wild women on top inca rivers trek

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1 South America wild women on top trip highlights The splendor of Cusco with its churches, cathedrals, plazas, markets and cultural heritage Walking in the beautiful Sacred Valley to view ancient Inca salt pans Explore the magnificent and remote lost Inca ruins of Choquequirau Remote and unique trek along the spectacular Vilcabamba Mountain Range between two sacred Inca Rivers Experience an incredible and very rarely seen view of Machu Picchu against dramatic mountains from the Inca site at Paltallacta 3 sumptuous and hearty meals a day on trek prepared by our trek chefs Mouthwatering traditional Andean Gourmet Banquet on the final night of trek with rarely see views of Machu Picchu Exploring the incredible and enigmatic ruins at Machu Picchu Trip escorted by Wild Women On Top Coach welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in the Wild Women On Top Inca Rivers adventure. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! Trip Duration 18 days Trip Code: WWI Grade Moderate to Challenging Activities Trekking, 10 day trek, 6 9 hours/day (at altitude, generally not exceeding 5,500m), Daypack only (6 8kg) and Andean climate/variable weather Summary 18 day trip, 10 day trek, 6 nights hotel and 9 nights camping why travel with World Expeditions? Our Peruvian operations are directed by Andreas Holland who has lived and worked in South America for over 25 years. His staff are dedicated to providing you with the very best travel experience while ensuring that our operations comply with all the rules for responsible and sustainable tourism. This trip offers exceptional value for money, using good quality, centrally located hotels, the best internal flights with the best airlines, private transportation in vehicles that are driven by our drivers and maintained by recognized mechanics, many meals, all your entrance fees and permit fees, expert leadership and much more. Compare our prices and all our inclusions and we feel that few trips can compare in terms of value for money. Given our local knowledge, experience and excellent leadership, we are quite sure that this trip will be the trip of a lifetime World Expeditions Travel Group - Bec Leorke 1/12/ :21:06 AM

2 Lima Peru Brazil Machu Cachora Picchu Cusco Bolivia Sep - 25 Sep trip cost Joining Cusco: $4790 All prices are per person options & supplements Please contact us to receive a quote on the recommended group flights outlined in this itinerary. At the time of trip launch, airfares are not yet released for Once the fares for this trip are available to book we will be able to quote the best fare available for this routing and airfare combination. Flights from Sydney to Lima/Cusco are approximately $2500 $2600. Note this is indicative only. Please be assured our staff will provide the best available airfare for you at the time of booking. Please do not pay for airfares until minimum numbers have been met and the trip has been confirmed. OUR STAFF are committed to providing the best airfare we can for Wild Women On Top Members however should you find a cheaper fare elsewhere, please let our staff know, and if we are able to book this fare, we will. Many thanks. Inclusions Valued at USD$: Park & Entry Fees: trip dates USD$110 the trip On this exclusive trek for Wild Women On Top, pristine campsites, stunning views of giant snow covered Andean peaks, ancient cloud forest, abundant wildflowers and the Inca ruins of Choquequirau are just some of the highlights you will encounter on this outstanding trek. Our route follows a brilliant mountain traverse between two sacred Inca rivers to the west the Apurimac and to the east the Urubamba. These mighty rivers are the main tributaries of the Amazon. Between these rivers lies the great Vilcabamba Mountain Range the last stronghold of the Inca Empire. Unique to this area is the recently cleared and spectacular lost ruins of Choquequirau. Built by the Incas in the 15th century, like Machu Picchu, it became lost in high jungle which engulfed the ruins until being rediscovered in the early 20th century. A day is set aside to explore this impressive site before continuing our trek to the Inca site at Paltallacta where we partake in an incredible traditional Andean Gourmet Feast with stunning and rarely seen view of our final destination Machu Picchu. We hope you can join Wild Women On Top on this truly remarkable adventure. wild women on top team benefits When you join a Wild Women On Top trip, you become part of an incredible team, and the success of your adventure will depend on the fitness, mental tuffness and emotional tuffness of EVERY team member. The whole is much greater than the sum of the parts! Wild Women On Top Adventures are unique mind, body, spirit experiences, which support you in the wilderness and empower you to take on extraordinary challenges with a group of likeminded women. You will need to prepare for your adventure and we will show you how, every step of the way. BEFORE you book for a Wild Women On Top Trip, please note the following benefits & conditions: 1. Please Join Our Tribe by purchasing an online Lifetime Adventure Membership or by committing to Trek Training sessions (min 3 months Sydney only) so you get our girl power. Go to to join. Note: Bookings will not be honoured until this condition is met. 2. To ensure you get fit fast & remain injury free, you should Trek Train at least three times a week, alternating interval training and endurance training with cross training such as swimming and yoga. Your Coach will also suggest additional trip specific endurance and technical activities. Adventure Members must follow training recommendations from the coach & in How to Prepare for World Class Treks by Di Westaway. Should you be training remotely, your Coach will require you to check in and report on your training each week in the months leading up to your trip. 3. To build team spirit & ensure you re really prepared, your Trip Coach may recommend additional team training activities and briefings as required. Please visit www. wildwomenontop.com to book in to Trek Training and Trip Training. 4. So you have more fun with your team, you will be required to take part in a specialised team trekking assessment. You ll get to meet your team and ensure that you are fabulously prepared for your adventure with great tips and feedback. If you cant attend the assessment, your Coach will supervise a remote assessment to be completed before the team assessment date. If you fail the assessment and a personalised supplementary assessment, you will not be eligible for the trip and will be subject to the costs incurred according to World Expeditions cancellation policy. 5. So that we all have a great adventure, please support the Wild Women On Top Golden Rules (see and take responsibility for providing feedback before and during your adventure. This is your chance to make sure you don t miss out on any happy hormones so don t hold back! Make the most of it World Expeditions Travel Group - Bec Leorke 1/12/ :21:06 AM

3 6. All Wild Women On Top trips are accompanied by a Wild Women On Top Coach who supports & unites the group with empowering passion, guidance & tips in wilderness challenges and shares Wild Women On Top Traditions & culture. However the Coach is NOT the guide, navigator or first aider. 7. In some extreme environments, including at high altitude, your Coach may not always be able to meet your expectations. It is your responsibility to seek assistance from the World Expeditions guides as required by you. 8. You must commit to the World Expeditions payment schedule. 9. Wild Women On Top reserves the right to amend these requirements at any time WWW. WILDWOMENONTOP.COM 10. Expect the unexpected. We provide wilderness experiences, and **** sometimes happens. Remember, Magic happens when you step outside your comfort zone. We reserve the right to change these Team Benefits at any time. at a glance DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 DAY 13 DAY 14 DAY 15 DAY 16 DAY 17 DAY 18 8 SEPTEMBER ARRIVE LIMA 9 SEPTEMBER FLY TO CUSCO 10 SEPTEMBER CUSCO CITY TOUR & SACSAYHUAMAN 11 SEPTEMBER DRIVE AND WALK DOWN INTO THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS & OLLYANTAYTAMBO 12 SEPTEMBER DRIVE TO TRAILHEAD AT CACHORA TO START TREK. 13 SEPTEMBER TREK CACHORA TO SANTA ROSA 14 SEPTEMBER TREK SANTA ROSA TO CHOQUEQUIRAU 15 SEPTEMBER EXPLORING CHOQUEQUIRAU AND TREK TO RIO BLANCO 16 SEPTEMBER TREK RIO BLANCO TO PAJONAL VICTORIA 17 SEPTEMBER TREK PAJONAL VICTORIA TO BATEA PAQUISHA 18 SEPTEMBER TREK BATEA PAQUISHA TO COLLPAPAMPA 19 SEPTEMBER TREK COLLPAPAMPA TO LUCMABAMBA 20 SEPTEMBER TREK LUCMABAMBA TO PALTALLACTA - ANDEAN FEAST WITH VIEW OF MACHU PICCHU 21 SEPTEMBER TREK TO AGUAS CALIENTES. 22 SEPTEMBER VISIT INCREDIBLE SITE OF MACHU PICCHU. RETURN TO CUSCO. 23 SEPTEMBER FLY TO LIMA. TRIP CONCLUDES 24 SEPTEMBER DEPART LIMA 25 SEPTEMBER ARRIVE SYDNEY what s included 15 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 9 dinners Traditional Andean Gourmet Banquet on last night of trek airport transfers if arriving and departing on group flights group medical kit comfortable and central hotels, primarily Casa Andina Classic hotels private internal transport gear pack including sleeping bag, fibre filled jacket and sleeping mat group camping equipment porters to carry personal gear sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed (including Machu Picchu entrance fee) expert bilingual guide World Expeditions Travel Group - Bec Leorke 1/12/ :21:06 AM

4 fast facts Countries Visited: Peru Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: The Americas *Ask our staff for more information. Wild Women On Top Assessment Walk valued at $147 trip escorted by Wild Women On Top Coach Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. detailed itinerary DAY 1 8 September Arrive Lima If arriving on the group flight (see below) you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel where you will rest for the night after your long flight from Australia. Overnight Casa Andina Classic. Recommended group flight (NOTE: flights are not included in your trip cost) LA 800 depart Sydney at 1055 arrive Santiago 1415 Connect with: LA2632 depart Santiago at 1610 arrive Lima at 1810 meals: NIL DAY 2 9 September Fly to Cusco An early morning transfer for the spectacular flight down to Cusco. Recommended group flight (NOTE: flights are not included in your trip cost) LA2123 depart Lima at 0900 arrive Cusco at This morning you will have a short initial briefing and then a few hours of rest, essential to initiate successful acclimatisation. In the evening you ll have a longer briefing to discuss aspects of the itinerary & in particular the trek. Overnight Casa Andina Classic. meals: B DAY 3 10 September Cusco City Tour & Sacsayhuaman After breakfast we take a tour of the city and nearby ruins. Every alleyway we enter or corner we turn brings another surprise or enigma in the form of the superbly constructed Inca walls or the more architecturally extravagant colonial churches and palaces. The city, once capital of the extensive Inca Empire, has seen many changes since Francisco Pizarro s men took the city with such apparent ease in November We also take a short drive to visit the monolithic walls of Sacsayhuaman, spectacularly set above the city. In the afternoon you may have time to explore some of the central parts of the city and a chance to look at some of the great varieties of local craft work on sale in open air stalls and shop. Overnight Casa Andina Classic. meals: B DAY 4 11 September Drive and walk down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas & Ollyantaytambo We leave Cusco and head to the Chinchero Plateau from where we get impressive views of three mountain ranges. We then drive down through the remarkable Inca Salt Pans below Maras. We end up in the Sacred Valley near a good restaurant where we can savour dishes made with locally grown produce. During our time in Sacred Valley we visit some of the enthralling citadels, fortresses and temple ruins that are found along the valley including the site at Ollantaytambo. The village itself is a fascinating mixture of Inca and Colonial architecture. In the afternoon we head to our hotel where the evening is spent preparing for our trek. Overnight Tikawasi Lodge. meals: B World Expeditions Travel Group - Bec Leorke 1/12/ :21:06 AM

5 responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website trip grading Moderate to Challenging This trip is graded moderate to challenging and is suitable for fit and healthy people. Prior trekking is not necessary, although you would be expected to be comfortable in the outdoors and enjoy camping for successive days. These adventures involve trekking for up to 6 8 hours a day at a steady pace and may include longer days up to 10 hours. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and the actual treks are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. *Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. To prepare for a walking holiday we recommend you take every opportunity to walk up and down stairs and/ or hills, for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. Please remember the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your holiday. DAY 5 12 September Drive to Trailhead at Cachora to start trek. Today you will be collected from your Sacred Valley hotel for the drive (approx 5 hours) to the town of Cachora (2600mts) above the Apurimac River. On the way we stop in the famous Sayhuite carved rock for a picnic lunch. Arriving at Cachora we walk for about 30 minutes to our first campsite, right outside town. DAY 6 13 September Trek Cachora to Santa Rosa On this our first full day of trekking we descend in places very steeply to the spectacular Apurimac river canyon. At first the descent is quite gentle, then it gets steeper and hotter as we go deeper in to the canyon to Playa Rosalina (1550 mts) where we have lunch. We then cross the river before starting a steep ascent to our next campsite near the hamlets of Santa Rosa (2100mts). If we are lucky we could see some condors and spectacle bears. Walking time 8 hours approx. DAY 7 14 September Trek Santa Rosa to Choquequirau An early departure this morning as we continue the hot ascent for most of the day. After a few hours walk we reach Marampata (2850mts) for lunch, a place with incredible views of the whole Apurimac canyon. In the afternoon we walk all the way to Choquequirau (3050mts), where we camp. Walking time 8 hours approx. DAY 8 15 September Exploring Choquequirau and trek to Rio Blanco This morning after breakfast we spend some time simply wondering around this marvellous site, which actually is larger than Machu Picchu! There are many similarities with Machu Picchu, this enigmatic monumental site was also built during the mid to late 15th century, it became lost for many centuries as the high jungle in this area soon covered the ruins and it was re-discovered by Hiram Bingham in the early 20th Century. We then walk down, through some beautiful terraces and thick, lush vegetation, all the way to the Yuracmayu (Rio Blanco) at 1860mts, where we camp for the night. This is a hot, dusty spot, but we can refresh and wash in this beautiful stream. Walking time 6 hours approx. DAY 9 16 September Trek Rio Blanco to Pajonal Victoria Today we ascend through some beautiful cloud forest all the way to Maizal (3085mts) for lunch. We then keep ascending a few more hours to our campsite at Pajonal (3785mts). Today is very spectacular for bird watching as well as for the varieties of flowers along the trail, especially the orchids. Walking time 8 to 9 hours approx. DAY September Trek Pajonal Victoria to Batea Paquisha This morning we climb a couple of hours to the San Juan pass (3900mts), then drop down into the Yanama Valley with great views of Panta and Pumasillo snowed peaks. After lunch in Yanama village (3530mts), we walk for 2 more hours to the breathtaking camp at Batea Paquisha (4000mts). Walking time 7 hours approx. Camp World Expeditions Travel Group - Bec Leorke 1/12/ :21:06 AM

6 adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant. important note Expect The Unexpected. Wild Women On Top Itineraries can change at any time, depending on local conditions, group requirements and weather. DAY September Trek Batea Paquisha to Collpapampa Today we climb from our campsite to the top of Yanama Pass (4665mts) where we have amazing views of Veronica, Salcantay and Humantay peaks to the south. Then we drop down to Totora (3425mts), and continue on to Collpapampa (2880mts), our next campsite where we can enjoy the hot springs. Walking time 8 to 9 hours approx. DAY September Trek Collpapampa to Lucmabamba Today we continue our descent through very lush cloud forest, full of begonias, orchids and crops like coffee and passion fruit, to Playa (2091mts). From here we continue another hour or so to our campsite at Lucmabamba (2450 mts). Today we can try and spot Torrent Ducks and the elusive Cock of the Rocks, Peru s national bird. Walking time 7 hours approx. DAY September Trek Lucmabamba to Paltallacta - Andean Feast with view of Machu Picchu Today is a short days trekking as we ascend from Lucmabamba to Paltallacta (2655mts), where we will set camp and begin preparations for our final night gourmet Andean feast. Here we will drink a toast to our amazing journey with incredible, and very rarely seen, views of Machu Picchu. It will be a fitting conclusion to this marvelous adventure. DAY September Trek to Aguas Calientes. After breakfast we descend to the mighty Urubamba River - the main source of the Amazon (1900mts) to walk alongside the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes (200mts) where we check in to our hotel. This evening we will be free to enjoy the town and the hot shower! Walking time 5 hours approx. Overnight El Mapi Hotel. meals: B,L DAY September Visit incredible site of Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco. After an early morning professionally led tour of the site we re free to explore the rest of the amazing sights. Mid-afternoon we depart from Machu Picchu for the extremely pretty train ride back to Ollantaytambo where we transfer to our vehicle for the drive back to Cusco. Here we transfer to our hotel for one night. Overnight Casa Andina Classic. meals: B DAY September Fly to Lima. Trip concludes If you are departing on the recommended group flight (see below) you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport at around lunchtime. Recommended group flight (NOTE: flights are not included in your trip cost) LA 2036 depart Cusco at 1405 arrive Lima 1530 Connect with LA 643 depart Lima at 1705 arrive Santiago 2240 meals: B DAY September Depart Lima Recommended Group Flight (NOTE: Flights are not included in your trip cost) LA801 depart Santiago at 0055 arrive Sydney 0905 (arrive on 25th Sep) meals: NIL World Expeditions Travel Group - Bec Leorke 1/12/ :21:06 AM

7 DAY September Arrive Sydney Arrive Sydney on LA801 at meals: NIL This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. suggested extensions Galapagos Islands Cruise Colca Canyon & Arequipa Nazca and Ballestas Islands Lake Titicaca and La Paz Amazon Jungle Iguazu Falls Buenos Aires country information Peru has a population of 28 million, made up of pure blooded Indians (biggest group are the Quechuas, whose forebears were the Incas ) and Mestizos, who are a mixture of Indian and European backgrounds. More than half the population lives in the largest cities, namely Lima, Arequipa and Trujillo. Peru has an area of 1,300,000 square kms, and is located on the Pacific coast of South America. Its capital, Lima, located 12 degrees south of the equator, was the capital of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the early 19th Century. The old central part of the city with its impressive commercial section, whose architecture was greatly influenced by the English, contrasts sharply with the more modern office blocks, shopping centres and suburbs and especially the ever expanding shanty towns or pueblos jovenes where the poorer country cousins, who move to the city to try and find work and live. Official languages are Spanish and Quechua. Geographically, Peru is made up of the three distinct regions. Firstly the arid coastal strip, mainly desert and up to 60 kms wide. Down the centre of the country runs the great range of snow peaks and highlands that make up part of the immensely long chain of mountains known as the Andes, running from Colombia in the north all the way to the southern tip of Chile. The third region is the jungle from the eyebrow of the jungle in the Andean foothills to the pristine jungles of the great Amazon rain forest. The coastal area is the economic heartland of Peru, and the coastal waters with the cold Humboldt Current running north up the coast contain some of the richest fishing grounds in the world. The highlands or sierra contain more than a third of the population mostly the Quechua or Aymara speaking Indians engaged mainly in pastoral farming. This is a high, very often lush and fertile land of gentle slopes and valleys surrounded by the high peaks of the Cordilleras Vilcabamba, Vilcanota and Blanca. Cusco, once the capital of the great Inca Empire, stands at 3400 metres (11,200 ) in the heart of the southern sierra. It is remarkable for the perfect stonework of its Inca ruins, its many beautiful colonial churches and palaces, and of course the world renowned ruins of the lost city of the Incas at Machu Picchu. climate The trekking season in Peru lasts from the end of April (the last month of the wet season) through to mid October (by which time the rains have returned and hiking becomes more difficult due to muddy trails and snowed in passes). Temperatures in the area around Lima are warm during the day (20 25 C) and cool (5 C) at night. In the highlands of Peru, where the treks take place, daytime temperatures will be in the range of C falling as low as 10 C at night. Also it is possible that we ll get some snow on the higher ground and some of the higher passes World Expeditions Travel Group - Bec Leorke 1/12/ :21:06 AM

8 mountain flights The flight from Lima is a spectacular 55 minute trip which takes you across the Andes to Cusco set at 11,200 (3,400m). If possible try and get a seat on the left side of the aircraft as some of the best views of the Andes can be seen during the last 20 minutes of the flight. a typical day Accommodation: During the trip you will be accommodated in generally 3 star hotels/hostals, primarily Casa Andina Classic hotels, which have been chosen for their local flavour, central location and cleanliness. There will also be one night on the Island of the Sun in a home stay which is rustic. You will not need sleeping bags as you are provided with simple sheets and heavy blankets. We recommend that you take a sleeping sheet if you would prefer your own linen during this stay. Leaders: Your main guide will meet you in Cusco and be with you for the remainder of the trip from day 2 onwards. Touring Routine: Depending on the itinerary for the day, you will either be travelling or sightseeing. Local experts generally fill the mornings with tours to the local sites. After lunch, further sightseeing will take place or there will be leisure time for you to read, relax at the hotel or explore. Trekking Routine: Our trekking day starts around 6.30am with a wake up call and fresh cup of tea brought to your tent. Hot water is available for a light morning wash. Breakfast is served in the dining tent and consists of hot porridge and toast and jam, served with coffee, hot milk and tea. On some days we serve bacon and eggs or pancakes. Before breakfast it s often a good idea for you to pack up your duffle bags, prepare your day packs and take down your tents so that the mule or llama skinners can organise the loading for departure. The mornings hike usually lasts from about 8:00am to 12.30pm allowing plenty of rest and photo stops. Lunch is of the picnic type and is prepared by one of the cooks who accompany us during the morning. It consists of salads (vegetables and/or noodles), sometimes soups, salamis, cheese, peanut butter, bread, crackers, tinned meats and fish, topped off by freshly brewed tea and biscuits. After lunch we set off for the afternoon s hike usually 2 to 3 hours to the camp. On arrival in camp (which will have already been set up in advance) tea and coffee will be served and you are then free to do as you like until dinnertime. Served at 6:30 7:00pm, dinner consists of three courses soup or fresh salad, a main course of stews, spaghetti or rice dishes (all prepared with fresh meat and vegetables) served with red or white cask wines (on last night of trek) and followed by dessert, tea, coffee and Milo. Nor will you go hungry during the walking day. Apart from lunch you will also get a snack pack made up of chocolates, nuts and fresh fruit. Most of the walking is on fairly well defined tracks, including some remarkable sections of ancient Inca stone highways. There are occasional river crossings but no really steep sections where scrambling is involved. Most groups like to spread out over the trail, stopping for photographs, resting, and bird watching or just ambling and taking time out to absorb the lovely surroundings. The only thing we ask you to remember is not to get too far ahead of, or behind the main party, and to keep your guide within view. One of the guides or camp staff almost always walks with the slowest member of the group so there s no chance of being left behind. In fact almost everyone finds and manages to keep to their own pace. Obviously in the event of very bad weather or adverse conditions, the guide will keep the group as close together as possible. The evenings are often one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. After a relaxing dinner, people like to sit in the dining tent talking, playing cards or scrabble, reading, chatting or just relaxing (a good idea to bring games, cards and books along).mules (and Porters on the Inca Trail) are used to transport your baggage but you will need a day pack to carry the things you ll want during the walking day water bottle, camera etc World Expeditions Travel Group - Bec Leorke 1/12/ :21:06 AM

9 meals during the trek We provide a full service while on trek. An important aspect of this service are the meals that are prepared for you and we are frequently complimented by returning travellers about the food provided. Ensuring that you stay healthy is one of our highest priorities. Therefore, each of our treks is accompanied by a trained cook as well as kitchen staff who provide you with three hearty meals each day. High levels of hygiene are engaged to ensure that our travellers stay healthy and fit. Our cooking staff has mastered the preparation of a varied and balanced menu and there is always plenty of food for those who may like seconds. Our cooks are trained to provide excellent food for vegetarians and anyone who has a limited diet including those who are lactose or gluten intolerant. Our meal inclusion on your trek is for your benefit and takes all the hassle, expense and worry out of your holiday. Typically, you can expect breakfast to consist of muesli or cereal, eggs, local breads and pancakes and hot drinks. Lunch will generally be vegetables, salads, bread, cheese pasta style dishes, tinned fish and meats and are normally eaten picnic style. Dinner is always three courses and includes soup, seasonal vegetables, meat, rice or pasta and bread with some local specialties also in the mix. Dessert is always served after the main meal each evening followed by hot beverages. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. what you carry In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack. equipment required A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre departure information supplied on booking. acute mountain sickness When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust we have structured our treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms. Headache Tiredness Disturbed sleep Loss of appetite/nausea Shortness of breath Cough World Expeditions Travel Group - Bec Leorke 1/12/ :21:06 AM

10 Palpitation Swelling of the hands and face Individuals acclimatise at different rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend. Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist. porter initiatives Porter Welfare in Peru: The Andes Porters are an integral part of the World Expeditions philosophy and style of travel. We take our travellers off the beaten track, avoiding the congested trails, to experience our often remote tent based adventures this style of trekking is enabled by porters. When we trek, the entire group travellers, guides and porters alike are a team who share the same needs for safety in the mountain environment. Our Peruvian porters receive the following: *All porters receive the same access to medical service as clients. *We provide all food (3 meals per day based on a menu requested specifically by the porters), gas stoves for all cooking. *We are one of the 5 companies (among almost 200 companies) that pay the highest wages to their porters. *All our porters can also access interest free long term loans from us as long as they can clearly indicate how those funds will be used. *We provide all our porters with basic life and accident insurance. In addition we provide any porter (or any member of their family) full coverage of any medical costs that they incur whether it be work related or not e.g. if they have an accident in their fields or if they get any kind of illness we fund their treatment until they are well again. We are one of the only companies in Peru to care for their staff to this extent *We provide transport (private buses and train) to and from the trek start and finish. We provide sleeping tents, sleeping pads, (plus sleeping bags if requested), footwear (shoes or boots), warm jackets and raingear. Porters are not to carry more than 20 kilos camp gear and 5 kilos of personal gear The minimum age for a Porter is 20 and the maximum age is 58 years old. We have yearly meetings to discuss the needs of Porters. World Expeditions supports the good work of a number of international organisations that operate to ensure the health and education of porters, they are: International Porter Protection Group >> International Mountain Explorers Connection >> Kilimanjaro Guide Scholarship Foundation Inc. >> what s not included Travel Insurance (compulsory) Visas Medical treatment Excess baggage costs Cost of laundry and alcoholic beverages World Expeditions Travel Group - Bec Leorke 1/12/ :21:06 AM

11 Meals not outlined in the itinerary International and Peru domestic flights (please talk with our staff today who will provide you a competitive airfare quote) private groups Wild Women On Top Golden Rules 1. Set challenging adventure goals, write them down, train hard and you will achieve them [No excuses!] 2. Stay Positive at all times 3. T.E.A.M. Together Everyone Achieves More 4. Expect the unexpected 5. If you have a gripe, handle it discretely, or air it politely [Don t let it fester!] 6. Buy quality gear [This will save you money and could save your life] 7. Don t come home from training or trips tired. Be energized & happy. 8. Leave no trace (The wilderness is sacred!) 9. Bring MORE than you take away. [Including chocolate!] 10. Happy endings guarantee the next leave pass! [this one is secret!] subscribe to our e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, or contact our office. social networking Follow us on Facebook at how to book To book a Wild Women On Top trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function, details of which will be provided at the time of the trip launch with Wild Women On Top. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main trip. Important: You must be a financial member of Wild Women On Top to join this tour. Please go to ring or admin@wildwomenontop.com for more details on training and memberships World Expeditions Travel Group - Bec Leorke 1/12/ :21:06 AM