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DISCOVER

YOUR COMPLETE ITINERARY FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 14

HINTS Do TIPS INFO You AND JUICY DETAILS Know What to THE ALL Pack?

IN ONE A COMPLETE GUIDE TO YOUR TRAVEL PROJECTS HACK D I S C O V E R P E R U | T H E U L T I M A T E T R A V E L G U I D E

Hey there!

Firstly, on behalf of everybody at Bamboo, I would like to offer you our thanks for choosing to experience this incredible part of the world with us. We guarantee you an amazing time and we’re all very much looking forward to meeting you in soon.

I imagine that right now you’re very excited about your upcoming adventure and this little guide has been put together to help you understand more about what will be happening, what to expect, how to plan and more. We guarantee your time with us will be unforgettable from start to end.

Bamboo is growing as our style of 'travel' has proven to be the 'way' to travel. You are now a part of this journey and we welcome you with open arms and hearts. This growing experience is down to people like you, so do get stuck in, become part of our way of life, live every moment and take nothing for granted.

Peace, Love & Bamboo Mark (& the other Panda, Colin)

Follow me on Instagram to join our Bamboo journey @markbamboo highlights of your tour

AMAZON Discover the the infamous Peruvian Amazon and learn about its deep ecosystem from an award-winning non-profit organisation

CITY TOURS Explore the capital city of Lima and the ancient Incan city of

MACHU PICCHU Visit Peru's epic star attraction, the famous incan ruins of

COOKING CLASS Learn how to create local delicacies using traditional Andean ingredients

CULTURE Connect with the local communities and learn about various inhabiting the Amazon

HIKING Hike through the breathtaking views to the iconic Machu Picchu DAY 1 (FRI) ARRIVAL IN LIMA! On arrival into Lima, one of the team will be there at the airport to meet you when you land and take you back to our hotel to get settled in and meet the rest of your group as everyone arrives.

There’ll be a welcome meal tonight for us all to get to know each other before the real adventure begins tomorrow!

Meals included: Dinner

DAY 2 (SAT) LIMA Today starts with a tour of cultural Lima, known as the ‘City of the Kings’. Starting in the historic centre of the city, we’ll wander around the famous Plaza de Armas, surrounded by the stunning architecture of palaces and the Cathedral. We’ll also visit the beautiful and romantic Parque de Amor (Park of Love) with its immaculately landscaped gardens overlooking the ocean.

Tonight we’ll put on our glad rags and head out to the bohemian district of Barranco to experience the local nightlife over a few Pisco Sours!

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch DAY 3 (SUN) LIMA - IQUITOS It’s back to the airport this morning for a short two hour flight to the northern city of Iquitos; the gateway to the infamous !

After checking into our accommodation we’ll visit the indigenous museum in the town for a fascinating introduction to the traditions and beliefs of the numerous Amazon tribal groups.

As the sun sets we’ll venture out for a walk along the boulevard to see the many shops, restaurants and artisan markets come to life.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 5 (TUES) AMAZON RAINFOREST PROJECT Boarding a traditional boat this morning, we set sail for a small village and its community of less than twenty families. These are the descendants of an indigenous community that is now practically extinct, having inhabited the DAY 4 (MON) surrounding area for centuries. Here we will learn IQUITOS - AMAZON about their tumultuous past, how they have survived, their current struggles and get to meet RAINFOREST PROJECT the families and their energetic children. This morning we’ll be driving a couple of hours south to the Amazon town of , located on This afternoon we’ll be getting stuck in to some the banks on the Marañon River. Once here we’ll more project work. We’ll learn how human rights, stop at a fantastic award-winning, non-profit environmental conservation and knowledge of organization we’ve partnered with. Focused on basic healthcare define our organisation’s mission serving indigenous communities in the heart of in the Peruvian Amazon; one of the most isolated the beautiful and biodiverse Amazon Rainforest, and neglected regions. We’ll directly connect with their work empowers women and their the local communities and learn about the communities through a variety of projects. various cultures inhabiting the Amazon.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DAY 6 (WED) DAY 7 (THURS) AMAZON RAINFOREST AMAZON RAINFOREST PROJECT PROJECT - IQUITOS This morning’s visit is to another community and It’s back to the river this morning for a visit to a to the legendary mouth of the Amazon. From local community; an indigenous tribe of around here we’ll experience stunning vistas of the 500 fishing and farming people. Wander around dense jungle and its amazing flora the community to see the beautiful handicrafts and fauna. the women make to sell to visitors and meet the local leaders to hear their stories about life and It’s our final afternoon at the project before we education in this unique and remote place. have to say goodbye to our new friends. Big hugs and heart-felt thanks to all that we’ve learned Late afternoon we say our farewells to Nauta as guaranteed. we make the journey back to Iquitos.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 8 (FRI) IQUITOS - CUSCO Goodbye Iquitos, hello Cusco! This morning we’ll be catching a flight to Cusco - the amazing colonial city built on the foundation of Inca palaces!

After checking in to our accommodation we’ll have some time to unpack and get settled before we venture out for an evening stroll around this fascinating city.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

itinerary DAY 9 (SAT) DAY 11 (MON) CUSCO AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO We’re up early this morning for a fascinating tour This morning we take the from Aguas of Maras, Moray and Salineras Salt Mines. Discover Calientes to Machu Picchu! Get your cameras strange agricultural ruins, a charming town and out as we will be rewarded with breathtaking white blankets of salt before we stop to enjoy views every minute we get closer to the lunch at the tip of the Sacred Valley surrounding spectacular location of this ancient Incan site. by panoramic mountain views. Known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, this World This afternoon will be free for you to relax before Heritage Site was virtually unknown until the we head out to a local artisan market tonight. early part of the 20th Century. Shrouded by mist and surrounded by lush cloud forests and steep Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch escarpments we’ll have time to admire the stunning Andean mountain scenery before we explore the sprawling citadel.

DAY 10 (SUN) After lunch we’ll board the train for our journey CUSCO - AGUAS CALIENTES back to Cusco.

Today we’re off out of the city by train to explore Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch the small town of Aguas Calientes. Literally translating as ‘hot water’, the place gets its name of the series of natural hot springs that run through it. Nestled in a valley of cloud forests, Aguas Calientes is the gateway to Peru’s star attraction, the famous Incan ruins and Machu Picchu itself.

On arrival we’ll disembark the train and head to our accommodation before an evening meal to celebrate what is undoubtedly going to be the highlight of the trip.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner DAY 12 (TUES) CUSCO This morning we’ll all have some free time to have a lie-in and relax after a big day yesterday.

In the afternoon, we’ll re-group for an interactive local Peruvian cooking class! Due to its huge range of fresh ingredients, the country has long been recognised as South America’s culinary capital and Cusco, with its exciting fusion of Andean ingredients and modern cooking techniques is the perfect place to learn how to cook some of the best traditional dishes.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 13 (WED) CUSCO - LIMA After breakfast at our accommodation we’ll travel to the airport and board a flight back to where it all began, the capital city of Lima.

Tonight a visual feast at the illuminated magic water circuit awaits. Here, at the largest fountain complex in the world, we’ll let our inner child out, exploring the interactive and illuminated displays before enjoying our final dinner tonight.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 14 (THURS) DEPART LIMA That’s it – the end to an unforgettable adventure. You’re welcome to arrange your onward travel for any time today.

Meals included: Breakfast What's included

DISCOVER PERU TOUR

1. Airport Pickup and transfer on arrival into Lima 2. All accommodation 3. All in-country transport (including three internal flights) 4. 24/7 support from our experienced local guides 5. All tour activities included in the itinerary 6. Heaps of meals 7. Project donation 8. Full pre-departure support 9. Awe-inspiring moments T H E I N F O R M A T I O N Y O U N E E D T O K N O W B E F O R E W E B E G I N D I S C O V E R P E R U THE NITTY GRITTY

PERU ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Some countries do NOT have to apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate before entering Peru. A passport valid at least six months with at least 2 free pages in the visa section is enough to get a Tourist Visa (it's only an entry stamp) directly at the border or the airport which will last up to 183 days.

For more detailed information on entry requirements and countries that are visa-except, please visit the link below. www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/south- america/peru/passport-visa/ FAST FACTS

TRAVEL INSURANCE VISA and passport requirments are It is essential that you arrange travel insurance that YOUR responsibility provides suitable cover for the duration of your trip before you travel. 183 days free if from US, UK, AUS or CAN (plus most EU countries) Bamboo offers a comprehensive policy through our partners, Chubb. Please contact us for more information. ACCOMMODATION

You’ll be staying in various comfortable accommodation types throughout your trip, generally sharing with between one and three others in your group (twin to quad share rooms).

The Amazon Rainforest project is in a rustic area and the accommodation is in basic shared bunk houses. This will be bunk bed, dorm-style accommodation with outside shared bathroom facilities – a bit like camping! There is not always clean running water available so we will sometimes get stuck in with bringing water in pails and jugs to wash with. There are no towels provided so it is important to bring your own.

WiFi is normally available in each place we stay (with the exception of the project locations which do not have WiFi), although not always the most reliable, particularly in more remote areas.

If you need to have your laundry done, there are local services that are low cost and readily available.

All meals are provided as noted in the itinerary and will generally be a mix of western and local Peruvian . MONEY

When it comes to advice on how much money to bring, it’s impossible to say. All our intrepid explorers are very different. Where some go all out, others are on a budget. You can find both high end and budget restaurants, bars and shopping across Peru.

The currency used in Peru is called Sol. Typical exchange rates are: $1 - 3.50 Sol £1 - 4.50 Sol

ATMs, or cash machines, are prevalent throughout Peru and will only issue Sol, If you do plan to bring your ATM card with you, we recommend that you inform your bank. This may prevent your card being suspended due to irregular withdrawals.

We don’t recommend bringing travelers cheques with you. The reason is that banks across Peru have odd hours of operating, and it FAST FACTS: may cause unnecessary hassle finding a bank MONEY open when you wish to make a transaction.

Basic costs of things: Major credit cards are accepted across Peru but less so outside of the major cities. Larger hotels Water 1 - 2 Sol and restaurants may accept credit cards, but in Beer 7 - 12 Sol most places, cash is king. Inexpensive Meal 10 Sol Restaurant Meal 50-80 Sol Negotiating a purchase, known as “bartering”, Taxi to airport 40-60 Sol still happens in the tourist areas of Peru. Cappuccino 8 sol Outside of tourist areas, however, bartering is Memories - Free of charge seen as disrespectful and the cost you’re told is the cost you pay. If you’re unsure as to whether The currency in Peru is known as Sol or not you can barter for a discount please speak to your guide or coordinator to avoid any unnecessary faux-pas.. Remember to tell your bank that you are leaving the country to avoid having your card blocked CLOTHING

Packing for a trip to the unknown is always tricky. It’s definitely worth doing a little bit of FAST FACTS: homework on this one and to consider local when deciding what clothes to bring. CLOTHING

If you want to avoid unwanted attention, dress We recommend you bring: casual, don't show too much skin and keep things simple. Jeans and a shirt, shorts and a t- - Lightweight hiking pants/trousers shirt, a skirt and sweater — you can't go too far - Long sleeve shirts wrong with classic combinations. - Long socks - Tropical strength insect repellent While in the Amazon or hiking, it’s highly like - Flashlight - Comfortable hiking shoes that your clothes will get dirty, sweaty and - Layered clothing (for chilly nights) possibly torn so please keep this in mind. It’s - Lightweight sleeping bag (for Amazon) very easy to buy cheap clothes from local - Travel pillow (for Amazon) markets here that will be more than suitable for your work. If at the end of your time on a project you no longer wish to hang on to the clothes There is always the temptation to pack please speak to your guide as we may be able to your backpack full to the top, but donate those clothes on your behalf. remember to save some room for anything you buy along the way. You should also consider the weather. Bringing too much can sometimes be The (May – September) is the driest worse than not bringing enough. season and the summer (December – March) is warmer of course, but is also the wettest season, Many essentials like t-shirts and shorts are with frequent heavy showers. In the shoulder often cheaper on the than on the months, April and October, the weather can be high street. unpredictable with varying conditions much like the UK.

During the temperatures can soar to 32C or higher. Not surprisingly, humidity in the rainforest is high throughout the year. TRAVEL

VACCINATIONS For up to date information about the best travel vaccinations to have before arriving in Peru we urge you to contact your own GP, a travel health clinic or to check the World Health Organisations website. Bamboo are not medical professionals and therefore can’t offer you medical advice.

FLIGHTS

Thanks to the world wide web we all now have access to great flight deals through websites such as Skyscanner, Google Flights and more. If you’d rather use the services of a booking agent, the likes of STA Travel, Trailfinders and Flight Centre are all available online.

To be eligible for the airport pick-up, please arrange your flight to arrive into Lima’s Jorge Chavez DID YOU KNOW...? International Airport (LIM) on the Friday that your tour starts between the hours of 6am and 8pm. Did you know that? The tour ends two weeks later back in Lima. Three-quarters of the world’s alpaca From there you’ll need to make your own population lives in Peru. arrangements for onward travel.

Depending on traffic, the drive from the airport to The highest sand dune in the world, Lima city centre will be approximatley 20-30 minutes. Cerro Blanco, can be found in Peru. It is located in the Sechura Desert and stands 3,860 feet from base to summit.

The Incan Empire was larger than IMPORTANT NOTICE imperial Rome at its peak. It included 24,855 miles of and relied on a Once you have booked and confirmed your flight to network of chasquis (runners) to keep Peru, please make sure that you have shared your the kingdom connected. flight arrival time and flight number with our team. Without those details, we will be unable to guarantee your collection on arrival. ARRIVAL

Jorge Chávez International Airport is Peru's main international and domestic airport. It is located in , 11 kilometers (7 mi) from Lima, the nation's capital city and 17 km (11 mi) from Miraflores. Please arrange to land here when booking your flights to Peru.

You will need to complete an arrivals card when you land in Peru before passing through immigration. This will ask for where you are staying in Peru. The name and address of your first accommodation in Peru can be used and this will be confirmed to you via email approximately 14 days before your arrival; so please make a note of this when you receive it.

Once you have passed through immigration (Passport Control) you’ll need to collect your ARRIVALS INFO luggage before heading through customs. Keep your eyes peeled for the smiling face that holding our Bamboo logo! Once through you will enter the main arrivals area, a Bamboo representative will be there waiting for you. They should be easily MAKE A NOTE! recognizable with their Bamboo t-shirt and will be holding a sign with the Bamboo logo. You will be sent an email approximately two weeks prior to your Please bear in mind that we may be waiting for tour start date with a local contact others to arrive, so your transfer to the hotel may telephone number. If for any reason, not be immediate. you cannot locate the representative on arrival, please call this number.

If you have supplied us with a mobile number, make sure your phone is turned on as we may be trying to contact you. TRANSPORT

LIMA TO IQUITOS We'll head to the airport on Sunday morning and take a short two-hour flight to the city of Iquitos

IQUITOS TO NAUTA AMAZON RAINFOREST The transfer from Iquitos to the town of Nauta will be made via a comfortable private local vans and will take approximately 2 hours

NAUTA AMAZON RAINFOREST TO IQUITOS We will use the same car journey to return to Iquitos

IQUITOS TO CUSCO We will be taking a 4 hour flight from Iquitos to the city of Cusco. TRANSPORT CUSCOS TO AGUAS CALIENTES We will be taking an exciting train journey to Aguas Our Discover Peru tour actually covers Calientes that will take approximately 3 hours. a whopping distance of over 3000km from start to finish across Peru

AGUAS CALIENTES TO CUSCOS Tuk-tuks got their name from the sound that the earliest models make. The We will use the same train journey to return to engine makes a ‘tuk tuk tuk tuk tuk’ Cuscos. sound. With the advent of better , the unique engine sound CUSCOS TO LIMA has already been minimised. After breakfast at our accommodation we’ll travel to the airport and board a short 1.5 hour flight back to Be sure to experience it for yourself in where it all began, the capital city of Lima. Peru. GUIDES

Any tour is only as good as the guide – fact. The input of a tour guide cannot be understated. Their input into your tour, their little insights, the off-the-beaten- track adventures, the knowledge and experiences that they share with you will make or break your time wherever you are in the world.

At Bamboo, we take the selection and training of our guides and coordinators very seriously. Each guide undertakes a structured training program of three months and only once we’re convinced that they are genuine representatives of Bamboo are they signed up to the family.

Each of our tours has English-speaking guides to support you, answer your questions, educate you and to ensure that your time is unforgettable. From time to time we may have new guides-in-training on our tours. If you’re lucky to have a trainee on your tour, please be patient. They are undergoing training and therefore their knowledge won’t be that of the FAST FACTS: GUIDES trained and experienced guide who will be accompanying them. Our guides are the face of Bamboo, and they come in all shapes and smiles. TIPPING We love each and every one of them Although not in any way expected or encouraged, more than alpacas love grass.. anybody who goes over and above the call of duty to ensure that you have the very best time, may deserve Whilst most of them are elite travel a special little thank you. mavericks in their own right, you may come across newbies who are on the Did you have extra special service in a restaurant? Did path the greatness. the bus driver make an additional pit-stop just for you? Did your guide go out of the way so that you If you're lucky enough to meet a could experience something unique? At Bamboo fresh-faced newbie, be sure to show we’re firm believers in Karma – what goes around them your support and patience, most definitely comes around! most guides remember their first tours forever, so let's play nice. The 'must brings' Have you packed the following?

1. An open mind 2. Backpack or suitcase with wheels 3. Travel towel 4. Light, loose-fitting 'work' clothes (that you don't mind getting dirty!) 5. Long trousers & t-shirts 6. Flip flops or sandals 7. Trainers or sneakers 8. Day pack/bag 9. Insect spray 10. Hat & sunscreen 11. Reusable water bottle 12. Multi-use plug adapter The 'can brings' Everyone is different, so the following list is just a few suggestions of things you may like to consider bringing.

1. Medical Kit 2. Toiletries 3. Raincoat/waterproof jacket 4. Earplugs 5. Water shoes 6. Any home luxuries you simply can't live without 7. Card games or books 8. Respectful swimwear 9. Waterproof bag/ziploc bag BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Please ensure you have given the following information to our team before arrival so that we can ensure you have the best experience ever!

Please email [email protected] with the following information:

ARRIVAL HEALTH DETAILS & SAFETY - Arrival Flight Date (dd/mm/yyyy) - Your Travel Insurance provider - Arrival Flight Time - Travel Insurance Policy Number - Flight Number - Travel Insurance Emergency Number - Any medical conditions and allergies - Any medication you're taking

PERSONAL FOOD DETAILS ALLERGIES

- Name On Passport Please inform us if you have any - Passport Number intolerance to the following foods - Other Passport Information and ingredients: - Nationality - Date Of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Dairy Corn - Gender Soy Gluten Eggs Lactose Fructose - Contact Number Peanuts Histamines Tree Nuts Fructans Fish Galactans Shellfish Salicylates Sesame Other (Please Specify) TERMS & CONDITIONS Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully as they form the basis of your contract with WeAreBamboo. This agreement is made at the time of booking and becomes legally binding upon payment of your deposit. By booking a program with WeAreBamboo, you signify you have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions

All programs advertised on our website and/or on Facebook are offered and/or operated by WeAreBamboo Ltd. (trading as Bamboo and referred to as Bamboo or ‘we’ hereinafter) with company number 59926953 whose registered office is:.

WE ARE BAMBOO LEVEL 2 61 SEAVIEW ROAD LOWER HUTT, NEW ZEALAND 5010

All travel arrangements are sold subject to the following conditions. Bamboo reserves the right to update the Terms and Conditions at any time.

Please view our full terms and conditions here: https://www.wearebamboo.com/about/legal.php

Please note that the information in this pack is subject to change at any time without notice.