© 2006 Cristopher Madsen

PERU TRAVEL LOGISTICS LINKS

Congratulations on registering for a Four Winds Peru Expedition or considering one! These links contain information about Peru Logistics and web sites for further information and to assist your preparations for the journey.

1. Passports
   
   
2. Flights
   
   
3. Travelex Insurance
   
   
4. Food and Water
   
   
5. Health
   
   
6. Herbs and supplements
   
   
7. Money
   
   
8. Meals
   
   
9. Tips and Despacho Ceremonies
   
   
10. Airport Taxes
    
    
11. Gifts
    
    
12. Packing and Luggage
    
    
13. Peru 2008 Tour Conditions
    
    
14. Cancellations and Refunds

1. Passport:

A valid passport is required for entry into Peru, and a ninety day visa is given to US citizens automatically upon entry. For US Citizens, you can go to the web site at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for renewing your passport. All participants will want to carry a second form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license, and have a photocopy of the personal data page of your passport. Your copy of your passport is the easiest way to prove your identity if you were to lose your passport.

If you are traveling with a passport from a different country other than the USA, please call the Peruvian Consulate nearest to you and find out if there are any visa requirements. In the USA, the number is 1-202-833-9860. You can also check the requirements for each country by logging onto www.peru.embassyhomepage.com. Once you enter Peru, and receive your visa paper which is small inside your passport, please be careful to SAVE this paper until you exit the country.

Enclosed in this packet of information are Three Forms that you will fax into our office as soon as possible and must be complete 60 days prior to our expedition: Flight Information Form, Emergency Travel Form, and Release Form.

2. Flights:
You are booking your own international flights to Lima, Peru and from Lima to Cusco or Puerto Maldonado. Most individuals fly from their home city to Lima, Peru and then from Lima to Puerto Maldonado for the Amazon Journeys or to Cusco, Peru for our other expeditions. If you arrive before the starting date of our trips, you will be responsible for your own taxi transfers, hotel accommodations before the trip starts, and transportation to where ever the group is meeting.

Flights for Salkantay, Pachatusan, Via Illuminata, Choquequirao, Lake Titicaca: Take an international flight to Lima, Peru and then from Lima, Peru fly to Cusco, Peru.

3. Travelex Insurance:
Many travelers will choose to purchase Travel insurance, which sometimes refunds lost costs if you need to cancel your trip due to extenuating circumstances. One policy is Travelex Plus and includes excellent medical evacuation insurance in case of an emergency. You must purchase your travelex insurance within Three Weeks after you pay your deposit for the trip in order to get the best coverage. Please read the Travelex Brochure carefully for all of the details and conditions so you understand what is offered. Call the travelex insurance agents for details. Our group ID # is 44-0014. You can also check with your existing health plan to make sure they cover your medical costs in a foreign country. Some credit card companies may include baggage insurance or other features. You can easily visit the web site at www.travelex-insurance.com. Please call 1-800-228-9792 for further information.

4. Food and Water:

Drink only bottled water. Most illnesses while traveling are caused by contamination of food or water. It doesn’t take much contamination to make you sick, and some diseases can be severe enough to ruin your trip. Please be careful. Drink only bottled water. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth. It is easy to purchase right outside the hotels for a better price. Do not use ice cubes unless you know them to be safe. Freezing does not kill bacteria. Do not drink from the streams.

Vegetarians:
If you are a vegetarian, you will have plenty of foods to choose from. The food is very pure and natural.

Menus:
Breakfasts are included with the hotels and are usually buffet style so you can choose what you like. Lunches and dinners are not included in the trip costs except in the jungle and the camping portions of the trips. There are excellent restaurants in the hotels and nearby to explore. Bring protein bars, trail mixes, and any other of your favorite snacks.

Safety:
Eat only cooked foods, since lettuce and other foods might be washed in non-bottled water. Eat only fruits with peels for the same reason. If you want to experiment further with salads and fresh fruits, eat small portions the first day and see how your tummy does. Many breakfasts include granola, cereals, yogurt, bananas, oranges, scrambled eggs or omelets, and breads. All of these foods are totally safe. Many lunches might have hot vegetable soups, breads, potatoes, and simple avocado sandwiches. Many dinners will include trout, hot cooked main dishes, soups, so there is an abundance of foods that are easy on your stomach. Avoid food from sidewalk vendors. Our deluxe hotels have excellent hygiene and food preparations.

5. Health:
You can visit the CDC web site for US government information about traveling to Peru. Visit the web site at www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm. Some people have received the following shots from their doctors: Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, and Malaria. Yellow Fever and Malaria are for Amazon areas mainly. If you are participating in the Jungle Plant Medicine Ceremonies, you cannot take the malaria medication or any other medications. Keep in mind that Four Winds cannot make a recommendation as to what each traveler should or should not pursue for preventative medicine. It is best to consult with your primary care physician, who knows your medical history and can better advise you. Mosquitoes can be a challenge in the jungle, so bring your favorite bug repellents with you. Some of our travelers have brought mosquito coils (they can burn like incense) for their cabin porches and they worked quite well.

If you take any prescription medicines, be sure to bring enough for your travels, containers should be clearly labeled with prescription forms to avoid problems at Customs. A standard first aid kit is advisable, as well as bringing your own favorite personal “remedies” for the common possibilities. These might include a remedy for headaches, bacterial infections, stomach, colds, and dehydration. Remember, you are responsible for your own health. Since we are hiking moderately during the day, consider bringing moleskin, just in case. The local pharmacies are well stocked with some common pharmaceutical products also.

6. Herbs and Supplements
If you are experiencing sleeplessness, you might be dehydrated and you want to drink more water immediately! Emergen-C Packets (containing vitamins and electrolytes) and simple Electrolyte Packets can be added to bottled water for keeping hydrated and rejuvenated. Hydration is the key to avoiding altitude sickness. We recommend you drink two full liters of water per day. Drinking wine or beer will dehydrate you fast, so limited consumption is strongly advised. Arnica cream or comfrey might be helpful to rub on sore muscles or rashes. Ginger, chamomile, or licorice can calm a stomach that’s been exposed to spicy foods. Peppermint essential oil is also great for a multitude of things-including bug bites.

7. Money:
Consider exchanging $200 - $400 dollars at the airport, as well as get a roll or two of small coins (soles). Also bring one and five dollar bills to tip the hotel staff and taxis. There are several types of ATM Machines in Peru: ATM Global and Banco de Credito. You will want to call your bank ahead of the trip to make sure that you have access to ATM’s in a foreign country and which ATM’s will work for your cards. Traveler’s checks are only accepted in some places. When you bring dollars into the country of Peru, they must be new dollars with no tears or rips. Damaged dollars are not accepted in Peru.

8. Meals:
Breakfast is included every morning at the hotels. You will want to put aside money for lunches and dinners ranging from $15.00 for lunches up to $20 for dinners. We are hiking during the lunch time, so you will want to make a snack lunch with a sandwich, fruit, and drink, etc. The hotels can sometimes prepare a box lunch for you too. All three meals are included in the Jungle ( Amazon I and II only ) and for the camping expedition portions of Salkantay, Pachatusan and Choquequirao.

9. Tips and Despacho Ceremonies:
We collect tips for our guides and porters. We ask for $5 – $10 per day and this is collected by a volunteer to be given as a group at the end of each trip. On some of the journeys, the shamans do blessing despacho ceremonies for individuals. If you choose one of these, the cost is $50 U.S. Dollars and it is given directly to the Q’ero

10.Airport Taxes:
All Peruvian airports charge “Exit Taxes.” Please budget $34 one way internationally, and $6 for each internal flight including Lima to Cusco, Lima to Puerto Maldonado, Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, and Cusco back to Lima.

11. Gifts:
Some of you have asked about bringing gifts for Peruvian children you might meet along the way. Peruvian children love pads of paper, pens, pencils, magic markers, crayons, as they are always appreciated. Many travelers bring gifts to the shamans also. Your presence with them in Peru is the best gift you could give them, as their greatest wish is to share their medicine teachings with others.

12. Packing and Luggage

Luggage: We urge that your daypack or fanny pack be your airplane carry-on. Everything else should fit inside your main, checked suitcase, preferably a soft duffel-like bag. Also remember to leave some “holes” in your main bag (or bring an extra bag) for souvenir purchases.

IMPORTANT: For Salkantay, Pachatusan, and Choquequirao: Please pack in SOFT DUFFLES. Luggage with wheels cannot be carried by horses and porters for the camping portion of the trip.

For the Amazon: You will leave your larger luggage at a safe storage area near the airport. Bring a SMALL SOFT DUFFEL for the boat up the Madre de Dios River. You may bring two bags total plus your backpack/or fanny pack. Remember… you have to maneuver your own luggage at the airport, from your rooms, to the buses, etc.

What to bring:

• Sunglasses & Sunhat & Sunscreen–the sun can be very strong at high altitudes. A #30 or #45 screen will be needed for the first days. Be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses.
  
  
• Lightweight hiking boots (Gortex or water-resistant w/ankle support are best)
  
  
• Tevas or strapped hiking sandals (optional).
  Thongs are great for the shower and to walk to and from breakfast.
  
  
• Emergen-C (electrolyte) packets & protein bars (granola bars), nuts, trail mix, etc.
  
  
• Water Bottles
  
  
• Layered clothing for day hiking. Zip-off pants are great. Ideally you could wear all your clothes layers at once if needed (tank under button-down hiking shirt under fleece under rain gear etc., like a Russian nesting doll).
  
  
• Blue jeans or comfortable hiking pants You only need 3-4 pants total.
  
  
• Fleece Jacket
  
  
• Cotton socks or good hiking socks (2 extra pairs in case they get wet)
  
  
• 2 -3 Long-sleeved lightweight shirts (the ones that wick away moisture are worth the extra expense).
  
  
• Daypack or waist pack. Money belt for cash and passport is useful.
  
  
• Warm jacket for nighttime.
  

For Camping Trip:

• Long underwear, yoga pants or tights for layering. (The polypropylene kind for the mountain journeys work well.)
  
  
• Rain Gear (a hooded plastic poncho or longer one would work well.)
  
  
• Pocketknife (for fruit, etc).
  
  
• Small flashlight with extra batteries handy.
  
  
• Camera, film, digital cards and extra batteries.
  
  
• Items of a personal nature & toiletries. Bring Kleenex, wet wipes and zip-lock bags for day hikes—as with everything, what you carry IN on a hike—must be brought OUT and disposed of properly. (Ladies, be prepared with feminine hygiene products as well)
  
  
• Headache medicine like Advil or Tylenol (again, beware of dehydration)
  
  
• Swimsuit
  
  
• Hot Water Bottle for warmth in evening
  
  
• Bug Spray/Mosquito Repellent - Especially for the Amazon
  
  
• Hair Dryer and 110 volt electric socket converter for South America
  
  
• Bring one dress, skirt or nicer clothes for fun.
  
  
• If you are on our camping journey (Pachatusan & Choquequirao & Salkantay only) please get yourself a warm, 4 season sleeping bag that will work well in freezing temperatures (to 0).
  
  
• You’ll also need a lightweight camping mat (inflatable is best) and two hiking water bottles that can carry hot water.
  
  
• A winter hat, fast-drying gloves, waterproof over pants and extra socks are advisable.
  
  
• If you need camping gear and do not have a local store, try www.REI.com or www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet.
  

Amazon:

• You will want lighter weight hiking clothes for this environment. Bring long sleeves and long pants for bug prevention.
  
  
• One pair of shorts
  
  
• A pair of sneakers or Teva for hiking in the rainforest

Plan for layers with your clothes. As the heat rises in the day, you shed layers bit by bit and put them into your day pack. Late afternoon and early evening, you slowly pull them out again.

Temperatures: Jungle – sea level, humid, low 90’s day, low 80’s night
Cusco – 11,400 elevation, high 60’s day, low 50’s night
Sacred Valley – 8,500 elevation, high 60’s to 70 day, high 40’s to 50’s night
Camping for Salkantay, Pachatusan or Choquequirao – 50’s to 60’s day, 20 or below at night

Please pack with care. There are laundry facilities available at the hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. They are quite good at getting your clothes back to you quickly. Remember for the mountain journeys, the horses will be carrying that soft duffel bag and will need a lighter pack. You will be able to store your other items in your second suitcase at the hotel.

Pack what you feel you absolutely NEED… but LESS IS MORE!

Peru 2008 – Tour Conditions

Included:

• All first class or best available hotel accommodations based on double occupancy.
  ( No single rooms available at this time )
  
  
• Continental breakfasts in all hotels.
  
  
• All transfers by private motor coach or train.
  
  
• Porters and baggage handling from airports on first and last day of trip itinerary.
  
  
• All entrance fees to sites as outlined in programs.
  
  
• All activities, archeological tours, teachings, and personal assistance from our qualified multilingual staff.
  
  
• All meals while camping.

Not Included:

• Airfare, international or domestic.
  
  
• Airport departure taxes.
  
  
• Lunch and Dinner unless camping or Amazon Expedition.
  
  
• Transfers for early arrivals or late departures.
  
  
• Optional gratuities.
  
  
• Additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors.
  
  
• Traveler’s insurance.
  
  
• Cost of medical immunizations, if any.
  
  
• Items of a personal nature.
  
  
• Hotel nights are non-transferable.

Full payment due 60 days prior to expedition start date.

Cancellations and refunds:
If you must cancel your journey for any unforeseen circumstances, your $500.00 deposit is non refundable. See details on reservation form. No refunds will be given for unused accommodations or services. We recommend purchasing travel insurance in order to protect yourself in case extenuating circumstances force you to cancel your trip.

If you have any other questions or concerns please let us know. Rest assured that the sacred land will receive you graciously, and that in the months ahead you will be contacted with other travel
tips as needed.

Warmly,

Four Winds Staff
1-435-647-5988
1-888-437-4077

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