Amazon Wildlife Discovery

Transcription

1 Amazon Wildlife Discovery TRIP NOTES Trip Code: APW Country: Peru Amended: October 2012 Edition No: TF Valid from: 01 Jan Dec 2013 HIGHLIGHTS Incomparable biodiversity in Manu National Park Watch the fascinating mating dance of the Andean cock-of-the-rock Visit a macaw clay lick Search for Spectacled bears at Machu Picchu Discover the towns, temples and fortresses of the Incas Stay in remote rainforest lodges and tented camps SUMMARY The Amazon Rainforest is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, and on this trip we travel deep into the Manu National Park, Peru's largest park, staying in remote lodges and tented camps to maximise our chances of seeing some of the rare and spectacular species which live in the forests. Given the density of the vegetation, many of the mammals which live here are hard to spot, making chance sightings of jaguars, tapirs and primates such as tamarins and monkeys especially memorable. Alongside the variety of mammals, the jungle houses innumerable bird species, and we visit a collpa (clay lick) to watch macaws feeding en masse, as well as a mating site for the striking Andean cock-of-the-rock. Much of the visible wildlife is concentrated around the oxbow lakes which are dotted throughout the rainforest, and we visit several of these to search for, among others, Giant river otters and caiman. We also include visits to observation towers and canopy platforms to observe the birds and mammals which spend much of their lives in the upper reaches of the forest. All this is combined with time spent in the highlands around Cuzco and the cloud forest surrounding Peru's most iconic sight - the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We visit the regions main archaeological sights, but on this trip even our sightseeing excursions have been given a new twist as we incorporate walks to look for rare birds and the shy Spectacled bear and discover the unusual flora of the Andes. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? The second half of the trip visits very remote areas, many only accessible by long drives or boat journeys, and we spend much of our time in lodges far away from civilisation with limited facilities. Electricity is not always provided in rooms, and accommodation can be fairly basic, although we also use some more comfortable lodges to provide a balance. There will be lots of early starts, not only because of the long journeys, but also to maximise chances of seeing the birds and animals which are more active in the early morning. This trip spends several days at altitudes up to around 3500m, and also visits areas where precautions against malaria, Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever are required - please see the warnings under the Health section below. Exodus Travels Sales & Reservations: (44) Customer Operations: (44)

2 Day 6 (Day 7 Ex London) Free day Today has been left free for optional activities. You may wish to visit the museums and sights of Cuzco, head outside of Cuzco for mountain biking or rafting, or buy souvenirs and last minute supplies for the jungle. For those that are keen to see more birds, there will be an optional early morning rise and walk to the Saphi River for birding and plants. The walk passes the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman and offers fantastic views over Cuzco as we descend into the town for lunchtime. (B) Day 7 (Day 8 Ex London) To Manu Cloud Forest LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 (Day 2 Ex London) Start Cuzco The trip starts in Cuzco today. Those on group flights will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon we will have a group meeting and a short walking tour of the Inca capital, including the Plaza de Armas and a visit to the Qoricancha Sun Temple. Day 2 (Day 3 Ex London) Lake Huacarpay We start early this morning to visit Lake Huacarpay, 30km outside of Cuzco, which once supplied water to the nearby pre-inca Wari culture site of Pikillacta. The lake is one of the best places near Cusco to see a wide variety of birds, including Bearded mountaineers, Plumbeous rail, Yellow-winged blackbird, Puna teal, Yellow-billed pintail. Less common sightings include Rusty-fronted canasteros, Streak-fronted thornbirds, Baird's sandpipers and Upland sandpipers. After spending time at the lake we visit Pikillacta and Tipon, an Incan archeological site, and stop for lunch on our way back to Cuzco. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore Cuzco. (B) Day 3 (Day 4 Ex London) Sacred Valley Today we leave Cuzco early and head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a broad valley which has been the centre of the region's agriculture for centuries. Our initial destination is Huaran, where we spend time bird watching as well as learning about the conservation of the polylepis forest, a disappearing habitat with endangered bird species. Afterwards, we visit the colourful market at Pisac and enjoy a walking tour of the huge Inca ruins above the village. Driving further down the valley, we come to Ollantaytambo, where we visit the immense Inca fortress and explore the unique village whose streets still follow the pre-conquest grid plan. (B) Day 4 (Day 5 Ex London) To Aguas Calientes A relaxed start to the day as we take the mid-morning train to Aguas Calientes. After free time for lunch and time to explore the small town of Aguas Calientes, we will have 1-2 hour walk along the railroad in the late afternoon. The thick forests which surround the tracks are home to a wide variety of animals and birds, including the colorful cock-of-the-rock. (B) Day 5 (Day 6 Ex London) Machu Picchu After an early breakfast, we set off to visit one of the greatest ruins in the world, the lost city of Machu Picchu. This is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, in a mountain setting of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it; the Incas left no records about it, so Machu Picchu remains a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle. After our guided tour of Machu Picchu, we will have free time to explore. For those that wish to combine the visit with wildlife viewing, there is an optional walk either to the Inca Bridge for birding or to the Sun Gate with possibility to see Spectacled bear and Incawren. In the late afternoon we return to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Cuzco. (B) An early start today for the spectacular journey to Manu. We pass through the Sacred Valley and up over the Andean highlands before we drop into the cloud forest. We stop at Paucartambo, a centre of the Inca trade routes and famous for its old colonial square, hand carved statues and traditional festivals. After a brief stop to freshen up and learn about the local culture, we ascend to the Manu National Park entrance at Acjanaco, which stands 3,500 metres above sea level. From the rangers' station, there is an awe inspiring view over the Amazon Basin and Peru's largest national park. The landscape begins to change dramatically as we descend from the barren plains of the Altiplano through high Andean grasslands and into the lush green cloud forest. The journey is exhilarating as we meander down the roads carved into the mountainside. This is one of the world's most famous bird watching routes, and many species can be spotted from the road. A picnic lunch will be served en route, and we arrive at the Cock of the Rock Lodge in the early afternoon. The rest of the day has been left free to relax, or to take an optional trail walk. (B,L,D) Day 8 (Day 9 Ex London) To Romero Lodge We rise early to visit a Cock-of-the-rock lek, where the brightly coloured red/orange males dance and sing, attempting to attract the duller burgundy females. We then continue our journey further into Manu. After a three hour drive to the port of Atalya, we take to boats, first on the Madre de Dios River, which is one of the most southern tributaries of the legendary Amazon, and then onto the Manu River. While this is a long day by boat, the journey offers great opportunities to start spotting the wildlife of Manu. If time allows, we may be able to visit an overgrown oxbow lake to look for parrots and macaws. After an eventful day the boat finally comes to rest at the Romero Rainforest Lodge, situated on the banks of the Manu River. (B,L,D) Day 9 (Day 10 Ex London) Cocha Salvador Today we travel further (approximately 5 hours by boat) to Cocha Salvador - this is as far as we are allowed to go in Manu. Beaches, especially in the dry season, are loaded with nesting birds, turtles and caimans, and there is a strong possibility of encountering a sunning Jaguar, the largest cat in the Americas. At Cocha Salvador, we will have an excursion on a floating platform to observe oxbow lake wildlife, and we will search for a family of otters that live here. Giant river otters are the world's largest freshwater carnivores have been hunted to near extinction in Peru, and now only remain in Manu. Each of them consumes 4 to 5 kilos of fish a day and this can often be witnessed by the lake. We spend the night in a permanent tented camp. (B,L,D) Day 10 (Day 11 Ex London) Return to Romero Lodge We make our way back to Romero Lodge today, with a stop at Cocha Otorongo, where a 20-metre high observation tower has been constructed overlooking the lake. From the top of the tower, the sheer magnitude of the rainforest becomes apparent, and birdwatching opportunities are excellent. (B,L,D) Day 11 (Day 12 Ex London) To Manu Wildlife Centre Today we have a relaxing 3-hour boat journey to the Manu Wildlife Centre. On arrival at the lodge, there is time for a hot shower, lunch and a chance to meet the onsite guides. The lodge provides the area's base for scientific research and a centre for visitors wanting to explore the rainforest, and has its own canopy platform and observation tower. The canopy platform is accessible via a spiral staircase and provides a great opporunity to get close to the species which live in the upper reaches of the forest. The afternoon is set aside to relax or to follow a trail through the virgin forest. On a cliff overlook the river, there is a great lookout point which offers views of parrots 2

3 and macaws flying in to roost as the sun sets. Guided night walks in search of nocturnal animals are also available. (B,L,D) Day 12 (Day 13 Ex London) Macaw clay lick Macaw clay licks (known locally as 'collpas') are one of the world's great wildlife spectacles. Every day hundreds of parrots and macaws (their larger relatives) congregate here to eat the mineral rich clay that is essential to their diet and digestion. We rise early and head to a comfortable hide to get close to the birds. The noise alone is incredible and the sight of these brightly coloured birds at the lick is one not to be forgotten. Breakfast is taken at a suitable time while the spectacle unfolds. The activity dies down mid-morning as the birds stop feeding, and from the hide we set off to Cocha Blanca, an oxbow lake with a resident otter family, where there will be a chance to canoe around the lake looking for other wildlife. After a leisurely lunch at the lodge, we explore other trails in search of Emperor and Saddleback tamarins. There is a a very good chance of spotting the rare Goeldi's marmoset - Manu is one of its main breeding grounds. In the evening we stay in the lodge, but there is the option to camp overnight at a mammal lick, about an hour's walk from the lodge. Tapirs, the largest South American land mammal, regularly visit for minerals, and Brocket deer and other animals can also be seen here. There is a large, raised blind here equipped with mattresses and mosquito nets for those who want to spend the night in comfort observing these nocturnal creatures. (B,L,D) Flights from Juliaca to Lima are included for those who have booked a package from London. Those on land only arrangements should book this flight in conjunction with their international flight. Itinerary Day 14 (Day 15 ex-london) Cross the altiplano to Puno Today we take a bus ride across the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungles. Although it is quite a long drive, it is interesting and often spectacular. Scheduled stops along the route to visit some of the most interesting sites help break up the day and we get a feeling for the immensity of the Andean landscapes. We arrive in the evening at Puno, a high, chilly town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. SH (B) Day 15 (Day 16 ex-london) Lake Titicaca A morning spent exploring Lake Titicaca, visiting the descendants of the Uros Indians, who live on islands of floating reeds and produce some fine textiles. In the afternoon there is a visit to Sillustani burial towers outside of town. There should be some free time to wander the streets and markets of Puno, which is noted for its folklore traditions. Though the altitude here is tiring, the air is very clear and the lakeside views magnificent, with the snow-capped peaks of the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes towering in the background. SH (B) Day 16 (Day 17 ex-london) End Puno The extension ends after breakfast today. Those with flights booked through Exodus will be transferred to the airport for the flight to the UK via Lima. (B) Please note that while we provide a tour leader for the main trip, there is no Exodus leader on the extension. You will have the services of a local guide for any excursions and you will also be given the contact details of our local partners in case of emergency. ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD In Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes we stay in small, locally-owned hotels within easy access of local restaurants, bars and shops. Day 13 (Day 14 Ex London) Return to Cuzco For the rainforest portion of the trip we stay in a variety of lodges, and spend a night in a tented camp. All accommodation here has a dining area and bar, and all rooms have private bathrooms, with the exception of the tented camp which has shared facilities. Lighting is provided by candles and lamps rather than electricity at all the lodges, although there are generators for refrigeration and battery charging everywhere apart from the tented camp. Romero Lodge, the tented camp and Manu Wildlife Centre all have observation towers for close-up views of the canopy or oxbow lakes. The return leg of the journey starts early as it's a 3 hour trip downstream to Colorado Village. Breakfast is served on the boat while there is the fantastic opportunity to catch the activity of the early morning wildlife along the river. Passing several lowland native settlements and miners digging for gold along the banks of the Madre de Dios River, the boat rushes along with the ever quickening downstream flow of the river. From Colorado we have a 45-minute bus transfer to Puerto Carlos, a 15 minute boat crossing of the Inambari River to Santa Rosa, then a 2 to 3-hour drive to Puerto Maldonado. We fly from Puerto Maldonado to Cuzco, arriving in the afternoon. (B) Day 14 (Day 15 Ex London) End Cuzco The trip ends in Cuzco today. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the flights back to London via Lima and Madrid. (B) For those on group flights, these depart in the afternoon and will arrive in the UK the following day. LAKE TITICACA EXTENSION Please call our Sales team for current prices. An optional extension to Lake Titicaca is available after this trek. The price of the extension includes: airport transfers, tourist-class hotel accommodation (twin-share with breakfast), sightseeing in Puno and public tourist coach/bus from Cuzco to Puno. Breakfast: hotel and lodge breakfasts are normally simple buffetstyle, with boxed breakfast provided for several of the mornings with early starts. Lunch: lunches are included where stated in the itinerary and will often be picnic or boxed lunch on days with either long drives or boat trips. Where not included we'll visit a variety of cafes and restaurants. Dinner or Evening meal: dinner is not included during the first half of the trip while we are in the Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes, and there are plenty of restaurants that we can visit. For the Manu portion of the trip, dinner is included at all the lodges. 3

4 Please advise in advance if you are vegetarian or have any special meal requirements. Single Accommodation: Single rooms can be arranged for a supplement of 160 (US$280), subject to availability. Please note that this supplement only covers the nights spent in Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes - single rooms are not available at the lodges or the tented camp. TRANSPORT On this trip we use a variety of small motorised and non-motorised boats for the journeys in the rainforest. We also take the train to Machu Picchu and use minibuses for the road sections. JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 16 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sun Itinerary Start The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before Day 1 of the itinerary. WEATHER AND SEASONALITY Peru's diverse geography results in a very varied climate. In Cuzco and the Andes, April to November is the dry season; during these months the sky is generally bright and clear with strong sunshine in the mornings, sometimes clouding over as the day progresses. In the Andes, however, anything is possible at any time of year, including cloud rolling up from the Amazon basin, rain or even snow, and rapid and unexpected changes! During the dry season temperatures at night can dip to around the freezing mark (and sometimes below!). The chart above only shows average temperatures, daytime and night-time extremes in the Andes, particularly in the dry season can be very different from these. Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are in the Cloud Forest and as such attract large amounts of precipitation all year as clouds move up from the Amazon basin. Rain here can be heavy, but is seldom prolonged. Whilst the Amazon Rainforest is generally warm and humid, it can be subject to drops in temperature caused by cold fronts pushing in from the south, especially in June and July. This can send temperatures dropping into single figures, and we recommend that you take some warm clothing with you to the lodge in case of sudden changes in the weather. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of Lan (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. Internal flights during the trip are with a local airline. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Free Transfers Exodus offers FREE airport arrival and departure transfers on any flight for this trip: please see the Free Transfers section below for more details. JOINING THE TRIP IN CUZCO 14 days, normally start Cuzco Sun, end Cuzco Sat Itinerary Start Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Cuzco in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Free Transfers Exodus offers FREE airport arrival and departure transfers on any flight for this trip, so no matter which flight you choose to arrive on you will be met and transferred to your hotel. All those taking advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details for both arrival and departure in advance; unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour) hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra charge; transfers may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on a flight with similar arrival times. If you would like us to organise a private transfer, please ask your sales consultant for a quote. Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure. 4

5 The cost of a taxi is likely to be about 6 or US$10 should you decide to make your way independently. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. Travelling via the USA If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Programme (most British and western European citizens with a machine readable passport are), you are now required to register in advance for an Electronic Travel Authority (ESTA). There is a US$14 charge for the ESTA, which is only payable online with a credit card. Please see our website for further information. All other non-residents passing through the US must get a visa in advance. Check with your local emabssy or consulate for more details on how to obtain a visa. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. For the rainforest portion of this trip, we work with Crees, a charitable organisation who operate a number of sustainable tourism initiatives. Crees works directly with local communities in Manu National Park, with a focus on agricultural initiatives designed to reduce human impact on the forest. They also provide environmental education programmes for researchers and local students, and they operate a centre in Manu which hosts a number of conservation research projects. In addition, a number of the lodges used in Manu are owned by a nonprofit conservation organization, Peru Verde, which works to protect the cultural and biological diversity of the region and contributes heavily to the maintenance of the national parks and reserves. The lodges used on the trip are sustainably managed to limit the impact of our visit on the rainforest, and we stay in small, locallyowned hotels in Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Visas are not required by UK citizens, Western European nationals, Americans, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans and most other nationalities. If you are in any doubt please contact the nearest Peruvian Embassy. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. 5 Peruvian passport or identity card holders Please note that the cost of Exodus holidays in Peru is based on the assumption that you do not hold a Peruvian passport or resident's card. If you are officially resident in Peru or are a Peruvian passport holder, you will be liable to an additional 18% tax on the majority of services, and this extra sum will be payable locally to our local partner. Other nationalities are exempt from this tax. Please notify us at the time of booking if you are legally resident in Peru or hold a Peruvian passport so that we can advise you of the total cost of these taxes. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip. Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited on this trip. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, and Manu National Park is not generally considered to be a malarial area, but as with all lowland areas east of the Andes there is a risk and anti-malarials are usually advised. You may wish to consult your GP or Travel Health Clinic for further advice. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Altitude Warning This trip goes to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Although rare, a number of medical conditions can also reduce your body's ability to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any preexisting condition (e.g. heart problems), or unsure of your physical ability, we recommend that you seek medical advice prior to booking. Advice varies, but the consensus on how to combat altitude sickness seems to be to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluid (at least 4 litres per day) and rest for the first few hours when you reach altitude. When hiking, do not hurry - take your time, enjoy the scenery and give your body a chance to catch up. If you are breathing hard, you are probably ascending too quickly. If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure that your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip, and includes helicopter evacuation. Please take proof of this with you on the trip, as you will need to show it to the leader. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip.

6 Local Time GMT -5hrs Electricity The power supply in Peru is 220v/60hz. Power sockets generally take either US or European style two-pin plugs - this varies from place to place, and some sockets take both, so we recommend taking a multiadaptor! In Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes, all hotels have power sockets in the rooms. In Manu National Park, rooms are not supplied with electricity, but the main lodge buildings have facilities for charging batteries at certain times of day. There is no electricity at the tented camp. Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 6 and 12 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. We use a leader who is is permitted to guide in Manu National Park, and we use local guides for the sightseeing excursions in Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. In addition, each lodge is staffed with experienced naturalist guides. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 18 years. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN), with an exchange rate of 4.18 to the UK and 2.6 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. US dollars are the best currency to take to Peru, in either cash or travellers cheques, as they can easily be changed into local currency. Sterling and Euros are becoming easier to change, but not all bureaux de change accept them and those that do may offer a poor exchange rate. Torn, damaged or marked bills are usually refused in Peru. Although most places will only accept local currency, we recommend keeping the bulk of your money in Dollars and exchanging as you go so you are not left with excess local currency at the end of your trip. It is a good idea to change some Dollars into Peruvian Sol at the counters in the baggage hall whilst waiting for your luggage at the airport. Change is often in short supply, especially in more remote places, so try to break up large notes at the earliest opportunity, and when changing money ask for small denomination banknotes where possible. Although it is possible to obtain Peruvian Soles before you travel, you should carefully check the exchange rates as they are often much lower than changing locally. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques ATMs are available in Cuzco. There are also some in Aguas Calientes, but they cannot always be relied upon to have cash. Most international credit and debit cards are accepted, but you should check with your bank before you travel. ATMs are not available in Manu, but since all meals are included you will not require much additional cash for this portion of the trip. Credit card acceptance is increasing, but generally they can be used only at the large (and more expensive) restaurants and shops. You should check with your card provider to ensure your card can be used in Peru. US Dollar travellers cheques are widely accepted, and offer greater security in case of loss or theft, but they generally attract exchange rates up to 15% lower than for Dollars cash. Extra Expenses and Spending Money Food, drinks and similar incidentals can vary in price enormously in Peru and are relatively expensive compared to other developing nations. Allow about US$15-20 per meal not included to eat at good restaurants. Cheaper food is abundant at small local cafes, although sanitary conditions at these places cannot be guaranteed. Bottled water and soft drinks are readily available for around US$1-2 each. Peruvian airport taxes are included in the price of your flight ticket, and there will be no need to pay these locally. Tipping (leader and local staff) Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. However, tipping is an optional but very much customary practice in Peru and forms part of Peruvian service culture. To show appreciation to the leader and local guides, a tip of around US$2-3 per day from each group member is sufficient. Drivers and other local staff may be given closer to US$1 in tips per day. You may want to form and manage a 'tip kitty' with the other members of the group to facilitate tips. WHAT TO TAKE Essential Equipment and Clothing Sunglasses Sunhat Sunscreen Strong-soled shoes Insect repellent (at least 50% DEET recommended) Torch Long sleeved shirt and light trousers for the jungle Warm layers for the Andes Fleece jacket Waterproofs or poncho Swimming costume (for hot springs) Warm hat Gloves A day pack or other smaller holdall - you will be asked to pack a smaller overnight bag for the trip to Machu Picchu whilst your main luggage will be kept in a secure location The lodges provide Wellington boots for your stay, but has very limited choices for those over UK size 10, if your feet are larger than this, then you are recommended to take your own (or good waterproof hiking boots). To improve comfort, we recommend bringing long breathable woollen socks and insoles for the boots. Optional items: Music player/books for the long drives Waterproof bags to store electronics during rain and on river journeys Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. Internal flights in Peru are subject to a weight limit of 20kg. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. Collecting baggage in Lima If you are travelling on the group flights with LAN via Lima, please note that you will need to collect your baggage in Lima, even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Cuzco (and even if you are told at Heathrow that you do not need to pick it up). After collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight. This only applies to the outbound flight - you do not need to do this at the end of the trip on the return flight. Reading List: The Lost City of the Incas Hiram Bingham Travellers' Wildlife Guides: Peru David L. Pearson, Les D. Beletsky, Priscilla Barrett Peruvian Wildlife: A Visitors Guide to the High Andes Gerard Cheshire, Barry Walker, Huw Lloyd Birds of Peru (Helm Field Guides) Douglas Stotz, Thomas Schulenberg, John O'Neill, Theodore Parker A Photographic Guide to Birds of Peru Clive Byers If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials', 6

7 JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay by cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 7