follow in the footsteps of butch cassidy and the sundance kid!

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1 Peru & Bolivia follow in the footsteps of butch cassidy and the sundance kid! Trip code: Group size: Number of days: SPB Detailed description Welcome Rugged mountains and awe-inspiring volcanoes, remnants of ancient civilizations and colourful indigenous people characterize this spectacular journey. Join Shoestring and travel along the vast salt plains of Salar de Uyuni. You can visit the ruins of the legendary lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. There is still much more to discover on our journey across the Altiplano. Snowy Andes with panoramic views for example. Wilderness areas on the coast, with lines drawn into the earth by ancient cultures in Nazca. The Colca Canyon, where perhaps you will sight the condor with its mighty wingspan. Remains of Spanish rule can be found in colonial cities such as Arequipa, Cuzco and Potosi. Finally, do not forget to try guinea pig on the spit or taste the local Pisco sour! Day to Day schedule Below is a summary of the day-to-day description. Transport Route Overnight stay 1 Lima Lima 2 Lima Lima 3 Bus Lima - Pisco - Ica (optional Ballestas isles) Ica 4 Bus Ica - Nazca Nazca 5 Public transport Nazca Arequipa Arequipa 6 Arequipa Arequipa 7 Bus Arequipa - Chivay Chivay 8 Bus Chivay - Puno Puno 9 Puno Puno 10 Bus Puno - La Paz La Paz 11 La Paz La Paz 12 Bus La Paz - Uyuni Uyuni 13 Uyuni Uyuni 14 Bus Uyuni - Potosí Potosí

2 15 Bus Potosí - La Paz La Paz 16 Bus La Paz - Copacabana Copacabana 17 Bus Copacabana - Cuzco Cuzco 18 Cuzco Cuzco 19 Cuzco Cuzco 20 Train Cuzco - Aguas Calientes Aguas Calientes 21 Train Aguas Calientes - Cuzco Cuzco 22 Cuzco Cuzco 23 Cuzco End of tour Day to Day description Day 1: Lima Welcome to Peru! Your tour starts in Lima, where you can use your hotel room from check in time (12.00 hrs at noon). Most of your travel companions will arrive later tonight, the exact time will be depending on their flight schedule. You will also meet your English speaking tour leader. Day 2: Lima Peru s capital city Lima is famous for its many historic monuments, lively shopping streets and interesting restaurants where you can sample local cuisine. The city centre around Plaza de Armas is full of old colonial buildings, palaces, churches, monasteries and museums, including the Museum of Anthropology & Archaeology. The Miraflores part of Lima has lovely arts and crafts shops and Parque Kennedy is a great place to relax, with its' array of pavement cafes. Day 3: Lima - Pisco - Ica (optional Ballestas isles) We travel from Lima to Pisco and further to Ica. Today you can join an optional boat excursion to the Ballestas Isles. This archipelago is just half an hour away and is the habitat of thousands of sea lions, penguins, dolphins and even whales. While the sea lions are swimming around the boat you'll see the countless birds upon the rocks. Along the way you sail by the "Candelabra", a rock-hewn drawing whose meaning and origin is still unknown. Day 4: Ica - Nazca Today our journey continues to Nazca, famous for its intriguing Nazca Lines, the origins and purpose of which remain a mystery. Just as amazing is the cemetery at Chauchilla, where sun-bleached Nazca skeletons guard their age-old resting place. If you want to fly across the Nazca Lines you can do so in the morning (day 4), weather permitting.

3 Day 5: Nazca ± Arequipa After the morning at Nazca, we board the comfortable, public bus for our afternoon journey lasting nine and a half hours along the coast and through the mountains to Arequipa. Day 6: Arequipa Arequipa is a beautiful old colonial city, surrounded by volcanoes including the famous El Misti, which can be seen from Plaza de Armas. Although the city was founded by the Spanish Conquistadors, many remains from preinca and Incan times can still be found in and around the city. A variety of day trips are available however, the Santa Catalina convent in Arequipa is one of the most beautiful in the New World and is worth a visit. For 400 years nuns lived here in total isolation until 1970 when the convent was opened to the public. You can now wander for hours through its picturesque alleyways. Visit the Museum of Sanctuaries Andinos and see the mummy of a young Inca girl, Juanita, who was sacrificed to the volcano to put it in a more favourable mood. Day 7: Arequipa - Chivay This morning we ll travel to Colca Canyon National Park and cross the Andes. Enjoy the breathtaking views over the surrounding volcano peaks, journey through the pampas where vicuña graze and on past Andean settlements to the village of Chivay. Relax after your long journey in the hot thermal springs nearby. Entrance fee for the National Park Colca Canyon is included. Day 8: Chivay - Puno Our visit to the ³Cruz del Condor with its splendid view of the Colca Canyon is one of the highlights of our journey and if you re lucky you may catch sight of the majestic condor floating on the thermals. We will also visit some surrounding villages and continue in the afternoon to Puno on the banks of Lake Titicaca, the world s highest navigable lake. Day 9: Puno Enjoy a second day exploring the area of Puno. TIP: Here you can stroll through town and shop at the colourful market and take a trip to the Uros and Taquile Islands. The 300 inhabitants of the Uros live on Lake Titicaca, on floating islands made of totora reeds. Their small houses and boat are also made out of reed and the largest island has twostoried houses and a school. The Indians on Isla Taquile are known for their weaving culture or alternatively you can visit the Sillustani Tombs, where the pre-inca civilization Colla buried their dead in these towers. Day 10: Puno - La Paz We travel by bus along Lake Titicaca towards La Paz where, at the border, we transfer to a Bolivian bus that takes us via the ruins of Tiahuanacu to La Paz (entrance fee not included). The Tiahuanacu culture is one of the Andes great pre-inca cultures but even now little is known about the people that built this grand ceremonial centre. We then continue on to La Paz.

4 Day 11: La Paz Today there is plenty of time to explore the narrow, steep streets that lead to an array of colonial buildings, churches, monasteries, market stalls and museums. Pay a visit to the extraordinary Mercado de Hechicería or 'witch market', where traditionally dressed Aymara women, exhibit all kinds of miracle cures or visit a traditional Latin American graveyard on the edge of town. You can also take one of the many varied walks in and around La Paz, including the Valle de la Luna, the Muela del Diablo, and Chacaltaya Mountain. Day 12: La Paz - Uyuni Today you follow the road to Uyuni (3660 m). It's a long journey through a rugged and desolate landscape, which will take all day. By the time you arrive in Uyuni it is late into the evening. Uyuni is the starting point for an adventurous day trip through the salt lakes of Salar de Uyuni. The entrance fee for Salar de Uyuni is included. Day 13: Uyuni In the morning we set off across the plains of the Altiplano in our jeeps. The mighty peaks of the Andes can be seen in the distance as we head to Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia s largest saltpan. From here we will visit the Isla de Pescado, home of flamingos, alpacas and viscachas. One of the major tourist attractions of the Uyuni area is an antique train cemetery. It is situated 3 km outside Uyuni and is connected to it by the old train tracks. The cemetery has been created as a result of the collapse of the mining industry in the 1940's, after which, many trains were just left abandoned. Due to the altitude warm clothes are needed for this trip, including gloves and a hat. You may also want to consider wearing thermal underwear/leggings. The sunshine is intense so wear sunglasses and put on a good sun protection cream. You'll spend the evening in Uyuni again. Day 14: Uyuni - Potosí TIP: It will take us 5 to 6 hours to get to Potosí, the legendary silver town and the world s highest city. In the past there were hundreds of silver mines in Cerro Rico but it provides mainly tin and other metals. A visit to the mines is available (optional) but you will need to wear old clothes and bring a flashlight. Those who suffer from breathing or similar medical problems are strongly advised not to descend into the mines. In 1987, UNESCO proclaimed the city of Potosí a World Heritage Site for its tragic history and rich colonial architecture. The Casa Real de la Moneda where silver coins were once minted is certainly worth a visit and the city has many churches, monasteries and magnificent old buildings and monuments that still radiate the wealth of the past.

5 Day 15: Potosí - La Paz Today we make the long ride across the highlands and arrive late in the evening in La Paz, where you can relax in the comfortable hotel. Day 16: La Paz - Copacabana After a short bus ride we arrive at the pilgrimage town of Copacabana with its breathtaking views over deep blue Lake Titicaca. The brilliantly white Moorish cathedral houses a 16th century wooden statue of the Virgen de Candelaria that is believed to work miracles. This is a great area for walking and you can climb the Cerro Calvario and watch the sunset over Lake Titicaca or take a boat trip the island of Isla del Sol with its impressive history and Inca ruins. Day 17: Copacabana - Cuzco A beautifully scenic but long bus trip across Peru s Altiplano will take us to Cuzco, where you can explore the royal seat of the mighty Inca kingdom, rich with monuments and surrounded by countless Inca ruins. Inca trail For hikers, nature and culture lovers the 42 kilometre long Inca trail is a true challenge but truly enchanting. This is a rugged trek where you sleep in twoperson tents so make sure you prepare yourself thoroughly. It is best to walk the Inca trail between May and October, although there may be one or two showers. Please note that during the month February the Inca Trail is always closed for maintenance. For a description of the day to day program of the Inca Trail, please check the text at the end of the final day of this tour. Day 18: Cuzco Cuzco has a variety of interesting museums such as the Museo Inka, north of the Cathedral, which is set in The Admiral's Palace, a colonial mansion. The museum features over 10,000 exhibits charting civilization in Cuzco and the Andes, from ceramics, Inca textiles and silver to mummies and preserved skulls. For art, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo hosts local artists and contemporary art, while the Museo de Arte Precolombino features paintings, gold and jewelry from 1250 B.C. to 1532 A.D. For a glimpse of Peru's flora and fauna, visit the Museo de Historia Natural on Plaza de Armas. Day 19: Cuzco For those that like to peruze the shops and markets, the Plaza de Armas is circled by boutique shops selling tourist wares such as alpaca clothing, leather goods, postcards, artwork and traditional wall hangings. For further variety and the chance to sample local foods - both prepared dishes and raw ingredients - head to the Mercardo Central (Central Market). The covered market also sells herbal remedies and traditional medicines, clothing and souvenirs.

6 Day 20: Cuzco - Aguas Calientes Our 4-hour train ride takes us through stunning scenery to Aguas Calientes where you are free to explore the village, take a walk or relax in the hot springs. If you wish to visit Machu Picchu today then you will have to arrange and pay for this locally. Day 21: Aguas Calientes - Cuzco This morning, take a bus to the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu, beautifully located on a plateau in the middle of some interesting rock formations. Due to its unique location, the city was only discovered in 1911 and as such has remained relatively well preserved. Archaeologists believe it was once a religious Inca town, but its precise function is still unknown. You will have ample time to explore the whole complex of temples, terraces and holy places. The most famous photo of Machu Picchu was taken after a climb up to the Hut of the Caretaker of the Funeral Rock. If you prefer a completely different view of the ruins, a walk to the Inti Punku is highly recommended. From this point, people walking the Inca trail get their first glimpse of Machu Picchu. A steep climb of around an hour takes you to the top of the Huayna Picchu, where you will be again be rewarded with spectacular views. The bus ride up to Machu Picchu and back today is included but the entrance fee to Machu Picchu is not included and must be paid locally. In the afternoon we travel back to Cuzco by train. Day 22: Cuzco Free day in Cuzco. Day 23: Cuzco The last day of your tour. Your hotel room can be used until check out time (normally 12 noon). We wish you a comfortable journey home and are sure you will take with you some wonderful memories of Bolivia and Peru. Your personal µmy.shoestring page on our website is the perfect way to make contact with other travellers before and after your trip. You can read and create journals from trips and upload your photos onto the photo gallery. Visit my shoestring today. When booking your tour, please check to see whether you need any posttour nights, bearing in mind that accommodation for the night of the final day of the tour (day 23) is not included. Please note: With a group of 8 persons (or more) the entire trip will be carried out with private transportation (except for the public bus between Nazca and Arequipa). With a group of up to 7 persons the trip will be carried out using public transportation on all sections, except for the following sections: Paracas-Ica, Arequipa-Colca Canyon-Puno and Cuzco-Kasani. For this reason Tihuanacu can no longer be visited (day 9). Between Potosi and La Paz we use a night bus. Naturally, the tour leader takes care of the tickets for the public transportation.

7 FESTIVAL TOURS If you join our tour starting 3rd June 2018 you can experience the Inti Raymi festival from Cuzco. Please check under the tab 'More Info' and 'Festivals' for further information. Inca trail Before booking an Inca trail excursion please check real time availability 4-day Inca Trail This is the ultimate tour for people who have adequate time, good health and good fitness. In four days you can walk from 2000 meters to 4200 meters and along 3900 passes. You will also walk over plains, sometimes by a dense cloud forest mountain with beautiful bromeliads and lianas. Also explore with the local guide who accompanies you throughout the trip, some very beautiful Inca ruins. Cooking utensils, tents, provisions and fuel for four days go along with the local porters. Take a small backpack with you containing your stuff for 4 days, and your sleeping bag. For an extra fee you can have the porters carry your luggage (please do this immediately upon booking if you wish). 2-day Inca trail You will be accompanied by a local guide who will stay with the group during the entire trek. Local porters carry the cooking equipment, tents and provisions for two days. You carry a small backpack containing your needs for these two days and a sleeping bag. This two-day walk of the Inca trail starts near the holy Urubamba River and ends in the afternoon in Machu Picchu, where we will stay the night at the foot of the city in the village of Aguas Calientes. The next day we have plenty of time to take a guided tour of the ruins, in late afternoon we board the train to Cuzco. If you want to walk the Inca trail, indicate this on your booking form and as the trek is extremely popular and places are limited book early to avoid disappointment. When booking, give your exact name and passport number (your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the tour), this information will be printed on the entrance tickets. Any error in this data automatically generates a penalty fee which will be passed on to you. The Inca Trail is upon request and is only confirmed when you have received confirmation from us. Given the high cancellation we charge 100, - cancellation fee if you decide to cancel once all is confirmed. The impossibility of confirming the Inca Trail does not mean that the whole trip may be canceled free of charge. If you have booked either the 2 or 4 day Inca trail, you will not stay overnight in Aguas Calientes (plus train trip) according to the standard programme. Obviously, all these costs are taken into account in the price. Walking the trail also means less or no free time in Cuzco. More info What's included:

8 All transport with (mini) bus (only Nazca - Arequipa with first-class public bus); accommodation in hotels; breakfast in Lima, Chivay, Potosi and La Paz; return train journey to Aguas Calientes; return bus ride Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (excluding entrance fee); two-day excursion Colca Canyon incl. entrance fee; jeep excursion Uyuni salt plains incl. entrance fee and lunch; English speaking tour leader. What's excluded: International flights; optional flight Nazca lines; Inca Trail (or other trails) and/or jungle extension (reservation should be done at time of booking tour); all meals; tips; visas; optional excursions; all entrance fees; border fees; airport transfers; booking fee; travel insurance. Attention A single room is not possible in Uyuni. Travel documents Travelling with the correct travel documentation is your own responsibility. Please ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the finish date of your trip. For both Peru & Bolivia, a visa is not required for stays of less than 30 days for many nationalities. Please check this information in good time before your trip commences as this information is always subject to change. You can check this information through a site such as this one. Accommodation and transport

9 Transport During this tour we will mostly be using our own, private bus. Only for the trajectory between Nazca and Arequipa do we use a comfortable local bus. For a short distance (approx. 15 minutes drive) from Copacabana to the border with Peru (Kasani), you use either minibuses or local transport. On the other side of the border you will be picked up by your own bus and you'll continue to Cuzco. The train ride to Aguas Calientes is included in the fare. Of course all bus trips and transfers, except those to and from the airport, are included. Any transportation provided for the optional excursions is not included. With a group of 8 persons (or more) the entire trip will be carried out with private transportation (except for the public bus between Nazca and Arequipa). With a group of up to 7 persons the trip will be carried out using public transportation on all sections, except for the following sections: Paracas-Ica, Arequipa-Colca Canyon-Puno and Cuzco-Kasani. For this reason Tihuanacu can no longer be visited (day 9). Between Potosi and La Paz we use a night bus. Naturally, the tour leader takes care of the tickets for the public transportation Accommodation During the tour you'll stay in comfortable hotels where possible in 2-person rooms with private bathroom, almost everywhere. The hotels in Bolivia are simple. Most hotels have their own restaurant, and usually a garden or terrace. Travellers who book alone will share a 2-person room. We keep in mind of course that you should be paired with someone of the same sex. If you want a room for yourself, then this is possible (except in Uyuni). You will pay a single supplement and this should be added when you make your booking. During your trip, it is possible to participate in 'single' excursions offered locally by the tour leader. These excursions are optional. To allow you to plan a budget for your trip we have provided you with an idea of the cost of these excursions. The price can change due to currency fluctuations. The amounts are therefore only meant to give you an indication of the cost. Entrance fees will often change and therefore are excluded from the prices displayed (unless explicitly stated). We display the prices in Euros/GB Pounds/US Dollars. When you are in your destination, it is possible to pay for the excursions in local currency. Single excursions

10 Excursion Details Price Arequipa - City tour This excursion begins with a tour of the Santa Catalina convent. You continue the route to the Compañía church. In the central square you will find the cathedral in Neo- Renaissance style. You leave the center and travels by bus to the traditional villages of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, where you have a wonderful view of Arequipa and the surrounding volcanoes. After lunch (exclusive) you'll return to Arequipa. Duration: 3 hours Departure: in the morning or afternoon Minimum number of participants: 2. When more participants, the price decreases (and vice versa!). The price mentioned is per person with 10 participants. Included: Private transportation, English speaking guide, entrance fees 38 Cuzco - 2 day Inca Trail (book before departure) Cuzco - 4 day Inca Trail (book before departure) For description, see day to day program. Includes: Transfer from hotel to train station v.v; Expedition train from Cuzco ( for 104 km), Inca Trail Entrance (also valid for Machu Picchu), English speaking guide / cook; Overnight hostel in Aguas Calientes: All meals from lunch day 1 until breakfast day 2 (1 x breakfast, 1 x lunch, 1 x dinner); Visit Machu Picchu on day 2; Bus trips between Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu ; Expedition train Aguas Calientes - Cuzco. Please be sure to add this package to your booking form at the time you reserve your trip. For description, see day to day program. includes: Transport from hotel to trail start point (82 or 88 km); Entrance Inca Trail (also valid for Machu Picchu), English speaking guide / cook; Carriers (not for personal equipment); Complete camping equipment (double tents with simple mats, kitchen tent, toilet tent, dining tent, tables and chairs, cooking equipment, crockery, first aid box and oxygen); All meals from lunch day 1 until breakfast on day 4 (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners); Visit Machu Picchu ; Bus Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes, Expedition train Aguas Calientes - Cuzco. Please be sure to add this package to your booking form at the time you reserve your trip

11 Cuzco - City tour + Incan sites This trip shows you the highlights in and around Cuzco. You start with a visit to Sacsayhuaman. This vast building overlooks the city and is a perfect structure, made of huge boulders. Then you will visit another important Inca site called Qenqo. Here you will find carved stone channels in a zigzag pattern. In the inner part is a stone table where the Incas mummified their dead. You return to Cuzco, where you will visit one of the holiest Inca buildings, the Temple of Koricancha. Finally, visit the magnificent cathedral of Cuzco. On one of the many paintings you see the Last Supper depicted. Christ and the apostles eat guinea pig (guinea pig was one of the main dishes at sacred Inca festivals)! 19 Cuzco - Lares trek (4 days, book before departure) Duration: 4 hours Departure: in the afternoon Includes: transportation, English speaking guide Excludes: entrance fees (22 USD for the ruins outside of Cusco, 13 USD for the Cathedral and Koricancha). Minimum number: 2 persons. With more participants, the excursion becomes cheaper (and vice versa!). The price stated is based upon 10 participants. The Lares trek is a good alternative to the 4-day Inca Trail, or if the 4-day Inca Trail is full. More information about this trek is available on request. The Lares trek is a four-day trek that ends at Machu Picchu. It takes you to the rarely visited Lares valley offering spectacular views of the Urubamba Mountains, east of the Sacred Valley. You'll come across small villages and mountain passes at altitudes of over 4000 meters, with a great view of the snowy peaks. This trek gives you the opportunity to see how the Quechuaspeaking Indians of the high mountain villages make their living from agriculture. The Lares trek is seen as not too difficult and is similar to that of the Inca Trail. However, there is a peak of over 4000 meters to climb and so it is important that you have a reasonably good physical condition. People who go trekking only need to take their day bagage (the bulk of your luggage you leave in the hotel in Cuzco). You must bring your own sleeping bag. includes: Transportation by bus from Cusco to Lares, English speaking guide / cook, 2 nights camping and 1 night in a hostel; horses for luggage (not for personal equipment) including escorts; breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek, complete camping equipment (double tent with simple mats, kitchen tent, toilet tent, dining tent, tables and chairs, cooking equipment, crockery, first aid box and oxygen); bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu + v.v, entrance fees and guide; Expedition train Aguas Calientes - Cuzco. Please add this trek to your booking form at time of trip reservation. 350

12 Cuzco - Machu Picchu entrance At the beginning of the trip you can ask your tour leader for your ticket to Machu Picchu. You may want to combine this with Huayna Picchu, the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or the museum. 40 Cuzco - Ollantaytambo rafting Early in the morning you leave Cuzco for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After a 1.5 hr drive you'll arrive in Puente Pachar (Ollantaytambo). Here you have a short safety brief and are introduced to the kayaks and the river. You'll see the majestic Andes mountains and small Quechua villages. Our endpoint is Huayracpunku, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch on the banks of the river. In the afternoon, return to Cuzco. Duration: full day. rafting itself is about 2 hours Includes: equipment (kayak, helmet, life jacket, wet suit) This excursion is only possible from April to December. Minimum number: 2 persons. With more participants the price becomes cheaper (and vice versa!). Stated price based on 10 participants. 67 Cuzco - Sacred Valley tour You leave by bus north to the mountains. On the way you stop at El Mirador, from where you can see the whole Sacred Valley and have a good grasp of the history of the Incas. You drive to the modern town of Pisac, where you have the time to visit the local market. You continue your journey along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo. You'll visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, an important Inca construction built during the heyday of the Incas. 28 Duration: 8 hours Departure: 08:30 am. Includes: transportation, English speaking guide Not included: entrance fees (22 USD) lunch and tips Minimum number: 2 persons. With more participants, the price becomes cheaper (and vice versa!). Stated price based on 10 participants.

13 Cuzco - Tambopata jungle extension (book before departure) This trip can be extended with a 4-day (3 nights) jungle tour in Puerto Maldonado, followed by one night in Lima. You must book this extension at the same time as reserving your trip. The flights involved are on a request basis. If you are the only one to book and there are no others to share a room with then there will be a single room surcharge of 170. The price of the jungle package includes the transfer from the hotel to the airport in Cuzco, the entrance fee to Tambopata Reserve and local airport taxes, but excluding, gratuities, drinks and personal expenses. On the first day you will fly from Cuzco in a half hour to the city of Puerto Maldonado, where you'll meet your boat and sail to the jungle lodge. In the afternoon there is time for a welcome drink and a short walk to a lake. After sunset there is the chance for caiman spotting by canoe. You see their eyes sparkle in the light of your flashlight. The next day you make a walk and a canoe trip on the lake where, if you are lucky, you can see giant river otters, monkeys, turtles and many species of birds. In the afternoon you have time to relax on your own or take the opportunity to go hiking. Day 3 is often used to do your own thing or to walk along the marked trails. Of course you can also sign up for an excursion organized by the lodge if you prefer. For example, a visit to a small clay wall or a day hike to the Katicocha Lake. On the last day you'll travel by motorized canoe back to Puerto Maldonado. From this city you will fly back to Lima and have one final hotel overnight. 895 La Paz - Chacaltaya and Moon Valley At 8.30 you'll leave your hotel to the Moon Valley, 15 km south of La Paz. Erosion has ensured that the rocks have been given special forms, making it reminiscent of a moonscape. Then you drive to Chacaltaya at 5200 meters altitude and visit the world's highest ski slope (5480 m). You have a great view of the surrounding snowcapped peaks of Illimani, Mururata, Huyna Potosi and other mountains but also of Lake Titicaca. 31 Duration: 8 hours Includes: transportation, English speaking guide Exclusive: entrance fee (about 5 USD p / p), lunch. Amount based on 10 participants. Price reduced with more participants.

14 La Paz - City Tour and Moon Valley You begin the La Paz city tour by visiting a typical Indian market, the famous witches market and colonial church of San Francisco. The tour continues to the Plaza Murillo, where you find the Cathedral, Government Palace and the National Congress buildings. Then visit the famous colonial "Calle Jaén" followed by a visit to the museum of the Tiwanaku culture. You end up with a visit to the unique Moon Valley, 15 km south of La Paz. Erosion has ensured that the rocks here have been given special forms, making it reminiscent of a moonscape. Duration: half day Includes: transfers, entrance fees, local English speaking guide. Amount based on 10 participants. Amount reduced if more participants. 22 Nazca - Chauchilla The cemetery of Chauchilla is the only place in Peru where the ancient mummies can still be visited in their original graves. The excursion to the cemetery is combined with a visit to a ceramics workshop where you you can see the old fashioned way that gold was processed. 17 Duration: 2-3 hours Includes: transfers and a local guide. Exclusive: entrance fee (2 Euros p.p.). The price is for a tour with an international group (join-in). A private tour with a minimum number of 2 participants costs 29 p.p. The more participants joining the private tour, the cheaper it becomes (and vice versa!). Nazca - Flight over Nazca lines (to be booked before departure) With a small 4-seater Cessna plane fly for about 20 minutes over some of the Nazca drawings (occasionally, a slightly larger aircraft is deployed for up to 12 people). The pilots are known for their particularly good flying skills. The Nazca plains extend around the famous Nazca lines. The Nazca lines are an enigma. Nobody has proof why they lie, or by whom they were created. Since their discovery, the Nazca lines have inspired the most fantastic stories. The lines are dated between 200 BC and 600 AD, and it is thought that they were used for rituals that are linked to astronomy. Includes: airport transfers, flight over the Nazca lines and a certificate at the end. Not included: airport tax (sol per person, about 8 euros). This excursion must be booked at the time you make your trip reservation. You can book it as part of the excursion package or as an individual excursion. 100

15 Pisco - Ballestas Islands Some 240 kilometers south of Lima lies the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands. The Ballestas Islands have more than 160 species of seabirds, including Humboldt penguins, pelicans, cormorants and gannets. In addition, large numbers of sea lions live here. Dolphins and whales can sometimes be seen. The only way to observe the wildlife around the Ballestas Islands is from a boat. It is forbidden to enter the islands but you can easily spot the animals from the boat. The islands also have some impressive rock formations and you will certainly sail alongside the Candelabra (an archaeological etching in the hills), which is best seen from the sea. 16 Duration: 2 hours Includes: transportation to the port, cruise to the islands and a local guide. Exclusive: entry fee + port tax (Euros 4.00 p.p total) You travel in international company (shared excursion) Puno - Uros Islands Sail by boat on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, to the floating Uros Islands, where residents will explain how these islands were formed. You are free to take a look in their homes. Local legend says that these people, the ''lords of the lake'', have black blood because they are so resistant to the cold of the lake in winter. 16 Duration: 3 hours Includes: transfers to and from the hotel, guide, entrance fees and boat The price is for a tour with an international group (join-in). Private tour: Possible with a minimum of 2 persons. Based on the participation of 10 participants the cost is 20 p/p. With fewer participants, the private tour becomes more expensive.

16 Puno - Uros Islands and Sillustani In a motorized boat sail to the Uros Islands. The boat trip takes about 30 minutes and offers a beautiful view of Lake Titicaca and the surrounding mountains. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by a group of islanders, who will then show you around. Then you can make a trip in a small boat, which the Uros people have made. The boat takes you from one island to another, so you can also meet the locals. You can buy beautifully and skillfully made handicrafts from the Uros women. You'll travel back to Puno, and then have time for lunch. Later in the day you drive to Sillustani, about 30 minutes from Puno. At the archaeological site a local guide will show you the cemetery and give you a better insight into the Andean culture. The visit to Sillustani ends with a magnificent panoramic view over the lake Umayo. After sunset, you'll return to Puno. Duration: 8 hours Departure: 08:00 am. Includes: transport, English speaking guide, entrance fees Exclusive: lunch The price is for a tour with an international group (join-in). Private tour: Possible with a minimum of 2 participants. The cost based upon 10 participants is 40 p/p. With fewer participants, the private tour becomes more expensive. 33 Puno - Uros Islands and Taquile You start the boat trip on Lake Titicaca to visit the floating Uros Islands. A small community have lived on these islands for decades. You'll hear more about the life of the Uros Indians from the guide. Then we sail for about 2 hours to Taquile, where a traditional Quechua community lives. The tradition of weaving on Taquile goes back to early civilizations and keeps elements from the pre-inca Andean cultures alive. Upon arrival on the coast of Taquile you have to walk a narrow path, with stunning views over Lake Titicaca. On top of the island you have time to explore by yourself. After lunch descend to the port for the boat trip back to Puno. Duration: 8-10 hours Departure: 6.30 AM Includes: private or shared transport, English speaking guide, entrance fees. Not included: lunch (approx. 12 USD) and tips. The price is for a tour with an international group (join-in). Private tour: Possible with a minimum of 2 persons. Based on 10 participants, the cost is 39 p/p. With fewer participants, the private tour becomes more expensive. 26

17 Festival info INTI RAYMI - CUZCO From the mid 20th century the inhabitants of Cuzco, Peruvians throughout the country and foreign interested parties all celebrate the Inti Raymi festival. The Incas traditionally celebrated Inti on June 24, but the Spanish invaders banned this celebration for centuries. June 24 for the Incas, marks the beginning of a new Solar Year (Inti Raymi). This day revolves around the sun and it is when we have the longest day of the year. During the festival, the Sun God Wiracocha and its relationship with the sun is honoured by man. The Inti Raymi days are worth attending, because there are fun activities on the streets, dancing and live performances (at the central Plaza de Armas) organized. At the ceremony there will be hundreds of people present. It is worth doing some advance reading too because during the performances only Quechua (Inca language) is spoken. The Sapa Inca honours Wiracocha: People gather in the square for the Coricancha or the Santo Domingo church on Avenida El Sol. Here, the Sapa Inca (the divine emperor of the Inca Empire) calls on the blessings from the sun. Then he is carried in a procession on a golden throne to the Inca Fortress Sacsayhuaman. The accompanying people then make music with drums and the Sapa Inca in turn blesses the people. Previously the 5 hour show would end with a white llama sacrifice. The llama is now no longer really slain. The people kneel down towards the sun as it starts to set. You can see all the festivities in and around Cuzco and witness the procession to Sacsayhuaman. The entrance fee to Sacsayhuaman, where the final ritual of the parade takes place, is U.S. $ 100. For this section are limited tickets available. The tour leader, at the beginning of the journey will ask if anyone is interested and will arrange this for you if there are still tickets available. Please note that the travel routes during festival tours can be adjusted. News COUNTRY INFORMATION BOLIVIA BACKGROUND INFORMATION Culture In Bolivia, it is customary to start with a greeting and to inquire about someone s well being. You will often hear "Buenos dias, como esta?". On meeting and parting, men and women give a short kiss on the cheek to women, even if they hardly know each other. Indians do not kiss, but sometimes give a weak handshake. Politeness is highly appreciated. They have a different notion of privacy than we are used to and subsequently can get very close. They emphasise being well dressed and therefore do not expect tourists to be dressed scruffily. Shorts are not actually considered improper; nevertheless, in less touristy regions long trousers are more appropriate. Anyway, most of the time it will be too chilly for shorts. It is considered offensive to call someone of Indian descent Indian, Indigena is preferred.

18 Food and drinks Food: In Bolivia, the main meal of the day is lunch (almuerzo). Breakfast (desayuno) tends to be light, even though most hotels and restaurants serve desayuno Americano as well. Generally, Bolivians eat their dinner (cena) late. When eating in small restaurants it is best to opt for a busy place, the food is fresh and appetising. Be careful of salads; they may be cleaned in tap water. Many local restaurants have a fixed menu (el menú) for around 3 dollars. You get soup followed by a main dish, usually chicken or pork, with rice and vegetables. Each region has its own specialty. In Bolivia, you must try trout (trucha) from Lake Titicaca, reputed to be the world s largest and most delicious freshly caught fish. Furthermore, you will come across alpacas not only in the wild on the Altiplano, but also in shops, as a woollen jersey; it could also turn up on your plate as a steak. You can buy delicious cakes and snacks. Drink: Tap water is not suitable for consumption. Buy bottles of purified drinking water, available all over the country. Make sure that the bottles have their original seals intact. Ice cubes are also a bad idea, as these are made of tap water. Agua con gas means water with gas and agua sin gas means water without bubbles. Té means common tea as we know it, and mate means herb tea. You will frequently come across mate de coca, tea made of coca leaves. It is supposed to be good for altitude sickness and is very popular in the highlands. Generally, coffee is available but don t expect much; usually it is Nescafe. Café con leche means coffee with milk (it tastes more like milk with coffee!). Hot chocolate is popular, as are fresh fruit juices. In La Paz market, you can compose your own mixed juice by pointing to the fruits you like and they will squeeze them for you. Soft drinks such as coke are on sale everywhere. Tipping The basic pay of hotel and restaurant staff is meagre at best. You may not have a ready solution for the poverty affecting these countries, but the least you can do is to provide the individuals working for you a with good tip. A so-called tipping box may come in useful, to be administered in turns by the passengers and in consultation with the guide. While the group is on the road, snacks etc. can be bought from this money. For that matter, the tour guide will expect a tip at the completion of his/her services, assuming he/she has provided a satisfactory service. Our guideline is 1 per person per day. Weather and climate Climate: In Bolivia, we will be travelling across the 3000 to 4000 metres high Altiplano. On this bare and dry plateau, temperatures can drop substantially, especially at night and during the Bolivian winter. The salt plateau at Uyuni is known for its almost Siberian night temperatures of around -20 C! By day, it is much warmer and even during winter sometimes just a sweater or T-shirt will do. Lake Titicaca is about 3800 metres high and here too temperatures frequently drop below freezing point at night. This region has a similar climate to the highlands in Bolivia. Best time to visit: The best time to visit is from May through October. It s true that temperatures are lower during this period, however showers are sparse. In the mountain areas you should count on brief showers occurring throughout the year. Population Bolivia has around 7,5 million inhabitants. The official language in Bolivia is Spanish, but there are communities, where the inhabitants still speak Quechua and Aymara. The life expectancy of Bolivians is 60 years for men, and 65 years for women. This is some 10 years less than in most Western countries. A very characteristic feature of Bolivian women is their bowler hats. Various theories circulate about the origins of these hats. Many women wear different layers of skirts and they often wear their hair in two braids, the bottom end tied up with a piece of string. The people living around Lake Titicaca often wear knitted hats. In this region, the men knit clothes, while chatting with friends and walking the streets. The women weave large colourful cloths to carry their children and purchases on their backs.

19 Landscape Bolivia has a huge variety of cultural and geographical possibilities for the traveller. Bolivia borders Paraguay and Argentina to the South East and is a little smaller than Peru. Both countries lie in the tropics. After the Himalayas the Andes is the largest mountain chain in the world, it cuts through Peru and Bolivia from north to south. Geographically, Bolivia can be divided into five regions, of which we will mainly be travelling on the 'Altiplano'. This means 'high plain', but despite its name the Altiplano is far from plain; the Cordillera Real and the Cordillera Occidental have peaks as high as 6542 m. Background Info Bolivian architectures are characterized by two different styles: Spanish style and Inca style. A magnificent example is to be seen at Tiahuanacu, just outside La Paz. You will witness remnants of a once important religious centre. In ancient times, people lived here in an area of almost three sq.km. Although only a small part has been excavated, it is South-America s largest pre-inca ruin. PRACTICAL INFORMATION Time differences The time in Bolivia is GMT - 4 hours. Money The amount of spending money suggested, is the minimum required to pay for your meals, drinks, optional excursions, entrance fees, local airport taxes and tips. The amount you actually need of course depends on your own spending pattern; therefore souvenirs are not included.the amount we recommend is per week. Luggage and clothing On this trip we will stay in high places. Bring along warm clothing, such as a fleece sweater or jacket. By day, it will be mostly sunny, so thin, cotton clothes and shorts are indispensable items. However, please note that for this trip extra warm clothes are a must, especially in the summer season (May October) when temperatures may drop at night as low as -20 C. Gloves, hat and / or a scarf should be part of your packing items! Bringing too little clothing is better than bringing too much as you can buy anything you lack for next to nothing. An umbrella and a thin rain jacket might come in handy, the former protecting against both rain, and blazing sun. You need a good pair of worn-in hiking shoes, with good tread and a pair of flip flops. Other important items are sunglasses, sun creams, toiletries, a first-aid kit, a hat/scarf, a (video) camera and sufficient film/videos and spare batteries, a torch, towel, a pen-knife, a lighter, an alarm clock, writing equipment, books, passport, sufficient travellers cheques and money, copies of your passport and travel insurance, a list of the numbers of your travellers cheques and receipt of purchase, your flight ticket, all relevant travel insurance details and emergency contact numbers and your holiday guide with the important addresses. We advise you bring along a weekend bag or backpack. A solid suitcase is inconvenient if you have to carry it yourself on and off trains etc. Also, bring along a small backpack or shoulder bag for hand luggage. A thin money belt, to be carried underneath your clothing, is also advised for storage of valuable documents. Take care to put some clean clothes in your hand luggage, in case your main luggage is delayed. For example, the pill and your toothbrush should be in your hand luggage. Check that your luggage is not too heavy. Electricity In most places, 220 volts is customary. Power cuts occur now and then. In that case, hotels usually produce candles or oil lamps. A good torch is certainly useful, especially for evening walks. The abundance of holes, bumps and ditches in and along the roads can cause nasty falls if the streetlights suddenly go out.

20 Safety Theft does occur in the cities. A simple method to avoid pickpockets is to store money and important documents close to your body, ideally in a money belt. Have some pocket money ready, so you do not have to search for it in the middle of the street. Pay good attention to your possessions and to what is going on around you. Robberies tend to place, in the places you should avoid, such as dark alleys and dark deserted beaches. Stay away from people offering drugs and do not go along with plain-clothes policemen who don t show proper identification. Your belongings will be reasonably safe in your hotel room, but do not leave valuables behind. If you use your common sense and stay alert, you shouldn t have any problems. Health The following health information is a general text that applies to all our travellers in South America. Those who pay some attention to hygiene and skincare do not usually run into health problems. Food and drink: Temperatures in Peru and Bolivia can be extremely high and if you do not drink enough you run the risk of getting dehydrated. This effect is magnified at high altitude. Tap water is unsuitable for human consumption. Generally, mineral water is available. When ordering a drink, ask the staff not add ice cubes, as these are usually made of unboiled tap water and may contain germs. In small eatingplaces, it is better not to eat fruit or salads that have been skinned beforehand. Preferably, take your meals in busy restaurants. They are busy for good reason and the food is fresh. Clean your hands thoroughly before eating and keep your fingernails short. Sunshine and heat :Sunburn, particularly at high altitudes, is a frequent cause of health problems. Sunburn and heat strokes are easier caught than you may think. You should therefore avoid the sun during the hottest hours of the day, always wear a hat (or carry an umbrella) and good sunglasses when you are walking, and use the recommended factor of suntan lotion. These are best brought from home. At high temperatures, the body s need for water increases very rapidly, as does its need for salt. Make sure you drink enough. Take it easy during the hottest hours of the day. Treat small scratches, wounds and insect bites before they become infected. Diarrhoea: Next to sunburn, the most common health problem is diarrhoea. Travellers are often hit by it after they have been on holiday for only a few days. In most cases it is innocuous and caused by the change of diet, the heat or harmless bacteria, against which the body will soon develop its defences. The main risk is dehydration, especially in children. It occurs when the body loses more fluid, salt and sugars than it receives. The result is a feeling of listlessness and weakness. It can be prevented by drinking a solution of water and ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). It is sold in bags at the pharmacies and contains all the minerals and sugars that are lost with diarrhoea. Instead of this solution you can also take noncarbonated soft drinks or heavily salted broth. For many people, Coca Cola has a constipating effect in the first stages of diarrhoea. When the diarrhoea is accompanied by high fever and/or bloody defecation it is sensible to consult a physician. When the diarrhoea lasts for more than a few days without the above-mentioned symptoms or when you have to travel, you may take Imodium (or Diacure) a couple of times. It is an opium-like preparation that prevents bowel movement for a number of hours. Insect bites: Mosquitoes are not a big problem in these countries, however, they are found in some places. Insect repellents are effective, but do not expect miracles. Physicians, pharmacies and medication: If you want to consult a physician, ask advice from the guesthouse/hotel staff or the travel guide. First-Aid Kit: A good first-aid kit would consist of plasters, bandages, cotton wool, scissors, a thermometer, iodine, painkillers, malaria tablets, Oral Rehydration Solution bags, Imodium, sun cream, earplugs, and tweezers, insect repellent and an anti-itch cream or lotion. If you must regularly use prescription medicine, bring with you an exact description of the medicine in English (no brand names, just the essential ingredients, composition and dosage), bring twice the dosage necessary for the duration of the holiday and store in two separate places, so you always have a back-up. Altitude sickness: About half of the people who stay at heights above 3500 metres will suffer from altitude sickness to some degree. It is a reaction of the body to the decreasing oxygen content in the air. The danger is in the accumulation of fluid in the lungs or brain. Altitude sickness is potentially deadly. Be sure to be alert to the symptoms. Before giving a description of the symptoms, note that contracting the illness is not dependent on your physical fitness or routine when walking at altitude. Practised mountain