Algarve Odyssey
The coast, villages and countryside of the Eastern Algarve and then explore the treasures of this most westerly corner of Europe.
The world's more beautiful on foot...
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at [email protected]
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at [email protected]
Discover Peru’s myriad pre-hispanic civilisations as we venture off the tourist track through stunning scenery in ancient Peru.
From£3,695
Peru
Pioneer
Sightseeing
Apr
Oct
What does this mean?
Tour codes: 45910
Full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain. Half day walks will probably involve about 3 hours of walking, with full day walks having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to 600m. Some days of this holiday will be dedicated solely to sightseeing (or include an element of sightseeing). To enhance your experience, a knowledgeable local guide will accompany your small group for part (or the majority) of the holiday.
Overview
The north of Peru is covered in ancient sites left by the many civilisations that lived here before the arrival of the Spanish! Each remaining monument is to be savoured for both its magnificence and its heritage. We travel along the coast and into the high Andes combining spectacular walks with visits to ancient sites. These vary from cliff side burial niches to entire abandoned cities.
We start our journey in Lima, with an introduction to pre-Incan sites and ancient artefacts, before heading to Chiclayo on the coastal plains. Here, we have a morning walk in the Bosque de Pomac forest, ending at the archaeological site of Sican. We visit the Senor de Sipan museum, built in the shape of the adobe pyramid where the artefacts were discovered. Next, it's south to Trujillo, a desert oasis between sea and mountains. Trujillo is a Spanish colonial city, one of a few Hispanic sites we visit on this holiday. We also visit the ruined city at Chan Chan, where little imagination is required to see what it would have been like in its heyday. A day's drive into the highlands includes a stop at the Chavin site of Kuntur Wasi with its stone monoliths on the way to Cajamarca. Here we can enjoy mountain walks and pre-hispanic ruins in the cooler air.
The spectacular journey to Leymebamba crosses the central Andean mountains chain and the mighty Maranon river. At Leymebamba, we enjoy more stunning mountain scenery and indigenous culture. We continue to Chachapoyas, meaning ‘Cloud People' in the Aymara language, still widely spoken in the area. Here, we visit the Sarcophagus of Karajia, as well as Kuelap, an immense pre-Inca ruined city as spectacular as Machu Picchu but without the crowds. We should be able to use the newly built cable car to visit the city. We will hike to the sacred Gocta waterfall, said to be the fifth highest in the world. Finally, we drive to Jaen to catch a flight back to Lima for our final night in Peru.
Only recently has it been possible to enjoy these spectacular and little known sites. Everything you will see here is every bit as engaging as the more popular highlights in the south of Peru but without the crowds. Be one of the first to discover the area!
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
The Hotel Antigua building dates from 1923. Featuring antiques and original art, the pleasant rooms come with free Wi-Fi, TVs and safes. Breakfast served in a chic restaurant. There's a courtyard garden with a fountain to be enjoyed by guests.
On a tranquil street, the Casa Andina Select lies 2 km from both the centre of town and the airport. Rooms offer free Wi-Fi, TV, iPod docks, minifridges, and tea & coffee making facilities. A breakfast buffet is served on the terrace. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a sauna, sundeck and gym.
In downtown Trujillo, the Casa Andina is a 2-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas and a 5-minute walk from Trujillo Cathedral. Clean, comfortable rooms come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as safes.
La Laguna Seca ('dry lake' in English) is a lovely hotel situated by thermal springs just outside the city of Cajamarca. The hotel offers all the usual comforts, TV, minibar and free wifi but also bath tubs which use the natural hot waters from the thermal springs. The hotel claim the waters offer 'the stimulation of the defence of the organism, the relaxation of the stress, the soothing of the muscles, the reconstruction of the skin toning and the benefit for the joints'.
The Casona de Leymebamba is a family run hotel in the centre of the village, two blocks from the main square. It is a very simple and rustic hotel and best in village. The rooms mostly surround the lovely open central atrium, with plants all over atrium including orchid’s as the owner is an enthusiast.
The Hotel La Xalca was recently built in Spanish hacienda style with a lovely courtyard in the central atrium and rooms off this. Centrally located, for the main square 3 blocks away. The rooms are large and comfortable. Free teas and coffee all day in breakfast area. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
Trip Information
This is a Sightseeing Grade 4 holiday. It combines sightseeing around outstanding pre-Hispanic sites and walking in the Peruvian Andes. Some of the ancient sites we visit are huge in scale. We will cover some ground in looking around them. This walking will always be on good paths with plenty of stops so our local guides can bring to life the significance of what we are seeing. There are plenty of opportunities for walking through beautiful scenery. Many of these walks will be at high altitude, for instance, the Cumbemayo walk from Cajamarca starts at about 3590m. The reality is that it is an undulating walk which immediately goes down to 3570m, then up to 3615m at its highest point. The walk finishes approximately 3550m. Paths are generally good underfoot. However they are sometimes stony and steep for short sections so walking poles can be useful. The walks will be at a slow pace to take account of the altitude and will typically last a maximum of 3hrs.
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.
Please note: The itinerary has been planned to be busy and full so that you make the most of your time and experience as much as possible. There will be some free time during the tour for you to explore on your own or relax, and details will be confirmed by your leader.
Local Transport Costs
All local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary.
Optional Excursions
A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions.
Holiday Budgeting
When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.
Holiday Currency
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). US Dollars are not widely accepted the north of Peru away from the tourist circuit. ATMs dispense either Nuevo Sol or US Dollars. It is nearly always better to pay in Nuevo Sol and you will get a poor exchange paying in dollars. In many of the places we visit you will only be able to pay in Nuevo Sol.
Tipping
Although entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff & to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday.
Tour Leaders
Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.
Leader's Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.
Local Guides
To enhance your experience, as well as your tour leader, each holiday will be accompanied by a well qualified and knowledgeable English-speaking local guide.
We fly with British Airways from London Gatwick direct to Lima and vice versa.
Within Peru we travel by air and road as per the itinerary. Details of your baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately ten days before departure.
As we travel between eight hotels, and you will have to handle your own baggage, please try to travel reasonably light. You should be able to lift and carry your own luggage. At some hotels, the coach may have to stop some distance short of the hotel entrance. Also, within some of the hotels there may be some long walks between the rooms and lobby area, which may include steps. Your luggage should be kept to a maximum of 20kg (44lbs).
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?
If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details.
Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you.
Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents
For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.
Personal Details Check
To ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country.
Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Passport Information for Peru
For entry into Peru a passport is required which should be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay. Your passport is often required when checking into hotels and when changing money, so carry it with you on these occasions. It is also an excellent idea to memorise your passport number for the form filling. No visas are required for UK nationals.
The hotel(s) listed within this document are examples of standard only. Whilst we strive to deliver the hotel(s) listed within this Holiday Information Sheet, there will be times throughout the year when they change. If this occurs, we will advise you as such. From time to time hotels will change near to departure and you will not be advised until after arriving into the destination. We always aim to provide a replacement of similar standard and location, although we cannot guarantee similar facilities such as pool or bar.
Footwear
Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.
Binoculars...
...are very useful on this holiday to view close up the details of inaccessible tombs, of which there are many to be seen and to enjoy better the bird life.
Country Specific Kit
Wildlife and scenery viewing experiences are always improved with binoculars. For seeing a bird in the treetops or picking out some detail on the horizon they are invaluable. If you have a pair, please bring them with you on your holiday. On some holidays it will be appropriate to have them with you all the time. Sometimes you might prefer to avoid carrying the extra weight. Your tour leader will always be happy to advise which days it will be particularly useful to take them.
Travel Documents Checklist
Documents and Information to take with you:
Electricity in Peru
Electricity is supplied at 110 Volts at 60Hz. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a two pin North America style adaptor with flat pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Water To Go
An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.
Maps, Guidebooks & More
The following books have been recommended by previous clients:
Many local libraries stock a good selection of travel guides/books which may offer you more information on Peru. You may find the following website useful: Peru State Tourism: www.peru.info
The Map Shop
Maps and guidebooks relating to the areas you will be walking in may be bought before your holiday from The Map Shop at www.themapshop.co.uk
Weather
Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP.
Health Advice for Peru
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Peru.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Typhoid immunisation is recommended.
You might also like to consider immunisation against Rabies, Diphtheria and Yellow Fever.
There is a risk of Malaria in some low altitude regions and a very low risk in other parts of the country.
Dengue fever and Zika virus also exist in Peru; please take normal precautions against mosquito bites.
Seek pre-travel Zika virus advice from your health care provider 6-8 weeks in advance of travel, particularly important if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
You should also be aware of issues associated with travelling at high altitudes. The lower atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes results in less oxygen finding its way into the blood. Problems usually start for most people at around 2,500 to 3,000 metres. If you reach this altitude gradually the body can accustom itself to having less oxygen, and once you are above it if you gain further height slowly you are less likely to have problems. It is important on arrival at destinations at this kind of altitude to rest for a few hours and not to over-exert yourself in the first day or two, as over-exertion can make altitude problems more likely. Local people also swear by coca leaf tea, which you will probably be offered on arrival, as a means of preventing or treating altitude problems. It is harmless and if you drink plenty of it, it will at least help you to avoid dehydration, something else that makes altitude problems more likely, so drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol!) at these high altitude destinations. Anybody who has a medical condition affecting blood circulation or breathing or has any other worries should consult their doctor before departure.
High Altitude
Altitude sickness can affect travellers whose itineraries take them above about 2,500m although some individuals can experience a milder form above about 1,900m.
Early symptoms include a headache, nausea, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and insomnia.
Further Travel Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
You must be adequately insured to join our holidays. You will be unable to participate in our local walking and other activity programmes without being able to demonstrate that you have valid travel insurance.
Please ensure that as a minimum your travel insurance policy covers you for travel to your holiday destinations (country and geographical region) and for medical expenses, mountain rescue (including helicopter rescue) and emergency repatriation to your home country in the event of illness or injury. Your policy should also provide adequate cover for the activities, included and optional, you are likely to participate in during your holiday.
Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers.
Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel insurance once your holiday arrangements have started.
The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination.
Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.
Responsible Travel
We're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.
The Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust
Unlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel’s profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public. In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.
Mobile Phones
Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements.
Do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements.
As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals.
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Useful Information
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Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 90mm
February
Avg. Rain: 91mm
March
Avg. Rain: 97mm
April
Avg. Rain: 53mm
May
Avg. Rain: 28mm
June
Avg. Rain: 18mm
July
Avg. Rain: 16mm
August
Avg. Rain: 19mm
September
Avg. Rain: 31mm
October
Avg. Rain: 50mm
November
Avg. Rain: 55mm
December
Avg. Rain: 72mm
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