Peru: Land of the Incas 2018 1
Itinerary Day 1: Lima This delightful walking holiday takes the traveller on an in-depth exploration of the famous sights, very best hidden trails and rarely visited corners of the truly amazing land of the Incas. Our holiday discovers the best of southern Peru (Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco and Machu Picchu), undoubtedly the highlights of the country. You ll enjoy some delightful walks, including a chance to hike the Royal Inca Trail, the final day of the famous Inca Trail into the Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu. On arrival at Lima airport, meet our guide and transfer to our hotel for an introductory meeting to welcome us to Peru. Accommodation: Hotel Boulevard, Lima (1 night) (Meals included: Day 2: To Arequipa From Lima we fly south to the beautiful white city of Arequipa. At 2,600m this is the ideal place to acclimatise to the thin air of the Andes. Our walking tour includes a visit to the magnificent marble Plaza de Armas, a gentle walk along the quaint old town streets, a tour of the photogenic Santa Catalina Monastery and a visit to Juanita at the Ice Maiden museum. After lunch we have time to explore. Accommodation: Hotel La Maison d Elise, Arequipa(1 night) 2
Day 3: To Colca Canyon Driving out of Arequipa we enjoy spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city before climbing high into the Andes and descending into the Colca Canyon. This is one of the world s deepest canyons, home to Andean condors and fascinating local culture. culture and admiring the local weavings as we wander through the villages. We return to the lodge with plenty of time to relax or to try one of the optional activities available (payable locally - hot-rock massage, horse riding, biking, fishing). Cruz del Condor Canyon rim walk: 1-1½ hours, approx 1 mile/1½ km, little ascent, 164 feet/50m descent. Colca lodge to Uyo Uyo Ruins: approx 2 2½ hours, 2 miles/3km, 328 feet/100m ascent and descent (steady uphill and back down) Accommodation: Colca Lodge (2 nights) Day 4: Cruz Del Condor and Colca Canyon Day 5: To Silustani, Puno & Lake Titicaca A spectacular drive passing beautiful lakes, vicuña herds and huge vistas, as we travel to Juliaca and on to Puno. En route we stop for a short walk to explore Silustani ruins. The fascinating circular burial chambers here predate the Incas and overlook a beautiful lake. The amazing stonework of this early civilisation was a strong influence on the famous Inca stone masons. In Puno we have time to explore this interesting town before dining at one of the local restaurants. Silustani Pre Inca ruins: 1-1½ hours, 1 mile/1½km, flat. An early morning drive to Cruz del Condor, in search of one of the world s largest birds. Afterwards we take a walk along the canyon rim or to nearby ruins, experiencing local Accommodation: Casa Andina (2 nights) 3
Day 6: Lake Titicaca, Uros & Taquile make several stops along the way, including the Pukara museum, Abra La Raya, Raqchi, Andahuaylillas and includes a buffet lunch stop. On arrival at the ancient Inca city of Cusco, we transfer to our hotel, before stretching our legs with an exploration of the city s spectacular Plaza de Armas. Lake Titicaca is a photographer s dream, with sapphire water reflecting clear blue Andean skies. We take a day s boat trip, visiting the famous floating reed islands of Uros before continuing to Taquile to witness the ancient traditions and weavings of the local community. After traversing the island, we enjoy lunch before returning across the lake to Puno. Accommodation: Eco Inn Hotel (1 night) Day 8: Cusco s ancient ruins Taquile island traverse: 1-2 hours, 2 miles/3km, 650 feet/200m ascent/descent (undulating) Day 7: To Cusco Today we board the bus from Puno to Cusco (2 nights). Cutting across the Peruvian Altiplano, through high plains, rich with llama herds, and passing time-forgotten mountain villages. We'll An early start, beginning with a visit to the Inca ruin of Tambo Machay, known as the Inca s Bath due to its finely preserved waterfalls, diverted through fine stone channels. Close by is our second stop, Puca Pucara. This delightful ruin is not believed to be the 4
red fort its name suggests, but a Tambo a rest house for animals in transit, goods and travellers. We now cut across country following the old Inca road from Cusco to Pisac, with views of traditional Andean farming and crops en route. Near Cusco, we visit the fascinating Q enko, and the most stunning ruin, the extensive Sacsayhuaman. Time and energy permitting, we head to San Cristobal church, built on top of Inca Manco Capac s Palace, for a fantastic viewpoint of Cusco, before returning to the city. Cusco local ruins: 4-6 hours (lots of stops to explore), 3 miles/5km, 1,310 feet/400m descent (mainly gently downhill). Day 9: Sacred Valley of the Incas Our first stop is the picturesque Andean village of Pisac. The village is famous for its superb artisan market and we can spend time shopping or we can visit Pisac s extensive Inca ruins on a trail leading through royal buildings, look-outs, terraces, tunnels and irrigation channels. Afterwards, a short journey brings us to Urubamba for lunch. site of the last big battle between the Incas and Spanish. In this lovely, wellpreserved village and its ruins you can still feel the true magic of the Incas. Pisac Inca ruins: 2 hours (lots of stops to explore), 2 miles/3km, undulating. Ollantaytambo Inca ruins: 1 hour (lots of stops to explore), 1 mile/1½km, short sharp climb then undulating with steep descent on steps. Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Lizzy Wasi (2 nights), Urubamba Day 10: Maras & Moray The Maras Moray walk combines big views, local farming techniques, Inca ruins, ancient towns and astounding saltpans. We begin with the plains of Chinchero, rich with grain, potatoes and beans. Reaching the Inca ruins of Moray, we enjoy our picnic before exploring these fascinating ruins. In the afternoon, we visit the Inca fortress town of Ollantaytambo, the Moray is an Inca agricultural centre - essential to the huge Incan armies and road building teams that supported this ancient empire. Mule trails then take us to the ancient town of Maras from where we descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, some of the most astounding saltpans 5
cover the hillside (a vehicle is on hand at times so this hike is flexible). Moray and Maras walk: 3-4 hours, 3 miles/5km, 650 feet/200m descent. Day 11: The Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu An early morning transfer to the train for the journey towards Machu Picchu and our pilgrimage along the Royal Inca Trail. We walk the Purification path of Inca royalty to Intipunku, the Sun Gate - the entrance to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. This trail is now the last stage of the world famous Inca Trail. At km104 we alight from the train, passing the ruins at Chachabamba. Our ascent begins in tropical cloud forest, climbing above the Urubamba River. We picnic amongst the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, considered the most spectacular part of the Inca Trail. Our path now contours through cloud forest leading to Inti Puncu, the Gateway of the Sun and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. We savour the moment, take photos and then descend by bus to colourful Machu Picchu town. Royal Inca Trail: 5-7 hours, 7 miles/11km, 1,640 feet/500m ascent, 330 feet/100m descent. If you don t wish to walk or have booked too late for a permit, continue to Machu Picchu town to check in at the hotel. Free to explore. Accommodation: Inti Inn Machu Picchu Hotel (1 night) Day 12: Machu Picchu tour & return to Cusco The Lost City of the Incas Machu Picchu. Our extensive walking tour of the ruins illustrates the fascinating history of this ancient civilisation. If time permits you may wish to explore a little further to the Inca Bridge, or just relax and take in the awesome location. We catch an afternoon bus back to Machu Picchu town in time for a late lunch and transfer to the train for the journey to the Ollantaytambo, and on to Cusco. Exploring Machu Picchu: 2-3 hours, 1 mile/1½km, some steps. Accommodation: Eco Inn Hotel (1 night) Day 13: Departure day Today, we transfer to Cusco airport for our internal flight to Lima and onward flight home. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch) 6
Amazon rainforest extension The Tambopata National Reserve and the adjacent Bahuaje-Sonene National Park, are home to over 20,000 plant species, over 900 species of birds, 91 mammals, 1,230 butterflies, 127 amphibians and reptiles, and much more. A visit to our wellappointed jungle lodge is one of the best ways to see rainforest wildlife that is available in a short stay. Six species of monkeys live in the surrounding forest, a family of Giant Otters are regularly seen fishing in a nearby oxbow lake, a large flooded palm grove harbours hundreds of Red- Bellied Macaws, and at nightfall Black Caimans, the rarest of the crocodilians, head out into the lake to fish. exploring more trails and catching a stunning sunset over the Amazon basin. The evening can be free to relax or to search for nocturnal mammals. Day 15: To Puerto Maldonado, onwards To Lima, and your return flight home After a dawn breakfast we return to Puerto Maldonado to catch the flight to Lima and onto your International connection. (Meals included: breakfast) Day 13: To Tambopata Fly to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the Amazon rainforest, where you are met by your guide and taken by motorised canoe (40 mins), then 3km walk, then 30 mins paddle across the lake to your jungle lodge. Be prepared for an adventure! You can leave excess luggage in Puerto Maldonado. On arrival at the lodge you can choose from a number of activities: jungle hikes, canoe trips, or just enjoy the jungle sounds from your hammock. Accommodation: Sandoval Lake Lodge (2 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, Day 14: To Tambopata The jungle is alive early morning so if you can get out pre-dawn and explore, it is your best chance to see wildlife. There is plenty of time for a siesta before a canoe trip on a lake, or 7
Accommodation A mix of 3 and 4-star hotels, spa-resorts and lodges, all chosen for their location and comfort. Each has individual character and gives an excellent snapshot of both modern and traditional Peru. In Lima (1 night) stay at the 4-star Hotel Boulevard in the modern Miraflores area. It offers a warm welcome, comfort and good service. It has a swimming pool and fitness centre. www.hotelboulevard.com.pe To the shores of Lake Titicaca and Puno, where we stay at the Casa Andina (2 nights). Rooms open to balconies with lake or garden views and feature television, wireless internet and safe. The restaurant serves delicious local specialties and dishes made from local lake fish. www.casaandina.com/en/destinations/puno/ Moving on to the white-walled colonial city of Arequipa (1 night) our accommodation is at the Hotel Maison D'Elise. The 43 comfortable rooms offer air-conditioning, TV, safe and mini bar. www.hotelmaisondelise.com In the Colca Canyon, we stay at the relaxing haven of the Colca Lodge (2 nights). Unwind in the thermal springs and take in stunning views. There's also an eco-spa where you can indulge in a massage, Jacuzzi and sauna. https://colca-lodge.com/en/ In Cusco stay at the 3-star Eco Inn (3 nights), with a range of modern facilities located just a few blocks from the main square near the Quori Cancha temple. We spend 2 nights here to start with, then return to Cusco after our travels, for a further night. www.ecoinnhotels.com/en-us/ecoinn-cusco/ 8
Our base in the Sacred Valley, Boutique Hotel Lizzy Wasi (2 nights), is a delightful Andean-style hacienda lodge located in Urubamba town. With a friendly restaurant and bar, the hotel is set in a side street, a short walk from the centre of Urubamba. Once inside the grounds, you find yourselves in a peaceful oasis, with delightful gardens, stunning mountain views and it is a perfect place to relax. Accommodation in the Amazon Our two nights in the Amazon will be in the Sandoval Lake Lodge, located in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. Please note, this is a simple eco-lodge in the middle of the jungle, electricity is operated by a generator for a few hours each day. Mosquito nets are provided (essential here). No outdoor shoes allowed inside, so flip flops/sandals are ideal. An absolute must for wildlife lovers. At Machu Picchu we stay at the Inti Inn (1 night), a basic but comfortable guest house in Machu Picchu Town, formerly known as Aguas Calientes, in the valley below the ruins. www.royalintiinnmachupicchu.com/ 9
Before your holiday yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (March 2017). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking & accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Suggested Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Walking sandals Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Warm fleece, hat and gloves Torch Sun hat Scarf/buff Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover 10
note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for the duration of the stay. Visas are not required for UK, Australian, Canadian and US passport holders. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. Visitors are issued with a tourist card on arrival. Keep this safe to present on departure. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. This should cover walking at altitudes over 2,000m. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus vaccinations are recommended. Malaria, Rabies, and Yellow Fever prevention may also be recommended too. Altitude sickness is also a risk. Our itinerary is planned to help reduce this. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting The tour has been devised to ensure that acclimatisation to altitude takes place gradually, so that by the time you go on your hikes in the Cusco region you should be well acclimatised. To reduce any symptoms of altitude sickness, you should drink at least 2 litres of water per day. 11
Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the 12
hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 911. Please then call our emergency number (see page 10) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate Peru has very distinct climate zones between the coastal plain, the highlands and the Amazon basin. The holiday departures are planned for when the weather is generally at its best in the mountains, generally from March/April to October when the days are usually dry, clear and warm, with perhaps the occasional cloudy and rainy day. Temperatures drop considerably in the evenings and at night due to the altitude, so taking layered clothing is essential. During this season Lima and the coastal plain, where we spend a short amount of time, is often enveloped in a fine mist. Local currency & money matters Nuevo Sol (S/.). Credit cards widely accepted. US Dollars are the easiest currency to change. ATMs are available and are often the easiest way to access cash. Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet Peru 2016 Hiram Bingham Lost City of the Incas 1950 13
Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Electricity 220V, 2 pin plugs, either flat or round pins Group size Maximum group size will be 18, plus local guide/s GMT/UTC -5 hours Time difference HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 14