West Coast, Deserts and Mountains Tour Itinerary

West Coast, Deserts and Mountains Tour Itinerary
REF: SA046
VERSION: 8

Duration:	36 days - Santiago to Lima
Countries Visited:	Chile - Argentina - Bolivia - Peru
Age Guide:	18-55 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Local bus, Minibus, Plane, On foot, Train, Boat
Accommodation:	Hotel (26 Nights), Camping (3 Nights), Homestay (1 Night), Overnight bus (3 Nights), Hostel (2 Nights)
What's Included:	Fully Escorted Tour, Kumuka Tour Leader and/ or Local Guide - All Activities, Sightseeing and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - Wineries Excursion Mendoza - Salt Flats excursion - Family Homestay on Lake Titicaca - Sacred Valley Tour - Inca Trail & Guided Visit to Machu Picchu - Colca Canyon Excursion - Ballestas Islands Excursion - 24 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Chile - Cosmopolitan Santiago - Argentina - Mendoza Wineries - Salta - Bolivia - Salt Flats Excursion - La Paz - Peru - Lake Titicaca - Floating Reed Islands - Family Homestay on the Lake - Cusco - Sacred Valley - Inca Trail - Machu Picchu - Arequipa - Condors at Colca Canyon - Nazca - Huacachina - Ballestas Islands Marine Park
Optional Highlights:	No optional highlights
Pre-Departure Meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY BEFORE the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers. In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Vaccination Certificate. 3. Travel Voucher. 4. Travel Insurance Policy.
Meeting Point:	Hotel Espania Morande 510 Santiago Chile Tel: +56-2-696 6066 Fax: +56-2-696 0757
Introduction	This South American adventure explores the west coast of the continent. Our tour starts in bustling Santiago. A short hop across the Andes brings us into Argentina: land of wineries and fantastic colonial towns. Leaving Salta, we begin our ascent to the Bolivian altiplano, home of the blinding white salt flats and the world's highest capital. Crossing the Peruvian border to the islands which dot Lake Titicaca, we then head to the Inca town of Cusco, the jumping off point for our Inca Trail treks. Heading back towards sea level, we call in at Nazca along the way, before rounding off our trip in the city of Lima.
Day 1	Santiago. Our tour starts in Chile’s pleasant capital, Santiago, which still retains some of its old charm with a magnificent, tree-lined plaza, dominated by the main cathedral. You might want to take an optional cable car ride up San Cristobal Hill for magnificent views of the city and the backdrop of the snow-capped Andes in the distance or perhaps catch the changing of the guard at Plaza Constitucion or do some shopping for souvenirs!
Days 2-3	Mendoza. Our next stop is Mendoza, quite possibly the prettiest big city in Argentina with its tree-lined streets and shady plazas with the backdrop of the snow capped Andes. Mendoza is situated on the 33rd parallel and wine lovers will tell you that the world’s finest wines come from the 33rd parallel. Vineyards and wineries surround the city, each offering wine tasting tours so you may want to go and decide for yourself. In addition to the wineries, you might also want to visit the “bodega” of Chandon and indulge in a little sparkling wine tasting as well. Mendoza also has many fine restaurants and cafes, and for those who are a little more inclined towards action and adventure there are optional opportunities for white water rafting, trekking and hiking and a whole host of other outdoor activities.
Days 5-7	Salta. The picturesque colonial city of Salta, is both a tourist and handicraft centre. There are many fine colonial buildings and a cathedral with the highest church tower in South America! Other attractions include a excellent shopping and ‘Empanadas’, small meat pasties for which Salta is famous. Optional activities abound, including canopy tours, horseriding and grade 3 rafting. Plus for those looking for a quieter way to spend a day, there is the possibility of a visit to a local estancia or ranch. The land becomes more arid as we ascend to the Altiplano, and travel through the stunning Humahuaca Canyon with its many colourful rock formations, giant cacti. We pass the small colonial towns of Humahuaca, Tilcara and Purmamarca, the latter that is famous for its seven-coloured mountain, before crossing the border to Bolivia.
Days 5-8	Tupiza to Uyuni. Our next stop is Tupiza. The drive here is stunning, taking us through canyons and mountains covered with cacti. This is the land that Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid once roamed. Once at Tupiza we have the chance to do one of the many optional activities here including horseback riding, hiking, or a jeep safari.Our journey continues towards Uyuni, the jumping off point for our expedition out on to the great, blinding-white Salt Flats. This natural phenomenon is a massive, salt lake, which forms a strange lunar landscape that shimmers in the sunshine and stretches for hundreds of kilometres dotted with cacti and a few islands, which are home to strange colonies of rodents! Don’t forget your sunglasses!
Days 12 and 13	Potosi and Sucre. Heading across the Altiplano, we arrive in the interesting colonial city of Potosi. Potosi began its journey to fame almost 500 years ago when silver was discovered in Cerro Rico, a hill just outside the town. In the late 1700s, Potosi was the richest city in Latin America. The situation declined when the silver demand diminished but these days you can still choose to take a guided tour of Potosi’s silver mines (optional) as mining still continues today in primitive conditions, or wander around the colonial streets but whatever you choose to do, bring plenty of warm clothes. Potosi’s altitude of 4070m makes it not only the highest city in the world but also one of the coldest as well! Our next stop is the World Heritage Site of Sucre. Sucre is a lively university town and all the buildings in the city centre are painted white, giving it a colonial feel. We spend a full day and night here, giving you time to participate in optional excursions including the excellent archaeological tour to see the largest dinosaur tracks in the world.
Days 14 and 16	La Paz. La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, has been built 400metres below the 4-kilometre-high Altiplano, at the bottom of a canyon to escape the cold. As the city has grown, it has crept up the sides of the canyon and is now home to some fine, colonial architecture, as well as winding, cobble-stoned streets filled with markets of all types. The most interesting of these is the witches market, where you can purchase many different potions and spells! Nearby are some interesting, optional excursions: the highest ski resort in the world, Mount Chacaltaya, and the “Valley of the Moon” with its fascinating rock formations. There is also the option of visiting the Pre-Inca ruins of Tihuanaco or the famous bike ride down the world’s most dangerous road! Descend from 4700m to 1100m on mountain bikes in less than 5 hours.
Days 17 to 19	Puno, Lake Titicaca, Floating Islands. We depart from La Paz on day 2 after breakfast and travel into Peru, following the lakeshore to our next destination - the town of Puno, which lies on the shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3820m, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. The lake has great spiritual significance for the local people, and particularly the Inca culture, as it was here that Inca legend says that the first Inca Emperor, Manco Capac rose from its waters to begin the Inca Empire. Titicaca means Rock of the Puma. After spending the night in Puno, the next morning we take a boat trip across the blue waters of the lake to the Floating Reed Islands of the Uros Indians. They make the islands from the tortoro reeds that grow on the lakeside. Our experienced local guide will give us information on the various customs of these people and you have the chance of buying some of their handicrafts and taking a short boat ride on one of their traditional fishing boats. From there we travel across the lake to Amantani Island where the Ayamara Indians live. Here we spend the night with a friendly local family, and get to know about how they live -a very different life from our own. In the early evening we climb to the top of the island for spectacular views of the sunset around Lake Titicaca. That night after dinner your family will dress you up in traditional costumes and take you dancing. Dance the night away to traditional music and learn some of the local dance moves. The next day we cross to the nearby island of Taquille. After a 45-minute hike to the top of the island you arrive at the small plaza, which has fantastic views of the lake. Taquille Island is famous for its superb handicrafts, which you can see in the cooperative market in the plaza. After a delicious fish lunch we return on the boat back to Puno one more night before heading to our next destination, the beautiful city of Cuzco.
Days 20 to 27	Cuzco and the Inca Trail. Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire. The word Cuzco actually derives from the word Qosqo (from the Inca language of Quechua), which means Navel of the World, for this city was the hub of a network extending to each of the 4 regions which formed the 4 parts of the world according to the Incas world view. This is where the Inca Emperors held their throne during the period of the Inca Empire in the 15th and early 16th centuries. The city has abundant historical buildings, and still has original Inca-built walls, as well as many colonial churches and houses. Cuzco has some stunning attractions. Take a look at the magnificent Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral is on one side and the La Compania de Jesus on the other. And there are many ancient Inca sites to visit in and around Cuzco. Most notable are those of Koricancha and Sacsayhuaman. Koricancha, or place of gold, was the Incas principal religious building, dedicated to the worship of the sun. Sacsayhuaman is situated on the outskirts of Cuzco overlooking the city. This spectacular fortress guarded the Inca Capital. The ruins are renowned for their enormous carved stones joined together with incredible precision. Cuzco has some great markets for souvenir hunting – good buys are jewellery, ceramics, and woodcarving, which you can get from workshops that are open to the public. And while you’re here you can eat to your hearts content for the trek ahead. Cuzco has lots of great restaurants and bars. Peruvian food is good and hearty, featuring tamales filled with cheese or meat, soups and stews, kebabs and peppers - don't forget to try the guinea pig! Cuzco is also renowned as a party town - with some of the best nightlife in Peru. The trip now takes you to the Urumbamba Valley for a tour of what is know as the Sacred Valley. We visit the magnificent ruins of Pisac, set high in the walls of the valley, and then to the famous markets in the town of Pisac below the ruins. These markets offer a great selection of blankets, jumpers and other local handicrafts. From here we continue along the valley to Ollantaytambo, where we visit another Inca ruin before spending the night at Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From Ollantaytambo we begin our four-day and three-night hike to mythical Machu Picchu. The trek takes you in the footsteps of the ancient Incas along original pathways and past many ruins. Day one of the trek includes approximately 6 hours walking, taking in some spectacular scenery and local life as we walk through a couple of villages. Day two is the tough one as we reach the highest point of the trail at Dead Women’s Pass with an altitude of just over 4200 metres above sea level. Day 3 requires a bit more uphill climbing before beginning the gradual descent down towards Machu Picchu. We rise very early on the morning of Day 4 so that you arrive at the Sun Gate for dawn on the final day. Providing the weather is clear, the view from the Sun Gate down to Machu Picchu is breathtaking and something you will never forget. Imagine what it was like for the explorer Hiram Bingham who discovered this long-lost city back in 1911 and gave the world one of its most breathtaking ancient sites. The city, with its temples stairways and gabled dwellings is probably one of the most astounding engineering feats of the whole of the Ancient American civilizations. What you see is never to be forgotten - but have your camera ready as well, just for the record. Upon reaching the ruins, our experienced local guides will give you a tour of the ruins for approximately two hours and then the rest of the day is yours to explore the ruins. An ascent of the nearby Huayna Picchu mountain offers fantastic views of the city of Machu Picchu and some great photos as well. If you wish to guarantee your permit, this must be booked in advance. For more details please see the Inca Trail sector of our Pre Departure Information below. In the event that we are unable to obtain Inca Trail permits, we will include the Lares Trek or Classic Train to Machu Picchu That afternoon you can lie back and relax in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes (optional) before catching the train back to Cuzco where we arrive in the evening. The following day you have a free day to relax, participate in optional excursions, have a massage or to do some souvenir shopping! Please note - trekking the Lares Trek as an alternative: Lares is a high altitude trek, and many trekkers find the first day, in particular, to be challenging. This is due to the fact that the trek starts at a fairly high altitude, and continues to ascend further on Day 1. At the outset of the trek, you may find yourself very short of breath, and have to walk very slowly during ascents. If you are at all concerned, please speak to your guide immediately. You should be in good physical shape before undertaking this trek. Please note that you MUST ensure that you spend a minimum of 1.5 - 2 full days in Cusco (or at higher altitude than Cusco) in order to acclimatise for the Lares trek. Without this minimum acclimatisation period, we may not be able to allow you to trek, and no refund will be issued. All our Overland and Small Group tours allow for minimum acclimatisation.
Days 28-31	Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa is set against a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Arequipa is a very attractive colonial city with beautiful plaza, cathedral and cobble stoned streets. We visit the once mysterious Monasterio de Santa Catalina, which was built in the 16th century and became a secret city within a city. Behind its walls up to 450 nuns and their servants lived lives that no one else knew about. It was opened to the public gaze in the 1970s, and you are now able to take a guided tour through its maze of alleyways and gardens. Another interesting is to visit Juanita (optional). Juanita is an Inca mummy, sacrificed to the Inca gods over 500 years ago, and then found by a team of archaeologists at the top of the Volcano near Ambato, over 5000 metres high, in 1995. Many of the textiles and gold which adorned her were very well preserved, and they continue to be well preserved, along with many other artifacts, at her home in the Universidad Catolica near the Santa Catalina monastery. From Arequipa, we take an overnight excursion to Colca Canyon.Chivay is our base to do our trip to see the Condors in Colca Canyon nearby and is a very traditional mountain town with many of the locals dressed in traditional costume. Another great attraction of Chivay is the nearby hot springs. You can enjoy a drink as you relax in the soothing waters of the baths. We head to Cruz del Condor, the edge of the mighty Colca Canyon. Not only does this spot provide some spectacular mountain views, but we are in a prime position at 1,200 metres above the canyon floor to get a memorable sight of the magnificent Condors, the heaviest flying bird in the world, and a wingspan of 3 metres, soaring majestically up the canyon on the thermals. Great photo opportunity! Our route from Colca Canyon takes us past amazing Inca farming terraces and away from the valley as we continue further down into the Peruvian Andes towards Arequipa. On the way we drive though spectacular mountain scenery, and over a pass at 4900 metres altitude. We also see many of the South American Camelids, the most well known being the Llama, along with its smaller relations the Alpaca and the Vicuña, which is said to have the finest wool in the world. We then return to Arequipa for a free day, before boarding an overnight bus to Nazca.
Days 32-34	Nazca, Huacachina and Ballestas Islands. At the town of Nazca there is an optional morning flight over the Nazca Lines, which reveals strange mystical shapes and figures etched into the desert floor by the ancient Nazca peoples over 2,000 years ago. From the air you will see (amongst other designs) a spaceman, spider, monkey and a condor. Please note: Current UK FCO travel advice states that "British nationals should take account of the serious risks involved in flying over the Nazca Lines. There have been a number of fatal accidents and emergencies at Nazca over many years, including three fatal accidents since 2008. Past accident investigations have shown that necessary aircraft safety and maintenance standards were not being implemented. We have no reason to believe that proper safety and maintenance standards are now being reliably adhered to. ". As client safety and security is of paramount importance to us, our crew are currently unable to book or recommend Nazca Lines flights on behalf of our clients. Should you wish to participate in Nazca Lines flights you do so at your own risk and Kumuka cannot be held responsible for any injury or fatality connected with flights over the Nazca Lines. As an alternative, you may wish to visit the Nazca Lines lookout tower, located just outside Nazca town. In the afternoon we visit the Cemetery of Chauchilla, dating from the Nazca period where human bones and sculls lay scattered on the desert floor. Much of the cemetery has been excavated to reveal mummies with their hair and clothes still intact. After breakfast the next day we continue to the oasis village of Huacachina. For the active, there are optional dune buggy and sandboarding excursions. Or you can kick back and relax beside the pool in the sunshine! We depart early the following day to Paracas, a small fishing village and gateway to the Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Park (optional). We enjoy a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, known for their sea lions and spectacular array of sea birds. We pass the Candelabra, an ancient drawing etched into a hillside visible only from the sea. Ballestas means ‘arches’ in Spanish and the islands are named for their many caves and tunnels. On our return to the mainland we may see flocks of flamingos feeding in the shallow waters of the bay. We have a free afternoon in Huacachina.
Day 35	Paracas - Lima. After a free morning in Huacachina, we catch a short taxi ride to Ica then the bus to Lima, where we will arrive late in the afternoon and where we will spend the last night of the tour. Lima, the capital city of Peru, is a huge, sprawling and very busy city with a population of 8 million people - one third of the population of Peru. After the conquest of the Incas, the leader of the Spanish Conquerors, Francisco Pizarro looked to establish a capital for the new Spanish colonies in South America. The Inca capital of Cusco was not considered suitable as the Spanish were sea-faring people, and so Lima was founded in 1535. It was originally known as the City of Kings. Lima became the seat of the Spanish Viceroyalty of South America. Lima has some great colonial architecture and some of the best museums in Peru. The Plaza de Armas has the main Cathedral, which houses the remains of Francisco Pizarro as well as many beautiful monuments. Also on the Plaza is the Presidential Palace, where each morning the palace guards perform a changing of the guard ceremony. The fabulous Gold Museum houses a private collection of gold and weapons, and the Museo de la Nacion houses many exhibits and artifacts from the ancient cultures of Peru. Our hotel is in downtown Lima, a delightfully colonial area full of museums, churches and lovely architecture, while the coastal suburb of Miraflores is a striking contrast with outdoor bars, nightclubs and modern shops.
Day 36	Lima. Tour ends.
Finishing Point:	Hotel Kamana Jr. Camana 547 Lima Downtown Peru Tel: +51 - 1 - 426 - 7204 Please contact Kumuka or your travel agent should you wish to organise any post tour accommodation.
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in South America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary. CONTINGENCY FUND: Protests and civil unrest occasionally take place in South America, namely Peru and Bolivia. Occasionally this might mean that we have to fly between two destinations in order to continue the tour. We strongly recommend that you bring along a contingency fund (as a guide we suggest USD300) or a credit card to cover any unexpected additional travel costs that may arise in these circumstances. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, visas, pre and post tour accommodation.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. It must be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. PLEASE NOTE IF YOUR TOUR INCLUDES THE INCA TRAIL, KUMUKA MUST HAVE YOUR FULL NAME, PASSPORT DETAILS AND DATE OF BIRTH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR TREKKING PERMIT. ALL PERMITS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your South America trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Brazilian Visas – All those requiring Brazil visas must obtain these prior to entry; it is strongly recommended these are arranged prior to travel where possible. Obtaining Brazilian Visas in Buenos Aires. Please note: for Kumuka tours entering from Argentina these can be obtained at the Brazilian Consulate. All passengers must make and attend an appointment as well as allow time for the visa to be processed which can take anything from 12 hours up to 5 days, especially during months around Carnival. If for any reason your visa is delayed it may be necessary to make arrangements to meet up with the tour once it has left Buenos Aires. Please see the following website for details on how to make an appointment and what documents are required when applying for a tourist visa. Appointments can be booked online up to a month in advance and the contact numbers will put you through to an English speaker if required. http://www.conbrasil.org.ar/CONSBRASIL/visas_otros01engl.asp Embassy details: Consulate of Brazil Carlos Pellegrini 1363 – 5 Piso Buenos Aires C1011AAA Argentina Tel: +54 (11) 45156500 Contact number for appointments: +54 (11) 4515-6525 (Mon-Fri 9am-2pm/3-5pm) Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Entry Requirements - South America	Argentina - Proof of onward travel. Immigration officials in Argentina may require you to provide proof of onward travel – e.g. in the form of a return ticket. You are advised to make all related reservations before departing for Argentina. Airlines have occasionally refused to board passengers travelling to Argentina without such reservations. Entry Fees - Please note that US, Canadian and Australian citizens arriving into Argentina via Ezeiza International Airport or Jorge Newbery Airport and some international border points may be required to pay an 'entry fee' - this is not a visa however once paid allows muliple entries within a 12 month period from original date of entry. Currently this fee is between US$100-150 so please allow for this in your budgetting. As this advice changes regularly please check your local travel advisory or with the nearest Argentine embassy.
Medical Information & Vaccinations:	Compulsory Inoculations: Yellow Fever for Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru but ONLY if arriving from an infected area. Recommended Inoculations: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio. We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling and that you know your blood group in case of emergency. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Altitude Sickness:	If you are beginning your trip in one of the Andean countries (Peru, Ecuador or Bolivia) please be aware that you may be susceptible to some form of altitude sickness. If you are starting your trip in La Paz, allow 2 days to adapt to these conditions. You may feel nauseous, overwhelmingly tired, short of breath or experience headaches. There are methods though of minimising the levels of altitude sickness that each person experiences. Taking the following steps will greatly help in minimising the level of altitude sickness, but please be aware that every individual reacts differently to it. Drink plenty of bottled water. At high altitude your breathing is rapid and shallow, causing you to dehydrate. 2 litres of water per day is the recommended amount. Avoid alcohol. Avoid smoking. If you are a heavy smoker they should either cut down or stop completely for their time in the altitude (although some smokers say they have an easier time because they are used to having less oxygen). Taking the above measures will in most cases mean that within 2 days your body should adjust to taking less oxygen but each individual will be affected differently.
Malaria:	Prophylactic tablets are essential in some areas of South America. They are prescribed by your vaccinating doctor and should be taken as directed.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. Take your money is US dollars only. This the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America. It is recommended that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20) as well as larger amounts, all notes should have been issued since 2001 anything before that may not be accepted due to counterfeit concerns. In many countries, you may exchange US Dollars traveller’s cheques for US cash, or retrieve US dollars cash from ATMs (with a credit card), usually for a small commission but please do not rely solely on this option. Credit cards are accepted frequently, particularly in the larger cities. They can also be used to get money from ATMs. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful. If you choose to travel with traveller's cheques these should be AMERICAN EXPRESS which are the most readily accepted however, please note that exchanging traveller's cheques can be a lengthy process and you may not be able to exchange them in smaller towns or more remote areas. Travelex cards or other travel debit cards are an alternative option if you do not wish to carry much cash.
Security:	We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. Please note that we DO NOT RECOMMEND that passengers bring suitcases. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. This can also be used for carrying 2 days of clothing so it is not always necessary to unload the large backpacks every night. You will be in hotels and hostels for the majority of the tour so do not require a sleeping bag, however you may wish to bring the following for the Inca trail, although these CAN BE HIRED in Cuzco for a small cost per day, your tour leader will confirm costs at the Pre-departure meeting. Inner Sheet - for your hired sleeping bag. Can also be used as a sleeping bag when it's hot. Sleeping Bag - a good quality sleeping bag, rated for sub-zero conditions is the best for tours, which travel through the Andes and Patagonia. You can purchase extra blankets in South America cheaply. We recommend a Four Seasons sleeping bag. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. We choose our hotels, guesthouses and hostels for their location, comfort, security and hygiene standards. All are located near the city centre usually within easy walking distance of services and facilities. Most rooms are on a twin, double or triple share basis with private bathrooms. Accommodation is not included in the city of departure or arrival (unless within the specified tour dates). Passengers doing a combination tour will have accommodation included when passing through a joining city (maximum 2 nights) providing they have booked on the combination tour code. You should allow US$25 to US$40 per day to cover food and accommodation during this time.
Food:	Local Restaurants - Latin American food is delicious, nutritious and varied and local restaurants provide an important insight into local ways of life. There is always an excellent range of restaurants to choose from. An evening meal can range from US$5 up to US$20. Most travellers spend an average of US$5 to US$15 plus drinks. Local alcoholic drinks are generally inexpensive even in restaurants and bars. Vegetarians are easily catered for.
Participation:	The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from your trip. It is all about participation and mucking in with your fellow passengers! Please note: The longer Kumuka tours are combinations of shorter tours. Lima and La Paz are also pickup and drop off points for passengers so new faces and personalities will join the tours.
Inca Trail:	Introduction This is a moderate to strenuous hiking trek to the Lost City of Machu Picchu. The gateway for this trek is Cuzco, where passengers leave their luggage at the hotel and only need to take their mats, sleeping bags and personal items necessary for the duration of the excursion (4 days). Porters Porters are included. General porters carry tents, food, cooking equipment. We also include personal porters for approx 7kgs per person. They carry sleeping bags, clothes etc. You need to carry a day pack with water bottle, jacket, camera etc. As porters are split between group members, 7kgs is a rough guide as to the weight that a personal porter will carry. Additionally, it may sometimes be possible to hire extra porters on Day 2 (the most difficult day of the trek) if you require, to carry day packs etc to second campsite. Approx cost is USD25 - this is not organised through Kumuka or our ground handler. Foam sleeping mats are provided by the ground handler, weighing 800g and counted as part of the 7kgs carried by personal porters. Tipping Tipping is entirely at your discretion although it is commonplace for trekkers to tip their guides and porters on the during the Inca Trail and Lares treks. We recommend you carry approximately USD50-60 to cover the tipping tradition. Itinerary and Distances This is a guideline to the average distances and altitudes during the Inca Trail (please note all the information is a guideline only and every person must judge their own physical condition personally). Should you believe you are not fit enough for this hike, you can go to Machu Picchu by train, please advise your tour leader. Day 1 - trailhead to first camp Huayllabamaba (2700 m), distance 13 km, an average hiking time 7 hours with stops. Day 2 - hardest day, ascending to 4200m, distance 15KM, average hiking time 8 hours with breaks. Day 3 - very scenic day with many Ruins en route, distance 14 KM, camp at Winaywayna 2700m. 7-8 hours hiking. Day 4 - start in the dark to get to Machu Picchu at sunrise, 3 hours hike and free morning to explore Machu Picchu. If you wish to climb Wayna Picchu, please co-ordinate this with your guide as the park has restricted climbing times and numbers to An ascent of the nearby Huayna Picchu mountain offers fantastic views of the city of Machu Picchu and some great photos as well. If you wish to guarantee your permit, this must be booked in advance. Return to Aguas Calientes (bus down from Machu Picchu payable locally). For those who have hired personal porters, blue sacks will be given out a lunchtime for you to transport your belongings back to Cusco. Train back to Ollantaytambo. Permit Availability Availability of Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu permits is limited, particularly during high season when the number of tourists wishing to walk the Inca Trail is greater than the number of permits available. Whilst we will endeavour to organise an Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu permit for you, these are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. In the event that permits for the Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu are unavailable, we will advise you as soon as possible about the two possible alternatives for reaching Machu Picchu 1- The 4 day Lares trek and 2- The 2 day Classic Train trip. Our website tour departure dates are updated frequently to indicate availability or non-availability of Inca Trail permits, however, permit availability can change with little warning: whilst we endeavour to keep this information as current as possible, we cannot guarantee permit availability. Passport Details Please ensure that you provide Kumuka with your passport details at the time of booking. Failure to do so may mean that you miss out on an Inca Trail permit as these can sell out very quickly. Kumuka will apply for your Inca Trail permit with the passport details which you provide us at the time of booking. If you hold more than one passport you must advise Kumuka which passport details we should use in order to apply for the Inca Trail permit. Pre-payment of Inca Trail deposit The cost of the Inca Trail deposit must be paid in full at the time of booking. This is in addition to the tour deposit and is non refundable. Inca Trail permits will be applied for ONLY once full payment of deposit, and written confirmation of your full name, passport number and date of birth have been received. These deposits are included in the total tour price, and this amount will be deducted from the tour balance once paid. Please refer to http://www.kumuka.com/Inca-Trail-News.aspx for more information. Late Permit Applications Late Inca Trail permit applications may occasionally incur an extra charge as we may need to organise an additional guide and pay for their trekking permit in order to secure your permit. We will advise you at the time of booking. Changes and Amendments Note that fees apply if you need to make changes and/ or amendments to your Inca Trail permit due to factors such as passport loss or renewal, illness, failure to provide Kumuka with correct details, date changes and tour transfers. For full information, please refer to: http://www.kumuka.com/Inca-Trail-News.aspx No Permit Availability We can normally arrange the alternative 4 day Lares trek. Lares departures generally coincide with high season. Due to lesser demand and inclement weather, departures on the Lares Trail are limited during the low season. If there is no availability for either the Inca Trail or the Lares trek, we can normally arrange for you to spend 2 extra days in Cusco and then take the 2 day Classic Train trip to Machu Picchu, where you will meet with your original group for the guided visit to Machu Picchu. Please note that if we are unable to secure you an Inca Trail permit and you do not wish to hike the alternative Lares trek or take the Classic Train trip, your deposit will be returned to you. High Season/ Low Season Information November to March is considered low season. We can often obtain permits at short notice during this time. April to October is considered high season. We require your passport details as far in advance as possible during this time. The trail is closed during the month of February for maintenance. If your tour coincides with the Inca Trail closure, we can normally offer Lares or the Classic Train.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
Language:	Spanish is the language most widely spoken in the countries we visit in Latin America but English is spoken a little bit in the larger cities. In Brazil the main language is Portugese. Other languages you may encounter are; Quechua, spoken in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, Amyara spoken in Peru and Bolivia. Welsh is spoken in some of the old Welsh colonies of Argentinean Patagonia, with Guarani spoken in Northern Argentina. The Amazon region of Brazil is also home to many tribal languages, for example, Tupi. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Tipping	Tipping porters and trekking crew is a tradition on the Inca Trail and Lares treks. However, tipping is at your discretion: please do not feel obliged to do so.
Photography:	Most passengers will travel with digital cameras. Should you run out of memory you can download your photos onto CD at the local internet cafes or camera shops on your tour. Alternatively, you may be able to purchase extra memory cards. With regards to film, all types of camera film are readily available in South America. However, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. Most Latin American countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders, bridges and any government building. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your camera confiscated. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Climate Information:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com. Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything! In Patagonia temperatures can fall to below zero, even in the height of summer. Be prepared for very cold conditions. You should bring a warm jacket, gloves and woolly hat if you are doing a trip in Patagonia.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:	If you wish to spend a few additional days in your starting or finishing city, then we can arrange accommodation for you. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Optional Activities:	During your tour your Tour Leader and/or Guide will recommend a variety of optional activities operated by carefully selected ground handlers to make your tour even more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners have been chosen for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. All optional activities are available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. To start planning and budgeting for any optional activities that you may chose on your tour, please visit: http://www.kumuka.com/South-America-Optional-Activities.aspx IMPORTANT: Some tours depart from the starting city very early on Day 1, therefore you might not have enough time to enjoy the optional activities in that area. Furthermore, some tours end on arrival in the finishing city and your flight may leave early the following morning, therefore leaving no time to partake in any optional activities in that area.
Cusco Hospitals Volunteer Programme - Optional:	From March 2011, whilst in Cusco you may wish to consider an optional, hour-long visit to either children at Regional or Antonia Lorena Hospital. Please speak to your Tour Leader or the local operator if you would like to participate or learn more about this. Both the Regional Hospital and the Antonia Lorena Hospital in Cusco, are hospitals for local people who do not have insurance. People using these tend to be from impoverished mountain communities, and lack the money required to buy medications and treatments. Additionally, because their communities are often a great distance from the hospitals, children in the hospital are often alone for long periods of time, as parents need to either work, or take care of their other children. A number of activities take place on the Hospital Volunteer Program to facilitate the childrens' healing and rehabilitation. The program aims to not only lift the spirits of patients, but also to create an atmosphere in which the anxiety of being in hospital can be averted. Projects and activities include colouring-in, playing with toys, reading books, making of cards, sewing, balloon volleyball, table tennis, and Maths or communication based activities and using a computer. Visitors can assist with and participate in these. You may wish to consider bringing along a small gift of a colouring book and crayons, building blocks, or a story book, all of which can be purchased locally in Cusco. Alternatively, if you have space in your backpack, any sturdy, second-hand toys, hard cover picture books in good condition or donations of second hand baby and children's clothes would be gratefully received. Additionally, if you would like to make a monetary donation to the programme, Kumuka and/ or your Tour Leader can advise you on how to do so. Donations received go towards the purchasing of medications and medical needs.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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