Adventure SpecialistsInc
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MACHU PICCHU AMAZON EXPRESS
A fast moving adventure package designed for those who wish to experience the excitement and mystery of highland Inca Peru, classic Amazonian rain forest and the romance of historic Cusco in an action packed two week vacation.... includes almost everything! Get yourself to Peru...we’ll take it from there!
From our 37+ years of experience operating adventure programs in Peru, we have carefully compressed several premiere activities into an exciting two week program. Starting with an introduction to Inca Cusco and the Sacred Valley, we follow with a DELUXE, SAFARI STYLE HORSE PACK TRIP into the nearby high Andes along seldom used Inca trails. After a pampered night at our favorite Sacred valley lodge, we treat you to the FAMOUS NARROW GAUGE TRAIN RIDE and a quick, intensive visit to the new world's finest archaeological monument, MACHU PICCHU...Then our Classic Jungle Adventure exploring one of the last undisturbed Amazonian rain forest preserves, MANU PARK BY FOOT, LODGE AND DUGOUT CANOE.
THE HORSE TREK: This is a safari style quality adventure using pack-stock to carry all gear and camping amenities. An experienced staff of bilingual guides and local packers accompany a small group of guests. Comfortable camps offer delicious meals prepared from fresh meats, grains and vegetables served in our large dining tent with tables and stools. One or two persons are assigned a weather tight, quality, four person sleeping tent. Each day begins with a pan of hot water and coffee or tea served at your tent. Before the evening meal, we enjoy happy hour with popcorn, assorted hot beverages and for those who imbibe, our famous expedition vodka martini (shaken, not stirred) and select Chilean wine. Our well trained, sure-footed, no nonsense horses (we own and train them ourselves at our Sacred Valley facility) are smaller than American saddle horses but carry us over the high passes with amazing energy. We do limit rider weight to 200 lbs. Comfortable padded, new, South American-style saddles are used.
Extensive riding experience is not a prerequisite but due to the steep rugged terrain, prior familiarity around horses is recommended. However we do teach the basics required. We require that all participants be in good health and physical condition. Some hiking is necessary over steep short sections of poor trail. We travel up to seven hours on the longest day.
Who we are: The owners/operators of Adventure Specialists Peruvian adventure program represent a highly skilled staff of professionals. U.S. based Adventure Specialists and Peru's Manu Expeditions offer a tantalizing variety of exciting and unusual back country excursions. Gary Ziegler, founder of Adventure Specialists, has a far flung history which includes a Ph.D. in archaeology, archaeological expeditions into remote Peru and Mexico, work for National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, museums and universities. Gary has been organizing and leading expeditions and groups in Peru since 1964. His accomplishments include the first ascents of seven high ice peaks and the discovery and documentation of new archaeological sites. In June, 2000, he co-directed and led an expedition documentary film production in Peru for the Discovery Channel. In 2001 Gary co-led a National Geographic expedition which located and excavated the Inca outpost of Corihuayrachina. In 2002 and 2003, he co-led the Thomson-Ziegler Expeditions that located and investigated the important Inca sites of Cota Coca and Llactapata near Machu Picchu. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London and the Explorers Club of New York. He raises, trains horses and rodeos at his home Colorado ranch when not in Peru or the wilds of Mexico.
Managed by internationally recognized ornithologist/explorer, Barry Walker MBE, author of " Field Guide to the Birds of Machu Picchu" and Cusco born wife, Rosario Velarde, The Manu Expeditions guides and staff have vast experience. They are logistical wizards who insure trips go smoothly and that guests are expertly attended to. Gary leads most of our mountain Inca research expeditions while Barry leads special birding and rain forest study projects. They occasional lead Machu Picchu trips for special programs. Manu Expeditions and its sister US based company Adventure Specialists, founded adventure travel in Peru. Gary Ziegler began designing and guiding A.S. educational adventure programs in Peru in 1971. Barry, Gary, Rosario and US manager, Amy Finger, maintain the highest standards with hands on management and continuing development of new and ongoing programs.
TRIP LEADERS: .
EDWIN DUENAS Age 38 leads most of our Machu Picchu trips. A native of Cusco, he is fluent in Quechua, Spanish and speaks Italian and English well. As close to a living Inca as one can get, his family history goes back before the conquest. One of Peru's most experienced backcountry guides, he is a specialists of Andean history and culture. Edwin holds a doctoral and law degree from Peru's San Antonio Abad University. When not in the field, he practices civil law in downtown Cusco. Edwin is an extraordinary skilled, knowledgeable trip leader and horseman who gives his all to each program. Other equally qualified guides may lead several of our Machu Picchu trips each season
MANU GUIDES
RAMIRO YABAR
Ramiro is in his early thirties and has been leading trips into Manu for 5
years. He is owner of the Amazonia Lodge and spent his childhood growing
up between Cusco and the family rainforest lodge.
Working for Manu Expeditions, Ramiro has built up a reputation as one of
the best Peruvian birdwatchers and his knowledge of plants and
traditional medicines is well known. Ramiro knows the local rainforest
peoples well and he has a wealth of information and stories concerning
local tribes. He is well known for his wildlife finding capabilities.
TINO AUCCA
Tino is in his twenties and holds a Biology degree from San Antonio Abad
University in Cusco. He speaks English and Quechua as well as Spanish. Tino
is much sought after as a field worker for international biological
expeditions and spends his time between research and leading trips into
Manu. Tino has worked on conservation projects concerning endangered
remnant high Andean woodlands and assisted many major expeditions such as
the Smithsonian Institute and national geographic Expeditions. Tino is
known for his knowledge of Quechua customs, medicinal plants and high
andean bird communities. One of the most experienced Manu guides he has
also studied Giant Otters in Manu extensively.
JESSICA BERTRAM
Jessica is 28 years old and was born and raised in Bremen, Germany. She has
been a resident in Peru since 1994. She is married to a Peruvian and speaks
Spanish, English, German and Quechua fluently. She has been working as a
guide in Manu and along the Inca Trail since 1995 and has a profound
knowledge of the rainforests and mountains of Peru. Jessica is particularly
interested in the indigenous peoples of Manu and has many friends amongst
the Machiguenga and Piro native communities.
DAY 1 Saturday)
Depart from your home town. Most flights from the United States depart late in the evening. If traveling from elsewhere, you may need to overnight in Lima. We meet your flight at the Cusco Airport the following morning on Sunday.
Arrangements can be made to assist you onto your connecting local flight in Lima, help with overnight arrangements or advise you of the process if you feel uncomfortable in strange airports.
Day 2 Sunday) Arrive to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, on an early flight from Lima. We greet you at the airport. Following a brief orientation and a cup of traditional coca tea, you have the morning to rest up. Later, we organize an afternoon introductory trek around town. We visit the famous Inca temple of the Sun, the Coricancha, one of the finest examples of Inca architecture and the ceremonial center of Cusco during Inca times. We will tour several other important cultural and historical sites around town. Most will need the time to rest and recover from yesterday’s travel. Refreshed and eager, we meet for dinner at a favorite restaurant. We talk about ancient legends, Manco Inca, the lost cities of Vilcabamba or perhaps just get to know each other. Some may opt for evening festivities in this bustling international city. We lodge in the very comfortable (Cable CNN and BBC news even if you don’t want it) Andes de America hotel close to the main plaza (or sometimes another quality hotel).
Day 3 Monday) Leaving Cusco in the rear view mirror, we travel by van over a low pass then down into the famous Sacred Valley following a visit to the big walled ceremonial complex above town, Sasayhuaman. The Incas used this as their fortress headquarters during the siege of Cusco in 1536.The scenery is unsurpassable, close and distant snow peaks glistening in the sun. An interesting drive of several hours takes us over another Andean pass to our trailhead, waiting horses and trail crew. Our guide gives a helpful riding lesson, a review for more experienced riders and necessary trail instructions, as duffels and gear are expertly sorted, matched and loaded on mules by a colorful group of Quechua speaking wranglers.
Abandoning tents and baggage to follow on the mule train, we set off, riding through the mountain town of Lares. looking something like the trail worn vanguard of Francisco’s Pizarro’s army arriving in Cusco in 1533. Men loading a truck stare in wonder. Curious kids at a nearby school stop their football game to watch us clip-clop by on the cobblestone street. Soon we are on an ancient trail climbing steeply out of the valley past small potato fields and adobe houses. Giant blue Lupine bushes line the trail. Late afternoon finds us on a high broad ridge with a level area suitable for our tents. We make camp near the village of Vilcabamba, a few scattered simple houses with friendly occupants. When we camped here for the first time in May of 2004, the locals said that we were the first outsiders to pass through in their memory. (B D L )
Day 4 Tuesday) The Andean dawn breaks colorfully to the east. We linger over a last cup of strong cowboy coffee as restless mounts wait impatiently to begin the days journey. Crossing a deep quebrada, we angle around another ridge to arrive at the weaving village of Cachin. We may be lucky enough to buy or bargain for some of the most prized of Andean textiles produced here. Riding on, past curious, red -ponchoed locals working small potato fields with ancient digging sticks, we follow a well worn pathway once trodden by Inca pack trains laden with jungle goods from the nearby lowlands.
We stop for lunch at Chupani, a small isolated village of stone-walled, grass roofed huts perched casually on a broad alluvial fan protruding down from the junction of two immense canyons. Hot Coca tea, boiled potatoes, roasted corn and avocado salad fuels us for the remainder of the day’s journey.
Continuing up into a broad high open region, we pass by a number of small villages This high pampa with its beautiful view was probably a place for breeding and raising of llamas used for carrying supplies along the royal roads. We continue our climb passing herds of grazing alpacas. Mountain vizcochas (related to the chinchillas) scurry amongst boulders washed down from the higher peaks. Ahead in a majestic circular bowl crowned by a deep blue lake, our wranglers have set up a ring of green tents awaiting our arrival. Some of us stretch our legs by walking the last mile or so to Camp. Shortly, we are sipping hot chocolate and munching fresh popcorn near grazing alpacas. Savory aromas from the cook tent drift across the pampa. Our kitchen crew sets out a bottle of good Chilean wine. Several of the bold sip one our famous expedition martinis awaiting arrival of the first course of soup that announces the arrival of dinner. (BLD)
Day 5 Wednesday) Startling flocks of puna ducks, teals and Andean geese, we trot out and upward into the morning mist. Today is a long ride through spectacular scenery. Following lunch we cross over another high, unpronounceable pass named Huacahuasicasa. The trail narrows as we wind through towering metamorphic sentinels guarding the approach. The view from the top of this 4500 meter high pass easily equals the best the Andes has to offer. (Gary says he’ll buy you a beer in Cusco’s Cross key’s Pub if you disagree). Now in the downhill back toward the Sacred Valley, the horses pick up energy as they know they are pointed toward home. The rose colored glaciers of Nevado Pumahanca hang overhead, lit by the glow of the fading Inca Sun God Inti as we reach the evening camp. (B D L)
Day 6 Thursday) The day breaks bright and sunny (we hope). Fresh fruit, yogurt and hot cakes start our day. Duffels packed for the waiting mules, we head down valley. Its all downhill today along the Aruraycocha and Mantacnayoc rivers (streams actually). We pass through stands of rare original Qeuña woodland. This is the genus Polylepis, home for some of the rarest birds on earth. A giant Andean Hillstar hummingbird darts out as we clatter down the rocky trail. Herder's huts and chacras (small farms) become numerous. We pass grazing cows, barking dogs and children coming and going along the trail.
Reaching the Sacred Valley at Yanahuara, we ride on through farmlands along the Urubamba River. A final ride along a colonial period lane into urban Urubamba completes our magical journey. We sadly say good-bye to the cooks, wranglers and hardworking ponies. Tomorrow begin a new adventure! We overnight at the Incaland Gardens Hotel. Individual bungalows and several acres of exotic flowers and gardens afford a most comfortable setting.. We meet for happy hour in the `Explorer Bar’. Dinner and good conversation follows...we slip off to our rooms to ponder the mystery of the last Incas before drifting into undisturbed slumber.( B:L:D)
Day 7 Friday) We board the morning narrow gauge train heading down valley at our hotel.* An interesting hour or so of click, clack and sway with all of the accompanying sounds and smells of rural Peru takes us to our final destination, Machu Picchu and the bustling backpacker town of Aguas Calientes, located some 2,000 ft. below Hiram Bingham’s great 1910 discovery. MACHU PICCHU is one of the most magical and mysterious places on Earth! Situated on the spine of a jungle cloaked granite peak towering some 2,000 ft. above an entrenched meander of the roaring river below, the site is frequently shrouded in misty clouds pierced by the powerful equatorial sun, the INCA GOD INTI. Constructed from precisely sculptured granite blocks carefully joined with the projecting exposed stone of the surrounding mountain, the site may well be the finest architectural achievement of the new world. The day is yours to explore and photograph
*Note: We use the Sacred valley Railroad leaving from Urubamba. This train arrives much earlier than the Cusco trains allowing us to visit Machu Picchu before the tourist hoards arrive from Cusco also permitting more time at the site.
We later meet at the Intihuatana stone. Our guide concludes the story of the raise and fall of the ancient civilizations of the Andes with the tragic end of the Inca and the unresolved mystery that this "lost city" remains. We return to Cusco on the afternoon train. The evening is yours to shop and wander around. The city abounds with small shops and street side vendors selling their wares. Colorful weaving and handmade alpaca sweaters are popular gifts for friends at home. We meet for dinner then migrate to the Cross Keys, Cusco's only authentic English Pub, for drinks and lively conversation with the resident congregation of guides, expatriates, adventurers, treasure hunters and smugglers from far corners of the universe. Humphry Bougard and Harrison Ford usual have the back table next to the pool table. (B.L.D)
Day 8 Sat) Free day on your own in Cusco to explore this ancient city and take
Advantage of the many shopping opportunities, visit museums etc.
Day 9 Sun) After breakfast start from Cusco in our overland bus. There is much to see today as we travel through traditional communities of Quechua Indians. Well have views of glaciers and the magnificent eastern ranges of the Andes. If the weather is clear at Ajcanacu pass at 3500 meters above sea-level, excellent views over the Amazon Basin can be had before we plunge down into the orchid laden Cloud Forest. We pass through pristine mountain rainforest and take a picnic lunch amongst cascading waterfalls. We'll take a look at the Cloud Forest ecosystem and get to the comfortable Cock of the Rock Lodge around dusk. Night Cock of the Rock Lodge B:L:D
Day 10 Monday: Pre-breakfast walk to a nearby spot in the Cloud Forest where the strange and beautiful Cocks-of-the-Rock display at dawn. This is a wonderful sight as up to 25 bright red-orange males dance and sing attempting to attract the favors of the duller, burgundy colored females. After visiting this lek we return to the Lodge for a leisurely breakfast. Leaving the camp we travel the remaining 4 hours to the Madre de Dios River and load onto our motorized dugouts and begin our journey down the Alto Madre de Dios River, past the last folds of the Andes, to it's confluence with the Manu River. Well pass settlements and native communities during the trip. Just before we get to the village of Boca Manu we pass the native community of Diamante. Their culture is Piro and this is the largest settlement in the area. There is a small handcraft shop here, which offers hand painted fabrics, necklaces of seeds native to the region and a small selection of weavings and ceramics. A stop here must be pre-arranged through your guide. Passing the village of Boca Manu we arrive at across the river from the tiny airstrip of Boca Manu. The two species of Tamarin monkeys are here -the Saddleback and Emperor. There is a trail system we can explore if time permits. The latter with their long, white moustaches are a rare and precious sight. B:L:D
Day 11 Tues. Well fed and rested we leave Boca Manu, leaving the relatively clean waters of the Madre de Dios behind, we enter the clay laden waters of the Manu River. With a brief stop at the park ranger station at Limonal to present our permits we travel for about five hours up the Manu. Beaches, especially in the dry season, are loaded with nesting birds and feeding Herons, Egrets, Orinoco Geese, Terns and Skimmers to name but a few. Some beaches will host sunning White and Black Caimans (South American relatives of the Alligators) and breeding Side-necked Turtles. Hundreds of Sand-colored Nightjars roost during the day on logs and beaches and there is a chance of encountering a sunning Jaguar - the worlds third largest cat. In 1999 one in three of our trips saw Jaguar in Manu. We will see some species of primate on this river trip, possibly Red Howler Monkeys or the smaller Squirrel Monkeys. After having lunched by the river we arrive at our Safari Camp near the lake of Cocha Salvador. We'll have the afternoon to explore some of the trails through the pristine rainforest in the area. A visit to the lake of Cocha Otorongo is planned, where observation piers and a 20 meter observation tower in the rainforest canopy overlooking the lake are available for observing wildlife. We will also be on the lookout for a large family of Giant Otters that inhabit this lake. Before or after dinner an optional excursion into the forest at night is available with your guide in search of nocturnal creatures. The lakes are full of eye-shine of the large Black Caiman and if we are lucky we may encounter an Olingo Kinkajou or even an Ocelot on the trails. Certainly the night-time noise of tree frogs and insects in the forest is an experience not to be forgotten. Night at Cocha Salvador Safari Camp. The camp is really not a camp. There are flush toilet and shower facilities and large walk-in tents on raised roofed wooden platforms with cots for sleeping B:L:D
Day 12. Weds. After breakfast we'll spend the morning at the lake of Cocha Salvador. Some of the time will be spent canoeing the lake on a floating platform observing ox-bow lake animal life from the water. We may encounter an Agami Heron or a Sungrebe and Brown Cappuchin Monkeys are usually feeding on fruits nearby. Specially constructed piers that jut out into the lake enable us to look for a family of Giant Otters that live here. These, the worlds largest freshwater carnivores, remain common only in Manu, having been hunted to extinction throughout most of their former range. Each animal consumes between 4 and 5 kilos of fish daily and often they can be seen eating large fish on logs at the lakeside. The rest of the day will be spent walking the trails in the area in search of some of the 13 species of Monkey found in the forest here. Your guide will explain some of the basics of rainforest ecosystems and point out some of the medicinal plants of the area used by local, indigenous groups. We may cross paths with a group of Peccaries - a species of wild boar found here. A late afternoon swim in the river near the camp as the sun sets . Night at Cocha Salvador Safari Camp. B:L:D.
Note:The first fixed departure of each month will stay at the Machiguenga Lodge.
DAY 13) Thurs.Today we'll walk from camp for 4-5 hours through the forest to Cocha Otorongo. We may encounter troops of Monkeys. This is a particularly good trail for Woolly Monkey. We'll pay special attention to the plant life on this walk and take it slowly listening for the rustle of vegetation or the soft sound of fruits falling to the rainforest floor that may betray the presence of animals or large birds. We'll be met at the river by our cook with a picnic lunch and then board our motorized dugout for the 4 hour trip down river to Boca Manu for the night. The river trip may hold surprises and we'll be attentive for any wildlife on the beaches. Night in the lodge at Boca Manu.. B:L:D
DAY 14 Fri : This morning we have time to explore the small trail system at the lodge before heading across the river to the tiny airstrip of Boca Manu. On arrival at the trip we board our aircraft for the 35 minute flight to Cusco. First we fly over seemingly endless rainforest and then past snow peaks and glaciers to Cusco, where our staff will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Afternoon to relax in Cusco. Night at our hotel in Cusco. B
Day 15 Sat :Transfer to the airport and flight to Lima and connecting international flights. Use of hotel room in Lima or overnight if required. B.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT PERU IS SUBJECT TO STRIKES, LANDSLIDES, ETC, BE PREPARED FOR EVENTS BEYOND OUR CONTROL WHICH MAY CAUSE DELAYS AND UNAVOIDABLE CHANGES IN OUR PROGRAM. WE CONSTANTLY SEARCH TO IMPROVE THE EXPERIENCE AND TRY SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT ROUTES OR ACCOMMODATIONS FROM TRIP TO TRIP.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you book. This can reimburse you if you need to cancel last minute due to sickness or other trip emergencies.
AIR: We recommend Earl at Taylor Travel at: 800/739-2520; or 719/636-3871; fax: 719/636-3879; e-mail: efox.atainc@yahoo.com
INCLUSIONS: The price includes accommodations in safari style camps, tourist class or better hotels and inns (double occupancy), land travel, meals except in Cusco, all trip gear, horses, tack, bilingual guide and local support staff, entrance fees.
EXCLUSIONS: Not included are airport taxes, air travel, bottled drinks, gratuities, optional activities, personal expenditures, meals in Cusco, costs resulting from illness or injury and emergency evacuation, program changes and delays beyond our control.
FLIGHTS TO/FROM BOCA MANU
The airline accepts no more than 12 kilos per person in total including
carry on baggage, any extra weight the passenger has to pay $1.5 per extra
kilo. If passengers expect to take more than 12 kilos on the plane, PLEASE
ADVISE US WELL IN ADVANCE. We are not responsible if the flight is canceled
due to weather conditions - this does happen sporadically during the rainy
season ( November to May ) - that is why we suggest that you plan on an
extra day in Cusco at the end of your Manu trip and not plan on any
flight connection to Lima the same day that you leave Boca Manu.
ABOUT CANCELATIONS OF FLIGHTS FROM BOCA MANU.
If the flight to Cusco is cancelled due to weather conditions and you have
to stay in Boca Manu:
A.-If you are on our 6 day trip, you must stay in camp with our camp staff
and fly the following day , as the guide has to continue with the rest of
the group that is taking the 9 days trip to Manu Wildlife Centre.
B.-If you are on our 4 or 9 day trip, you must to go back to Manu Wildlife
Centre and stay there an extra night at a discounted rate.
RESERVATIONS: Call or E-mail info@adventurespecialists.org
to answer your questions or make a reservation. Carefully read the application/contract form for details about payment, cancellation, refunds and legal responsibilities. You can reach us at the following numbers: Bear Basin Ranch Westcliffe, CO 81252 (all year) phone/fax; 719 783-2076. Gary and Amy at our winter office in Colorado Springs Dec-April 719 630-7195 (phone and FAX)
As we are primarily outdoors and leading trips, we do not maintain a regularly staffed office. We do however, check the answering machine and will promptly return your call.
Suggested Reading list
1) Lost City of the Incas: The Story of Machu Picchu and its Builders. Hiram Bingham.
Orion, London.2001.
2) Realm of the Incas. Max Milligan 2001
3) The Conquestof Peru, William H. Prescott. New American Library, 1961.
4) The Conquest of the Incas, John Hemming. Hartcourt Brace 1970
5) Pizarro, Conqueror of the Inca. National Geographic. Feb. 1992 Vol. 181, no. 2.
6) The Incas And Their Ancestors, Michael Moseley. Thames and Hudson, 1993.
AVAILABLE IN CUSCO: 6) Exploring Cuzco, Peter Frost. Lima, 1984
7) Machu Picchu- The Sacred Center. Johan Reinhart, Lima 1991
8) Machu Picchu Abandoned, Gary Ziegler, Lima 1996.
9)Beyond Machu Picchu, Gary Ziegler, Crestone 2001
10) Forgotten Vilcabamba, Vincent Lee 2000
11) The White Rock, Hugh Thomson 2001
12) The Machu Picchu Guide Book, Ruth Wright and Alfredo Valencia
13) Machu Picchu; A Civil Engineering Marvel, Kenneth Wright and Alfredo Valencia, 2000
14) The Birds of Machu Picchu. Barry Walker (available soon)
EQUIPMENT AND PREPARATION LIST:
__Passport __Credit cards and cash for tips, city meals, shopping etc.__Airline tickets.__Travel Insurance to include emergency medical, trip cancellation etc. Available any travel agency.__Duffle bag or large frameless pack for the majority of your gear.__Plastic garbage bags to line duffle for waterproofing on the trail.____Warm Sleeping Bag (to 15 F) __ Leisure clothing for town._light hiking/riding boots (some are okay for riding as long as they are not too wide)
We use our hiking boots along with a pair of half chaps which makes for a practical combination for both riding and walking. Good half chaps are available at: www.stateline.com for $45-$75.__Warm outer coat or parka. Or shell jacket and 2 polar fleece type pullovers for layering__Rain gear- slicker.__Hat with a Brim...essential for sun protection.__several bandanas.__Warm cap and gloves __light riding gloves__Assortment of light expedition clothes. pants, shirts, socks, underwear, trail shorts.__Toiletries...biodegradable soap, sun block (#30 or more) lip balm & personal items__
Insect Repellant__Personal medications... Ask your Doc about Diomox for altitude comfort__(WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND DIOMOX)
Water Purification Kit-iodine or filter for hotels etc. We boil camp and trail water__Sun Glasses...Uv is intensive at Altitude near the Equator. We recommend quality glacier glasses.__Flashlight...with extra bulb and batteries- We like headlamps.__Pocket knife.__Water Bottle__Camera and film.
film can be bought in Peru __Binoculars ...optional __Light Canvas or Nylon Saddle bags...optional. We furnish small saddle bags
JUNGLE ITEMS:
sleeping bag (can be hired in cusco by pre-arrangement) cotton sleeping
bag liner or sheet. duffel bag or frameless back-pack is best. day pack.
2 pairs of loose fitting lightweight long cotton trousers. shorts.
swim wear. Long sleeved cotton shirts. 2 pairs of boots or running
shoes. Rubberboots (wellington boots) optional but recommended.
sweatshirt or lightweight jacket.
rain poncho (best) or jacket and rain pants. hat for sun protection on
boats. personal toileteries and biodegradable soap. towel
insect repellent with high deet content. high factor sunscreen
lip balm. personal medication. afterbite. sunglassses. flashlight (torch)
and spare batteries and bulb pocket knife. camera. 400asa film for photography in the forest. binoculars for wildlife viewing 8 0r 10 x magnification. ziploc bags and garbage bags for clothes etc..water bottle. valid passport. malaria pills and yellow fever vaccinations.
HEALTH: We ask that you consult your family doctor concerning what medications, shots or inoculations he or she may recommend. Unless you travel to Manu, you will probably not be exposed to tropical diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. The occasional case of travelers diarrhea can be rapidly treated with Cipro or other medication that your doctor may suggest. We have a very low incidence of illness on our trips. We eat in only the best restaurants and our own cooks are carefully sanitation trained. We have had good results with Diomox as an aid in acclimatization and alleviation of the effects of altitude. Ask your doc.
WEATHER: This is a trip of great contrasts. In the high altitude. It can get very chilly, even into the 30's at night and then zoom into the 70's during the day. When we descend into the cloud forest, the temperature rises into the 80's. Although the dry season normally persists April through November, it can rain (or snow at high altitudes) at any time. please come prepared.