Six Faces Of Peru

This is a Sightseeing Grade 4 holiday. It combines sightseeing around outstanding pre Hispanic sites of which Machu Picchu is the most celebrated example, and walking in the Peruvian Andes. This walking will generally 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. The walks will be at high altitude, for instance the Taquille walk starts on the shores of Lake Titicaca at about 3800m. The walks will be at a slow pace to take account of the altitude and will typically last a maximum of 3hrs. Paths are generally good underfoot. However they are sometimes stony and steep for short sections so walking poles can be useful.

Each evening, the leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. If you do not wish to join in the planned activities, please let the leader know. 

This holiday is predominantly sightseeing although as most of the sightseeing is done on foot you will still have plenty of opportunities to exercise. We have some excellent walks through stunning scenery but these are generally half-day walks taken at a gentle pace as we will be walking at high altitude. Good examples of the walks are the descent from Pisac Ruins to Pisac Market, a leisurely descent through stunning scenery and ancient ruins, Sacsayhuaman to Chacan and the walk across Taquile Island. These walks will take about 3 hrs. Obviously the visit to Machu Picchu will involve a lot of walking but it could not really be described as a walk. Do not worry unduly about walking at high altitude: we will walk at a slow pace stopping regularly to take in the stunning views. 

Please note: This itinerary has been planned to be busy and full-packed 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 locally by your leader.

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.

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.

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.

The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). US Dollars are also widely accepted in tourist shops. ATMs dispense either Nuevo Sol or US Dollars. It is normally better to pay in Nuevo Sol and you will get a poor exchange paying in dollars.

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.

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.

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.

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, rail, small boat and road as per the itinerary above. 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 holiday is on a half board basis with breakfasts and dinners provided in hotels or local restaurants. Meals commence with breakfast on Day 2. Lunch is included on 4 days. Also please note we will provide lunch on Day 2 instead of dinner.

The food is generally excellent with potatoes, beans and rice predominate in the mountains and fish, particularly served raw as ceviche, a Peruvian classic, common on the coast.  Vegetarians are generally well catered for but some patience at mealtimes may be required.

On arrival at hotels you will on occasion be offered a Pisco Sour, the national drink.  It consists of Peruvian Pisco brandy, lime (or lemon) juice, syrup, ice, egg white, and bitters.  It tastes rather like angels crying on your tongue as any Peruvian will tell you.   Please do not confuse Peruvian Pisco with Chilean Pisco, both nations claim the spirit as their national drink.

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. 

We recommend that you either wear your walking boots or shoes or pack them and some waterproofs in your hand luggage as in the unlikely event that your hold luggage is delayed, you will still be able to participate in the holiday programme.

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:

• Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
• Lightweight quick-drying trousers
• Walking T-shirt/shirts
• Walking socks
• Fleece or jumper
• Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
• Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
• Swimwear (if appropriate)
• Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
• Day sack liner
• Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity (more than 1 bottle may be required)
• Basic first aid kit
• Lunchbox
• Walking poles (should you find them useful)
• Sit mat

This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

We recommend that you to pack your clothing and equipment in a strong suitcase or holdall and take a small rucksack to carry those items you will need during the day. You will also require a small bag for the two night trip to the Amazon jungle and for your trip to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

New regulations on travelling to Machu Picchu mean we are no longer allowed to take suitcases on the train to and from Machu Picchu. Now our main suitcases are left under lock and key in Cuzco and we need an overnight bag for the night in Yucay and the night in Machu Picchu. Apparently there is a weight limit of 5kg for the bag you take on the train to Machu Picchu. This weight limit is not strictly enforced but please pack lightly. The rules for the site at Machu Picchu say that your rucksack should not be more than 20 litres as they want to avoid damage to the site from huge backpackers’ sacks. This is not rigidly enforced if you have a small enough looking pack. The rules also state that you are not allowed to bring walking poles unless you are ‘elderly or infirm’. No precise definition of who falls into these categories is given. If you bring poles they must have rubber ends on them and you should put them inside your rucksack along with your food (which is also banned). No rucksack searches are made.

For visiting the jungle the process is more straightforward. We take all luggage on the flight to Puerto Maldonado. Suitcases are left at the hotel's main office in Puerto Maldonado. You then need your overnight bag for the two nights in the jungle. Our local agent supplies clients with a small bag which is convenient for carrying water, binoculars etc. We pick up suitcases before boarding the plane back to Lima

We also recommend you take a waterproof jacket, trousers, some long-sleeved shirts, warm fleece together with thin jumpers, woollen socks, shorts and lighter summer clothes, swimwear and a towel. Also consider bringing wet wipes, universal sink plug and swimwear. Binoculars are essential for wildlife viewing the jungle. There is no electricity in the Amazon lodge after ten o’clock each night when they turn off the generator so a torch is strongly recommended.

Documents and Information to take with you:

• Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
• Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
• Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
• Holiday money
• Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
• Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
• Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
• Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
• Your travel insurance details
• Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
• Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport
• A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
• Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

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/

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.

The following books have been recommended by previous clients:

• Three Letters from the Andes - Patrick Leigh Fermor, Penguin
• The Penguin History of Latin America - Edwin Williamson
• Eight Feet in the Andes - Dervla Murphy, Flamingo
• The Conquest of the Incas – John Hemmings
• Inca Kola ~ A Travellers tail of Peru – Matthew Parris

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

Maps and guidebooks relating to your the areas you will be walking in may be brought before your holiday from The Map Shop at www.themapshop.co.uk

Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:

• Weather2 - www.myweather2.com
• BBC Weather - www.bbc.co.uk/weather

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.

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.

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.

For further advice please visit:

• The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) travel health website at www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
• The NHS 'Fit for travel' website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
• The Foreign Office Travel Advice Website at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
• Or a local travel health clinic.

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. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday. 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.

See our brochure or website for further advice regarding holiday insurance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.