Inaugural (subject to confirmed attendance by 18th July) Environmental Health Peru Study Tour 13 th November to the 23 rd November 2015 (see end of itinerary for details and costs) (www.greece-map.net) Peru is a country in South America that's home to a section of Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city set high in the Andes mountains. The area surrounding Machu Picchu, including the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and the lively city of Cusco, is also rich in Incan sites as well as hiking, rafting and mountain-biking opportunities. Peru is an extremely biodiverse country with habitats ranging from the arid plains of the Pacific coastal region in the west to the peaks of the Andes mountains vertically extending from the north to the southeast of the country to the tropical Amazon Basin rainforest in the east with the Amazon river. Peruvian territory was home to ancient cultures spanning from the Norte Chico civilization in Caral, one of the oldest in the world, to the Inca Empire, the largest state in Pre-Columbian America. The Spanish Empire conquered the region in the 16th century and established a Viceroyalty with its capital in Lima, which included most of its South American colonies. Ideas of political autonomy later spread throughout Spanish America and Peru gained its independence, which was formally proclaimed in 1821. After the battle of Ayacucho, three years after proclamation, Peru ensured its independence. After achieving independence, the country remained in recession and kept a low military profile until an economic rise based on the extraction of raw and maritime materials struck the country, which ended shortly before the war of the Pacific. Subsequently, the country has undergone changes in government from oligarchic to democratic systems. Peru has gone through periods of political unrest and internal conflict as well as periods of stability and economic upswing. The main economic activities include mining, manufacturing, agriculture and fishing; the Peruvian population is estimated at 30.4 million. The EHO study tour itinerary of this fascinating South American country Day 1 Friday 13 th : Welcome to Peru. Study Tour participants meet representative at Lima Airport arrivals lounge at 4.30PM (local time!) for transfer from Lima airport to Hotel San Antonio Abad located at on Av. Ramón Ribeyro 301, Miraflores, Lima 18 which is approximately 21klm South-East of Airport. Reception Dinner 7PM (location TBA) for study tour participants to meet, greet and discuss the tour details. Day 2 Saturday 14 th : Lima city tour, Visit to Pachacamac pyramid & Quebrada Verde village Water for Kids clean water supply project (Day 2 by private bus).
Lima the capital of Peru, sits on the country's arid Pacific coast. Though its colonial center is well preserved, today Lima is a bustling metropolis that's one of South America s largest cities. It s known for its vibrant food scene, encompassing specialties from ceviche and traditional coastal cooking to refined global fare. It's also home to the preeminent Museo Larco collection of pre-columbian art and the Museo de la Nación, tracing the history of Peru s ancient civilizations. Lima, capital of Peru Pachacamac (Pre-Inca pyramid/temple) Visit to Pachacamac (Pre-Inca pyramid/temple) the temple of Pachacamac is an archaeological site 40 km southeast of Lima, Peru in the Valley of the Lurín River. Most of the common buildings and temples were built c. 800-1450 CE, shortly before the arrival and conquest by the Inca Empire. Quebrada Verde village Water for Kids clean water supply project. This village was the first to receive help from Water for Kids. 1999 saw the completion of the project where a safe water supply was provided for the 1,000 residents of the village in the country's coastal desert area. Up until then, the only source of water was a single well that was contaminated with a variety of diseases. This project was completed in conjunction with OACA a Peruvian Non-Governmental Organisation. For more information and how to get involved - http://waterforkids.org.uk/pages/peru.htm Day 3 Sunday 15 th : note, very early start! as in on the bus at 6am. 6:00AM travel in private bus to Paracas, 10.00AM Excursion to the Ballestas Islands and 2 PM Excursion to the Ica region Paracas National Reserve. Transfer to Ica hotel Mossone. Paracas ("sand rain" from Quechua: para (rain) and aco (sand)) Paracas is the capital of the Paracas District in the Ica Region in Peru and is around 4 hours by road from Lima. Paracas Candelabra of the Andes, northern face of Paracas Peninsula
The Ballestas Islands are a group of small islands near the town of Paracas located within the Paracas District of the Pisco Province in the Ica Region, on the south coast of Peru. Composed largely of rock formations and covering an estimated area of 0.12 km², these islands are an important sanctuary for marine fauna like the guanay guano bird, the blue-footed booby and the tendril. Other notable species include Humboldt penguins and two varieties of seals (fur seals and sea lions), amongst other mammals. Ballestas Islands The Paracas National Reserve is located in Ica and consists of the Paracas Peninsula, coastal areas and tropical desert extending to the south slightly past Punta Caimán, a total of 335,000 ha (217,594 ha are marine waters and 117,406 are part of the mainland). It includes Bahía de la Independencia (Independence Bay) and miles of coastal waters. Its main purpose is to preserve the marine ecosystem and protect the historical cultural heritage related to ancient indigenous peoples, mostly of the Paracas culture. Paracas National Reserve Arrival end of day to the Ica Hotel Mossone which is housed in a charming building over a century old with an expansive and tempting swimming pool most welcome after exploring the Ica regions natural wonders. Relax in an interior patio, pool and garden to enjoy the beautiful Ica weather and take time to explore the Huacachina lagoon. Hotel Mossone Adjacent Huacachina lagoon Day 4 Monday 16 th : Morning Ica city tour, afternoon ride on buggies and opportunity for sandboarding. Trip to Nazca to the Hotel Nazca Lines or Similar. The city of Ica is the capital of the Ica Region in southern Peru. While the area was long inhabited by varying cultures of indigenous peoples, the Spanish conquistador Gerónimo Luis de Cabrera claimed
its founding in 1563. As of 2005, it had an estimated population of over 219,856. The city of Ica suffered extensive damage and loss of life during the 2007 Peru earthquake. Twilight at Ica, Peru Buggy ride and sandboarding are the staples for enjoyment in the Ica region and the night spent at the hotel Mossone should have exposed you to tales of people s adventures in this area (do check that your travel insurance covers these types of activities)! Being cool with sand boards Being excited near Buggies Nazca is a city and system of valleys on the southern coast of Peru. It is also the name of the largest existing town in the Nazca Province. The name is derived from the Nazca culture that flourished in the area between 100 BC and 800 AD. This culture was responsible for the Nazca Lines and the ceremonial city of Cahuachi; they also constructed an impressive system of underground aqueducts, named Puquios that still function today. Ica to Nazca Hotel Nazca Lines (or similar) Day 5 Tuesday 17 th : Nazca Lines tour with Optional Airport shuttle for flight over Nazca Lines. Flight from Nazca to Arequipa with transfer to hotel Posada del Monasterio or similar. The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. The high, arid plateau stretches more than 80 km (50 mi) between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the Pampas de Jumana about 400 km south of Lima. Scholars believe the Nazca Lines were created by the Nazca culture between 400 and 650 AD. The hundreds of individual figures range in complexity
from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks, orcas, and lizards. The designs are shallow lines made in the ground by removing the reddish pebbles and uncovering the whitish/grayish ground beneath. Hundreds are simple lines or geometric shapes; more than 70 are zoomorphic designs of animals such as birds, fish, llamas, jaguars, monkeys, or human figures. Other designs include phytomorphic shapes such as trees and flowers. The largest figures are over 200 m (660 ft) across. Examples of the many lines viewed from the air Arequipa is the capital and largest city of the Arequipa Region and the seat of the Constitutional Court of Peru. It is the third most populous metropolitan area of Peru and is the second most populous city with 861,145 inhabitants. Arequipa is the second most industrialised and commercial city of Peru. Its industrial activity includes manufactured goods and camelid wool products for export. The city has close trade ties with Chile, Bolivia and Brazil. The city was founded on August 15, 1540 by Garcí Manuel de Carbajal as 'Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción". After Peru gained its independence from Spain, the city acquired greater prominence in politics, being the center of uprisings. Many Peruvian intellectual, political, and religious figures became prominent in this era. Its religious, colonial, and republican architectural styles blend European and native characteristics into a unique style called "Escuela Arequipeña". Arequipa city by day and by night Day 6, 7 & 8 (Wednesday 18 th, Thursday 19 th & Friday 20 th ): Environmental Health Project in Arequipa. Only Accommodation provided This will involve working with the local NGO LABOR on a small number of projects subject to the tour going ahead. Discussions have taken place with the municipality about food safety, as have ideas about encouraging recycling in schools as both an environmental and economic driver for the children. Other ideas are being looked at but as the people in LABOR are extremely busy and will only be asked to sort out the projects in detail if the tour goes ahead Day 9 Saturday 21st : Colca Canyon experience. 8AM: Group pick up from hotel for bus up to and into the world s 2 nd deepest canyon, the famous Colca Canyon by taking the paved road to Yura where you can view the impressive the peaks that form the Chachani Volcano. Crossing the Pampa Cañahuas where we can see the impressive vicuñas which is one of two wild South American camelids which live in the high alpine areas of the Andes, It is a relative of the llama, and is now believed to be the wild ancestor of domesticated alpacas, which are raised for their coats; this area also has volcanic formations. After 14 km we will come to Vizcachani Toqras, lagoons and wetlands that are the habitat of some species of migratory birds, as well as a small private forest with rock formations. Here we also find a small restaurant and it is recommended that a drink of coca tea to prevent altitude sickness is partaken in because our next stop is the Mirador Volcano Natural (Patapampa), located at a height of 4830 meters. From this vantage point we can see the Ampato, Hualca Hualca and Sabancaya part of the Cordillera de Chila, Misti and Chachani.
Vicuñas Cola Canyon (part of) Patapampa 1.30PM: We arrive to Chivay for lunch at a traditional Peruvian restaurant and settle in the Hotel Pozo del Cielo or similar. After we settle in we leave from the hotel for the hot springs of "La Calera" for a swim and relax. Return to town for dinner. Hotel Pozo del Cielo Town of Chivay Hot spring resorts of La Calera Day 10 Sunday 22 nd : Chivay - Cruz del Condor-Arequipa 6AM Breakfast at Hotel; 6:30AM (note early start!) Departure to Cruz del Condor. 8:30AM Arrive at Cruz del Condor which is the highest point of the Colca Canyon at 3500m. Here we stay for around two hours to see the majesty of the canyon and the impressive flight of overhead condors (Condor is the common name for two species of New World vultures, each in a monotypic genus and they are the largest flying land birds in the Western Hemisphere, In South America this bird is known as the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) which inhabits the Andean mountains. 10:30AM Return to Chivay and along the way we will stop in to observe Antahuilque Choquetico and archaeological remains and other views of the canyon. Then continue along the path through traditional villages of the area as Yanque, Achoma and Maca, where we see hanging tombs, amphitheatres and litomaquetas. 1:00PM Arrival to Chivay for buffet lunch at the traditional restaurant. After lunch we return to Arequipa. Arrival at 5PM. Cruz del Condor litomaquetas (model of planned terraces for the Gods consideration) Day 11 & 12 (Monday 23 rd & Tuesday 24 th ) Project in Arequipa. Solo Hotel Here we will be carrying on with our project work in and around the poorer areas of Arequipa. On the last night we will have a group dinner with our Peruvian colleagues, with possibly a quiz night on the tour experiences. Study Tour concludes people can return to Lima or continue onto other arranged tours.
INCLUDES: All local transfers. Spanish-English Guide Accommodation in hotels listed above (or similar) The flight from Nazca to Arequipa Excursions mentioned, according to the programme's Tour All entry costs to places mentioned COLCA TOUR INCLUDES: Private Bus Professional guide in English Breakfast, Lunch buffets & Dinner Touristic tickets/passes NOT INCLUDED to be arranged by tour participants International flight-ticket o Presently around AUD $1,900 (as of 12/7/2015) X Sydney (flight hub for Peru is Sydney airport) Internal Flights (either back to Lima or onwards to Cusco or the jungle) Airport taxes (local or the international) Excess baggage o For local flights as well Food (unless otherwise listed in itinerary) and alcoholic beverages o Beers of Peru Pilsen Callao Cusqueña Cristal Pilsen Trujillo Barena Arequipeña San Juan Tips to guides or assistants Additional nights for itinerary changes of airlines, or strikes etc. o Check if you have travel insurance when book flights overseas with your credit card such as found in Club, Gold, Signature and Platinum Health Care, Medicine, Repatriation. o Check if you have travel insurance when book flights overseas with your credit card such as found in Club, Gold, Signature and Platinum Personal Insurance o Check if you have travel insurance when book flights overseas with your credit card such as found in Club, Gold, Signature and Platinum Price per person for the itinerary: SIMPLE ROOM USD $1,590.00 (AUD $2,135.80) (Xe currency converter 12/7/2015) DOUBLE ROOM USD $1,100.00 (AUD $1,477.60) (Xe currency converter 12/7/2015) TRIPLE ROOM USD $1,010.00 (AUD $1,356.71) (Xe currency converter 12/7/2015) Please contact David Clapham at davidclapham@rhenvironmental.co.uk to secure your place on this study tour, to make this tour work we will need confirmed numbers by the 18 July 2015.
So who is David Clapham? I am an enthusiastic consultant and trainer for all my specialties. I am presently carrying out a lot of risk assessments of private water supplies for local authorities in England and Wales. About 100 in the last six months, with training and other support to over 20 environmental health departments. Risk assessments recently carried out for local authorities in the following areas - Kent, West Berkshire, Wokingham, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Monmouthshire and Lancashire. I have been training for over 20 years and have worked in environmental health for over 40 years, finally being a manager responsible for over 40 people in 4 different disciplinary teams - food safety, health and safety, animal health, communicable disease control, needle exchange and the dog warden service. My main specialty is the provision of safe drinking water from small supplies. I have traveled and worked extensively around the world particularly heath and development in Peru. I have taken teams of health and other workers to Peru (and brought them all back!) Specialties: Private water supplies, small water supplies, international environmental health, local government improvement, food poisoning outbreak control and legal proceedings courses.