Amazon, Incas & Titicaca

TRIP NOTES

Amazon, Incas & Titicaca 14 days | Lima to La Paz (option to end in Lima)

From Lima to La Paz, explore the • Lima - independently explore the capital • International flights to/from our tour start/ vast Amazon Jungle and meet the of Peru with its vibrant markets & spanish end points and visas • islanders on Lake Titicaca, learn colonial museums Items of a personal nature and additional • La Paz - independently explore one of the meals to cook tasty Peruvian cuisine in highest cities in the world • Tipping - refer to the Tipping paragraph in Cuzco, discover the wonders of the Trip Notes for further information the Sacred Valley and enjoy an What's Included incredibly scenic train journey to • 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 2 dinners DETAILED ITINERARY the spectacular 'lost city' of Machu • 12 nights 4 star hotels & jungle lodge, 1 Picchu. night 3 star hotel in the Sacred Valley Day 1 : Lima • 2 economy flights: Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Cusco HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS • Airport transfers on day 1 & day 14 • Guided tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Trip Highlights Machu Picchu and Chinchero Village • The Amazon – spend two nights in the • Excursions to the Amazon Jungle and jungle and explore the world’s largest Lake Titicaca tropical rainforest • Half day Peruvian cooking class and • Cusco – take in the highlights of the local market visit (please note that you captivating capital of the Inca Empire may be joined by travellers who booked on a guided tour and explore the through other companies for this half day Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at the Lima Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Also enjoy a excursion) airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel in cooking class and a visit to Chinchero • Escorted by English-speaking local tour the popular Miraflores district of the city. The Village leader (in Peru for groups of 6 or more) rest of the day is free to relax or explore the • Sacred Valley of the Incas – roam & specialist local guides for included city before our welcome meeting at 6pm this around the Pisac ruins, the temple of sightseeing evening where you will meet your tour leader. Ollantaytambo and local markets • Transfers & transportation in private air- Overnight - Lima • Machu Picchu – take a scenic train ride conditioned vehicles, tourist bus Cusco - to explore the spectacular Inca citadel, Puno and local bus from Puno - La Paz which is one of the New 7 Wonders of the • Expedition train to Machu Picchu World • Entrance fees and Cusco Tourist Ticket • Puno & Lake Titicaca - visit the Uros floating reed islands & Taquile Island on What's Not Included South America's largest lake

Amazon, Incas & Titicaca - 14 days updated on 12-11-2019 07:12:47 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 TRIP NOTES

Amazon, Incas & Titicaca

Days 2-3 : The Amazon Please note: jungle activities may vary Day 7 : Machu Picchu Jungle dependent upon the lodge. Overnight - The Amazon (B:2, L:2, D:2) Days 4-5 : Cusco

Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cuzco. After Lima - Puerto Maldonado. You will start today an early breakfast we'll make our way to with a hearty buffet breakfast at your hotel the train station to board a scenic train from before being picked up and taken to the Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes before Puerto Maldonado - Cuzco. On day 4 we travel airport in order to catch a flight to Puerto changing to a bus to make the final leg of back to Puerto Maldonado by canoe and fly Maldonado. Once you have arrived, you the journey up to Machu Picchu. Arriving into onwards to Cuzco, where you can relax and will be transferred to the Inkaterra Lounge Machu Picchu we'll enjoy a guide tour of the adjust to the altitude. The following day we (Butterfly House) and checked in before we mesmerising and fascinating lost city of the enjoy a guided tour of the city, taking in some hop in a canoe and make our way along the Incas. of its most iconic sites, including The Plaza de Madre de Dios River to our lodge. A delicious Armas, the Cathedral, the Koricancha Temple. Completed in the latter half of 15th Century, lunch buffet, bursting with local flavours, is We'll also visit the surrounding ruins of the archaeologists believe Machu Picchu was served on arrival before we embark on a walk Kenko Amphitheater, Tambomachay, Puca built as estate for the Pachacuti, an Incan along the property’s nature trails. As we walk, Pucara and Sacsayhuaman Fortress. There leader who reigned from 1438 to 1471. Machu a guide will tell us about the importance of are no planned activities in the afternoon so Picchu was thrust into the spotlight around the the rainforest and the vital role it plays in you are free to relax or carry on exploring the world in 1911 when Hiram Bingham, who had the equilibrium of the planet. At dusk we get city at your leisure. Overnight - Cusco (B:2) been trekking through Peru hunting for Inca back in the canoes and get the chance to ruins, was led to it by local people. After time observe nocturnal animals and learn about Day 6 : Sacred Valley to wander and learn about this fascinating the southern constellations. lost city we'll take the train back to Cuzco. Day 3 starts with a big breakfast followed Overnight - Cusco (B) by an excursion on the hacienda’s private cocha. During the trip we will be able to try Day 8 : Cooking Class & Local our hand at some native fishing techniques, Market such as the ‘catch and release’ method. We This morning enjoy a visit to the local San might even spot some exotic birds while we Pedro Market, where we have an introduction are at it, including hoatzins and fly-catchers. to the local produce and the diversity We will disembark the boat near the remains of ingredients used in Peruvian cuisine. of the old Fitzcarrald steamboat and learn Departing the market, we visit an Andean Bidding farewell to Cuzco we travel on to about its history. The next activity of the day Kitchen and Chicheria, where, amongst other the Sacred Valley today. Our first stop is the is another boat trip but this time we will be things, we learn about the process of making popular Pisac Markets, where artisans from heading to Rolin, a river island with a rich Chicha, a beverage the Incas believed to be the region get together and exchange or ecosystem. We will explore the island whilst sacred. From here we walk to a fully equipped buy and sell their products. There's plenty admiring the vegetation and looking for birds cooking studio, where a Professional Peruvian of time to explore the market, see the before making our way back to land to seek Chef will show us how to prepare the variety of colourful handicrafts and textiles out one of the lodge’s clay licks. Here we will most popular and tasty dishes of Peru. on offer, and barter for souvenirs. The final discover the difference between collpas and Today's culinary tour includes a refreshing destination of the day is the remarkable look for animal tracks in the walls of the clay drink, appetizer, main course, dessert and, of citadel of Ollantaytambo and its Incan fortress. lick. course, the famous Pisco Sour. Overnight - Overnight - Sacred Valley (B) Cusco (B, L)

Amazon, Incas & Titicaca

Day 9 : Chinchero and textile centre. Here, we’ll be able to lay perhaps visit the spectacular Uyuni Salt Flats eyes on the Temple of Kalasaya, remnants of - we can arrange a private tour for you upon a Pucara structure. After a stop for lunch at request. a countryside restaurant, we continue on to Puno, our base for the next two nights. Option to end your tour in Lima: If you wish to end your tour in Lima by booking our Puno to Lima add-on you'll fly to Lima on day 13 and The following day we take a boat trip on Lake spend your final night in Lima. Transfer back to Titicaca to see the remarkable floating islands Lima airport is included on day 14. Overnight of Uros. These unique islands are made of - La Paz (1) (B:2) a certain type of reed called totora, which enables it to float, despite the weight of a Today we visit the town of Chinchero, HOTELS civilisation upon it. We’ll then move on to heading in the direction of the Sacred Valley. Taquile Island, where we can mingle with the Highlighted below are some of the hotels Chinchero is an authentic Andean village Quechua-speaking locals and see the island's which we frequently use on this tour, though with lots of character, the main highlight is archaeological sites. Later this afternoon we we reserve the right to substitute these the colonial church which houses a large return to Puno. Overnight - Puno (B:2, L:2) hotels to ones of a similar standard. collection of painting from the Cusqueñan Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your School of Art. Chinchero is well known for Days 13-14 : La Paz confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival its continuing tradition, every Sunday you're information. sure to find the townsfolk gathered in the main square trading their products in a classic Hotel Jose Antonio Lima bartering system. Overnight - Cusco (B) The modern and well-designed Jose Day 10 : Cusco Antonio Hotel offers a comfortable stay in Enjoy a free day in Cuzco today to explore the Lima's flourishing Miraflores district. The city at your own pace. This evening you will contemporary guestrooms feature classy be rejoined by the trekkers from the Inca Trail neutral decorations and furnishings with an for your final night in Cuzco before leaving excellent selection of amenities. The hotel's for Puno the following morning. Overnight - Puno - La Paz. Bidding farewell to our Peruvian Las Espuelas restaurant serves delicious Cusco tour leader, we travel by public bus around the Peruvian and international cuisine in an shores of Lake Titicaca and across the border elegant setting whilst the La Jalca bar is Days 11-12 : Lake Titicaca into Bolivia to the fascinating capital of La Paz, a great place to unwind over a cocktail. where we spend our final night. The Jose Antonio Hotel is located in the residential district of Miraflores with many At an altitude of 3660 metres, La Paz is one options for shopping and dining nearby. of the world’s highest cities. The imposing The international airport is 30 minutes away Mount Illimani looms in the background whilst and it's only a 20 minute drive to the historic below lies a valley full of sensational surprises. centre of Lima. Buildings cling to the sides of the canyon that the city was built in and spill spectacularly downwards. Sprawling shanty towns give way to affluent high-rise apartments as the city’s Cuzco - Puno. After an early breakfast, we’ll central tree-lined thoroughfare runs through travel by bus to Puno, passing by the lovely the downtown core. Here you’ll find grand Wacarpay Lake, with spectacular views of government buildings, impressive museums, the mountains reflected in its calm waters. and vibrant markets, including the Witches’ Along the way we’ll make a couple of stops, Inkaterra Haciencda Market where you can pick up anything from Concepcion the first one being in Andahuaylillas to see dried frogs to llama foetuses for Aymara the Church of San Pedro, which has been rituals. Built in a former cacao and rubber plantation, given the nickname the Sistine Chapel of the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion is a rustic Americas. Moving along, we pass through On day 14 our tour comes to an end with chic jungle lodge. Guests stay in rooms or herds of llamas and spectacular landscapes a transfer to the airport. Alternatively opt cabanas, all with beautiful interiors, delightful until we get to Ayaviri, an important livestock to extend your stay to explore La Paz and en suites and comfortable beds. Meals

Amazon, Incas & Titicaca are served in a buffet style, using only the and not travel to La Paz, we offer a 'Puno to best local ingredients and especially good Lima add-on'. homemade breads. The lodge also a friendly bar with free Pisco sours served between 5 On the morning of day 13 you will be and 7pm! Positioned within walking distance transferred to the airport for your flight to of the beautiful and secluded Lake Sandoval Lima. Upon arrival you will have a nights’ in the Peruvian Amazon. accommodation in Lima before your transfer Hotel Jose Antonio to the airport on day 14 for your flight home.

Set on the banks of Lake Titicaca you INCLUDES: Economy flight from Puno to cannot go wrong with the view from this Lima. All relevant transfers in a private air- hotel in Puno. This modern property boasts conditioned vehicle. 1 night 4 star hotel in Lima spacious and comfortable guest rooms with breakfast. outfitted with air-conditioning, safety deposit boxes, TVs and a fully stocked mini bar. The Please notify us at time of booking if you Xima Cusco Hotel hotel restaurant Sillustani enjoys fantastic wish to book this add-on. Prices can be found has floor to ceiling windows serves up a online, or contact us for further information. Boasting a fantastic location by Cusco’s delectable menu. When you return from a largest craft market, Xima Cusco Hotel is just day of sightseeing why not grab a drink from Tour leaders a short walk from the city’s main square, as the bar and admire the vista from the lounge. In Peru our tours are escorted by a tour leader well as plenty of local shops and restaurants. While Hotel Jose Antonio might be located who will be responsible for the day-to-day Its modern guestrooms provide free internet a taxi ride from Puno, but its well worth it for running of the tour, so you are free to sit access and a flat-screen TV, with some also the view. back, relax and enjoy the journey. All our tour featuring a balcony with views over Parque leaders are Peruvian and passionate about Orellana. The hotel’s spa offers a range of sharing their country with you. massage treatments using techniques from the Inca culture, the perfect way to unwind On this tour a tour leader to escort you from after visiting the world-famous citadel of Lima to the Amazon and then a new tour Machu Picchu. Guests can also enjoy a leader will meet you in Cusco and escort you complimentary breakfast buffet in the Atrium through to Puno. From Puno to La Paz, you will Café. not be accompanied by a tour leader. El Rey Palace Please note that our tour leaders are not Located in the heart of La Paz, just 1km from “Tour Guides” in the normal sense. They are Plaza Del Monticulo and 1.5km from Plaza not experts in all aspects of the culture and Murillo, El Rey Palace is in a perfect location history of each area. They are employed to to explore the highlights of the city. The ensure the smooth running of your trip. All hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, included sightseeing will be led by specialist with king size beds and modern amenities. local guides who reside in the city you are A generous buffet breakfast is provided La Casona de Yucay visiting. in the mornings and free Wifi is available Located in the spectacular Sacred Valley, throughout the hotel. this Peruvian property exudes local charm Tipping and has a stunning mountainous backdrop Although tipping is not a natural part of many to match. The hotel itself is situated in a Western cultures it is expected in Peru. The colonial house dating back to the 1810, which local people work very hard to provide a good has since been remodelled and now consists service and this is due in part to the tips they of 54 cosy guest rooms; a restaurant serving have received from foreigners in the past. a variety of international and local dishes; However all tips are at your own discretion and bar serving nibbles and traditional and you should not feel obliged or pressured Peruvian Pisco Sour. The courtyard with its Opt to End Your Tour in Lima to tip at any time – particularly if you feel that the level of service was not up to standard. chairs and tables is the perfect place to sit This tour ends in La Paz, allowing you back and appreciate the view. the opportunity to further explore Bolivia As a general guideline a gratuity of 10% of the independently. If you’d prefer to return to Lima total bill for your waiter is recommended in restaurants. You should be aware that prices

Amazon, Incas & Titicaca on the menu often exclude service charges — packing it in a carry-on bag is ideal. • A photocopy of your passport data pages but they are added to the bill (10%) and local The lodge has storage available near the • A universal power adaptor taxes (anywhere between 2% and 20%). If it is airport in Puerto Maldonado for travelers • Insect repellant to guard against mosquitoes included then you are not expected to pay an carrying luggage that exceeds these weight • Spare camera batteries/memory card additional tip, although this is still appreciated. restrictions. • Buy some Peruvian Sol at the airport on Some restaurants have a 'cubiertos' (cover arrival charge) which is normally added onto the food Suggested packing list for the jungle • Keep a supply of small notes for local section of the bill, not the total, so watch out • Clothing suitable for layering transactions for this when dividing the bill with other group • Hiking boots or sturdy shoes members. • Raincoat or jacket Health • Sunglasses, hat or visor, and sunscreen You should seek medical advice from your It is also customary to tip local guides for • Backpack or tote for day tours local health practitioner before travelling to included sightseeing and tips are appreciated • Prescription and over-the-counter Peru and ensure that you receive all of the by your drivers and tour leaders. As a medications appropriate vaccinations. As a guide tetanus, guideline, we recommend: • Antibacterial wipes or gel diphtheria, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A are • Binoculars (they can also be rented at the recommended. There is the risk of malaria • Local guides for a full day excursion: approx lodge for a small fee) in certain areas of Peru, most notably the US$3-5 per person • Zip-close bags to keep articles dry and a Amazon jungle, so it is very important to check • Tour leader: approx US$4-6 per person per plastic bag to keep wet or muddy clothing with your health practitioner before you go to day separate see whether malarial medication is required • Drivers: approx US$2 per person per day for the areas you are visiting. What to Expect This information is given as a guide, as The lodge does not offer Wi-fi, though there Altitude can affect anyone at moderate to many travellers are unsure and uncomfortable is intermittent cell service. Apart from a small high altitude (generally anything over 3,000 about how much to tip. Tipping is an entirely boutique, there are no places to buy supplies metres). Altitude sickness is caused by the personal gesture and the amount you tip is at once you have left Puerto Maldonado. You lack of oxygen which can be up to a third your own discretion. should take care to pack all clothing, toiletries less than at sea level. No one understands Domestic Flights and medications that might be needed during why some people are affected and others your stay because any items you forget to If your tour includes a domestic flight or you not, and age, level of fitness and strength pack will not be easy to acquire at the lodge. have independently booked domestic flights is no indication of how well you will fare. The nearest medical facilities are in Puerto separate to that of your international flights, Be aware that you may experience altitude Maldonado. please be mindful that that free baggage sickness in Cusco, which sits at an elevation Weather and Seasons allowance for Economy class travel on all of 3,399 metres so it's important to take it The Amazon rain forest has a tropical climate. flights within Peru is 22kg with 8kg of easy when you arrive and give yourself time Conditions are hot and humid throughout hand luggage. Business class travel offers to acclimatise. the year, and daytime temperatures average considerably more. Additional weight will be around 30 degrees celcius. During Peru’s Not like home subject to a fee. winter months of June through September, Travelling to far–flung corners of the earth Electricity in Peru the area can experience the occasional cold often involves encountering lifestyles and front, with temperatures sometimes dropping The voltage in Peru is 220V and sockets are a conditions that are very different from as low as 10 degrees celcius overnight. The mixture of the European, two-pronged round what you are used to back home. As dry season runs from May through October variety and US flat-pin. We recommend that such it is important to come prepared for and is ideal for land exploration, as less you pack a universal travel adaptor that will unusual situations, local inadequacies and frequent rains make trails easier to navigate. allow you to use a hairdryer, electric shaver, unpredictable events as and when they occur. November through April are the region’s charge a mobile phone or other electrical Foreign travel is definitely not suitable for hottest months and also correspond with items. You will also need a voltage converter people who expect or demand everything the jungle's rainy season. During this period, if you're using appliances from the US. to go exactly as planned, as things can and heavy downpours can cause the rivers to do change in foreign countries. Peru is a The Amazon swell, making it an ideal time to explore the destination where you’ll be afforded plenty forest by boat. What to Bring of unique encounters, and if you can travel with an open mind you will have a wonderful Due to the weight and space limitations of Essential packing the Amazon lodge's transport canoes, your time here. In return, please remember to • A small daypack for your day-to-day needs luggage should weigh no more than 10kgs

Amazon, Incas & Titicaca demonstrate sensitivity and respect for local the country you are leaving and an entry notes and it is important you do not to bring customs. stamp on the Bolivian side. them. In some countries banks won't even take them. The serial number is located in the Personal safety Bolivia - Climate top left hand corner and bottom right hand It is not advisable to wear chains or expensive Nicknamed the ‘Tibet of the Americas’, corner on the side with the President’s face. looking watches or jewellery while in Peru. landlocked Bolivia is the highest and most This serial number starts with CB and then a You should also keep your camera concealed isolated country in the Americas. With few more numbers and then directly under when not in use and carry daypacks on your elevations ranging from sea level to over that B2. At the bottom of the note near the front for extra safety. Crime in Latin America is 6,880 metres, the Bolivian landscape offers signature of the Treasurer it says which series not as bad as its reputation but you must be a mind blowing array of complex ecosystems of notes it is and it is there that it says 2001 sensible and alert. and stunning scenery. It is basically divided series. into three regions: Altiplano (a plateau at an KNOW BEFORE YOU GO average of 4,000 metres above sea level, Local currency 800 kilometres long and about 130 kilometres The monetary unit in Bolivia is the boliviano Bolivia Country Guide wide); the yungas (a series of forested and (often referred to as the Peso), which is well-watered valleys); and the llanos (the divided into 100 centavos. For up-to-date Bolivia - Fact File Amazon-Chaco lowlands). Because of the exchange rates with your own currency visit www.xe.com. • Official Name: Republic of Bolivia wide range of elevations and topography, there are many different climatic patterns. • Capital: La Paz (administrative), Sucre Changing money, credit cards & ATMs The overall temperatures are probably cooler (judicial) We recommend that you bring cash in US than most people expect. Even in the humid • Population: 8.4 million dollars only. There is no restriction on the forest regions of the north, frosts are not • Total Area: 1.1 million square kilometres amount of foreign currency that you may bring unheard of. Bolivia’s unprotected expanses • Official Language: Spanish, Quechua and into Bolivia, however very large sums should contribute to variable weather conditions and Aymara be declared on arrival. • Religions: Roman Catholic 95% the two climatic ‘poles’ are Puerto Suarez for • Voltage: 110 volts in La Paz and 220 volts in its stifling, humid heat, and Uyuni for its near- There is often a general lack of small change the rest of the country Arctic cold and icy winds. and we recommend maintaining a supply of • Dialling Code: +591 small denomination notes and coins – you There's no time that is perfect for the • Time Difference: GMT/UTC -4 may sometimes be offered sweets, cigarettes entire country, but December to March is • Airport Departure Tax: US$25 or even razor blades as change! when most of the rain falls. La Paz is Bolivia - Visas always cool to cold at night, so be prepared When arriving at the La Paz El Alto with sweaters and windbreakers. La Paz Citizens of the EU, Canada and Australasia International Airport we suggest that you can get quite warm during the day but do not need a visa to enter Bolivia. Entry change some money at the bank (“Cambio”) sometimes mists swirl through the streets is granted on production of a passport valid in the main terminal building. Change enough and the city can be literally wrapped in for more than six months, a return air/bus money to see you through the first few days the clouds. Throughout the country, night ticket and proof of funds to support yourself of your tour – particularly if it is a weekend. temperatures drop dramatically, and on the for the duration of the stay. Many other Please note you can only change cash (not high Altiplano, when a cloud passes over the nationals, including US and South African traveller’s cheques) at the Cambio. sun, the temperature plunges noticeably. In citizens do require visas. For the latest Cochabamba, Sucre and Tarija, winter is the There are ATMs in the city where you can get information on your specific visa requirements time of clear, beautiful skies and optimum money out 24hrs a day. you should contact the local Bolivian Embassy temperatures. The lowlands experience hot or Consulate well in advance of your planned sunny days and an occasional shower to cool Bolivia - Local Transport date of travel. off and settle the dust. Most of La Paz is easy to visit on foot, although the high altitude can take its toll, especially Bolivia entry/exit requirements: Your passport Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of when walking up hill. There are various types must contain a Bolivia entry stamp, without what the weather will be like on your tour. of buses and minibuses which are very cheap this you’ll have to pay a fine when you leave but you will need to know which routes to the country. If you enter Bolivia overland Bolivia - Money use (ask at the hotel reception for assistance). ensure that your passport is stamped on both Important There are also fixed route taxis “trufis” which sides of the border, with an exit stamp from In Latin America you will have problems are “colectivos” (meaning other people will changing the US$100 CB B2 2001 series be on-board). You can tell these taxis apart

Amazon, Incas & Titicaca by their red number plates. We recommend leaders will do their best to provide interesting with a tourist card to enter Peru, which will be the use of taxis at night as they are fairly vegetarian alternatives when arranging group issued to you by your airline before landing cheap and much safer than walking. It is not meals in the campsite, but your patience and and will be stamped by an official upon arrival common, however, for taxis to have meters understanding is requested. where you will also be asked to present a so you will need to barter for a good price. return ticket or proof of funds for your stay and In other Bolivian towns and cities walking is Drink return ticket. This must always be kept with basically the best and cheapest way to see the You should be wary of drinking the local you throughout your stay in South America sights. tap water. Bottled water and carbonated (as per Peruvian law, everyone must carry soft drinks are widely available and are some form of ID at all times) – especially when Bolivia - Food & Drink generally safe to drink. Plastic sachets of travelling outside of main towns and cities. flavoured chocolate and strawberry milk are Food You must also retain this card for when you In Bolivia the basic diet focuses around also available. exit Peru (this is a big deal, if you lose it, chicken, beef or seafood, mostly with french Imported beers and spirits are available but you can't leave & must go through all sorts of fries or rice (or both) and possibly a little salad. usually at a high price. If you are happy to bureaucracy - which takes days). Take a copy The Bolivian national dish is the parillada, a drink the local spirits then there is an array of or a digital photograph copy. mixed grill with everything meaty including rums and singani (distilled grapes). Imported offal and intestines. Sajta de pollo is hot Peru - Climate Chilean and Argentine wine can sometimes spicy chicken with onion, fresh potatoes plus Peru is split into three main zones – the coast, also be found cheaply. A bottle of rum could dehydrated potatoes called chuno, lomo ala the mountains and the jungle, all boasting be as little as US$5 in a local shop and quite pimiento is a pepper steak popular with different climates. From the driest hottest often the mixer to go with it (Coke) is more travellers, fricase is juicy pork with chuno, desert in the Americas, to the Andean peaks, expensive. There are various brands of beers silpancho is bread-crumbed meat with fried to the lowland Amazon Jungle, each zone including Pacena, Ducal and El Inca (dark eggs, rice and banana, saice is a dish of offers different seasons. sweet stout). mince meat with spicy sauce and potatoes, rice, onions and tomatoes and milanesa is It rarely rains along the coast; however, the Peru Country Guide beef or chicken breaded and fried like a capital does experience a substantial amount of smog, coastal fogs and even drizzle, schnitzel. For a simple fish, you should ask for Peru - Fact File pescado which can be grilled, pan fried with particularly between the months of May and • Official Name: Republic of Peru breadcrumbs apanado or served with a sauce. November. • Capital: Lima Trout trucha is especially good from Lake • Population: 30 million The mountains and the jungle regions can be Titicaca. Typical snacks include empanadas, • Total Area: 1.285 million square kilometres divided into wet season between November pasties filled with cheese, humitas (maize (twice the size of France) and April and dry season between May and pies), pucacapas (spicy cheese pies) and • Official Language: Spanish, Quechua and October. During dry season there can be saltenas (meat or chicken pasties which you Aymara also spoken in places some showers however it is not as heavy or as can get super spicy or mild). Much of Bolivia’s • Religions: Roman Catholic 90% frequent. Rainy season normally means a few food is not too hot and spicy but you will find • Voltage: 220 volts. Sockets are a mixture of downpours a day rather than continuous rain. a bowl of aji (which is a chilli or hot pepper the European, two-pronged round variety and sauce) on most tables which can be added to US flat-pin. Peru - Money spice things up. • Dialling Code: +51 Local currency The monetary unit in Peru is the Nuevo Sol. In most of the larger cities and towns you will • Time Difference: GMT/UTC -5. For up-to-date exchange rates with your own find an array of international cuisine. There are For other time differences please visit currency visit www.xe.com. pizzerias on every corner and Chinese (chifas) www.timeanddate.com • Airport Departure Tax: US$31 food is very common. A cheap, filling 3 course Changing money, credit cards & ATMs lunch (normally called a comida del dia) can US dollars are used and accepted for payment often be had for about US$1.50. Peru - Visas in Peru, especially in tourist areas however we recommend you always carry some local Vegetarians Currently, EU, US, Canadian, Australian and currency where you can as you are more likely If you are a strict vegetarian you may New Zealand citizens can enter Peru without to get preferable exchange rates. There is no experience a distinct lack of variety in the a visa for up to 90 days (on arrival ask for 90 restriction on the amount of foreign currency food available, especially in small towns. days as the standard issued is 30 days). As this you can bring into Peru however large sums You might find that you are eating a lot of situation changes periodically, we advise you must be declared on arrival. We recommend omelettes and other egg dishes. Our tour check with your local Peruvian embassy prior to departure. All tourists will be presenting keeping a small supply of small denomination

Amazon, Incas & Titicaca notes and coins as there is usually a lack of The basic diet focuses around chicken, beef You should be wary of drinking the local tap small change. or seafood, (however be prepared to see water. Bottled water, carbonated soft drinks some exotic meats such as guinea pig on and fruit juices are widely available and much Traveller cheques are also better exchanged offer) accompanied by rice, chips and salad. safer. in US dollars. Banks will usually accept and Specialities along the coastal regions include exchange traveller’s cheques however it can ‘Cerviche’, raw fish marinated in lemon juice, Peru - Bugs be trickier and a much slower process than with onion and hot chillies. Another local If your tour includes a visit to the jungle when in Lima. speciality is ‘Cuy’, roasted guinea pig served region, we advise that you prepare yourself whole and accompanied with yucca and We recommend you change enough money to encounter an array of wildlife including potatoes. to get through the first few days of your trip – insects and bugs etc. Most creepy crawlies especially over a weekend. Please note you In the highlands, diets focus on potatoes are harmless and will not cause problems can change cash at the Cambio or withdraw and vegetables, with the country producing at all. If you do find any in your room, it money from an ATMs in the capital (as well as over 2000 kinds of cultivated and indigenous doesn’t mean that the room is unclean, just Arequipa, Cuzco and Puno) where ATMs are potatoes there is an array of variety. ‘Causa’, that you are in the jungle and its completely open 24 hours a day. a dish made from yellow potatoes, lemons, normal – if anything it’s part of the jungle experience. If you do not like creepy crawlies Important eggs, sweet potato, cheese and onion sauce. we recommend plenty of repellent spray and Please note that ATMs in Peru do not always ‘Tamales’ boiled corn dumplings wrapped coils to place in your room. automatically release your credit or debit card in banana leaves and filled with meat are at the time when you receive your money. another local favourite. Please be aware that you sometimes must In most larger cities and towns, you will find push a button to request your card to be an array of restaurants offering international returned. Many ATMs in main towns have cuisine. Chifas (Chinese restaurants) are very instructions in English. common in Peru, as well as Italian pizzerias, Peru - Local Transport Japanese and Indian restaurants have begun to open however we also recommend trying We recommend using local taxis for your the ‘menu del dia’ in local restaurants for a journeys in Peru, especially outside of main cheap authentic meal. cities. Taxis do not usually have meters, so the fare must be agreed with the Vegetarians driver beforehand. Be sure to ask the hotel If you are a strict vegetarian you may reception or your tour leader for a rough guide experience a distinct lack of variety in the food of the price so when you start your negotiation available, especially in small towns. However with the drivers you know how much the fare vegetarian alternatives are becoming more should be. It also helps if you speak some popular. Our tour leaders will do their best Spanish to help you however please expect to to provide interesting vegetarian alternatives pay more than the locals do. for included meals, but your patience and understanding is requested. Local buses are also available and cheap to use however you really do need to speak Drink reasonable Spanish to get by. There are also Please note that drinks will be at your own bus stops, especially in the capital where expense throughout the duration of the tour. tourists are recommended to avoid. Most hotels we use will either have a bar onsite or within walking distance. Imported Peru - Food & Drink spirits and veers are available but at a higher Peruvian cuisine is known for its hot and spicy price. There are also local drinks available nature which comes from the classic mix of including ‘Pisco’ clear brandy distilled from garlic and hot pepper that we have come grapes. to celebrate abroad. Due to the diversity of the Peruvian landscapes, the country enjoys a ‘Inca Kola’ is the country’s soft drink of choice, wide variety of fruits and vegetables. so popular that MacDonalds had to allow it to be sold in Peruvian branches due to exceptionally high demand.