ARRIVING INTO LIMA
The tour officially begins at 6.00 pm on Day 1. in Lima where we will have a one hour pre-departure meeting in which your tour leader will welcome you to South America and give you a run down on all things you need to know. Please bring to this meeting
• 2 photocopies of you passport
• A copy of your travel insurance policy
On arrival into Lima it is suggested that you change some Travellers Cheques or US dollars into Peruvian Nuevo Soles at one of the banks at the airport. The rates here should be the same as at the banks in town and are typically better than the rates offered at hotels.
From the airport to the joining hotel in Lima is approximately 30 – 40 minutes depending on traffic. A taxi should cost you approximately USD$25.00. Be sure to confirm this with the taxi driver prior to taking the journey or alternatively take a taxi from the official taxi booth inside the airport.
Alternatively you can book one of our Lima pre-tour packages which include an airport transfer, 1 nights pre-tour accommodation at our hotel and a half day city tour to orientate you in this wonderful city (please refer to our add-ons section).
Our hotel in Lima is:
CASA ANDINA SAN ANTONIO
Address: Av. 28 e Julio 1088 Miraflores,
Lima Phone: (511) 241 4050
Web: www.casaandina.com
Please not that due to availability the joining hotel may change. Any changes will be notified to the client.
PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIRMENTS
PASSPORT
Your passport must be valid for at least 9 months from the departure date and you must have at lease 6 blank pages in your passport. If you have dual nationality you can use only one passport. The passport you enter on is the passport you will have to use for the duration of the trip.
VISA
It is your responsibility to obtain all of the necessary visas! If you are unsure which, if any, visas you require please contact your travel agent or check online.
Peru - At present nationals of UK, Ireland, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada do not require a visa.
Bolivia - At present nationalities of UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada do not require a visa. South Africans do require one – we recommend obtaining this before you start the trip.
Note: When you enter a country, whether by air or land, you will be given an ‘Immigration card’ on arrival. It is important that you keep this with your passport during your entire stay in the country as it is required to exit the country. Failure to retain and produce this immigration slip can result in fines of up to US $50.
IF FLYING VIA THE USA Important Visa Information
As of September 2007, Visa waiver travellers from ALL 27 Visa Waiver Program countries (British, Australian, New Zealand) must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa, otherwise a U.S. visa is required (even in transit). If you are unsure please check the following websites to establish whether you will need to apply for a visa to the US prior to flying out to join
your tour. Alternatively ask your travel agent with whom you booked your flights.
Foreign & Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk
U.S State Department travel advice: www.travel.state.gov
As of 26 October 2005 all VWP nationalities with passports issued on or after that date entering or transiting through USA require biometric passports or obtain a USA visa before travelling. If your nationality does not participate in the VWP, check the US State Dept website for your visa requirements.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Personal travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients whilst on a tour organized by Viva Expeditions. This must be organized prior to commencing any travel arrangements you have with us and it is your responsibility to ensure you are covered for the regions through which we will travel and for all activities you wish to undertake. A suitable policy must provide adequate cover for all necessary medical expenses and repatriation costs, loss of baggage, and cancellation or curtailment of your holiday. It is important that you read the terms and conditions of your policy very carefully. You should be aware of any exclusions relating to:
• Pre-existing medical conditions (including allergies)
• Certain activities deemed hazardous
Note: Travel Insurance attached to credit cards can often be very limited and is usually only affective if you have purchased your travel arrangements with your card. You will be asked by your tour leader to provide a copy of your travel insurance policy at the pre-departure
meeting. The following information is required:
• Your policy number
• 24 hour emergency contact number
• Verification that the policy is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of the tour It is a condition of booking with Viva Expeditions that you provide this information to your tour leader at the beginning of the tour. Failure to provide this information may result in our refusal to accept you on the tour.
Important note: It is highly recommended that you take out your travel insurance at the time of booking as your cover for pre-departure cancellation will commence from the date your policy is issued. This means that should you have to cancel your travel arrangements for any insured reason you may be able to claim back losses. This is subject to the standard terms and conditions of your policy.
WHAT IS A LOCAL PAYMENT?
Local Payment is part of your overall tour cost and is the easiest and most economical way for Viva Expeditions to get hard currency to South America to help run your trip. It goes toward a variety of day to day local costs which cannot be pre-paid such as locally organised activities and meals at restaurants.
WHY DO WE HAVE A LOCAL PAYMENT?
Paying this money locally ensures tour leaders have a supply of money as access to banking facilities can at times be limited or non existent. Having a Local Payment also allows us to keep the cost of our tours competitive and save on operational and administrative costs, so we can pass the savings on to you.
HOW DO WE PAY THE LOCAL PAYMENT?
This is payable to your tour leader on the first day of your tour and needs to be in US Dollars cash only. Please note: US Dollar Travellers Cheques cannot be changed into US$ cash in most countries we visit, they can only be changed into local currency (banks will often tell you differently, this is incorrect). In the few places where you can sometimes buy US$ cash, you will pay excessive charges. Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks. Do not bring all of your Local Payment in $100 notes and please make sure that they are post 1996 and not of a serial number starting with CB.
YOUR CREW
Throughout the tour you will enjoy the service of an experienced western tour leader and experienced driver mechanic. Their duties are extensive and can be very demanding.
Their challenges include:
• Driving and maintaining the expedition vehicle to an extremely high standard
• Organizing permits and border crossings
• Booking accommodation and sightseeing
• Organizing local guides
• Keeping up to date on different products and finding the best deals
• Shopping and food preparation
• Maintaining a cohesive and fun environment
• Socializing and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible
It is extremely important that you treat your crew with the respect they deserve as they will constantly be doing their best to make your journey the best it can possibly be. It is important that you bear in mind that there is always a certain amount of unpredictability when
travelling through a foreign country. Local circumstances can change which may result in your crew making a decision to amend the itinerary. These decisions are never taken lightly and changes made are made with the best interests of the passengers in mind. Please remember that such events occur outside our control and we will always strive to minimize any disruption to the tour.
Your tour leader, while knowledgeable and experienced, is not a guide as such. We travel through large areas of huge diversity rich with history and culture, and as such it would be impossible for your tour leader to be an expert on everything. As such when we visit important historical sites we generally employ the services of expert local guides who have many years experience and a wealth of knowledge of such sites.
Your crew are there for you! They want you to have the best experience possible and will go out of there way to ensure that you leave South America with only fond and beautiful memories. If there is something you have a particular interest in, something special you would like to see or do, or anything you have to say about the tour at any stage your crew are approachable and will do anything possible to fulfil your needs.
Remember all you have to do is ask.
YOUR EXPEDITION VEHICLE
Our vehicles are custom designed with your comfort in mind. We have allowed plenty of space on board such that you do not feel cramped or confined in any way. Our comfortable reclining coach seats offer ample leg room and there is plenty of space to move about and stretch your legs. There are spacious compartments which allow us to carry your luggage and souvenirs as well as ample spare parts, fuel, water and other necessities.
Our powerful and strong vehicles enable us to pass through most terrains we may encounter on our journey. While most of the roads between La Paz and Lima are in good condition others can be pot-holed or un-sealed and if wet can be quite muddy. Our vehicles are designed to deal with all of these circumstances without causing disruption to the tour and allow us to reach some of the more remote areas for which standard land transport is unsuitable.
Our vehicles are fully insulated and heated for maximum comfort. Windows are large to offer optimal viewing and there are plenty of onboard services such as a toilet, drinking water, refrigerator, library, sound system and much more.
EQUIPTMENT
All of our expedition vehicles are equipped with :
• Comfortable reclining coach seats
• Onboard Toilet
• 12 volt cigarette sockets for recharging camera/video batteries
• Internal & external lighting
• Refrigerator for food and drinks
• Onboard stereo with adaptors for MP3, I Pod, CD walkmans
• Intercom system for communication with the crew
• Extra storage space for excess baggage and souvenirs
• Internal heating and air-conditioning
• Lockable safe for storage of money and small valuables
• On board library
• Professionally compiled expedition medical kit
• Extensive range of spare parts
• Tables and chairs for outdoors
• A certain amount of food preparation equipment
• Filtered drinking water
• Large water & fuel carrying capacity
ONBOARD SECURITY
There is a lockable safe securely bolted and well hidden within the truck. This is for your money, passports and smaller valuables. Viva Expeditions does not take responsibility for client’s personal items. Other than money, passports and other items that are essential to your journey we recommend you leave other valuables such as expensive jewellery at home.
You should carry a money belt that can be easily concealed under your clothing for when out and about and suggest you make use of the hotel safety deposit boxes when available.
22 nights accommodation – 18 nights in comfortable tourist class hotels and guesthouses, 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail, 1 night local Homestay.
Viva Expeditions aims to maximize your comfort throughout your journey with us. We use only good tourist class hotels and guest houses that are centrally located with ensuite bathroom facilities and good guest services.
Camping on the Inca trail is fully serviced however according to Inca trail regulations the tents are relatively small and basic. Bedding is provided and there is also a larger tent which is used as a dining tent and area to sit and socialize. Accommodation on the overnight home stay is basic but clean and comfortable and all rooms have been certified by the regional tourism board.
SECURITY IN SOUTH AMERICA
While South America is generally a safe place to travel a certain amount of caution and in particular common sense must be remembered particularly in larger cities and towns. As with most major cities world wide, South American cities have their share of pickpockets and thieves. Don't walk around town wearing expensive jewellary and wrist watches, carry large amounts of cash or carry cameras. It is always advisable to leave your valuables in the hotel safe.
At night-time always use a taxi; don't walk around the streets at night. If approached by individuals on the street use your common sense. Avoid buying, bargaining, or negotiating with such people.
However once out of the main cities, people and small towns in general are a lot more relaxed. This is not meant to scare you as you will find people in South America to generally be kind and friendly however there are good and bad people everywhere so you must remember to exercise caution.
COMUNICATIONS
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language throughout Peru and Bolivia. It is very useful to learn a few phrases and you will be pleasantly surprised at the reaction you will receive, and the satisfaction you will get, in being able to communicate with local people.
CONTACT
The easiest and most reliable way to receive messages from friends and family at home is via email. Internet access is available in most of the towns that we visit either inside the hotel or at internet cafes in the town. While the efficiency or speed of the connection is often very good is never a guaranteed!! In general you will usually be able to email approximately every couple of days.
PERSONAL HEALTH
HEALTH
To join the expedition you should be in good general health. We must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition or are on any regular medication.
FITNESS
The tour is generally suited to all levels of fitness however as a number of the activities available throughout include a certain amount of walking, often up hills or over uneven surfaces, a reasonable level of fitness is advisable.
HYGIENE
We make every effort to ensure we maintain hygiene to a very high standard. This applies to food preparation and cleanliness of vehicle and our equipment. You can help by ensuring you always wash your hands before eating or after touching possibly unsanitary objects.
VACCINATIONS
It is your responsibility to ensure you have had all the necessary vaccinations prior to commencing the tour. Vaccination against Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A and Meningitis is advisable and you should consult your doctor about the necessity of having Yellow Fever,
Hepatitis B and Rabies shots.
Useful information can be found online at the following sites:
www.traveldoctor.co.nz
www.traveldoctor.com.au
www.traveldoctor.co.uk
MEDICAL KITS
We carry professionally compiled medical kits with emergency First Aid materials and antibiotics. However, the crew is not entitled to recommend or prescribe any medicine and we advise a health check with your GP and Dentist before you start your journey.
PERSONAL MEDICINES
Even though each of our vehicles is equipped with comprehensive medical kit - it is not for general everyday use. We advise you bring along your own small medical kit which should include:
• Eye drops/bath
• Antiseptic ointment
• Anti-diarrhoea treatment
• Nurofen or equivalent pain-killer
• Antihistamine cream and tablets
• Sun block / after sun lotion / moisturiser / lip balm
• Some suitable antibiotics as recommended by your doctor
• Assorted plasters
• 1-2 Sterile Syringes
• Insect repellent containing Deet
• Rehydration sachets / Vitamin Tablets
• Medication for personal allergies / asthma etc
A couple of bandages ( elasticated and triangular )
Please ensure your medical kit is portable so that you can carry with you while out and about on walks or other excursions. You cannot rely on others to carry this for you and you never know when you may be in need.
MALERIA
The areas we visit on this trip malaria free. However at times we may encounter mosquito’s or sand flies and as such it is advisable to carry insect repellent with you.
CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography as a fantastic way to capture and remember your experience however there a few things you should bear in mind:
• We recommend you have a good all-round carry case to protect your camera from dust and knocks. Plastic or zip-lock bags are often useful to protect your camera in dusty, sandy or wet conditions.
• It is forbidden in all the countries we visit to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts and airports are also sensitive. As such it is best to avoid photography in such circumstances unless you are prepared to have your film or possibly your camera confiscated.
• Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people. If in doubt always ask first if it is okay with the person for you to take their photo. Please be sensitive to their circumstances and also their rights as it can be very insulting to take someone’s photo if this is against their will.
SLR CAMERAS
An SLR camera with a good zoom will get you some great scenery and people shots. While often available sometimes it can be difficult to find good film at a reasonable price. It is defiantly advisable that you bring enough film to last you for the entire trip.
DIGITAL & VIDEO CAMERAS
Be sure to bring you’re a charger and some spare batteries. Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download your pictures onto CDs or internet sites. We also advise that you to bring your USB cable for your camera so you can connect it in the internet cafes. We also recommended that you bring at least 2 memory cards of 512mb or higher so that you are not caught out and don’t have to worry about constantly downloading.
BATTERIES & CHARGERS
You should bring at least one spare battery with you. Finding spares to buy on route can be difficult and expensive and there will be times on the tour when you will not be able to charge you batteries from the mains supplies for several days at a time. Having a spare battery charged and ready to go ensures that you always have a back up if the other runs out. The worst thing is to run out of battery when at a great sight and not be able to take any photos. Even if you bring an in-car charger so you can charge your battery using the 12 volt cigarette lighter socket on our vehicles is still worthwhile considering purchasing a spare battery. You should also bring your normal 230V mains charger as well as a travel adaptor plug so that you can charge your battery at the hotels.
ELECTRICITY
For information about the different electrical plugs and voltages used in different countries visit www.kropla.com
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
“Leave only footprints, take only pictures . . .” Minimizing environmental impact is hugely important to us. We care greatly for the regions through which we travel and do our best to protect its landscapes, its people and its culture. We support local and international charities and are constantly seeking new projects and ways to assist local communities. We firmly believe that as the company continues to grow so does our ability to operate and support projects in various areas. We are continuously striving to increase our support and contribution to local communities. (See our complete responsible tourism policy online at www.vivaexpeditions.com)
INCA TRAIL
The four day Classic Inca trail route to Machu Picchu is rated moderate to strenuous and most people with good fitness levels can master it without problems regardless of age. The average daily hiking time is between 5-8 hours and every participant can go at his or her own pace. Accommodation is camping. An expert guide will accompany the group and porters will carry the tents, food and all camping equipment. You will also have a porter to carry 7kg of your personal gear. The remainder of your luggage will be stored in the hotel in Cusco and you will only have to carry your day bag with sun cream, camera, water, rain jacket, hat, and any other gear you need during the day. Feather sleeping bags and sleeping mats will be provided for you. At the end of each day, tents will be set up by porters as well as meals cooked in order to allow you time to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. The hike ends on the 4th day in the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, and provides you with the unique opportunity to enjoy this mysterious place almost as unspoiled as it was in ancient times and, before the train with the main tourist stream arrives.
Even though the Inca Trail operator we use take good care of their porters and pay them a fair wage, the porters, guides and cooks on your trip will very much rely on, and work hard for your tips as a supplementary income. It is for this reason that we recommend that each of our clients tip a minimum of US $35. They are 100% worth it!
CURRENCY AND PERSONAL SPENDING
TIPPING
Throughout South America tipping is expected and relied upon. Wages are generally extremely low and tipping is means of supplementing an income. Tips should be at least 10% and it helps if you keep small change on you so as to avoid difficult situations when you only have large notes on you.
BARGAINING
Bargaining over price is common place especially in local markets. If you are uncomfortable bargaining you can pay the asking price however you must be aware that this price is often overstated. Always remember that you are under no obligation to buy so don't be intimidated.
THINGS TO BUY
South America is famous for many great items. These include:
• Wooden carvings
• Woven and knitted items such as hats and gloves and ponchos
• Jewellery
• Artwork
• Leather goods
And many other wonderful souvenirs
CURRENCY
In Peru & Bolivia the local currencies are the Nuevo Sole and the Boliviano respectively. US dollars are also widely accepted and are easily converted into local currencies at all exchange places.
We recommend you bring your money as one third US Dollars Cash, One third travellers cheques and one third Credit/Debit card.
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted but your card must have a pin number and be suitable for use internationally. Check with your bank prior to travel to make sure your bank card is suitable. You should also check with your card issuer what the charges are for using your card to withdraw cash internationally.
We also recommend that you tell your bank that you will be using your card in South America to avoid your card being blocked.
In smaller towns card may not be accepted for cash advances and it is quite common that ATM machines may not always be functioning at the time you need to withdraw money. As such do not rely on credit/debit cards for cash advances.
For this reason it is important to have cash with you. This can be kept locked in the truck safe and also at hotel safes throughout the trip.
American express travellers cheques can be changed to USD cash (commission free) in many major cities. Please refer to the following website for fee free exchange sites www.americanexpress.com/uk/tc/
Important note: In recent years there has been a problem with counterfeit US dollars in parts of South America. This affects mainly $100 dollar bills. Old (pre ’96) or damaged notes are often not accepted nor are bills with serial numbers beginning with the letters CB or AB.
As such, when buying US dollars prior to traveling you must ask for clean notes with no tears or markings that are dated post ’96. You should also bring currency in mixed denominations ($100’s, $50’s, 20’s, 10’s etc)
Once on the trip we advise you use your travellers cheques where you can and save your US Dollars cash for times when it’s difficult to change travellers cheques or withdraw money from an ATM, or for optional excursions that need to be paid for in cash. Your crew will be able to give you more advice on this once you join the trip. Local banks and foreign exchange bureaux generally charge a commission (2% to 5%) for changing travellers cheques.
SPENDING MONEY
We suggest that you allow about US$ 200 per week spending money. This is to include spending money, optional excursions, meals out that are not included in the itinerary, drinks, emails, souvenirs, visas and arrival/departure taxes. Of course this is only an estimated figure as personal spending habits and budgets vary hugely from person to person. If you plan on buying a lot of souvenirs or have expensive taste in wine and food you may need a bit more.
While we have tried to include as many of the popular activities as possible there are a range of additional activities available to you throughout the tour. These activities allow passengers to explore personal interests while not expecting the involvement of those who do not share the same interests.
Below is an example of the most common optional activities available throughout the tour. The costs are only approximate as prices and exchange rates do change. Generally most of these activities need to be paid for in cash.
PERU & BOLIVIA
• White Water Rafting on the Urubamba river USD$50.00
• Horse riding in the area surrounding Cusco From $25.00 USD
• Paragliding Urubamba Valley USD$80.00
• Moror Bike excursions From USD$60.00 per day
• Mountain Bike Excursions ex La Paz from USD$50.00
Important Note: The activities listed above are for your information only. They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Viva Expeditions or our staff. If you choose to undertake any optional activity you must clearly understand that the decision to do so is your
own, independent of Viva Expeditions or our crew, and is done entirely at you own risk. It is also your responsibility to ensure that you are insured for such activities.
PACKING LIST
We recommend packing only the essentials that you require for the course of your journey. Any thing you forget you can pick up along the way. You may bring one large bag and one day pack and should not require any more than this! Please make sure the bag you bring is a soft bag or back pack not a rigid suitcase!
While the weather will generally be warm as we travel to higher altitiudes the weather can become colder especially in the evenings. As such it is important you have clothes for both warm and cold weather.
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Clothes
During this tour you will experience a wide range of different climates. From warm and humid to cold and possibly wet. As such you need to be prepared for all conditions. We recommend you pack the following clothing:
• One pair of trainers
• Waterproof Jacket
• Shorts
• T shirts / Shirts
• Sweat shirt / jumper / fleece
• Jeans/Jogging pants or Leggings
• Skirt or dress
• Sandals/flip flops/jandals/thongs
• Hiking boots
• Underwear
• Socks
• Thermals
• Hat or cap
• Swimsuit / towel
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
Toiletries
• You can buy most toiletries locally but we recommend you have the following
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
• Soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Moisturiser
• Razors
• Feminine Products (enough for the trip)
Personal Items
We recommend you bring the following:
• Small day-pack or bag to carry your daily items
• Hat and sun-glasses
• Camera in a protective case, spare batteries, film.
• Money belt or pouch to carry your passport, vaccination certificates and travellers cheques
• Reading books (you can exchange these for other books from our onboard library)
• Torch and spare batteries (head torch is best)
• Personal Walkman - there is a stereo on the truck with a CD / I Pod / MP3 adaptor
• Water bottle
• Pocket knife
Travel Adapter Plug
Medical kit
As previously your personal medical kit should carry at the least: Paracetamol / Aspirin
• Plasters
• Rehydration sachets
• Insect repellent containing Deet
• Sunscreen / Lip balm
• Personal medications
• The conquest of the Incas – John Hemming
• The Motorcycle Diaries - Ernesto "Che" Guevara
• Lost City of the Incas – Hiram Bingham
• Inca Cola – A travellers Tale of Peru – Matthew Parris
• The realm of the Incas – Victor Von Hagen
• Royal Highways of the Sun - Victor Von Hagen
GUIDE BOOKS
Lonely planet and Rough Guide both offer great travel guide books as well as Spanish phrase books
MAPS
Both National Geographic and Bartholomew’s offer good detailed maps of the areas we travel through in South America |
