FAMILY ADVENTURE - PERU

14 DAYS (min 4 pax)
Lima - Cusco - Horse ride- Pisac- Bike - Canoe -Raft- 1-day Inca Trail - Machu Picchu- Jungle - Lima

DATES & PRICE 2008

FAP1-08 22-Mar 04-Apr FAP2-08 05-Apr 18-Apr FAP3-08 12-Jul 25-Jul FAP4-08 26-Jul 08-Aug

FAP5-08 09-Aug 22-Aug FAP6-08 16-Aug 29-Aug FAP7-08 11-Oct 24-Oct FAP8-08 21-Dec 03-Jan

Also available custom departures and tailormade family trips at dates to suit you

Price per person excluding international flights: £1340 SS£325
Minimum age 12

BE PREPARED - To help you prepare for your holiday we have compiled a comprehensive information pack for all GHT travellers to Peru, covering advice on medical issues, visas, equipment, culture, a complimentary Latin - Works guide to Machu Picchu.

For 2007, specifically designed for the needs of the modern adventurous family - education, plenty of activities and enough time to relax too, this trip will appeal to everyone from twelve to eighty years old!

The former Inca Capital and Spanish Colonial city of Cusco is our base for this great multi-activity adventure, a wonderful place full of culture, history and good restaurants. From Cusco we explore rarely visited ruins on horse back, raft and canoe the scenic, fun and safe Rio Urubamba and descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas by mountain bike. We trek the famous one-day Royal Inca Trail to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. A rest day in Cusco is followed by a short flight to our Amazonian jungle lodge where we enjoy hikes, canoe rides and rainforest exploration before returning to Lima.

This is designed to be flexible enough for the most demanding of teenagers looking for non-stop action, the younger more relaxed crowd looking to try some fun and stimulating sports, yet at the same time sufficiently relaxing that even the parents feel they have had a holiday.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrive Lima. Transfer to hotel and rest up.

DAY 2: Early morning spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco, transfer to your hotel and start acclimatising to the rarefied air of this beautiful city (3326m). In the afternoon, we take a short walking tour of the city. (B)

DAY 3: From Cusco we explore the nearby ruins by horse back (or foot if preferred). We visit the impressive Inca forts of Pucara, Tambo Machay, Quenqo and Sacsayhuaman. A fun adventure through beautiful countryside to acclimatise us further. Return to hotel in Cusco. (B / L)

DAY 4: From Cusco we drive to the upper Urubamba, the sacred river of the Incas for some fun grade II-III rafting. Full instruction and safety talk is given so no previous experience is necessary. We return back to our hotel in Cusco. (B / L)

DAY 5: A chance to do it yourself today with some inflatable canoeing on a calm scenic stretch of the Rio Urubamba.
We continue down the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the quaint town of Pisac and overnight in a charming hostal. (B / L / D)

DAY 6: A day in the ancient Inca town of Pisac renowned for its local markets, weavings and hand-painted pottery. The energetic can hike around the impressive Inca ruins on the hill high above the town. The less adventurous can relax at the hostal. All will find something suitable to buy in the extensive artesan market; Pisac is a shopper's dream. An afternoon drive down the Sacred Valley of the Incas to a charming hacienda, this is our base for the next two nights. (B/L/D)

DAY 7: A short transfer brings us to Chinchero for the start of probably the best one day mountain bike adventure in Peru. Largely downhill, we pass Lake Huaypo and enjoy great views of the Vilcanota mountain range. This fun dirt road mountain bike descent into the Sacred valley suitable for all the family. The final descent on mule trails is through the spectacular working salt-pans of Maras. We have a constant support vehicle on hand for any weary/non-riders. We return to our hacienda where we can rent horses, relax in the beautiful garden or visit the nearby town of Urubamba and the chance to shop for some top quality ceramics. (B / L / D)

DAY 8: We catch the early morning train from Ollantaytambo down the now raging Urubamba river to KM 104. Here we start our hike along the Royal Inca Trail. Whilst walking all you need to carry is a daypack, your over-night luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Aguas Calientes to await your arrival. An initial hot ascent is replaced by satisfaction as you reach Winay Wayna, a beautiful Inca ruin full of swallows and orchids. A contour path through the fascinating cloud forest leads to Inti Puncu, the gateway of the Sun and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. We pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to our hostal in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes. (B / L)

DAY 9: We return first thing in the morning to have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu or else just wander through the ruins, soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We board the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. Here our waiting bus whisks us back to Cusco and our hotel. Then if we have the energy a celebration dinner in one of Cusco's excellent restaurants. (B / L)

DAY 10: There is so much to see and do in Cusco that we dedicate a whole free day to doing just that. Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting Colonial churches, bargain hunting in Indian markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has it all. (B).

DAY 11: A short flight over the Andes brings us to Puerto Maldonado, in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Here we travel by motorized dug out canoe boat away from the town to our jungle lodge. With our resident expert guides on hand we can choose to do as little or as much exploring as we like. We can take canoe rides, hike trails, go out at night in search of Caimen or simply relax in our hammock and soak up the atmosphere. (B / L / D)

DAY 12 &13: Up at dawn we continue our exploration of the jungle, by foot into the pristine rainforest or by canoe on the nearby lake. Our resident naturalist guides will explain to us the amazing flora and fauna of the Amazon. Hopefully we see several species of monkeys, many exotic birds and if we are lucky maybe a mammal or two. Another siesta and for those who wish, more exploration of the rainforest.(B / L / D)

Night time trips include a search for the unique black caiman, these can reach up to four metres in length.

DAY 14: We transfer back to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Lima and transfer to a day room before returning to the airport in time to connect with your international flights home. (B)

WE PROVIDE: All airport transfers and transport in private vehicles. All horses and horse riding equipment (please note cycling helmets are used). All rafting equipment, professional English and Spanish speaking guides, trained in first-aid, swift water rescue and C.P.R. Extensive first-aid kit including Oxygen. Mountain bikes, gloves and helmets. A guided tour in Machu Picchu, entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu ruins ($30), bus transfers to and from the ruins. All Entrances including Cusco & Sacred Valley ruins ($21) and Tambopata Nature Reserve Entrance fees ($20). Quality hotel in Lima, Cusco, hostals in Sacred Valley & Aguas Calientes and jungle lodge in Puerto Maldonado, Day room in Lima. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

NOT INCLUDED: International flights, personal belongings, cycling shorts, mountain bike toe-clips, airport taxes ($5 local, $28 international), personal expenses and tips.
Please note:
The price is based on family room or twin share accommodation where available. Single supplements are available for £270pp

WHAT TO BRING:
On this expedition we will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate, from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine.
General:
- Comfortable clothes for travel - Smart clothes for evening meals
- Sunglasses with attaching string - Peaked cap
- Water bottle & purification tablets - Lipbalm
- Suntan lotion factor 15+ / After sun - Sweater (Available in Cusco)
- Warm hat - Socks / underwear

Biking:
- T-shirt - Fleece jacket
- Cycling shorts - Suitable boots

Rafting: Wet suits and splash jackets and a limited number of wetsuit boots are provided.
- Thermal top - Old trainers / Sandals (that will get wet)
- Swim suit - Towel

Trekking:
- Shorts / trekking trousers - T-shirts
- Warm fleece - Good / Well worn -in walking boots
- Raincoat / poncho - Day-sack & rain-cover

Jungle:
- Light weight long sleeved shirt - Light weight long trousers
- Walking boots - Change of evening clothes & shoes
- Raincoat & Fleece jacket - Binoculars (optional)
- Insect Repellent (High DEET content is best)
The best way to keep biting insects at bay is by keeping covered up with long sleeved light-weight clothes.

Personal gear:
- Head torch & spare batteries - Spare Glasses / Lenses
- Personal toilet kit - Camera & film 100 & 400 (optional)
- Pocket knife - Book, notepaper & pen (optional)
- Money belt
- Personal first aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters, moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general anti-biotics (ask your GP), after-bite(tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
(Amazonas Explorer carry an extensive first aid kit & Oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only)

· Most good quality sporting equipment is unavailable in Peru so if anyone wishes to donate any outdoor clothes, sleeping bags etc at the end of their trip they will be gratefully received by any of our staff.
· Amazonas Explorer also supports the recognised Scottish charity www.dentalprojectperu.org . This is founded by past client Jacqui Nimmo.

RECOMMENDED READING
The White Rock by Hugh Thomson, Paddington Bear by Michael Bond
Field guide to the birds of Machu Picchu by Barry Walker Exploring Cusco by Peter Frost
Neo-tropical companion by John C Kricher Conquest of the Incas by John Hemmingway
Into the forests of the night by John Simpson Touching the void by Joe Simson
Heart of the Amazon - Yossi Ghinsberg Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord by Loius de Bernieres Inca Kola - Matthew Paris Inca Gold by Clive Cussler
Realm of the Incas - Max Milligan

BOOKING CONDITIONS IMPORTANT
The purchase of Inca Trail permits is a strictly controlled procedure by the Peruvian Institute of Culture. There are only 500 permits for guides, porters and trekkers per day. This has led to very competitive demand with permits sold out at least three months in advance.
With regard any trip that involves trekking the Inca Trail, we are therefore introducing the following booking conditions.
1: Space on a trip cannot be confirmed until we receive your booking form detailing:
Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth and Occupation without these details we are unable to purchase your Inca trail permit.

2: You must bring with you the passport with which the permit was issued - ie the passport number that you provided us with at time of booking - otherwise entry to the Inca Trail or KM 104 Inca Trail will not be permitted.

TO MAKE A RESERVATION
1. Complete the booking form making sure that the name on the booking form matches that on your passport.
2. Enclose a deposit of £200 per person plus any insurance premium and forward to Golden Hill Travel. If we are making international flight arrangements on your behalf full payment for the flight is required at the time of booking.
3. Upon receipt of your booking we will forward confirmation, an infopack and guide to Machu Picchu.
4. The balance is due not less than 8 weeks prior to departure.
5. Upon receipt of your final balance you will receive detailed joining instructions.

AND LASTLY PLEASE NOTE
The "Family Adventure Peru" travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes this trip so very special could also cause certain problems. Thus, whilst Amazonas Explorer endeavours to minimise the chances of anything unexpected happening, it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidly adhered to. This is the very nature of adventure travel and we expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slight alterations in our programmed events.
In all cases we will advise you of any changes in the itinerary as early as possible. We have taken all these possibilities into account when planning this expedition and have allowed sufficient leeway to enable us to successfully run this exceptional trip.
You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particular trekking, white-water rafting, mountain biking, jungle river travel and general travelling in remote areas such as Southern Peru, does carry with it certain inherent risks that you, the client, will have to assume. Jungle flights are also prone to cancellation in bad weather. You will have to take out adequate travel insurance to cover these risks and any costs incurred due to sickness, delayed flights and other factors out of Amazonas Explorer control.
A pre-departure meeting will be held on arrival in Cusco. It is highly recommended you attend. All clients will be asked to sign a release and waiver form and must provide a photocopy of their passport, Peru entry stamp and details of their travel insurance.

We look forward to seeing you in Cusco.