Andean Explorer Lima to Cusco – 14 Days TOUR DOSSIER

Discover the Andes in Peru – 14 Days Explore the cultural heartland of the Incas, and the myths and mysteries surrounding this ancient civilization. After some time to explore Lima, the colonial capital of Peru, a short flight takes you up into the Andes to Lake Titicaca, the birth place of the Incas before we continue to Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas. Explore the mysterious Sacred Valley of the Incas and the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu.

ITINERARY Lima – Cusco Day 1- 4 Your journey begins in Lima, the colonial capital of Peru where you will see the sites of the city on before taking a flight to Arequipa where you will join your Viva group expedition. Arequipa is a beautiful city surrounded by spectacular mountains. Peru’s second largest city and UNESCO cultural heritage site, you can appreciate many buildings dating back to colonial times that were built from the white colored volcanic rock named sillar giving the buildings a dazzling shine. Here we will explore the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a huge convent with a fascinating history and stunning architecture. We will also visit “Juanita” – the Ice Princess, a frozen ice maiden who was sacrificed on the summit of Mount Ampato (6288m) over 500 years ago. Moving to Colca Canyon we will get to Arguably the world’s deepest canyon & home to numerous Andean condors, walk the picturesque pre Inca terracing that are still being used by farmers today. Day 5 – 9 An early morning start to view condors circling out of the canyon before we enjoy some time walking around the canyon area. In the evening relax in the areas hot thermal springs. Next day we will drive across the Andean plains where Vicuña and Alpaca roam, to arrive on the shores of Lake Titicaca at Puno. We take a boat tour Lake to visit the Islas Uros, where the Uros Indians have made their home on floating reed islands and Taquile Island, famous for its traditional handicrafts and isolated way of life. We then wind our way through the Peruvian highlands, past rural communities and over scenic mountain passes to arrive in Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas and home to the ancient Inca Empire. We discover the highlights of Cusco on a walking tour including the Cathedral, the ruins of Sacsayhauman & the temple of the sun. Day 10 – 14. Head off into the Sacred Valley to visit the colonial village of Pisac, famous for its lively market and the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo. Morning at leisure to enjoy Ollantaytambo before boarding the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, a charming town at the base of Machu Picchu Mountain.

Next day we start our day early in the morning to arrive at Machu Picchu for sunrise followed by a guided tour to visit this spectacular and awe-inspiring location is without a doubt one of the best experiences South America has to offer. Continue we will have our last day at leisure to enjoy Cusco, stroll through the walled alleys, enjoy coffee in the busy plazas and market places or enjoy adventure activities such a biking, rafting, paragliding and more.

INCLUSIONS What’s Included:  13 nights accommodation in comfortable tourist class hotels.  13 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners  Transport in our custom built all-terrain expedition vehicles*  Expert Western tour leader and local guides throughout* (*You will join you expedition tour in Arequipa on day 2).  Experienced Western Driver/Mechanic  All Entrance fees  Activities: Lima colonial city tour Arequipa city tour with Monastery of Santa Catalina Juanita Ice Maiden Museum Colca Canyon guided tour Flight of the Condors at Colca Canyon Colca Canyon thermal hot springs Hiking in Colca Canyon region Tour of Lake Titicaca - Uros and Taquile Islands Cusco city tour and Sacsayhauman ruins Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas Machu Picchu tour with Vistadome train Please refer to the trip notes below for more detailed information.

TRIP NOTES ARRIVING INTO LIMA Upon arriving in Lima you will be met and transferred to your hotel. CASA ANDINA CLASSIC MIRAFLORES CENTRO Address: Av. Petit Thouars N° 5444 Miraflores, Lima Phone: (51) 1213 9739 Web: http://www.casa-andina.com/classic-miraflores-centro/w

Please not that due to availability the joining hotel may change. Any changes will be notified to the client. On day 2 you will enjoy a morning city tour of Lima before being transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Arequipa. Your Viva group tour officially begins at 7.00 pm on Day 2. at our hotel in Arequipa where we will have a pre-departure meeting in which your tour leader will welcome you to South America and give you a run down on the things you need to know. Please bring to this meeting   

2 photocopies of your passport A copy of your travel insurance policy Your local payment

Our hotel in Arequipa is: La Casa De Mi Abuela Calle Jerusalen 606 Cercado Arequipa Perú. Phone: (0051) 54241206 Fax: (0051) 54242761 Website: www.lacasademiabuela.com/inicio_en.htm Please not that due to availability the joining hotel may change. Any changes will be notified to the client.

FLIGHT INFORMATION When booking flights the best option is generally an “open jaw” or “multi city” type ticket which allows you to fly into one destination and out of another. Try airlines such as LAN Chile, Aerolineas Argentinas, Iberia, American Airlines, KLM, British Airways and Qantas. It is easy to find flight prices online, through various search engines (www.opodo.co.uk, www.ebookers.co.uk & www.webjet.com are just a few) and direct with the airline websites. However it is worth bearing in mind that you may well be able to find a cheaper fare through a travel agent, whose experience may help with complicated itineraries and many of whom offer airline insolvency cover in the cost. It is important to book your flights as early as possible.

One way ticket – if you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket we recommend that you have a copy of you payment confirmation / receipt available at immigration to assist easy entry.

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS VISA The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant Visas you require. We recommend obtaining this visa before travel. For more information on other nationalities and visas checkout www.projectvisa.com Country Ecuador Peru Bolivia Chile Argentina Uruguay Brazil Venezuela Colombia

British No No No No No No No No No

Australian No No No No No No Yes* No No

N. Zealand No No No No No No No No No

Sth African No No Yes* No No No No No No

American No No No No No No Yes* No No

Canadian No No No No No No Yes* No No

NEW RECIPROCITY FEE FOR U.S./AUSTRALIA/CANADA TOURIST OR BUSINESS VISITORS ENTERING ARGENTINA The National Immigration Agency (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones) has added a new form of payment of the reciprocity rate (visitor visa – rate for Americans of USD$160, Australia USD$100 and Canada USD$75 single entry), through the Provincia Payment System. US, Australian & Canadian tourist or business visitors must pay the reciprocity rates (USD$160 for Americans, Australia USD$100, Canada USD$75 single entry) with their credit card through the on-line system. Cash payments will NOT be accepted at the airports. How to pay the reciprocity fee on-line: 1) Enter the web site www.migraciones.gov.ar or www.provinciapagos.com.ar of Provincia Pagos and register to start the process. 2) Complete the form with the corresponding personal and credit card information. 3) Print the payment receipt. 4) On arrival in Argentina, this printed receipt must be presented at Immigration Control. The receipt will be scanned by the Immigration officials, the information will be checked, and the traveler’s entry to the country registered. RECIPROCITY FEE FOR U.S./AUSTRALIA/CANADA TOURIST OR BUSINESS VISITORS ENTERING CHILE

Important note: nationals of Australia, Canada and USA entering Chile for touristic purposes, are charged a ‘processing fee’ on arrival at the airport. This is payable in $US cash or by credit card. Chile (Santiago) = Australia US$100, Canada and USA US$132. PASSPORT You will need at least 1 blank page per country in your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 to 9 months after your trip finishes (for more information check the FCO advice for each country under "entry requirements"). If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport for the entire trip. Important note: You must travel with the passport with which you booked. The passport information you supply upon booking is the passport you need to travel with in South America. If you need to change or renew your passport prior to travel please advise us at the time of booking. Immigration Cards - On arrival to countries in South America, you will be given an ’Immigration card’. It is important that you keep this with your passport during your entire stay in the particular country as it is needed for departure. Failure to produce this immigration slip can result in a fine. For those flying with a USA airline and transiting through the USA - PLEASE READ: Updated USA visa information in effect as of 12 January 2009. The US government has announced that as of 12 Jan 09 a new online system known as Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) that is part of the visa waiver programmer (VWP) is mandatory. To apply for authorization to travel to or via the US (even on transit) under the VWP, travellers will have to log on to the ESTA web based system and complete an application online providing biographical and eligibility information. In most cases, ESTA will provide an almost immediate determination of eligibility to travel under the VWP. If your country does not appear on the Visa Waiver Program list below, you will need to apply for a visa to the US before flying out to join your tour. More information can be found at: Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk; U.S State Department travel advice: www.travel.state.gov or www.usembassy.org.uk Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are; United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. If your nationality does not participate in the VWP, check the US State Dept. website for your visa requirements and how to apply. Failure to determine your eligibility for travel under the Visa Waiver Program or to apply for a visa to travel to the US will result in you being denied by airlines and or the US government to travel to or via the United States.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Personal travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients whilst on a tour organized by Viva Expeditions. This must be organized prior to commencing any travel arrangements you have with us and it is your responsibility to ensure you are covered for the regions through which we will travel and for all activities you wish to undertake. A suitable policy must provide adequate cover for all necessary medical expenses and repatriation costs, loss of baggage, and cancellation or curtailment of your holiday. It is important that you read the terms and conditions of your policy very carefully. You should be aware of any exclusions relating to:  Pre-existing medical conditions (including allergies)  Certain activities deemed hazardous

Note: Travel Insurance attached to credit cards can often be very limited and is usually only affective if you have purchased your travel arrangements with your card. You will be asked by your tour leader to provide a copy of your travel insurance policy at the pre-departure meeting. The following information is required:  Your policy number  24 hour emergency contact number  Verification that the policy is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of the tour It is a condition of booking with Viva Expeditions that you provide this information to your tour leader at the beginning of the tour. Failure to provide this information may result in our refusal to accept you on the tour. Important note: It is highly recommended that you take out your travel insurance at the time of booking as your cover for pre-departure cancellation will commence from the date your policy is issued. This means that should you have to cancel your travel arrangements for any insured reason you may be able to claim back losses. This is subject to the standard terms and conditions of your policy.

TRAVELLING SOLO? Viva Expeditions offers a “willing to share” option for all single travellers. Providing you are willing to share we will attempt to pair you with another willing to share passenger of the same sex. If there is no one available to share you will have a single room but still pay only the twin share price. However if you are not willing to share and would like a private room throughout the tour you can guarantee this by choosing to pay the additional single supplement. Where time is spent camping single tents are on a subject to availability basis.

LOCAL PAYMENT WHAT IS A LOCAL PAYMENT? Local Payment is part of your overall tour cost and is the easiest and most economical way for Viva Expeditions to get hard currency to South America to help run your trip. It goes toward a variety of day to day local costs which cannot be pre-paid such as locally organised activities and meals at restaurants. WHY DO WE HAVE A LOCAL PAYMENT? Paying this money locally ensures tour leaders have a supply of money as access to banking facilities can at times be limited or nonexistent. Having a Local Payment also allows us to keep the cost of our tours competitive and save on operational and administrative costs, so we can pass the savings on to you. HOW DO WE PAY THE LOCAL PAYMENT? This is payable to your tour leader on the first day of your tour and needs to be in US Dollars cash only. Please note: US Dollar Travellers Cheques cannot be changed into US$ cash in most countries we visit,

they can only be changed into local currency (banks will often tell you differently, this is incorrect). In the few places where you can sometimes buy US$ cash, you will pay excessive charges. Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks. Do not bring all of your Local Payment in $100 notes and please make sure that they are post 1996 and not of a serial number starting with CB.

YOUR CREW We usually have two crew whose duties are extensive and demanding. Their challenges include:  Driving and maintaining the expedition vehicle to an extremely high standard  Organizing permits and border crossings  Booking accommodation and sightseeing  Organizing local guides  Keeping up to date on different products and finding the best deals  Shopping and food preparation  Maintaining a cohesive and fun environment  Socializing and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible It is extremely important that you treat your crew with the respect they deserve as they will constantly be doing their best to make your journey the best it can possibly be. It is important that you bear in mind that there is always a certain amount of unpredictability when travelling through a foreign country. Local circumstances can change which may result in your crew making a decision to amend the itinerary. These circumstances often lead to additional work and commitment for our crew who will do all they can to minimise disruption to the tour. These decisions are never taken lightly and changes made are made with the best interests of the passengers in mind. Please remember that such events occur outside our control. Essentially your crew are working or on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has to be remembered that no one is actually expected to work these hours, so at Viva we are realistic that within a trip there will be times when crew need ‘down time’ and a chance to relax and ‘let their hair down” as well. They are only human. Your tour leader, while knowledgeable and experienced, is not a guide as such. We travel through large areas of huge diversity rich with history and culture, and as such it would be impossible for your tour leader to be an expert on everything. As such when we visit important historical sites we generally employ the services of expert local guides who have many years experience and a wealth of knowledge of such sites. However, your tour leader will be more than willing to pass on any interesting and useful information that they have acquired while on the road. A rewarding way to gain a better insight into the flora & fauna, cultural & historical diversity on each region is by reading guide books as well as talking the local people. Your crew are there for you! They want you to have the best experience possible and will go out of their way to ensure that you leave South America with only fond and beautiful memories. If there is something you have a particular interest in, something special you would like to see or do, or you have anything to say about the tour at any stage your crew are approachable and will do anything possible to fulfil your needs. Remember all you have to do is ask. Please Note: At times tours may run with a driver / tour leader. This is based on passenger numbers as well as local conditions.

YOUR EXPEDITION VEHICLE Our vehicles are custom designed with your comfort in mind. We have allowed plenty of space on board such that you do not feel cramped or confined in any way. Our comfortable reclining coach seats offer ample leg room and there is plenty of space to move about and stretch your legs. There are spacious compartments which allow us to carry your luggage and souvenirs as well as ample spare parts, fuel, water and other necessities. Our powerful and strong vehicles enable us to pass through most terrains we may encounter on our journey. While most of the roads between Santiago and Ushuaia are in good condition others can be potholed or un-sealed and if wet can be quite muddy. Our vehicles are designed to deal with all of these circumstances and allow us to reach some of the more remote areas for which standard land transport is unsuitable. Our vehicles are fully insulated and heated for maximum comfort. Windows are large to offer optimal viewing and there are plenty of onboard services such as a toilet, drinking water, refrigerator, library, sound system and much more.

EQUIPMENT All of our expedition vehicles are equipped with:  Comfortable reclining coach seats  Onboard Toilet  12 volt cigarette sockets for recharging camera/video batteries  Internal & external lighting  Refrigerator for food and drinks  Onboard stereo with adaptors for MP3, I Pod, CD walkmans  Intercom system for communication with the crew  Extra storage space for excess baggage and souvenirs  Internal heating  Lockable safe for storage of money and small valuables  On board library  Professionally compiled expedition medical kit  Extensive range of spare parts  Tables and chairs for outdoors  A certain amount of food preparation equipment  Filtered drinking water  Large water & fuel carrying capacity ONBOARD SECURITY There is a lockable safe securely bolted and well hidden within the truck. This is for your money, passports and smaller valuables. Viva Expeditions does not take responsibility for client’s personal items. Other than money, passports and other items that are essential to your journey we recommend you leave other valuables such as expensive jewellery at home. You should carry a money belt that can be easily concealed under your clothing for when out and about and suggest you make use of the hotel safety deposit boxes when available.

ACCOMMODATION

13 nights accommodation in comfortable tourist class hotels.

HOTELS & GUESTHOUSES Viva Expeditions aims to maximize your comfort throughout your journey with us. We use good tourist class hotels and guest houses that are centrally located with ensuite bathroom facilities and good guest services. At times we will stay in traditional Haciendas or estancias that offer a good standard of lodgings. We want you to be comfortable at all times however the accommodation provided is typically 3*, it is not 4* or 5*! It is important to bear in mind that the standards of accommodation may vary depending on the areas through which we are travelling.

THE REALITY OF TRAVELLING OVERLAND A journey anywhere in the world, even from your home to place of work, can expose you to risk of an accident. However, travelling in the developing world can expose you to risks not normally faced at home and the type of travel on l our trips can sometimes be less predictable than you may expect. We therefore ask you to read the information online (or in our brochure) as well as our booking conditions and also all of the information provided within this document – important points include the following; ADVENTURE TRAVEL WITH VIVA EXPEDITIONS The countries we visit have lifestyles and expectations very different to those of developed countries and events can occur that will require patience and understanding from you the traveller. Health and Safety and operational standards, particularly of Hotels and Local Transport, can be unpredictable and are at times not up to western standards. However experienced and organised we and our Tour Leaders are, we are often at the mercy of the unpredictable. It is important to remember this and be aware that our type of trips can never be guaranteed to be without a hiccup or two. ITINERARIES Because Viva do not operate normal 'package holidays' the itineraries given cannot be guaranteed to run exactly as outlined. However, it is rare that we have to make major changes and in the event that we do this will be discussed with you either before or during the trip. It is important to bear in mind that should it not be possible to enter a certain country due to safety concerns, visa problems or political turmoil etc, and it becomes necessary to fly over a country in order to continue a trip, that all costs for flights will be borne by you and not Viva. Should it not be possible for an Viva trip to begin from a scheduled starting city due to border closures, civil unrest etc, Viva will make all reasonable efforts to begin the trip from an alternative location. However, all additional costs that you may incur in travelling to the alternative location will be paid by you or your insurance company and not Viva. ACCOMMODATION & YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

While reasonable care is taken in selecting accommodation the Health and Safety regulations in the countries through which we travel are not up to the standard of western countries. Because of this, care should be taken by you to familiarize yourself with the general layout of the accommodation so you may become aware of any specific risks or safety features. e.g. What route you would take to exit in a fire - if a hotel or campsite has a swimming pool it may not have any safety signs - you should expect occasional problems such as unreliable plumbing & hot water etc. If you choose to travel on this type of adventure trip in developing countries you must be prepared to accept that these types of incidences are all part of the possible experience. TRANSPORT AND ROADS In many of the countries in which we operate the road conditions and the transport regulations and facilities are not up to the standard of advanced western countries. Roads can be very badly potholed with unmarked speed bumps, lack of warning signs and road markings and sometimes we will drive off road on dirt roads or unmarked pistes. Other road users are often in vehicles which are poorly maintained or driven. It is important to bear in mind that while we do maintain our vehicles to high standards with any mechanical object breakdowns are possible. Our drivers all have a good mechanical knowledge and we carry an array of spare parts to deal with most situation. However, the need to change a tyre or repair something on the vehicle may cause delays to scheduled travel times. It is important to recognise this as part of travelling by land and be patient while repairs are made. If the situation is more serious then alternative transport may be arranged in order to minimise disruption to the tour. DRIVE DAYS You are travelling from Lima to La Paz by road and only need to look at a map to see that it is a reasonably long journey, approximately 2500 kilometres! While we have designed the tour to avoid excessively long drives you still need to expect and understand that there will be a lot of driving. We will not be driving every day, although there are times that we may drive for two. Remember however that travelling by land gives you the unique opportunity to truly see how different cultures live and exist in a world far different from our own. It allows us not only to visit the main tourist sites but also the more remote, off-the-beaten track areas that are less visited yet equally impressive. By using our own vehicle we have less time constraints and more freedom to explore at leisure. We do not drive to simply get to each destination; the driving itself is what allows you to see more of each country through which we travel. REMOTE AREAS We do visit some remote, off-the-beaten track areas as such you must expect that services in a remote area will be limited. There will be no large supermarkets, only smaller general stores. There will be no large hotel chains, only quaint hill-side cabins. There will be no wifi internet in your room; however your crew will be able to access communications in case of emergency. MEALS Most of your meals are included as part of the tour cost however there are a few lunches and evening meals that are intentionally not included. This is your chance to go out and explore and try local cuisine in local restaurants.

For group meals included on the trip you can expect the following: Breakfasts – These will be provided by the hotels that we stay in or when camping or sleeping in cabins will be cooked by your crew. Breakfasts may vary from hotel to hotel. On most days you can expect cereals, toast or bread rolls, butter and spreads, some fruit, juice, tea and coffee. Cooked eggs are also quite common at breakfast times. Lunches - On drive days we will have a picnic style lunch along our route. These are generally cold and reasonably quick. We often prepare sandwiches with meat, cheese, & salad ingredients along with fruit and juice. Some lunches will be eaten in restaurants. Dinners – Evening meals are generally enjoyed at a local restaurant. Meals are generally two courses (either and entree and a main or a main and a desert). Some restaurants provide a set menu with either limited options or a set plate. Other will be a-la-carte with more choice on offer. Drinks – All drinks, alcoholic & non-alcoholic, at restaurants are not provided unless included as part of a set menu (you crew will advise if drinks are included). Generally at meal times a separate tab will be kept for drinks and at the end of the meal these are paid for directly by the passengers. Tap water will be provided where available. Vegetarian & Special Diets – We will always do our best to cater for any dietary requirement or intolerance whenever possible. It must be remembered that the variety of dishes available may not be the same as those available to meat eaters. If there is anything in particular that you require in your diet, because of an allergy or you would miss from home then it would be best to bring these with you. Remember that when eating out in local restaurants and hotels that vegetarianism or food allergies / intolerances, is still not widely known about or understood by many local people. I.e. Vegetarians or vegans will often be offered fish or chicken in error. Most large towns and cities, or areas used to tourists, will often have more choice but please be aware that it will probably not be as varied as you are used to when eating at home. EMERGENCY SERVICES In many of the countries we visit, once we are outside major cities the emergency services and facilities are of a very limited nature compared to western countries. In summary it is very important to accept that our trips involve an element of personal risk and are of a potentially hazardous and unpredictable nature.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES A few notes about the activities included in the tour: 

Included activities are never compulsory. If you do not want to go on a particular hike or sightseeing tour and would prefer a day at leisure that is no problem. Please advise your tour leader when you do not wish to participate in a certain activity. Refunds will not be given for non-participation in included activities.

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Please be sure that you are prepared for any activity. For example when trekking make sure you are carrying you own water, food, personal medications as well as warm clothing and wet weather gear if required. If you are unsure about any activity be sure to approach your tour leader for more information.

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Travel Insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are insured for all activities you will undertake as part of the tour.

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Some activities operate as a shared service where you will share transport and a local guide with other travellers. Examples of such activities are: -

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Lake Titicaca Boat Cruise Paracas Marine Reserve Boat Trip

Guided and Unguided hikes. All included hikes on this tour are full guided (excluding walks undertaken in leisure time).

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES While we have tried to include as many of the popular activities as possible there are a range of additional activities available to you throughout the tour. These activities allow passengers to explore personal interests while not expecting the involvement of those who do not share the same interests. Below is an example of the most common optional activities available throughout the tour. The costs are only approximate as prices and exchange rates do change. Generally most of these activities need to be paid for in cash. PERU & BOLIVIA • White Water Rafting on the Urubamba river - from USD$50.00 • Horse riding in the area surrounding Cusco - from $25.00 USD • Paragliding Urubamba Valley - From USD$80.00 • Motor Bike excursions - From USD$75.00 per day • Mountain Bike Excursions ex La Paz - From USD$75.00 Important Note: The activities listed above are for your information only. They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Viva Expeditions or our staff. If you choose to undertake any optional activity you must clearly understand that the decision to do so is your own, independent of Viva Expeditions or our crew, and is done entirely at your own risk. It is also your responsibility to ensure that you are insured for such activities.

SECURITY IN SOUTH AMERICA While South America is generally a safe place to travel a certain amount of caution and in particular common sense must be remembered particularly in larger cities and towns. As with most major cities worldwide, South American cities have their share of pickpockets and thieves. Don't walk around town wearing expensive jewellery and wrist watches, carry large amounts of cash or carry cameras. It is always advisable to leave your valuables in the hotel safe. At night-time always use a taxi; don't walk around the streets at night. If approached by individuals on the street use your common sense. Avoid buying, bargaining, or negotiating with such people. However once out of the main cities people in small towns are generally a lot more relaxed. This is not meant to scare you as you will find people in South America to generally be kind and friendly however there are good and bad people everywhere so you must remember to exercise caution.

COMMUNICATIONS LANGUAGE Spanish is the official language throughout Peru & Bolivia. It is very useful to learn a few phrases and you will be pleasantly surprised at the reaction you will receive, and the satisfaction you will get, in being able to communicate with local people. CONTACT The easiest and most reliable way to receive messages from friends and family at home is via email. Internet access is available in most, but not all, of the towns that we visit either inside the hotel or at internet cafes in the town. While the efficiency or speed of the connection is often very good is never a guaranteed!! In general you will usually be able to email at least every few days.

PERSONAL HEALTH HEALTH To join the expedition you should be in good general health. We must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition or are on any regular medication. Your medical insurance co’ must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition / allergy or if you are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. For general health advice log onto www.nathnac.org/travel/ FITNESS The tour is suited to active people of reasonable fitness. A number of the activities available throughout include a certain amount of walking or trekking, often up hills or over uneven surfaces. HYGIENE We make every effort to ensure we maintain hygiene to a very high standard. This applies to food preparation and cleanliness of vehicle and our equipment. You can help by ensuring you always wash your hands before eating or after touching possibly unsanitary objects. VACCINATIONS It is your responsibility to ensure you have had all the necessary vaccinations prior to commencing the tour. Vaccination against Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A and Meningitis is advisable and you should consult your GP or a reputable travel doctor about the necessity of having Yellow Fever, Hepatitis B and Rabies shots. Please note that we are not medically trained and are unable to give detailed information or professional advice on vaccination requirements so please use this information only as a guide. Useful information can be found online at the following sites: www.traveldoctor.co.nz www.traveldoctor.com.au www.traveldoctor.co.uk www.onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com www.nomadtravel.co.uk www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

MEDICAL KITS We carry professionally compiled medical kits with emergency First Aid materials and antibiotics. However, the crew is not entitled to recommend or prescribe any medicine and we advise a health check with your GP and Dentist before you start your journey. PERSONAL MEDICINES Even though each of our vehicles is equipped with comprehensive medical kit - it is not for general everyday use. We advise you bring along your own small medical kit which should include:            

Eye drops/bath Antiseptic ointment Anti-diarrhoea treatment Neurofen or equivalent pain-killer Antihistamine cream and tablets Sun block / after sun lotion / moisturiser / lip balm Some suitable antibiotics as recommended by your doctor Assorted plasters Insect repellent containing Deet Rehydration sachets / Vitamin Tablets Medication for personal allergies / asthma etc A couple of bandages ( elasticised and triangular)

Please ensure your medical kit is portable so that you can carry with you while out and about on walks or other excursions. You cannot rely on others to carry this for you and you never know when you may be in need. MALARIA In some of the areas we visit there is may be a risk of contracting Malaria; however you should consult your doctor about the need for Anti-Malarial Prophylactics prior to travel. You must be aware that whatever malaria prophylactics you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing ’Deet’ applied to them. Your crew will advise on where the worst affected areas are on the trip. There are a number of prophylactic malaria treatments on the market & requirements change. It is also wise to take a sample of whichever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave. This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change the regimen if necessary. Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice. For more information visit: the www.onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com, www.nomadtravel.co.uk or www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk Medical advice should be taken particularly if you are visiting the jungle in Ecuador or Peru, the Brazilian Pantanal or Iguazu Falls in either Argentina or Brazil as part of your trip. ALTITUDE SICKNESS This is caused by thin air and can affect anyone arriving at high altitude (above 3000mtrs). The symptoms are headaches, dizziness, shortage of breath and possibly nausea. To avoid this or alleviate the symptoms rest for a few hours, and avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, large meals, and take it easy for at least 24 hours and drink plenty of water.

If flying directly into a high altitude area it is recommended to arrive a day before the tour begins so that you may relax and allow your body time adjust to the altitude. DENGUE Unlike the malaria mosquito which bites at night, the dengue carrying mosquito bites during the day. Some areas we travel to do have occasional outbreaks & it is therefore advised that you take care not to be bitten during the day as well as at night. There is no vaccine available.

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY Photography as a fantastic way to capture and remember your experience however there a few things you should bear in mind:  We recommend you have a good all-round carry case to protect your camera from dust and knocks. Plastic or zip-lock bags are often useful to protect your camera in dusty, sandy or wet conditions.  It is forbidden in all the countries we visit to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts and airports are also sensitive. As such it is best to avoid photography in such circumstances unless you are prepared to have your film or possibly your camera confiscated.  Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people. If in doubt always ask first if it is okay with the person for you to take their photo. Please be sensitive to their circumstances and also their rights as it can be very insulting to take someone’s photo if this is against their will. SLR CAMERAS An SLR camera with a good zoom will get you some great scenery and people shots. While often available sometimes it can be difficult to find good film at a reasonable price. It is defiantly advisable that you bring enough film to last you for the entire trip. DIGITAL & VIDEO CAMERAS Be sure to bring you’re a charger and some spare batteries. Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download your pictures onto CDs or internet sites. We also advise that you to bring your USB cable for your camera so you can connect it in the internet cafes. We also recommended that you bring at least 2 memory cards of 512mb or higher so that you are not caught out and don’t have to worry about constantly downloading. BATTERIES & CHARGERS You should bring at least one spare battery with you. Finding spares to buy on route can be difficult and expensive and there will be times on the tour when you will not be able to charge you batteries from the mains supplies for several days at a time. Having a spare battery charged and ready to go ensures that you always have a back up if the other runs out. The worst thing is to run out of battery when at a great sight and not be able to take any photos. Even if you bring an in-car charger so you can charge your battery using the 12 volt cigarette lighter socket on our vehicles is still worthwhile considering purchasing a spare battery. You should also bring your normal 230V mains charger as well as a travel adaptor plug so that you can charge your battery at the hotels.

ELECTRICITY For information about the different electrical plugs and voltages used in different countries visit www.kropla.com

CURRENCY AND PERSONAL SPENDING

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TIPPING Throughout South America tipping is expected and relied upon. Wages are generally extremely low and tipping is means of supplementing an income. It helps if you keep small change on you so as to avoid difficult situations when you only have large notes on you. Situations that may require tipping include: When paying for meals not included in the tour. Tips should be approximately 10% in restaurants. When paying for drinks during meals. If you have a particularly good guide that you would like to thanks with a small tip – tips for guides can be organised as a group with each person putting in a small amount. Your crew will usually be able to help you with any queries regarding this. Tipping your crew – In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Viva crew. Our crew work very hard at making your trip a great travel experience. Working overseas can often be challenging and they are pretty much on call for you 24 hours a day, so it is appreciated with a thank you for hard work and good service – even if it is just verbally. Although a tip is not expected be either Viva Expeditions or our crew if you have had a great trip and feel you would like to show your appreciation by leaving your crew a tip it will be well received. Please be aware that tipping and the amount you tip is entirely up to you individually and always your choice. BARGAINING Bargaining over price is common place especially in local markets. If you are uncomfortable bargaining you can pay the asking price however you must be aware that this price is often overstated. Always remember that you are under no obligation to buy so don't be intimidated. THINGS TO BUY

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South America is famous for many great items. These include: Wooden carvings Woven and knitted items such as hats and gloves and ponchos Jewellery Artwork Leather goods And many other wonderful souvenirs CURRENCY In Peru the local currency is the Nuevo Sole. In Bolivia the local currency is the Boliviano. US dollars are also widely accepted and are easily converted into local currencies at all exchange places. Change you money only at banks, hotels, airports or forex bureau’s. It is illegal to change money on the street. Your crew will advise you when and where you can change money and with what means.

We recommend you bring your money as one third US Dollars Cash, two thirds travellers cheques and / or Credit/Debit card. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted but your card must have a pin number and be suitable for use internationally. Check with your bank prior to travel to make sure your bank card is suitable. You should also check with your card issuer what the charges are for using your card to withdraw cash internationally. We also recommend that you tell your bank that you will be using your card in South America to avoid your card being blocked. Brining a second card is always advised. In smaller towns card may not be accepted for purchases or for cash advances and it is quite common that ATM machines may not always be functioning at the time you need to withdraw money. As such do not rely on credit/debit cards for cash advances. For this reason it is important to have cash with you. This can be kept locked in the truck safe and also at hotel safes throughout the trip. American express travellers cheques can be changed to USD cash (2 – 8% commission) in many major cities. Please refer to the following website for fee free exchange sites www.americanexpress.com/uk/tc/. Having to change travellers checks can be frustrating but at the same time worthwhile as they can be replaced in an incident of loss or theft. Important note: In recent years there has been a problem with counterfeit US dollars in parts of South America. This affects mainly $100 dollar bills. Old (pre ’96) or damaged notes are often not accepted nor are bills with serial numbers beginning with the letters CB or AB. As such, when buying US dollars prior to travelling you must ask for clean notes with no tears or markings that are dated post ’96. You should also bring currency in mixed denominations ($100’s, $50’s, 20’s, 10’s etc) SPENDING MONEY We suggest that you allow about US$ 200 per week spending money. This is to include spending money, optional excursions, meals out that are not included in the itinerary, drinks, emails, souvenirs, visas and arrival/departure taxes. Of course this is only an estimated figure as personal spending habits and budgets vary hugely from person to person. If you plan on buying a lot of souvenirs or have expensive taste in wine and food you may need a bit more.

CLIMATE You will experience varying degrees of climatic changes at any time of the year, from freezing temperatures to extreme heat. Below are some climate charts that will give you an idea of what temperatures and conditions to expect in the region through which we travel on this tour.

LIMA

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

CUSCO Temperature Mean (C) Min Max 19.4 26.1 19.8 26.8 19.5 26.3 17.9 24.5 16.4 22 15.6 20.1 15.2 19.1 14.9 18.8 14.9 19.1 15.5 20.3 16.6 22.1 18.2 24.4

PUERTO MALDONADO Temperature Mean (C) Month Min Max Jan 21.4 30.9 Feb 21.2 30.7 Mar 20.9 31.0 Apr 20.3 30.7 May 18.8 29.8 Jun 17.4 29.0 Jul 16.8 29.6 Aug 17.8 31.2 Sep 18.8 32.0 Oct 20.4 32.0 Nov 21.3 31.6 Dec 21.3 31.1

Mean Precipitation (mm) 0.8 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.3 0.7 1 1.5 0.7 0.2 0.1 0.2

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temperature Mean (C) Min Max 6.6 18.8 6.6 18.8 6.3 19.1 5.1 19.7 2.7 19.7 0.5 19.4 0.2 19.2 1.7 19.9 4 20.1 5.5 20.9 6 20.6 6.5 20.8

Mean Precipitation (mm) 160 132.9 108.4 44.4 8.6 2.4 3.9 8 22.4 47.3 78.6 120.1

LA PAZ Mean Precipitation (mm) 342.6 333.4 274.9 154.2 105.5 57.6 56.8 63.3 98.1 164.4 236.9 279.3

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temperature Average (C) Min Max 4 13 4 13 3 13 2 14 0 14 -2 13 -3 13 -2 13 0 14 2 14 3 15 3 14

Av. Precipitation (mm) 129.5 104.1 71.1 35.6 12.7 5.1 7.6 15.2 30.5 40.6 50.8 94.0

PACKING LIST We recommend packing only the essentials that you require for the course of your journey. Anything you forget you can pick up along the way. You may bring one large bag and one day pack and should not require any more than this! Please make sure the bag you bring is a soft bag or back pack not a rigid suitcase! While the weather is generally warm in the north, as we travel south the weather can become much colder especially in the evenings. As such it is important you have clothes for both warm and cold weather.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST Clothes During this tour you will experience a wide range of different climates. From warm and humid to cold and possibly wet. As such you need to be prepared for all conditions. We recommend you pack the following clothing:  One pair of trainers  Reading books (you can exchange these for other books from our onboard library)  Waterproof Jacket  Torch and spare batteries (head torch is best)  Shorts  Personal Walkman - there is a stereo on the  T shirts / Shirts truck with a CD / I Pod / MP3 adaptor  Sweat shirt / jumper / fleece  Water bottle  Jeans/Jogging pants or Leggings  Pocket knife  Skirt or dress  Travel Adapter Plug  Sandals/flip flops/jandals/thongs  Hiking boots  Underwear  Socks Medical kit  Thermals  Towel As outlined in the “Personal Health Section Above  Hat or cap  Swimsuit  Gloves  Sunglasses

Toiletries You can buy most toiletries locally but we recommend you have the following: dental floss  Soap  Shampoo and conditioner  Towel  Moisturiser  Razors  Feminine Products (enough for the trip)

Personal Items We recommend you bring the following:  Small day-pack or bag to carry your daily items  Hat and sun-glasses  Camera in a protective case, spare batteries, film.  Money belt or pouch to carry your passport, vaccination certificates and travellers cheques

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM “Leave only footprints, take only pictures . . .” Minimizing environmental impact is hugely important to us. We care greatly for the regions through which we travel and do our best to protect its landscapes, its people and its culture. We support local and international charities and are constantly seeking new projects and ways to assist local communities. We firmly believe that as the company continues to grow so does our ability to operate and support projects in various areas. We are continuously striving to increase our support and contribution to local communities. Viva Expeditions and rainforest Alliance have established an alliance to support Best Management Practices in Sustainable Tourism since May 2009. Here are some things you can do to support responsible tourism. Before you go:      

Remove all unnecessary packaging before you go To avoid pollution of local water supplies take environmentally friendly toiletries with you Wind-up or solar powered torches are a good idea Try using rechargeable batteries Lean some of the local language and read up on local history and culture before you go and you will get much more out of your trip Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can reuse throughout the trip

While you’re travelling:          

Don’t waste water Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products Look after and preserve the areas we visit Keep to designated walking tracks When bargaining don’t feel that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you Try the local food and drinks – this will help support local farmers and food sellers. Sitting in a local cafe is also a great way to meet people. Dispose of litter appropriately on the trip (this includes cigarette butts). Where toilet facilities exist please use them. Where they do not always bury your waste and make sure it is never within 30m of a water source. Respect local customs, traditions and beliefs Do not take photos of people, ritual events and special places unless you have asked first.

For books dedicated to travelling more responsibly & ethically see www.tourismconcern.org.uk Also see our complete responsible tourism policy online at www.vivaexpeditions.com

RECOMMENDED READING • The conquest of the Incas – John Hemming • The Motorcycle Diaries - Ernesto "Che" Guevara • Lost City of the Incas – Hiram Bingham • Inca Cola – A travellers Tale of Peru – Matthew Parris • The realm of the Incas – Victor Von Hagen • Royal Highways of the Sun - Victor Von Hagen

GUIDE BOOKS Lonely planet and Rough Guide both offer great travel guide books as well as Spanish phrase books MAPS Both National Geographic and Bartholomew’s offer good detailed maps of the areas we travel through in South America.

Every Great Journey Begins With Just One Small Step . . .