DESTINATION • PERU 1

Destination PERUImportant information to help you prepare for your upcoming Exodus trip.

We have put this guide together to provide you with as many of the tips and insights we’ve picked up over the years of running tours in this region. The information has been gathered from our local partners, Exodus staff as well as past Exodus travellers, and we hope will assist you when making your final preparations over the coming weeks.

Please read it in conjunction with your Joining Instructions and the Trip Notes for your holiday, to ensure you are fully prepared.

FACT BOX:Currency Peruvian Nuevo sol (PEN)

Language Spanish Quechua

Capital City Lima

Population 31,000,000+

Dialling code +51

Time zone GMT/UTC – 05:00hr

National Flag

Facts correct as of January 2016

Lima

PERU

Nazca

Puerto Maldonado

Iquitos

Lake Titicaca

Cuzco

Copyright © Free Vector Maps.com

¡Bienvenido al Peru! Peru is a fascinating country vast in culture and rich in nature. While visiting this country you will discover that Peru is not only about Incas, but an incredible cuisine, stunning landscapes and colourful contemporary cultures. We are happy to welcome you to this country where the history is alive.

Fernando Rodriguez Exodus Operations, Peru

A MESSAGE FROM OUR LOCAL PARTNER:

DESTINATION • PERU 2

MONEY & COSTS

SPENDING MONEYThe local currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). We recommend taking US dollars in cash with you, as these are easiest to exchange. Make sure you bring new, non-ripped notes. US dollars are commonly accepted in big cities like Lima but not in small towns like Nazca or around the Sacred Valley.

If you don’t have any local currency in advance, we suggest only changing a small amount of money at the airport (around $30-40), as you’ll get a better rate in the city. Always go to Casas de Cambio (money exchange stores) and avoid street money changers, and always try and get some smaller notes as well, as these are easier when paying small amounts.

ATMS & USING CARDS

Staff Tip:

“There are several ATMs in Aguas Calientes, but they do sometimes run out of cash so it is a good idea to take your spending money for Machu Picchu with you on the trek itself.”

You can use your debit or credit card to withdraw local currency directly from almost all ATMs. There are ATM machines in the baggage claim area of Lima airport and also in all of the larger towns and cities you visit. If you intend to use your card while you are away, it’s advisable to let your bank know before you go, to minimise the chances of them blocking your card for security reasons.

You can generally withdraw both local currency (Sol) and US dollars, so if it’s getting nearer the end of the trip it’s sometimes a good idea to take out dollars instead, as it’s easier to change or keep as leftover cash when you get home.

It’s also worth noting that machines often give you the cash first and then your card – don’t walk away without it!

SHOPPING

Staff Tip:

“If you want to take home the best souvenirs from Peru, go to the hand-craft markets in the Sacred Valley, Cuzco or Arequipa. Spoil yourself with an alpaca wool jacket, scarf or gloves – or all of them! Haggling down 10-15% is acceptable in Peru if your purchase is PEN.50 or more.”

There are plenty of opportunities for souvenir shopping, one of the best being San Pedro Market in Cuzco, which is teeming with local goods such as key rings and jewellery, right up to traditional colourful Alpaca wool ponchos and even household rugs and carpets.

There is also further opportunity to buy locally made souvenirs on the floating reed islands at Lake Titicaca, if your trip visits there.

If there is something specific you are looking for, speak to your leader at the start of the trip, and they’ll be able to recommend the best places along your route to find that particular item.

APPROXIMATE COSTS

Evening meal in a tourist class restaurant $15-20

Bottled water or soft drink $1-2

Alcoholic drink $3-4

Good quality alpaca sweater $80-100

Traditional warm poncho $40-50

Rain poncho $1

HOTEL & FACILITIES

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATIONCheck-in for the start hotel is usually available from the early afternoon. If you are arriving early in the morning, you will go straight to the hotel, where they will always do their best to have the rooms ready as early as possible. If the rooms are not yet ready, you can leave your luggage at the hotel and the leader will make some suggestions to pass the time until you have access to your room.

Rooms are generally unheated as central heating is very uncommon, but reception staff can always provide extra blankets (and occasionally heaters).

Hot water supplies can be erratic, and showers can sometimes go cold if there is too much demand – this often happens early in the morning in Cuzco when lots of people are getting ready to head off on the Inca Trail.

Many of the hotels we use only serve breakfast and do not have restaurants for other meals – where this is the case there are plenty of options for eating out close to the hotel.

LAUNDRY, TOWELS & HAIRDRYERSIt is usually possible to get some laundry done during the trip, either at the hotel or through a separate laundrette in the larger towns. The normal turnaround time for this is 24 hours, and the cost is usually $2-3 per kilo of clothes. It’s also fine to wash a few small items in your sink or shower, and you should take some travel wash with you for this purpose.

Hairdryers are available in some (but not all) hotels, either in your room or from reception. If you need one regularly, then it’s best to take a travel one from home. Bath towels are also provided in all hotels, but you may wish to bring a small travel towel with you if your itinerary includes camping or a local homestay.

WI-FI + PHONE RECEPTIONAll the hotels have Wi-Fi in the reception/communal areas, and some also have service in the rooms. It is usually free but some hotels may charge a small fee.

You should be able to use your mobile phone when in the towns but charges might be high and reception not always great. It’s best to check with your phone operator as to what costs are likely to be before you depart.

DRINKING WATERTap water in Peru is not suitable for drinking but bottled water is readily available and generally costs $1-2 per bottle.

PLUGTwo pin flat

DESTINATION • PERU 3

SIGHTS & EXCURSIONS

Staff Tip:

“If you’re in Cuzco at the end of June, The Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) is held just outside the city to celebrate New Year in the Andes of the Southern Hemisphere. It a spectacular sight and attracts thousands of local people.”

If you are arriving early, or have some free time before or after the trip, there are plenty of sights and activities in both Lima and Cuzco to keep you occupied.

ALTITUDE

Lima 50m

Puno 3860m

Cuzco 3400m

Ollantaytambo 2790m

Arequipa 2380m

Machu Picchu 2430m

While as much time as possible has been allowed for acclimatisation, you should be aware that almost all areas you visit in Peru are at a higher altitude and you are likely to feel the effects at some point.

Advice varies, but the general consensus on how to combat altitude sickness is to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluid (at least 4 litres per day) and rest for the first few hours when you reach altitude.

If you are considering taking Diamox or similar medication, you should speak to your GP or a travel clinic before travel.

IF YOU’RE…

DOING THE INCA TRAIL TREK

LUGGAGEThe easiest thing to do with luggage is to leave your main bag or case at the hotel in Cuzco while you are on the trek (they have a free luggage storage service) and pack your 7kg for the porter to carry into the Exodus kit bag. You will then return to the same hotel in Cuzco at the end of the trek and can collect the rest of your luggage and repack then. Please note that if you are doing our Premium Inca Trail trip, or the High Inca Trail, the luggage allowance is 10kg.

EQUIPMENT

Exodus Client Tip:

“Wear layers on the Inca Trail – during the days it can be very warm and sunny but in the evenings it gets very cold. Invest in a rain poncho (which are available cheaply in Cuzco) as, although these may not be the most stylish items of clothing, they are brilliant for keeping you and your rucksack dry. Also, if you forget any gear, there are plenty of outdoor equipment shops in Cuzco to get what you need.”

Hannah R – travelled on Inca Trail & the Amazon Rainforest

Sleeping bags and walking poles, if needed, can be hired locally through the leader. All equipment will be brought to the hotel in Cuzco the day before you start the trek, and the porters will then collect everything from you at the end of the trek also.

Sleeping mats are included as standard, and the mats we use are foam mats which are also inflatable. Altogether when inflated, they are around 4cm thick, and people generally find them to be very comfortable.

CHARGING EQUIPMENTThere are no facilities for charging equipment whilst trekking, so make sure you take enough spare batteries or bring a solar charger with you as back up.

WASHINGWash facilities when on the trek are very limited, but you will be given a bowl of hot water each morning and evening, and hand soap is provided to wash your hands before each meal. There will be 2 toilet tents (one male and one female) that are carried with you and set up at lunch times and each evening at the campsite. Otherwise, there are usually long drop/squat toilets at the campsites, but they aren’t always very inviting!

FOOD ON TREK

Staff Tip:

“I would recommend taking some snacks with you; we took cereal bars and some sweets just to keep us going on the long walks. This will also save you some money, as snacks in Peru can be relatively expensive. If you prefer fresh snacks, you can pick up fruit at the local shops in Cuzco.”

Typical breakfast Meals are scrambled eggs, oatmeal with fruit and milk or pancakes.

Lunches Will be 3 courses and all have bread, cheeses, with side salads. Each day’s trek finishes with a hot drink and snack, such as locally grown popcorn.

Evening meals On trek are always cooked, and usually consist of soup or another starter, a main course and a dessert.

Local Staff Tip:

“Local drinks include Pisco (used to make the famous Pisco Sours drink), and Andean beer (Cusquena is a popular brand). South America is also famous for its wine production, and you will find a good variety available in most restaurants.

Our cuisine is also becoming really popular around the world, so don’t leave Peru without trying ceviche (fish cooked in lime juice) or lomo saltado (strips of steak with onions and tomatoes). Once in the highlands, why not push your boundaries and try cuy (baked or deep fried guinea pig)! Peruvians also have a great love of Chinese and Italian food, so these are also almost always available.”

DESTINATION • PERU 4

WATER

Staff Tip:

“I would recommend taking a heatproof or metal water bottle when trekking. It can be filled with boiling water in the evening and used as a hot water bottle to warm up your sleeping bag, and will also then be your drinking water for the following day.”

The drinking water provided on the trek is filtered, purified and then boiled. You can refill your water bottles every morning, lunchtime and evening.

ALTITUDE

Cuzco 3400m

km82 2850m

Warmiwanusqua (Dead Woman’s Pass) 4215m

Winya Wayna 2650m

Machu Picchu 2430m

TERRAINThe Inca Trail consists mainly of lots of steps, some large and steep, so walking poles are recommended. Please note that all walking poles must have rubber tips on the end of them to prevent damage to the trail. Paths are generally wide, with plenty of space for walking and very few steep drop offs. On the last day up to Sun Gate, the path does get narrower but in general, there should be no problems for vertigo sufferers.

HOTEL UPGRADEIf you like, you can upgrade to a hotel in Aguas Calientas instead of camping on the last night. This is organised locally and doesn’t need to be pre-booked. Your trip leader will check how many people would like to upgrade before the trek starts and make the reservations. You then pay the hotel directly, and it generally costs around $50 for a single room.

Please note that our TPQ and APX trips include this hotel night as part of the itinerary.

DOING THE MOONSTONE TREKThe trek is run in a very similar way to the Inca Trail trek, so the logistics of luggage, equipment hire and meals are the same as detailed above. Mules are used on the Moonstone Trek rather than human porters, so the personal weight allowance is slightly higher than on the Inca Trail, at 10kg.

However, while clients are allowed to bring 10kg for the trek, Peru Rail (the train operating company from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu town) restricts luggage to a maximum of 5kg per passenger.

Once the trek is finished at Ollantaytambo, the leader will ask you to repack up to 5kg and the remaining gear is kept in a smaller bag (provided locally) in the storage room of a hotel we work with. After visiting Machu Picchu, the group will return to Ollantaytambo, where everything will be collected once more.

The maximum altitude reached on the Moonstone Trek is 4600m.

Exodus Client Tip:

“You need to be reasonably fit to do the Inca Trail, just for the second day in particular, so it’s worth training up a bit first to be able to enjoy it all to the full (especially if you are over 50).” Jayne Tomlins Travelled on Inca Trail & the Amazon Rainforest

Staff Tip:

“You can hire a towel and buy shampoo when you get to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes which was well worth a visit as after four days we all felt in need of some hot water. Don’t forget your swimming things as the springs were incredibly relaxing after the trek.”

DESTINATION • PERU 5

Tips & Advice for Travelling Responsibly...Responsible Travel is central to the ethos of Exodus. We design and operate our holidays in a way that gives the highest degree of long-term economic benefit to the host communities, whilst also minimising the impact on the environment. We believe that travel should encourage positive cultural exchanges and the below tips are designed to help you get the most out of your holiday as well as making a genuine contribution to the people and places visited.

• Greet Peruvians by shaking hands when you first meet. Women can expect to kiss each other on the cheek.

• Addressing locals as ‘Señor, Señora or Señorita’ followed by their last name or saying ‘Buenos dias/tardes/noches’’ (Good morning/afternoon/night), acts as a benevolent nod to their culture.

• Don’t be insulted by the term ‘Gringo’, meaning a non-Spanish speaking white person. ‘Indios’ however is a derogatory term – try ‘Indigenas’ instead.

• Reserve your irritation for Peruvian’s lack of punctuality – it’s a national trait! Just emphasise ‘hora Inglesa’, meaning ‘English time’.

• Take care with your rubbish. Opt for drinks in reusable glass bottles rather than plastic bottles. When trekking, biodegradable toilet paper, re-sealable bags, eco-friendly sun lotion and paraben-free shampoos and soaps are best.

• Ask before you photograph local people (and anticipate a small fee). Offering (and actually sending) a copy of the photo via email is a great way to benefit both parties!

• Dress appropriately – the highlands are more conservative than the tropical lowlands. Hiking-shorts are allowed, but men should not be bare-chested in populous places. Don’t forget to cover up in monasteries and churches

• Don’t spoil your shopping fun – Beware of handicrafts taken from rare timber species and wild animals. Paddles are authentic and eco-friendly souvenirs; the roots from which they are taken quickly grow back. Balsa-wood carvings, tagua or vegetable ivy are also sustainable options. Pass on anything mahogany to reduce the exploitation of the rainforest.

• Tailor your haggling tactics to your surroundings. Brash attitudes are especially unnecessary in indigenous villages. In any case, Peruvians take pride in being resourceful and self-reliant.

• If you have brought any presents for kids, give them to the parents or teachers (not directly to the children). Similarly if you decide to donate any trekking clothing/equipment ask your leader to give them to the porters association.

• Try to take short showers to help the environment, especially in desert areas such as Lima or Nazca.

The information provided is given in good faith and is subject to change. If you have returned from your trip and found anything within this document which is incorrect, please help us keep it up to date by emailing customerops@exodus.co.uk. Likewise, if you have a tip you would like to share with future clients, please let us know and we will hope to include it in future editions. Please note that some of the information provided here is personal opinion and does not form part of our contract with clients.

GOING TO THE AMAZON

Staff Tip:

“In the Amazon it can be quite misty, damp and tropical. It’s very humid and generally warm, but be prepared for heavy showers and take something warmer with you just in case of a cold snap. Also, take some jungle strength insect repellent – 50% DEET or more. It’s essential, because the mozzies can be vicious!”

Most of the lodges we stay at do have wellies that you can borrow if it gets very wet, but it’s a lot more comfortable to be wearing proper walking boots when out for excursions.

Your main luggage won’t be taken to the rainforest lodge with you, but will be stored securely at the lodge office in Puerto Maldonado. It’s a short drive and several hours’ boat journey to the actual rainforest lodge itself, so you will need to pack a separate bag with all the things you need for the 3 nights you are in the jungle. This bag will be loaned to you the night before going to the rainforest.

To get to the lodges, the journey includes several hours on a boat along the river. The boats are basic wooden boats with a motor and plain wooden bench seats along the sides. Life jackets are provided and there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way, so it’s recommended to just sit back and enjoy the journey.

DOING A HOMESTAY ON LAKE TITICACAThe rooms at the homestay are basic but comfortable, but be aware that the wash facilities are very basic – there will be toilets but they are not always flush toilets, and there is usually just a cold tap or bucket of water for you to wash in.

It’s a nice idea to take some gifts for your host family and the easiest thing is to arrange this when you’re there, rather than take items with you from home. Your trip leader will make suggestions for things to take (rice, oil and candles are good options), and there will be time to buy them from shops at the port before you get the boat out to the island.

TAKING A SCENIC FLIGHT OVER THE NAZCA LINES

If your trip visits Nazca as part of the itinerary, there is usually time to take a flight over the Nazca Lines (weather permitting). The cost is around $100 per person and your trip leader can organise this for you locally.

We would recommend waiting until you are there to arrange, rather than in advance. If there’s bad weather, the flights can sometimes be cancelled and are usually non-refundable, so arranging things locally eliminates the risk of losing out. The price of the flights can vary quite a lot, especially during peak season, as the airlines will charge according to demand.