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Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Lima & Finishing: Lima

Overnight in Lima, the nation's capital and largest city.

Day 2 - Starting: Lima & Finishing: Río Marañon

The day begins very early to catch our flight to Iquitos and transfer to the Amazon River boat, our privately chartered home for the next seven days. Once on board the ship, relax and soak in the natural beauty of the wild rainforest. Step out on deck to watch the riverbanks go by, and keep eyes peeled for wildlife such as gray and pink dolphins. The ship casts off and wends its way to the confluence of the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers. It is generally (but not universally!) considered that the Amazon River begins here, at least in name. Over the next five days, explore the wonders of the Amazon Rainforest. Expert guides will lead jungle walks, give lectures, and point out unique species of bird and marine life as you explore the smaller tributaries of the river.

Day 3 - Starting: Río Marañon & Finishing: Río Ucayali

Over the course of the next few days, the skiff and land excursions will be in the morning and late afternoon, when wildlife is at its liveliest. During the hotter hours of midday, expedition staff will present enthralling lectures on everything from the history and culture of the region to the Amazon’s prolific flora and fauna. There will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the comfort of Amatista's observation deck.

Day 4 - Starting: Río Ucayali & Finishing: Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve

Rise early to visit the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Once back on board, gather for breakfast followed by a presentation on the life, history, and culture of the Amazon's main tribes. After lunch, listen to an introductory discussion about shamanism to help understand the traditions of the people living in the rainforest. Touch upon the spirit realm, paying a visit to a local shaman. Shamanism is practiced around the globe, and is universally distinguished by a trance state called shamanic ecstasy. In these "out of body" travels, the shaman enlists denizens of the spirit world to help him with a variety of duties, from healing the sick to assisting a deceased person's soul into the afterworld — all the while, the shaman remains conscious. Gain rare insight into the complexities of this phenomenon when you meet an actual practicing shaman in a river village. He'll introduce the group to his spiritual healing craft and talk about rainforest plants that indigenous peoples have, for untold centuries, held to possess curative properties.

Day 5 - Starting: Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve & Finishing: Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve

Continue to explore the Amazon. Be sure to relax this afternoon, and rest up for a late-night excursion to discover the wildlife that comes out at night in the jungle.

Day 6 - Starting: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve & Finishing: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve

After the excursion, return to the riverboat to relax and opt to enjoy a video about the flooded forest. Take another chance to witness the nocturnal life of the rainforest after dinner this evening, and venture out in small boats onto the Marañon River.

Day 7 - Starting: Pacaya Samiria National Reserve & Finishing: Iquitos

During the day, the ship returns to its home port of Iquitos. Before docking, there are a few more unique experiences to look forward to. In the morning, call on the town of Nauta, where the Ucayali and the Marañon — the major headstreams of the Amazon — join together. During the evening, celebrate with a farewell dinner and party, complete with live music, aboard the ship.

Day 8 - Starting: Iquitos & Finishing: Lima

Once arriving in Lima, you will be met by a G Adventures representative and transfer to the hotel. Spend a final night in the City of Kings and enjoy a Pisco Sour or try some Peruvian ceviche!

Day 9 - Starting: Lima & Finishing: Lima

Enjoy a free day in the Peruvian capital also known as the 'City of Kings'. Take an optional city tour, visit one of the many museums, or enjoy the fresh seafood in one of the cities many restaurants.

Instructions

Please note that if you booked the Peru Culinary Bundle, the Lima activity will be included today. You will be picked up from your hotel at approx 10:00am and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. You will return back to your hotel around 13:00.

Day 10 - Starting: Lima & Finishing: Urubamba

Board an early flight to Cusco then on to the Sacred Valley to visit the Ccaccaccollo community and Planeterra-sponsored Women's Weaving Co-op, explore the Pisac ruins and visit the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco.

Day 11 - Starting: Urubamba & Finishing: Urubamba

Visit the pre-Incan salt pans of Las Salineras and tour the Ollantaytambo and Moray ruins. Enjoy a traditional Pachamanca-style meal of local specialities.

Day 12 - Starting: Urubamba & Finishing: Aguas Calientes

For serious archaeology buffs, there is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following morning.

Instructions

Please bear in mind that the town has several amenities, but is also geographically remote meaning services are sometimes more basic than one would assume. As the only option for travellers visiting Machu Picchu, the development of infrastructure has happened quite quickly, much without proper planning, and the focus on providing quality service may not be up to the standards experienced in other parts of the country. Those who have chosen the option in advance to hike the "1-day Inca Trail" will disembark the train at km 104 to begin the trek. The trail rises steeply up into the mountains and will take hikers past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata, where the local guide will provide insights into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek's culmination at the Sun Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon with a chance for a preliminary exploration of Machu Picchu before the guided tour on Day 5. Transfer by bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to rejoin the group and spend the night in a hotel. If time permits, take an optional visit to the nearby hot springs to soak your sore muscles. 1-day Inca Trail option: Approximate Distance: 7km Estimated hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 13 - Starting: Aguas Calientes & Finishing: Cusco

Enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins. Free time to explore on your own or take an optional visit to the Inca Bridge before returning to Cusco by train.

Day 14 - Starting: Cusco & Finishing: Cusco

Explore Cusco's historic streets, museums and local markets. Active options include whitewater rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Instructions

Please note that if you booked the Peru Culinary Bundle, on day 6 you will be picked up from your hotel at approx 12:30 and taken to a local market and restaurant to prepare and enjoy a traditional Peruvian meal. You will return back to your hotel around 16:00.

Day 15 - Starting: Cusco & Finishing: Lima

Fly back to Lima and spend an afternoon in Peru's bustling capital.

Day 16 - Starting: Lima & Finishing: Lima

Depart at any time.

Instructions

Your CEO can help arrange an optional transfer to the airport.

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More Information

What’s Included

Arrival transfer. 6 nts aboard the Amatista Amazon riverboat. Canopy walkway excursion in Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Sacred Valley tour (2-day). Visit to a G Adventures-supported women’s weaving project and lunch at the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco, an indigenous village. Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Explore the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve – the largest national park in Peru, spot pink dolphins on the Amazon River, explore ancient ruins off the beaten path in the Sacred Valley, visit local villages and the G Adventures-supported Women’s Weaving Co-op, take in mountain views on the scenic train to Machu Picchu

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

PLEASE NOTE: The activities on the Amazon Riverboat portion of this trip may run in a different order, or this trip may run in reverse depending on the time of year. The itinerary will still cover all of the same destinations and activities but they may be in a different order.

Important Notes

1. LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS
Last minute bookings of this trip when choosing the 1-day Inca Trail option will be on an “on request” basis only. To make a booking request of a tour which includes the Inca Trail G Adventures requires your full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number.

2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

3. EXTRAS
Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, theme packs are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask you sales CEO.

4. All travellers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Peru. Foreign travellers are exempt form this, and proving you are indeed a foreign traveller can be done by providing us with your international ticket number (ITN). Travellers who do not submit international ticket numbers at least 30 days prior to Day 1 of their tour will be required to pay the domestic tax on all included flights.

Group Leader Description

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

Max 28 on riverboat, max 15 on land portion

Meals

Meals and unlimited bottled water are included on board the Amazon Riverboat, drinks extra. Continental Breakfast included throughout.

Transport

Amazon riverboat, bus, train, plane, walking.

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Aboard the Amatista Amazon riverboat (6 nts), comfort hotels (9 nts).

My Own Room

About Accommodation

Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.

Joining Hotel

San Agustin Exclusive
Calle San Martin 550, entre cdra 7 y 8 de Av. Larco
Miraflores
Lima, Peru
+51 1 319 0060/ 424-7102

The March 7th and 14th, 2015 and September 12th, 2015 departures are confirmed at the following hotel:

Dazzler Lima Hotel
Av. José Pardo 879 esquina Roma
Miraflores
Lima, Peru
+51 1 634-4001

The October 17th 2015 departure is confirmed at the following hotel:

Casa Andina Classic – Miraflores Centro
Av. Petit Thouars 5444
Lima Peru
+51 1 4470263

Joining Instructions

An arrival transfer is included with all Comfort-level tours when you arrive on Day 1, or when you arrive up to three days prior to the tour, provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.

Jorge Chavez International Airport in Callao Lima, is approximately a 45-minute drive from the Miraflores district, where our joining hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is via taxi. Immediately after the customs and immigration area, as you head to the exits, you will find an official taxi stand. You can pay for the car at set (approximately $27 USD) rates and won’t need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities, where the situation tends to get more chaotic, with many drivers vying for few clients. There are exchange facilities in the Arrivals area open 24 hours.

An arrival transfer is included in this tour, someone will be at the airport to meet you. Upon leaving the baggage claim area you will see a large open area with sign boards all around. Look for a G Adventures sign board with your name. As there are many people and signs in this area it may be difficult for you to spot the sign immediately. Please take your time in doing so and if at that stage you do not see a G Adventures sign board with your name go to the customer service area to wait. In the event that your driver does not arrive within 20 minutes please ask the information desk to arrange an official taxi for you which should cost approximately $27 USD and this money will be reimbursed by your CEO or G Adventures representative.

FINDING YOUR TRANSFER – As you walk out of the airport there will be many drivers holding signs with agency or passenger names as well as taxi drivers asking you if you require their services. These are NOT our drivers and you should not accept their services. Please wait for our designated transfer person with a G Adventures sign board.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER 
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. 

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Lima, Peru.
During office hours (Weekdays, 9-6pm Local Time): +51 1 241 1650 or 01 241 1650 (from mobile within Peru) or 241 1650 (from payphone within Peru)
After hours Emergency number: +51 99 758 2712,

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

What to Take

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

Checklist

– Passport (with photocopies)
– Travel insurance (with photocopies)
– Airline tickets (with photocopies)
– USD cash
– Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
– G Adventures vouchers and trip details
– Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
– Camera and film (be sure to bring extra batteries and a recharger to avoid disappointment)
– Reading/writing material
– Binoculars
– Windproof/waterproof jacket
– Fleece top/sweater
– Small towel and swim wear
– Sun hat
– 2 pair of shorts
– 2 pairs of long trousers
– Sturdy walking shoes
– Sport sandals
– Sunblock
– Sunglasses
– Toiletries (biodegradable)
– Insect Repellent
– Shirts/T-shirts
– Lightweight wicking shirts
– Sun hat
– Scarf
– Warm gloves
– Warm hat
– Watch or alarm clock
– Water bottle
– Flashlight
– Moneybelt
– First-aid kit

Laundry

Aboard the Amazon Riverboat laundry facilities are provided free of charge for each passenger daily except for the last day. Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN).

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.

You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Tipping

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use.

We recommend tipping $15 per day or $90 in total for time spent on the boat. There will be two envelopes left by the staff one, for guides and one for crew. The recommended breakdown is 50% for the naturalist staff and 50% for the crew. This is only a suggestion as we understand that tipping is a personal choice.

For the land portion of your trip we recommend tipping drivers and local guides from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

Lima City Tour $39 (Minimum 2): Tour colonial and contemporary Lima. – Approx 3 Hrs

Pachacamac $35
Visit the Lost Inca Citadel of Lima. – Approx 3 Hrs

Larco Museum $55
This museum contains the best quality gold and silver collection. – Approx 3 Hrs

Culinary Tour $55
Visit a local market. Learn how to make Ceviche and Pisco Sours like the experts. – Approx 3 Hrs

Ballestas Islands with Huacachina From $180
Enjoy wildlife and history, have lunch in a winery and visit the Huacachina Oasis. – Full day

Nasca Lines $300
Flight over the mysterious Nasca Lines. Services start and end in Lima. – Full day

City Contrasts $25
Visit the other face of Lima, the shanty towns or Pueblos Jovenes. – Approx 3 Hrs

Lima at Night $55
Visit the Magic Circuit of Water, walk through the centre of Lima and savour an included dinner. – Approx 3 Hrs

Palomina Islands $55
Visit the port area of Lima. Spot wildlife and swim with the sea lions. – Approx 5 Hrs (minimum 2)

Cusco:
Horse riding around ruins (with guide) $40
Horse riding around ruins (without guide) $40
Whitewater rafting $55
Mountain biking $55
Museo Inka $3.5 entrance
Museo de Historia Regional entrance with Boleto Turistico

All prices are per person in US dallar amounts (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:

www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

Trip Specific Safety

Care should be taken when wandering around on your own in central Lima, as some areas can be dangerous and pickpockets are daring.

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gadventures.com/medical-form.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our G Adventures for Good projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking)

Associated Planeterra Project

HOUSE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE SUN
Inti Runakunaq Wasin (IRW) is Quechua for “House of the People of the Sun”. It is a non-profit organization based in Cusco that acts as a haven for children and adolescents who live in extreme poverty. The home is open during the day and is run by a staff of volunteer teachers and social workers. Children are given the opportunity to voluntarily drop-in to receive help with homework, a warm meal and participate in a variety of classes and workshops that teach them valuable skills including jewelry making, leather working, cooking, music and English. IRW currently supports 50 children through their programs. However, there are still many more children working and living on the streets of Cusco.

After fundraising for 5 years, a dream was made into a reality in 2009 when Planeterra purchased a permanent home for IRW. Planeterra continues to support the children’s training workshops and support programs.

Planeterra has been working with the Ccaccaccollo community since 2005 to develop a viable economic alternative for women by creating a weaving cooperative to sell traditional textiles to travellers. Donations by travelers have helped build a community centre supplied with looms and sewing machines for the women to use to expand their production. This project allows the women of the Ccaccaccollo community to maintain their cultural heritage and benefit from the tourism industry.

Planeterra and G Adventures worked with the Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank in the Sacred Valley to develop a community-run restaurant to provide access to the tourism market for the first time to a small village of 65 families, Huchuy Qosco (“Little Cusco” in Quechua), that has traditionally lacked opportunity to benefit from sustainable tourism. Initiatives related to the the restaurant include agriculture suppliers for a “farm-to-table” style program and environmental and social grants as part of a sustainable solution to protect the destination. It is officially open and all G Adventures Sacred Valley tours now include a delicious lunch in Huchuy Qosco’s Parwa Restaurante.

Planeterra and G Adventures worked with the Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank in the Lares Valley with community members of an isolated village, Cuncani, that have never formally received benefits from campers on the Lares Trek. The campsite features composting toilets, solar showers, and a solid waste management system. The campsite was officially inagurated in February 2014, and all travel companies working in the Lares region are welcomed, and encouraged, to use this first ecological community-owned and managed campsite in Peru! All G Adventures tours that include the Lares Trek now visit the campsite for one night.

It is possible to visit this project on most tours that pass through Cusco. To arrange a visit please speak to your G Adventures CEO.

How You Can Help? All donations to this project are being matched by G Adventures, please go to www.planterra.org to learn more or make a donation.

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Travel Forum – The Watering Hole

Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.

Max Pax

28 on Amazon Riverboat, 16 on land portion

Group Leader

Certified Amazon Reserve naturalist guide and support staff on board the Amazon riverboat. Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout. Local guides.

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