Discover Peru on a Luxurious Level!

Explore Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu

Ancient Inca Trails criss-cross the Andes and weave a tapestry of history, culture, ruins, and mystery throughout Peru. Our new Peruvian Experience combines activities to explore the amazing environment while staying in luxurious accommodations, all while keeping to the Bio Bio Core Values: to provide our guests with the most authentic adventure experience while engaging in sustainable, regenerative tourism.

Your journey begins in Lima, a pre-Hispanic and vice-royal city, whose historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been recognized as the gastronomic capital of America. In the company of your expert guide, you will learn of Lima’s rich history while enjoying gastronomical delights.

We spend few days in the Sacred Valley where we see Maras salt mines and the Moray ruins, a large-scale agricultural research area. We also explore Lake Huaypo, paddling its waters on sea kayaks.

The culmination of the trip may be the day where you travel the last 8mi of the legendary Inca Trail to arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Our final adventures will take us to the sacred ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Qengo followed by a walk down the last stretch of an ancient Inca Road that will lead you directly to Cusco’s Main Square.

All of these experiences combined will give you a true sense of the magic of Peru!

Regenerative Tourism: Journeys with Purpose
Impact Lives: Your journey reaches beyond exploration; it extends a helping hand to local communities, strengthening their economy, preserving traditions, and financing our sustainability initiatives.

Huaypo Project: For over 15 years, we’ve reveled in the enchantment of the Huaypo lagoon. A couple years ago, we decided to take it upon ourselves and uplift the indigenous communities around Huaypo Lake. So far, this educational project has served over 200 children, providing them with high-speed internet, playgrounds, and cold-protective gear. Each guest embarking on this Lares Trek + One-Day Inca Trail journey will receive a certificate for their contribution.

Day 1 | Welcome To Lima, Peru! Bike Along El Malecon Of Miraflores And Barranco (optional)

Your journey begins in Lima, a pre-Hispanic and vice-royal city, whose historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been recognized as the gastronomic capital of America.
At the airport, a guide will welcome and accompany you to your hotel.

Depending on the arrival time, you can choose to participate in a bicycling activity (optional and additional cost):

Fast Facts
Duration: 3 hours
Best For: All travelers

Why We Love This Experience
·Barranco and Miraflores are the most vibrant suburbs of Lima, the only South American capital located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
·We know that the best way to explore these iconic neighborhoods is riding a bicycle along the boardwalk that connects these neighborhoods, while also enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.
Itinerary
Although nowadays Barranco is part of Lima, it was not always so. At the end of the nineteenth century, it was one of the most sophisticated areas to which upper-class families could come only by tram or train. Today, it is a bohemian neighborhood. Independent art and history come together in one place. What once were the summer houses of illustrious Lima characters, are today the most prominent museums, galleries, restaurants, bars and hotels in the city.

Miraflores has a history spanning to man’s first habitation of the coast of Peru. Traces of colonial times can still be observed along with the modernism of an endless number of beautiful parks and buildings found on the shores of the Pacific. You will ride among beautiful houses that once were occupied by renowned writers, painters and musicians. You will pass by cultural centers, parks, shops, art galleries, ateliers, cozy local cafes and classic bars. Pay special attention to street art work, graffiti, street food, and to the cultural manifestations of two of the most important areas of Lima where locals usually express themselves in artsy ways and have fun.

No Meals
Please note: not all meals are included in this itinerary. For those meals, your guide will suggest some of the finest restaurants. This was an intentional decision to allow you to enjoy the culinary delights of each region, without the necessity of going to a restaurant that has to accommodate large groups.

Day 2 | Lima’s History Through Time

Fast Facts
Duration: 8 hours
Activity: Museum and Collections of Art, Architecture and Archeology

Lima is the oldest city in all of America, from Patagonia to Alaska. It was South America’s capital until 1700, and its oldest urban ruins are over five thousand years old. There is no such city outside Mesopotamia and Egypt.

In the company of your expert guide, discover Lima’s history, which began to take shape over three thousand years ago when ancient civilizations built important archaeological centers that we can still visit today. One of them is the Huaca Pucllana, the starting point of your journey through the capital.

Continue exploring the worldview and history of Ancient Peru through more than thirty-five thousand textiles, ceramics, gold and silver objects in the Larco Museum, an eighteenth-century viceregal house considered one of the best museums in the world.
For lunch enjoy typical Peruvian cuisine at Larco Museum renowned restaurant, a cozy and beautiful space
You will go forward in time to the viceregal era as we visit the historic center of Lima. A sample of almost three centuries of Spanish conquest can be seen in its imposing colonial architecture. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Visit the historic Mansion of Casa de Aliaga, a refined colonial house granted to Captain Jerónimo de Aliaga by the Spanish Leader Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Almost five centuries later, the Aliaga family continues to inhabit the house, making it the oldest dwelling in the Americas.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 | Flight to Cusco. Transfer To The Sacred Valley & Stop In Pisac

Your journey continues with a one hour flightt to Cusco & transfer to The Sacred Valley Of The Incas, Cusco. On the way you will discover the Andes, the longest mountain range on the planet, inhabited by legendary indigenous communities and areas untouched by modernity. In the following days, this place will allow you to connect with different ways of seeing the world.

Visit the Pisac handicraft market, famous for bringing together artisans from neighboring communities. Immerse yourself in the colorful world of Andean ceramics, jewelry, and textiles.

Welcome Lunch at a Countryside Manor
Fast Facts
Duration: 2 hours
Activities: Visit an old hacienda & lunch

Why we love this experience
·Together with a member of the Lambarri Orihuela family, visit the old hacienda and immerse yourself in a century of history while admiring a private collection of Peruvian art.
·Delight your palate with a delicious typical lunch from the region.

Lunch experience Overview
Resting on top of a hill is Hacienda Huayoccari, witness and survivor of a government that eradicated most country estates in Peru in the 1970s.
Accompanied by a member of the Lambarri Orihuela family, who have inhabited this Hacienda sin 1916, learn about the history of the Sacred Valley and our country.
You will access their private art collection, a journey through authentic pieces of ancient Peruvian civilizations, viceregal, and republican times.
With a spectacular view of the Sacred Valley and surrounded by seventeenth and eighteenth-century furniture, colonial paintings, lots of popular art, and baroque music, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with local ingredients that grow in Huayoccari’s organic gardens.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 | Kayaking In Huaypo Lake & The Enigmatic Terraces of Moray and Maras Salt Flats

Fast Facts
Duration: 4 hours
Activity: 1.5 hours kayaking

Why we love this experience
·Access a place of breathtaking beauty and explore it in its own natural state.
·Learn about the customs of the Andean people and their close link to this magical lagoon.
·Delight your palate with a delicious luxury picnic in the beautiful outdoors.

Morning Activity Overview
Crossing the open fields of the Sacred Valley of the Incas brings us to Huaypo, a beautiful and solitary lagoon perched high in the Andes.

Explore Huaypo, paddling its waters in sea kayaks, and learn how this lake is linked to the surrounding communities and crop fields, and observe the endemic birds that inhabit it as you glide amidst the reflection of the surrounding mountains and snow-capped peaks.

On the shores of Huaypo, enjoy a delicious luxury picnic in the outdoors.

Afternoon Activity Overview
Explore Moray, the circular terraces that make this center of agricultural experimentation one of the most enigmatic archaeological remains of the Peruvian Andes and learn how far the Incas went in terms of science and technology.

Walk surrounded by the snow-capped mountains Verónica and Chicón, in green pastures and traditional villages until you reach the impressive salt mines of Maras. Over three thousand salt wells were built by the Incas on the slopes of the mountain “Qaqawiñay”, which are still used today.

Meals included: Breakfast & lunch

Day 5 | Trek along the last legendary stretch to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate

Fast Facts
Total Length: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
Altitude: Max: 2,680 m / 8,800 ft.

Overview
Travel the last 13 km. (8 mi.) of the legendary Inca Trail that takes you to Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of Inca architecture and engineering and considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Along the way, explore archeological remains, cross the “Intipunku” (Sun Gate) and enter through a cloud forest into this sacred sanctuary.

Short Inca Trail Overview
A train will take you directly to Km 104 (Mile 64), the starting point of the trek.Along the way, with a spectacular view of the Urubamba Valley, visit the remains of Chachabamba and the impressive archeological complex of Wiñay Wayna, built by the Inca Pachacutec in the fifteenth century.

Continue hiking through one of the best-preserved sections of the Inca Trail, cross a cloud forest with abundant flora and fauna, including more than 300 types of orchids, until you reach the Sun Gate. Enter through the gate and be amazed by the majestic Inca citadel, an image that will surely remain in your memory forever.

Take a bus ride down to Machu Picchu town where your hotel is located.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 | Discover Machu Picchu Lost Citadel & hike Huayna Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Overview
Thirteen degrees south of the equator, the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu rises above the Urubamba river valley on a steep ridge between the towering peaks of Huayna and Machu Picchu mountains – both of which can be hiked for incredible views. One of the few major pre-Columbian ruins found nearly intact, this UNESCO World Heritage site and spiritual destination was built for Inca ruler Pachacuti during the 15th century and once housed over 600 residents.

An architectural marvel by all standards, its 200 stone structures were constructed without mortar or iron tools. We still don’t know how they moved huge stone slabs without wheeled carts and shaped them so perfectly. The brilliantly engineered design reveals the Incas had a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and agriculture. But what exactly they were doing up there remains a mystery to this day.

Take the day to explore Machu Picchu at length. Discover the Inca’s history as you walk through squares, temples, fountains, monuments, and residences of the most important religious, political, and cultural center of the Empire.

Optionally, climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain* or the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, two natural viewpoints with striking views of the entire citadel.
*additional fee for permit

In the afternoon, board the Vistadome train back to the Sacred Valley where a private transport will take you to the city of Cusco.

Vistadome Train Overview
The PeruRail Vistadome train offers a unique and different way to travel to Machu Picchu. Each of the cars features panoramic windows, enabling you to feel part of your surroundings.
On the return trip you can enjoy fashion shows in your carriage featuring an authentic baby alpaca wool collection, all available for sale. PeruRail Vistadome brings you closer to amazing landscapes and nature en-route to the Inca Citadel, creating a real connection.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7 | Traveling The Last Stretch Of An Inca Trail

Fast Facts
Duration: 5 hours

Morning Activity Overview
Explore Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo and discover the history of the two most important ceremonial fortresses built by the Incas during their heyday.

Then, walk the last stretch of an ancient Inca Road that will lead you directly to the main square after passing by the bohemian district of San Blas. The main square is the convergence of over thirty thousand kilometers of roads connecting the empire.

Alternatively, we can take you in a vehicle to the center of the city, after visiting the archeological remains.

Afternoon at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 | Transfer To The Airport

Time to say good-bye! Transfer to the airport on time for your flight back home.

Lima: AC Hotel By Marriott Lima Miraflores
Property Overview

Luxurious comfort meets convenient style at AC Hotel Lima Miraflores. This contemporary hotel in Lima, Peru, boasts an unbeatable location at Malecón de la Reserva, with stunning ocean

views of Miraflores. Enjoy easy access to popular attractions, including Costa Verde and Puente de los Suspiros. Walk to Larcomar, an upscale shopping center next to the hotel with many dining, retail, and entertainment options. Kennedy Park and the Indigenous Market are also a short walk away.

Take in stunning views of the ocean and beautiful sunsets from the European-influenced bar, hotel rooms, and rooftop restaurant, Insumo Rooftop, which boasts the best ocean views in Lima. Escape to one of the 161 chic rooms and suites featuring luxury bedding, elegant bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and free high-speed wifi access. If you’re traveling with a group, reserve one of the two private meeting rooms for your upcoming gathering, and maintain your exercise routine at the 24-hour fitness center. Elevate your travel experience at AC Hotel Lima Miraflores.

Sacred Valley: Tambo Del Inka, Valle Sagrado
Property Overview

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, stands as a contemporary doorway to the vast cultural and natural richness of this enchanted region. The only hotel in the Urubamba Valley with a private train station to Machu Picchu, the property offers refined dining, a 24-hour business center, therapeutic spa and premier fitness center, along with an emerald lagoon and blooming riverside gardens.

Aguas Calientes: Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Property Overview

Popular with those heading to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways, and 83

whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. The property has 12 acres of exquisite natural beauty, where 214 bird species and the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species) have been registered.

After exploring the Historic Sanctuary and in-house excursions, guests can enjoy the Unu Spa, which combines classic nurturing with a mystical Andean approach. Natural products are derived from local botanical extracts (mint, eucalyptus and orchids), thus providing a pleasing spiritual, sensual, and soothing experience. The first-class restaurant features stunning views of Vilcanota River, and shares the secrets of Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Cusco: Palacio Del Inka
Property Overview

Considered a historic landmark, Palacio del Inka is a five-centuries-old mansion located in the heart of downtown Cusco. This luxury hotel’s unique & captivating design embraces historical aspects of Peruvian culture while maintaining world-class luxury and modern conveniences. Here you’ll find stone archways, authentic Hispanic art, and ornate gilded antiques.

Enjoy a delectable meal at Inti Raymi, the hotel’s on-site restaurant serving an array of epicurean cuisine and pair it with a selection of wines curated by the Master Sommelier. Harmonize your body and soul with a signature treatment or massage at the luxurious Andes Spirit Spa. Directly across from Koricancha, meaning “Temple of the Sun,” the hotel is just minutes from shops and museums in the main square.

VISAS & PASSPORTS

U.S. citizens are required to have a passport that is valid for 6 months after your travel dates begin.The Inca Trail requires a permit. The passport you give Bio Bio to get this permit MUST match the passport you have with you when you are in Peru. If, for any reason, you get a new passport, it is of vital importance that you tell us and send us a copy of the new passport. This situation can arise if you, perhaps, lose your passport, get married and change your name, or use different names on different documents.Return to top of page

FLIGHTS & AIRPORTS

You are responsible for booking all flights, international as well as domestic.  However, if you need help, please feel free to call or email the Bio Bio office.

One travel agent we often use is:
G&G Travel | Gilda Gutierrez
gildatravelagent@gmail.com
786-712-1119

Flying In…The tour officially begins in Cusco on Day 1. You will fly into Lima and then transfer to a domestic flight. Please try not to arrive in Cusco before 10:00 AM as your hotel room will not be ready and most things are closed in the city. You may want to fly in the day before and spend the night in Lima.  We can arrange a hotel for that evening if you prefer, or we can arrange extra nights for you in Cusco.

Flying Out…You can fly out of Cusco to Lima and then home all on the last day. We suggest spending a big part of the day in Cusco and then departing Cusco in the early evening. Or you can choose to spend more time in either of these cities and fly home at a later date. We are happy to help you arrange tours and lodging.
When you leave Lima, there is a departure tax of approximately US$30.

TRAVEL TIMES BY PLANE
Miami to Lima: 5:25 hrs
Lima to Cusco: 1.5 hrs

Peru is on Central Standard Time

PACKING INFORMATION

Baggage Allowance and Suggested Gear

Please see what restrictions your airline imposes, as the rules and allowances are constantly changing. Typically you are allowed two checked bags up to 50 Lbs each, plus one carry on bag and a purse.

You will be provided with one soft duffle bag when you arrive to Cusco to pack all your gear for the Inca trail. The porters will carry this duffle bag. Your suitcase will be left at the hotel with non-trekking clothes and items – while your suitcases are kept in safe storage we still recommend using a lock on your suitcase.  Keep all important documents, including your passport, with you in your daypack. Please note that your Inca Trail bag with your camping gear will have a weight limit of 18 lbs! This is required by law in Peru to protect the porters. That does not include your tent which will be carried in a different bag.

• Sleeping bag: A 20 or 30-degree bag is warm enough,  a compression stuff-sack is helpful to save space.
• Sleeping pad: This is very important, and not something you want to skimp on. Thermarest makes a good inflatable pad. We can rent Thermarest pads for you in Peru if you’d like. Please let us know in advance so we can reserve them.
• Camp pillow or stuff sack to use as a pillow
• Travel Clothing: 2-3 pairs of pants and 4-5 shirts that are lightweight and quick drying.  A long skirt or nice pants are also nice for special dinners in towns.
• A day backpack: We recommend that you carry the following items in your daypack:  water, sunglasses, camera and film, extra layers in case the weather turns cool, flashlight/headlamp/blister kit, any prescription medications you use, your passport, sun hat, warm hat, sunscreen.
• Flashlight and or headlamp, extra batteries. The days are 12 hours long on the equator so it will get dark around 6:00pm.
• Toiletry kit, personal medicines – particularly allergy and diabetic prescriptions, shampoo, soap, toothbrush, lotion, bug repellent.
• Rain jacket and pants– lightweight Gortex or similar.
• Shoes 2 pairs– One pair for city visits, towns, villages. One pair of lightweight hiking shoes for hiking.
• 1 fleece light or mid weight – for layering or a lightweight wool sweater.
• 1 fleece zip up mid weight jacket
• 2 pairs long underwear – synthetic material both top and bottom
• 2 or 3 T-shirts
• Hiking pants of synthetic material or fleece pants: 1 pair of pants that are comfortable to hike in, smart pants by Exoffico or similar that have zip off options.
• Hiking shorts
• Down Jacket: The temperature at certain camps can drop below freezing and a warm down jacket as well as multiple layers of fleece are important to have.
• Wide brimmed sun hat
• Lotion and sunscreen
• Insect Repellent – minimum recommended 20%deet (Jungle Juice) please note: no instances of malaria have ever been registered on this trip.
• Camera and batteries – back up memory cards and batteries
• Personal Snacks- You will be provided with great snacks (energy bars, trail mix, fruits) everyday and delicious food on the Inca Trail. Only bring snacks if you have a have a favorite kind or personal preference.
• Swim Suit
• H2O bottle (water bottle or camelback) key item! You should have at least a 2-liter water carrying capacity. Filtered water is provided. You will be able to refill your bottles in the morning, at lunchtime and when you arrive to the camp in the afternoon.
• 2 heavy duty trash bags to keep your camp gear dry inside your duffel (and later for laundry)
• Ziplock bags: several sizes to help organize your camp items, lotions, socks, underwear, etc.
• Moist Towlettes: for personal cleaning
• Small towel for washing up at camp
• Trekking Poles (optional) – must have rubber tips on the bottom to protect the trail

*Remember when packing your carry-on bag to bring any medications needed as well as any toothpaste or lotions in a plastic zip loc bag for security.  You may want to bring a toothbrush on your overnight flight as well as a change of clothing.

Bio Bio Expeditions has partnered with Tahoe Mountain Sports, our local outfitter, to help you collect the gear needed for your upcoming adventure! Use the promo code BioBio1 at checkout and receive 15% off all full priced items in your shopping cart. Click this LINK to see some products offered at TMS that are on your packing list or visit their online store at: http://www.tahoemountainsports.com

MONEY MATTERS

Currency

Peru is typical of many South American countries in that it effectively operates a dual-currency system. Both the US dollar (dólares) and the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (soles) are in circulation and although the government prefers people to use soles, most sizeable purchases are made in dollars. In practice, this means that anything costing more than, say, a meal in a nice restaurant, is paid for in dollars. The Nuevo Sol is perfectly stable so you don’t have to worry about inflation problems during your stay!

Extra Expenses

You are responsible for some meals as stipulated in the itinerary. These meals will cost between $5 and $25. And of course, you can go all out at a high-end restaurant. For meals that are included, you will need to pay for your own alcohol. You will also need money for gifts and tipping.

ATMs

Plus, Cirrus and other networks connecting ATMs are available in Peru. The exchange rates you get when withdrawing from cash machines are standard. This is the approach we usually recommend. Cash machines dispense both dollars and soles and most accept the major debit cards. Be aware of counterfeit currency and avoid being followed to and from an ATM machine! Go in pairs!

Credit Cards

If your credit card has been programmed with a PIN, it’s likely you can use your card at Peruvian ATMs to withdraw money as a cash advance. Always ask your bank before you leave home about the number of withdrawals you may make abroad, the limit each day, and also let them know where you are going so they do not put a hold on your card. You may be charged a fee for each transaction.

Most of the bigger restaurants and shops accept credit cards. If you have American Express, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club, you’re probably equipped for any establishment that takes cards. If you only have one, have VISA. A shopkeeper may require you to pay the credit card fee for purchases, so for the most ease, we recommend you use cash whenever possible.

Banking Hours

Banks are generally open from 9am to 6pm. Some banks close for 2 hours from 1pm to 3pm. Banco de Credito del Peru does NOT close. In Cusco you will find many banks on Sol Avenue, one block from the main square. It is recommended to go to an “exchange office”. You must bring your passport to exchange money. Never change a large sum (more than $100) and again, go in pairs, and avoid being followed by robbers.

Personal Checks

Personal checks are not accepted in shops or at your hotels. It’s a good idea, however, to bring a few for possible emergencies.

Travelers Cheques

Travel checks are less desirable as fewer and fewer places will change them, and you may end up in long bank lines. You will need to show your passport to cash your checks at the bank.

Tipping

Tipping is, of course, entirely voluntary and how much you give depends on how you feel about the service you have received. Typically, you should designate 10-15% of the land cost of the trip for tips. For example, a $4000 trip would mean $400 in tips. This will be split up on 2 different occasions:

1. At the end of the Inca Trail, each client should tip the porters $75-100. This will be divided up among the 20-30 staff that have made your Inca trek possible.
2. At the farewell dinner of Day 8 in Cusco, you can give the largest portion of your tip to the trip leader and he will divide it up amongst himself and the various tour guides.

Other smaller tips might be for airport luggage carriers, hotel staff and drivers. This is where $1 bills or single soles come in handy. The norm at restaurants is approximately 5-15%.

For some background information, Peru has a minimum salary of 550 Nuevo Soles (US$170) monthly for a 6-day, 48-hour week. However, in many of the lower paid jobs (e.g. waiters, porters etc) this is not always enforced. 1 Nuevo Sol (soles) is roughly the equivalent of US$30.Return to top of page

TRAVEL PRACTICALITIES

Trip Insurance

Bio Bio Expeditions recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click here or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 05-8655. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 55Y

Immunizations

Although there are no immunizations required to travel to Peru, it is usually recommended that typhoid and diphtheria-tetanus protection be current. Hepatitis A, taken just before departure, is also recommended. The cholera vaccination is no longer officially required, and cholera can be avoided by practicing strict food and water precautions. In general, we advise that you consult your physician regarding recommended immunizations and other health precautions. Bio Bio Expeditions does not take responsibility for which medications or inoculations you and your physician deem necessary for your safe participation on the expedition in Peru.

For further information, call the CDC’s International Traveler’s Hotline:

Phone: 1-888-232-4636
Online: www.cdc.gov

Water

Although it requires a little extra caution when drinking fluids in Peru, it is essential to stay well hydrated. We advise that you not drink any of the tap water in Peru; this includes no ice in your drink. Bottled water is fine to drink and can be ordered at most restaurants and found in local grocery stores. Ask for “agua mineral, sin gas (non-carbonated) or con gas (carbonated)”. When ordering sodas, it is best to request them without ice (sin hielo), as the ice is usually made from tap water. Additionally, be sure to brush your teeth with bottled water.

Food

The major precaution regarding food pertains to raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables (including lettuce) – avoid them unless you are dining in a high-end restaurant! If you can’t peel it, don’t eat it as it has probably been washed in tap water, or not washed at all, and that can make you sick. The high altitude also affects one’s digestive system so it is recommended to eat in moderation and avoid rich, thick foods (such as mayonnaise). However, don’t be afraid to try new foods and dishes – just be cautious. Peru has some of the finest, most delicious cuisine in the world! We want you to experience the many new flavors and local cuisine, but there are some things to consider when making food choices, especially where you are eating. The more high end restaurants in Cusco are fairly safe bets for trying new things. Street food should generally be avoided. This brings us to our next topic…

Digestive Worries

Traveling to Peru is going to have a notable impact on your body. Despite the many precautions we all take to stay healthy, occasionally one may experience diarrhea. The major problem associated with diarrhea is fluid loss leading to severe dehydration, so it is important to maintain plentiful fluid intake. Avoid milk and avoid caffeine, as it will only further dehydrate you. The best drinks are weak tea, mineral water, and caffeine-free soft drinks. Ideally it is best to let diarrhea run its course, however you may want to bring over-the-counter diarrhea medication to minimize your potential discomfort. We also advise that you carry your own supply of toilet paper, as most of the restrooms in South America either don’t have TP, or they charge you for it. The bottom line (no pun intended) is to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest! Lastly, we encourage that you, and all our staff, practice impeccable hand hygiene – you can’t wash your hands enough! Sanitizer gels are great when hand washing with soap and water is not available.

Prescriptions

If you currently take prescription medications, be sure to have a plentiful supply and also the doctor’s written prescription in case you need a refill. It is best to carry medications in your carry-on bag in case of lost luggage. Also, if you wear prescription glasses or contacts, we advise that you bring along a spare set.

Voltage

Electrical current in Peru is 220 volts AC, and the plugs are different from the USA two prong.

Safety

Although the Peruvians are a warm, friendly, fun-loving people, thievery is a common problem. Always keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings. When with other people, watch out for each other. Large crowds are prime locations for pick-pocketing to occur. Keep your money in a money belt or hidden pouch around your neck and under your shirt. When purchasing items, do not pull out lots of money. We advise that you leave all valuable jewelry, including watches, at home. Thieves often work in pairs or groups – one tries to distract you (e.g.: by squirting food or paint on your clothing) and in the ensuing confusion, another one makes off with your belongings. The areas around the main square in Cusco are well patrolled by police and tourist police. However, we encourage you to be very cautious and never be walking the streets alone after dark.

Jet Lag Precautions

When you cross several time zones to reach your destination, you often lose many hours of regular sleep. On arrival, your body then must suddenly adjust to new sleeping and eating patterns. The result is jet lag. Its symptoms are fatigue – often compounded by insomnia and restlessness – irritability and vague disorientation. You cannot totally avoid jet lag, but you can minimize it. Here’s how:

• Start your trip well rested. Try to begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave.
• Switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane. Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.
• Try to sleep on overnight flights.
• Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before and during your flight.
• Drink plenty of water and or fruit juice while flying. You should buy a large bottle of water at a kiosk right before boarding – once you have cleared inside security and are “inside”.
• After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap, unless you didn’t sleep at all on the plane.
• Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day.
• Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

Altitude Sickness

Cusco sits at almost 11,000 feet. This is one of the highest places most of us have ever, or will ever, stay for an extended period of time. The altitude can cause some physical reaction in almost anyone. Most people experience shortness of breath, headaches, and some dehydration. We recommend taking it easy your first day and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. If you feel sick, be sure to rest, breathe deeply, drink lots of fluids (bottled water), and perhaps take a mild pain killer for headaches. Locally brewed coca tea also seems to help. True altitude sickness is rare, but if the symptoms become severe, please let a Bio Bio Expeditions representative know. The front desk of the hotel often has spare oxygen bottles if needed.

How well your individual body adapts to the thinner air depends a good deal on innate factors that you have no control over. That being said, people in top shape often acclimate better because they expend less energy hiking, leaving their bodies ready for the task of acclimatization. Proper hydration has also been proven to be essential in this task. There is no substitute for being in top shape and staying hydrated

Many altitude physicians recommend bringing the following medications for prevention and or treatment of altitude related problems:

Diamox: 125 mg, twice a day. Beginning 24 hours before ascent to a sleeping elevation of 8,000-10,000 feet and continuing through duration of climb. Please discuss with your physician.

COUNTRY INFORMATION

Demographics

Almost the same size as Alaska, Peru is the third largest country in South America, covering 496,226 square miles. Peru is divided into three distinct geographic regions: the narrow, dry coastal plain in the west; the high Andes Mountains roughly in the center; and the tropical lowlands of the Amazon Basin to the east. Peru shares with Bolivia the highest navigable body of water in the world – Lake Titicaca. There is little rainfall along the coast, although he winter is foggy, humid and cool. The capital city of Lima, the temperature is moderate year-round, averaging 65*F.

Several of South America’s most advanced cultures lived in pre-Columbian Peru. The last of these groups was the great Incan Empire, which was unsurpassed in the art of stonecutting and also achieved a high degree of economic and political development. Incan and earlier Chimu ruins, notably at Cusco, Chan Chan, and Machu Picchu, make Peru a favorite destination for archaeologists and tourists. In 1532, the Spanish invaded Peru under the leadership of Francisco Pizarro. They conquered the Incas the next year. The area soon became the richest and most powerful Spanish colony in South America because of its location and many mineral treasures.

Under the leadership of South American liberator Jose de San Martin, Peru declared independence from Spain in July 1821. With the help of Simon Bolivar, the Venezuelan general who liberated several other countries, the fight for full independence was won by 1826. For a century, Peru worked to secure its territory and build its social institutions.

Peru is a republic. It is divided into 24 departamentos (similar to states). The president holds executive power and serves a five-year term. All citizens age 18 and older are required to vote. The unicameral Congress consists of 120 members, who serve five-year terms. Major political parties include the Change 90-New Majority Party, Union for Peru, the Popular Christian Party, and the Popular Action Party.

The population of Peru is approximately 27 million and is growing at 1.75 percent annually. Population density is generally low due to the country’s large land area. Peru’s population is ethnically diverse. About 45 percent is Indian, descendants of the Incan Empire. Many ethnic and linguistic divisions exist among Indians, some of whom are still fairly isolated in the Amazon jungle. Another 37 percent is of mixed European and Indian heritage. Fifteen percent is of European descent (mostly Spanish), and the remaining 3 percent is composed of blacks (descendants of West African slaves), Japanese, Chinese and other smaller groups. About half of the population is younger than age 20. Lima is the largest city, with more than seven million residents.
Language

The official languages in Peru are Spanish and Quechua but Spanish will be your most useful language, even in the highlands. The Spanish spoken in Peru is almost identical to the Castilian Spanish of Madrid, albeit with slightly different pronunciation and a few vocabulary changes. In the high Andes, particularly around Cusco and Puno, many people still speak Aymara or Quechua (the language of the Incas) as a first language, although almost all will also speak Spanish. The good news is that in most places like restaurants, hotels, etc., there is usually someone who speaks English – and, of course, all our representatives and guides speak both English and Spanish.

If you do speak some ‘Spanish’ then you shouldn’t have too many problems speaking with the locals in Peru. The major difference in accent between Peruvian Spanish and Castilian Spanish is that the letters c and z are pronounced like the English s rather than the traditional th. In general, Peruvian Spanish is a little slower and less heavily accented than most Spanish you would hear in Spain.

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