Rain Forest Tour

Ruins and Rainforest: Econoclass
trip itinerary and details

Ruins and Rainforest:
Econoclass (What's this?)

15 days: US$3045 with internal flights included
(What's Included)

Visit all the extremes and wonders of Peru, from steaming jungle to high, windswept Andean passes on Ruins and Rainforest. Tour colonial Cuzco, trek the Inca Trail, explore Machu Picchu and other ancient Inca sites in Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, visit the islands of Lake Titicaca, and embark on a rain forest adventure to an Amazon lodge. And as on all Southern Crossings tours, you're taken care of from beginning to end: airport transfers and internal flights are included!

Depart any day and customize your tour at no extra charge!

Day

Location

1

Arrive Lima. City tour
today or upon your
return

2-4

Flight to Lake Titicaca

5

Journey to Cuzco

6

Cuzco city and
ruins tour

7

Sacred Valley tour -
Pisac and Ollantaytambo

8-11

Inca Trail,
Machu Picchu

12-13

Rainforest Lodge. Excursions
by boat and onfoot to view
flora and fauna

14

Flight to Lima. Free day
or city tour

15

Departure Day

RUINS AND RAINFOREST TRIP ITINERARY

Day	Activity/Location
1	Arrive in Lima and transfer to our hotel. If arriving during the day, you'll have a guided tour of the city before being transferred to the airport next morning for your flight to Lake Titicaca. Otherwise you'll have a guide in Lima upon your return.
2	A short flight over the Andes brings us to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at over 12,000 ft. We'll visit the ruins of Sillustani, huge Inca and pre-Inca funeral towers, before enjoying a dinner of traditional Andean cuisine.
3	Boats are the transport theme today as we head out across the waters of Lake Titicaca. Our first stop is the islands of Uros, completely constructed out of totora reeds and floating on the surface of the lake. We'll take a walk across the spongy surface of these unique islands and go for a ride in a reed boat before continuing on to the island of Amantani, where we'll spend the night with a local native family. Please note: our Lake Titicaca family stay is a truly authentic experience which includes being cooked for by and dining with the local family and staying in a room at their house. There is often just candlelight, no electricity, and the bathroom is an outhouse. This is a great experience which is the highlight of many people's trip, but which can certainly be described as "basic" or "roughing it". If you do not wish to spend the night on the islands, Taquile and the floating Islands can be visited on a day trip.
4	The native culture of Taquile Island, which we'll visit today, is the most intact in probably all of the Andes, with its inhabitants maintaining the same customs and dress as they have for over 1000 years. You will truly feel as though you have gone back in time as you walk the ancient stone paths of the island and observe it's people. Boat ride back to Puno.
5	This morning we head to Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire. The trip there is beautiful, as we pass by Andean villages, herds of llama and alpaca, and high snowcaps. And our journey today is also a guided tour, stopping at the Pukara Culture Archaeological Museum, the old colonial church at Andahuaylillas and the Inca site of Raqchi. A buffet lunch is also included. Late afternoon arrival in Cuzco.
6	Today on our included City Tour, we'll visit the main plaza, the colonial cathedral, an Inca temple and the colorful local market before heading up to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman above town for great views over the city.
7	This morning we take a short and scenic ride in our private transport to Pisac and Ollantaytambo, two important Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley. After visiting the site of Pisac, we'll head down to the colonial town below and visit its famous crafts market. We then continue on to Ollantaytambo. Besides the huge and fascinating ruins above the town, Ollantaytambo is the only Inca village still inhabited today. Walk its narrow streets and peer through huge Inca doorways into courtyards where life has changed little in over 500 years. Early to bed, as our trek along the Inca Trail begins tomorrow!
8	A morning bus trip brings us to kilometer 82, start of the world-famous Inca Trail. Our first day is an easy one to get acclimated, as we gently climb through Andean valleys to the village of Huallabamba, making our first camp just above it. Along the entire trek we are well taken care of by our team of porters and cooks, freeing us up to fully enjoy the vistas and Inca sites unfolding before us. For those booking after Inca Trail spaces have been filled, Cuzco accommodation and two of the following options (your choice) or an alternative trek will be included in the tour for the days you are in Cuzco instead of hiking the Inca Trail. Cuzco activities: · Horseback riding in the hills above Cuzco · Whitewater rafting in the Sacred Valley · Mountain Biking in the hills above Cuzco · Extra day at Machu Picchu · Tour to the Inca sites of Tipon and Raqchi - meeting the Inca Trail hikers at Machu Picchu on day 10 OR · Lares Valley trek - spectacular scenery and traditional Andean villages on this trek. - meeting the Inca Trail group at Machu Picchu on day 10 Cuzco is an amazing and beautiful area - don't fret missing the Inca Trail!
9	Up up up to Dead Woman's Pass, near the top of the world at 4200 meters (14,000 ft.). The air is thin, but the view is not to be believed. We then continue on to Runku Rakay, tonight's campsite and the first Inca ruins along the trail.
10	Today we continue trekking on original Inca road past three of the most beautiful Inca sites anywhere in Peru: Sayacmarka, Phuyupatamarka, and Winyaywaina. We camp at the Inca terraces of Intipata or at the nearby youth hostal.
11	A pre-dawn departure brings us to the Gate of the Sun to watch the first rays of sunlight strike the sacred city of Machu Picchu. We'll descend to the ruins and have a tour by our guide before setting off for independent exploration. In the afternoon we'll catch a train back to a hot shower and the other comforts of Cuzco.
12-13	And now for something completely different.....our rain forest adventure begins today! After a short flight, we arrive in the city of Puerto Maldonado and transfer to a motorized dugout canoe for the trip upriver to our jungle lodge. Our cabins at the lodge have modern bathrooms and comfortable beds with mosquito nets, and the food here is great. Take an afternoon walk through the rainforest with an experienced naturalist guide, come back for dinner, then set off again for a nocturnal jungle canoe ride to spot caiman! The next day's activities will include a visit to an oxbow lake to look for giant river otters, monkeys, macaws and other wildlife as well as jungle walks led by an experienced, English speaking guide. You'll witness an array of medicinal and otherwise interesting flora and fauna, as well as gain some insight into native Amazonian peoples and traditions.
14	All good things must come to an end, and today we fly back to Lima and the end of our journey. Day free in Lima to visit any of the sites missed the first time around...
15	Departure Day

TRIP DETAILS

15 days: US$3045 Currency Converter
Departs any day!

Is this trip for me?
Ruins and Rainforest: Econoclass is a 15-day tour which includes a four-day, moderate trek and some public transport. No trekking experience is required, but one should be in average physical shape and not suffer from any heart or respiratory conditions. As always, a certain patience is required for the inconsistencies and delays of developing-world travel.

Joining the tour
You will be given the name, address and phone number of our joining hotel before departing, but that won't be necessary. On all Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the airport by one of our representatives (holding a Southern Crossings placard), who will accompany you to our joining hotel. No bargaining or being ripped off by airport taxis!

Trip briefing
Upon purchase of this trip, we will send you via email, fax, or regular mail (your choice) a trip briefing, which includes joining instructions with a map to the hotel in Lima, a list of things to bring, and a climate/currency/visa guide.

What's included in the trip:

· Airport pickup at the beginning of trip and drop off at end of the trip

· Southern Crossings bilingual guide

· Internal flights, Lima-Lake Titicaca, Cuzco-Puerto Maldonado, Puerto Maldonado-Lima

· Eight nights of Econoclass hotel accommodation, three nights of camping (on the Inca Trail), two nights jungle lodge accommodation, one night simple lodging on Taquile Island (Lake Titicaca).

· Four day Inca Trail excursion, including bilingual guide, food, cooks, porters, tent, sleeping bag and mat.

· Two-day Lake Titicaca excursion

· Three day rainforest lodge excursion

· Six breakfasts, seven lunches, and six dinners while on Inca Trail, rainforest and Taquile Island excursions

· Breakfast included every morning with your hotel stay.

· The Cuzco Visitor's Ticket, which includes entrance to the ruins in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, and many churches and museums in Cuzco

· Machu Picchu excursion, including bilingual guide, round trip train fare, transportation to/from ruins/Aguas Calientes, and entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary

· Lima city tour

· Cuzco city tour

· Southern Crossings T-Shirt or Cap

What's not included
International flight to/from Lima, airport departure taxes (APPROX. US$44), pre- & post- tour accommodation, visas, vaccinations, personal insurance, meals except where specified above, drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips while on optional excursions and other items of a personal nature. Medical travel insurance is not included through Southern Crossings though we do require that you have a policy. Check www.travelguard.com to purchase a policy for your trip.

Extra Accommodation
We will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you before or after your trip:
In Lima: $80 double/$60 single
In Cuzco: $80 double/$60 single

Single Accommodation supplement: $410
Please add this amount to the payment if you are traveling alone or wish to have private accommodation throughout the trip.

PRE-TRIP PLANNER

Required documents

All travelers to Peru are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other nationalities, please consult the nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate. An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks, currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or printed off the internet, are sufficient for proof of funds.

Required immunizations

A yellow fever vaccination and certificate is required to travel to the Amazon. Travelers may wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all other standard vaccinations. The rainforest area of Peru (approx. 3500 ft. and below, east of the Andes) is a malarial and yellow fever zone. The yellow fever vaccination with the official certificate is required, and travelers may wish to take malarial prophylaxis. Please consult your physician or local health department for more information.

Things to bring

One should come well prepared for outdoor activity at temperatures ranging from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and for extremes of sun and the possibility of rain. Please note: We provide a sleeping bag, foam mat, and of course tent. While hiking the Inca Trail, porters will accompany us to carry most of our things, including all the camping gear. Each passenger is allowed 15 pounds of personal items which will also be carried by the porters. Such items would include warm clothing for camping, toiletries, a book, CD player, or other entertainment, etc. During the day we’ll be using a daypack and will just need to carry water, snacks, rain gear, and a layer or two for changing weather conditions. Most people also carry a camera.

· Passport and, if necessary, visa

· Traveler’s checks and/or cash card

· Airline ticket

· Photocopies of airline ticket and documents

· Wearable pouch for documents and money

· Large, sturdy backpack or suitcase

· Smaller, comfortable day pack

· Trekking/walking boots, comfortable and worn-in

· Sandals or flip-flops

· Rain poncho or jacket

· Waterproof pants

· Sun hat

· Hat for cold weather

· Good, warm clothing for cold weather (think layers!)

· Scarf and gloves

· T-shirts

· Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments

· Towel and swimsuit for hot springs

· Camelback or Nalgene bottle (optional)

· Flashlight (head lamps are very handy)

· Sunscreen

· Insect repellent (15% DEET recommended)

· Lip balm

· Earplugs

· Alarm clock or watch

· Sanitizing hand wipes or gel

· Camera and film/digital memory cards

· Camera batteries

· Playing cards, games, reading material

· Prescription medications

· Toiletries

Note that common clothing, batteries, film, medications, and such toiletries as toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, deodorant and feminine hygiene items are available in Peru.
It is best to bring from home such items as prescription meds, eyewear and care, extra large clothing, shoes, unusual film and camera batteries. Also note that most digital camera memory cards can be downloaded and burned onto a CD in internet cafes in any large city.

Climate

Rain is possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud forest, and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will visit is as follows:

Cuzco: days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy. Nights are chilly in Cuzco.

Lake Titicaca: similar to Cuzco but colder.

Lima: warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain. Often overcast.

Amazon basin: hot and humid year-round. We recommend light clothing (in weight and in color) that fully cover arms and legs to avoid mosquito bites.

Baggage
For your international flights, please check with your airline. Within Peru, you are allowed 20 kilos (44 lbs) of checked baggage, as well as one carry-on and another small, purse-like item. The carry-on size regulations are the same as international carry-on size regulations.

Money guide

The unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Current currency conversion

Currency Converter

Automatic cash points are available in Lima and Cuzco. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler's checks (American Express is best!) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances are also options. Do not bring MoneyGrams or International Money Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange houses are available in Lima and Cuzco. For currency, U.S. dollars are recommended and most easily exchanged. Please note that cash must be untorn. It can be older-looking, but even the slightest tear on an edge will make it un-changeable. Acceptable bills come out of the ATMs in country.

Expect to spend about US$3-10 on a meal, US$2 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru. Shopping prices are usually lower than people expect. Alpaca sweaters, for example, run between $5 and $30.

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"We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful, informative, exhilarating and fun, trips we have made with you in Peru and the Amazon. Your knowledge of local language, history and customs have been both intriguing and invaluable. We are really looking forward to the journey to come in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize for the Mayan experience... See you there!"

-David Smith & Hazel Jones, UK, Brazil Explorer, Feb. 2002

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"I found Southern Crossings to be wonderful. I went to Peru in October, 2006 (alone) and and then went again in May, 2007, to Brazil (with my adult daughter). I really can't say enough about how much I enjoyed working with Doug and the crew...They are highly recommended!!!!! Hope you have a wonderful, wonderful trip."

- Helen Vanston, USA, Inca Heartland October 2006 and Brazil Custom Tour May 2007

"In June 2002 I went on the "Ultimate Inca Trails" trip with Southern Crossings. I still look back on that trek as being one of the most beautiful and inspiring experiences of my life. I had never been so connected to nature before; the scenery was incredible and the pace was challenging, but not overwhelming. One night as we were setting up camp, a meteor flashed across the sky, lighting up the entire valley. We drank water from mountain streams, bathed in natural hot springs, and visited ruins that were virtually unknown to the regular tourist trail. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before! I will always look back on that trip as being one of the most inspiring experiences of my life."

- Jenn Sharman, Canada, Ultimate Inca Trails, June 2002

"We were so lucky to have Simon as our guide on the way to Puno, during our home stay, and back to Puno. He is incredibly intelligent and pleasant to "hang out" with. We enjoyed his tour, information, and all conversation. Because of him, the long and tedious boat ride to Puno from our Titicaca stay, went by in a flash for our kids. (He has an arsenal of party tricks.) When we got home, our kids voted him our best tour guide EVER (that includes all guides we've had in China, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, and all fishing guides in Montana!). On departure, he made sure we were safely checked in at the airport, and gave us his cell number to call when we arrived at our destination. I could go on and on about Simon - he "made" our trip!

Many thanks Southern Crossings for all the wonderful arrangements you made for our trip to Peru. We appreciate that you were able to make our trip fit our available time-frame. Peru was beyond what we expected, and the guides made every day a fun adventure. We would recommend your services to anyone."

-Ashwill Family, USA, Peru Custom Tour, March 2008

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