders of this Andean nation, however given additional free time we can easily add further adventures to your tailored itinerary. Options range from cruises in Ecuador s Galapagos Islands to Northern Beach of Peru and even wildlife watching trips deep into Peru s Amazon Basin just give us a call to discuss this further! Things to Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes. Sandals are good for wet river crossings in the jungle Comfortable travel clothes suitable for both hot and cold climates Wind and water proof jacket (Gore-Tex is good) Water bottle Water purifying tablets Camera (water proof case is useful) Extra batteries for camera Extra money for your own expenses dollars are easily exchanged, there are ATM s in major cities and travelers checks are a secure method of carrying funds A photocopy of your passport/travel documents A copy of your travel insurance Mosquito repellent (DEET is good) Sun block Sunglasses Sunhat Flashlight with extra batteries Swimsuit Binoculars (good for wildlife watching!) Basic medical kit Regional/Country Information Weather/Altitude/Geography/Temperature. Weather: May to October is generally considered the dry season (best time to visit) in the Peruvian Mountains and Jungle, however it can be cool and misty on the Peruvian coast at this time of year. Altitude means that even within the tropics it can be very cold high up (above 2000m) bring warm cloths and light clothes for lower, more tropical parts of the tour. Temperatures can range from close to freezing in the highlands to around 35 C in the tropical lowlands. On arrival in high altitude areas clients should drink plenty of water and relax for the first couple of days until fully acclimatized. Culture/language. Peru possesses a mix of both Colonial European and Indigenous Cultures. Indigenous groups generally form the poorer part of society, and there is sometimes tension regarding these inequalities. Spanish is almost universally spoken, with the Indigenous Languages of Quechua, Aymara and other languages used within ethnic groups. 10

11 Food. A wide range of interesting dishes are available throughout Peru. One of Peru s most famous dishes is ceviche, a raw fish dish marinated in Lemon Juice. Fish dishes in the Amazon basin can be equally excellent. Peru is the home of the potato so just remember that when munching some chips at your local restaurant! In the mountains an excellent potato based dish to try is papa a la huancaina, potatoes topped with a spicy milk and cheese sauce. A wide variety of soaps are also available, and you can also try an Alpaca steak at a top Peruvian grill. A wide range of international dishes are also available in larger cities. Health/precautions. Don t drink tap water purify or buy bottled water. Consult your doctor for the latest advice regarding regional health risks/immunisations. Although generally safe countries, always be aware of the possibilities of theft/robbery consult local staff for further information. Machete Tours Contact details/emergency phone number. Cusco office phone: Lima office phone: Europe phone: (Sweden) 24 Hour emergency numbers: (Lima), (Cusco) ronald@machetetours.com 11