Please send us an e-mail with your request for more information and our staff will respond ASAP. For updated and seasonal rates and prices list containing special pricing and discounts, please contact us:

Email: info@ecoamericaperu.com

International: + 51-84-255-136 (Monday – Friday 0900-1700 hrs EST).

Canada or the USA: 1-888-553-0103.

Skype: ecoamericaperu

Below is a general clothing and gear list recommended for your trip. You may access individual lists through this site or by contacting us.

Luggage:

• Backpack
• Small day pack

Clothes:

• Long-sleeved shirts, preferable cotton (to protect yourself from the sun)
• Long cotton pants
• T- shirts
• Fleece sweater
• Down jacket or extra sweater
• Windbreaker
• Hiking boots
• Sneakers
• Sandals suitable to wade through water
• Swimsuit
• Socks, including thick wool socks
• Underwear
• Sleepwear
• Casual clothes
• Hat
• Gloves

Other:

• Binoculars, best 8x or 10x
• Camera
• Sunblock
• Flashlight
• Sunglasses (essential on Salt Lake)
• Pocket knife
• Bandanas
• Plastic bags (for dirty clothes)
• A photocopy of your passport
• Water bottle
• For trips to the Amazon, bring mosquito repellent and a poncho for rain.

Peruvian cuisine is characterized by a wide variety of traditional dishes from the coast, highlands, and jungle. Some are spicy or intensely seasoned, which is why we suggest you learn about them before ordering. Typical food includes Lomo Saltado (chopped steak fried with onions), Cebiche de Corvina (white sea bass marinated in lemon, chilli and onions, often served cold with a boiled potato or yam), and sopa a la criolla (a lightly spiced noodle soup with beef, egg, milk and vegetables). An Inca delicacy, often on the menu in the highlands, is roast guinea pig.

Pisco brandy is the national drink of Peru and, besides the famous Pisco Sour, is served in countless other ways. Chicha morada (purple corn juice), chica de jora (corn beer), and aguaje (made from aguaje palm fruits) are also traditional Peruvian drinks you can enjoy during your trip.

When visiting cities or towns, we will usually eat at local restaurants. Local cuisine may include dishes with pork, chicken, and fish. Water used for cooking and drinking is potable (purified by filter or boiled). Special dietary requests can be accommodated to meet your specific needs. When staying at ecolodges, international and traditional dishes are carefully prepared by local cooks.

Please keep in mind that our services include safe meals. However, you must be cautious when eating at places other than those on our tour.

If you are going to rainforest destinations, be sure to have a yellow fever vaccination. It is also advisable to have vaccinations against hepatitis and typhoid if you are traveling for extended times in South America. We strongly encourage clients to consult with their physician regarding this issue. For help in determining the prevalence of any particular diseases in countries you will be traveling, look for the international travel health and vaccinations information at:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm

http://www.who.int/ith/en

Mosquitos typically pass along malaria. With this in mind, people tend to worry about malaria on our rainforest expeditions. Interestingly, the sickness is generally more common and recurrent in populated places. Our rainforest lodges however, are considered safe from malaria or denge because they are well protected with screened windows and mosquito nets to safeguard tourists while they sleep. It is also important to have insect repellent for added safety. Our guides will instruct tourists on how to use modest amounts of repellent to feel more comfortable.

Please note: We are not suggesting that you do not take malaria medication. We only intend to provide information for reference.

The official currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol (S/.). Banknotes are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles. Coins are issued in 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimos (cents), and 1, 2, and 5 nuevos soles. There are 100 centimos in one nuevo sol.

The U.S. dollar is accepted in some local businesses, restaurants, and gas stations at the current exchange rate. It is possible to exchange foreign currency (US$ and Euros) at hotels, banks, and authorized exchange houses. Working hours for most banks and exchange houses are from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, and Saturdays until 12:00 pm.

The Coast: Lima, Nazca, Trujillo, Arequipa

December to April is summer time on the coast where the weather is hot and dry and ideal for swimming and tanning. Temperatures on average range from 25- 35°C (77-95°F). There is little or no rain during these months. The beaches around Lima and the North can be packed during the months of January and February which coincides with school holidays. From May to November the temperature drops and blankets of sea mist engulf the coast from the south to about 200 km (125 miles) north of Lima. At this time of

The Mountain Highlands: Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Puno

Mid-April to October is the dry season, with hot, dry days and cold, dry nights, often hovering just above freezing, particularly in June and July. May is perhaps the best month when the countryside is exceptionally lush, with superb views and fine weather. Flowers are in full bloom, the grass green and the streams full. These months are Peru’s high season, which coincides with the dry season and summer holidays in North America and Europe. Cusco is a cosmopolitan city with tourists from all over the globe converging on Machu Picchu. November to Mid-April is the wet season with most rain in January and February. Mornings are usually clear and dry with bursts of heavy rain in the afternoons. The daily temperatures are typically mild with only a small decrease at night.

The Inca Trail is much less crowded during this period and there’s a more abundant fresh water supply, but be well equipped for the rain. Some roads may become impassable, particularly during visits to villages off the beaten track.

Many of Peru’s major festivals such as Carnival and Easter Week take place during this time.

The Amazon: Manu, Puerto Maldonado

April to October is the ‘dry’ season with daily temperatures averaging 30–35°C (86-95°F). However, cold fronts from the South Atlantic are common where the temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night. The dry season is the best time to visit the jungle regions. There are fewer mosquitoes and the rivers are low, exposing their beaches. Animals stay close to the rivers and are easily seen at this time of year. November to March is the wet season, hot and humid, with heavy rains at any time. Rains last only a few hours at a time, not enough to spoil your trip. Wellington boots are a must though, as some of the jungle trails can become small rivers.

Tourist Information & Assistance

Peru features 24/7 tourist information and assistance service called I Perú: (01) 574-8000

Before your trip:

Health

If sensible precautions are taken by the visitor to Peru, there is no reason why you shouldn’t remain as healthy as at home.

1. Before you travel, by medical insurance. If you plan to undertake ‘adventurous activities’ such as rafting, horse riding or paragliding, make sure your policy has the necessary coverage. You may have to pay a small surcharge for this.
2. For advice on required immunizations/inoculations, we recommend that you contact a specialist travel clinic (at least 6 weeks prior to travel). Your own doctor is probably unfamiliar with health in Latin America.

No inoculations are currently required for Peru. However you should consider immunization against the following:

• Typhoid
• Polio
• Tetanus
• Hepatitis A

If you plan on going into the Peruvian jungle (Iquitos, Manu, Tambopata) then a yellow fever vaccination is recommended. There are still occasional outbreaks and it is frequently obligatory to show a vaccination certificate when entering the jungle regions. If you don’t have a certificate, you will be inoculated as you disembark the plane.

Malaria tablets are also recommended for the jungle, although nearly all of the jungle lodges in the Madre de Dios/Tambopata areas and Manu National Park have had no reported cases of malaria, but do recommend anti-malaria tablets.

During your trip:

The most common problems encountered by the traveler in Peru is diarrhea (between 30% and 40% of travelers in a 2-week stay experience this to some extent), but the majority of these upsets will be relatively minor. Don’t become paranoid as trying the local food is part of the experience.

Tap water in Peru is unsafe to drink. Always purify the water first by boiling it or adding purification tablets such as Micropur, which can be purchased in most pharmacies throughout Peru (make sure that you read the instructions before using them). Bottled mineral water is available everywhere.

In most good restaurants, purified water is used to wash fruit, vegetables and salads. If in doubt, ask. If you want to be extra careful, eat salads made from boiled vegetables, such as carrots, beans, and beetroot and avoid lettuce leaves which are often washed in contaminated river water.

Fruit in Peru is plentiful and delicious, but ensure that you wash it or peel it yourself. Avoid undercooked and reheated foods. Shellfish are a particularly high risk and so is ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice). They are all delicious, however, and should be safe in well-run hygienic establishments. There are good doctors and reasonable hospitals in the major cities, but not in rural areas.

Altitude Sickness (Cusco & Lake Titicaca)

On reaching heights above 3000m, heart pounding and shortness of breath are a normal response to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors these symptoms can deteriorate into a conditions known as soroche (or acute mountain sickness) when you can start to experience headaches, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, sleeplessness and often nausea. Symptoms usually develop within the first day or two at altitude, but may be delayed by up to 2 weeks.

To prevent soroche, try to take things easy as soon as you arrive. Once settled in your hotel room, lie down for a while and drink plenty of fluids. Don’t plan any strenuous treks until you’ve acclimatized for a few days. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy food. Drinking an infusion of coca leaves (and perfectly legal in Peru) may help. If symptoms become more severe and prolonged it is best to seek medical attention and make arrangements to descend to a lower altitude. On recovery one can re-ascend slowly or in stages.

Many visitors speed up the acclimatization process and counteract the symptoms of soroche by taking Diamox. The drug can be purchased in most pharmacies in Cusco.

After your trip:

Report any symptoms to your doctor and inform him of your itinerary. If taking antimalarial tablets, remember to take them for 6 weeks after leaving the malarial areas.

Travel health related websites:

Travel Health Online | www.tripprep.com

Provides a comprehensive database of required vaccinations for most countries as well as other useful trip preparation advice.

Centers for Disease Control (USA) | www.cdc.gov

Suggested vaccinations, outbreak warnings

Canadian Society for International Health (Canada) | www.csih.org

International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (USA) | www.iamat.org

A non-profit organization which provides a list of English-speaking doctors in Peru and information about diseases and inoculations.

British Airways Travel Clinics (UK) | www.britishairways.com

Two travel clinics in London, vaccinations and tailored advice.

National Health Service (UK) | www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Website containing info about travel-related diseases and how to avoid them.

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 traveling for the safe keeping of your passport, airline tickets, traveler’s checks, cash and other valuable items.

Leave your valuable jewellery at home. 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 traveling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities.

During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options 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.

Should we Tip?

A combination of taxes and service charges are added to bills in the best hotels and restaurants and can total as much as 28%. Budget and mid-range hotels and restaurants don’t add taxes. Tipping is not expected in less expensive cafes. A tip of 10% is acceptable in upmarket restaurants if a service charge has not already been applied to the bill.

Taxi drivers are not tipped. Local guides and porters are tipped.

Good Buys

Local arts and crafts, particularly weavings, ceramics, woollen clothing and jewellery.

Meals

A typical menu during the trail consists of:

• Breakfast: Cereal, milk, coffee, tea, pancakes, bread, butter, jam, eggs, orange juice.
• Lunch/Dinner: Soup, chicken, fish, pasta, vegetables, fruits, salad.

There is also an orientation before the trek to review menu items and any special dietary requirements.

Water

You can fill your water bottle at small streams or mountain springs along the trail. Take a bottle with at least 1½ liter (6 cup) capacity per person.

Although the water is clear, always use sterilizing tablets and follow the instructions. The sterilizing tablets ‘Micropur’ (wait time is 40 minutes) can be purchased in most pharmacies in Cusco (the further away from the plaza, the less expensive they are). If traveling in an organized group, boiled water should be available during meal times.

Bottled water can brought from Cusco, and water can be purchased along the Inca Trail.

Security

Leave valuables such as jewellery and large sums of money in your hotel safe (do take your passport on the trek). Take plenty of plastic bags for dirty socks, boots, underwear and wet clothes.  Keep them inside your tent at night or they may disappear by morning. Carry your valuables in a money belt or neck pouch and keep items such as cameras with you at all times especially during meal time.

Tips for the Inca Trail:

Toilets

Toilets have improved in the last few of years and all of the larger campsites offer clean toilet blocks with flush toilets and running water. On day 3, at Wiñay Wayna, you can enjoy a hot shower.

Health

The trail is 45km (26 miles) long and involves significant physical exertion to complete. On the second day you climb almost 1200m (4000 ft) in the morning. Combined with high altitude (lack of oxygen) and extreme weather conditions (you can easily burn in the high-altitude sun during the day and temperatures can drop to below freezing at night), the trek can be arduous. However, all this suffering makes the final arrival at Machu Picchu more enjoyable.  In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a few days in Cusco acclimatizing to the altitude, you will be prepared.

Porters & Tipping

Personal porters are available for a US$100 per person fee (does not include tips). Each porter can carry up to 15.5kg (34 lbs) of your personal belongings.

Thousands of people make the Inca Trail trek each year. They typically complete the 43km (27 mile) mountainous trail in 4 days. For many, the experience is the fulfillment of a personal ambition or long dreamed for adventure. The feeling of satisfaction when you arrive at the spectacular Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is  even better knowing that the porters who helped you were treated with respect and dignity. A porter makes your trek more enjoyable as you have time to enjoy the scenery rather than looking at your boots. You also contribute to the employment of people who want and need to work. Talk to your porters. Learn about their traditions and villages. Share some coca leaves. Ask them to sing their local songs. Most porters suffer low self-esteem so start a conversation instead of waiting for them to initiate contact. Show your porters your appreciation. Thank them verbally and leave a tip.

How much to tip the porters, cook and guide can be a difficult assessment at the end of the trek. Some nationalities are accustomed to tipping while others only offer extra money if the service was exceptional. Generally speaking, if the group is pleased with the service, it is recommended that the group tip each porter an extra US$5, the cook US$10, the guide US$20 and the assistant guide about US$10. If you employ a personal porter, you are responsible for his tip, about US$10.

Remember, the above figures are just a guideline. If the food is inedible and you can’t understand what the guide, then don’t offer a tip. They will receive the message and hopefully improve their services. Don’t, however, take your dissatisfaction out on the porters who work hard throughout the trek.

The following equipment and clothing list is recommended for your trek:

• Passport (with photocopies)Travel insurance (with photocopies)
• Airline tickets (with photocopies)Personal medications
• Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Camera
• Reading/writing material
• Binoculars
• Cover for backpacks
• Pocketknife
• Fleece top
• Windproof/waterproof warm jacket
• Small towel and swim wear
• 4 shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 1 pair of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
• Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
• Sport sandals
• Sunblock
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch or alarm clock
• Water bottle
• Flashlight
• Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
• Rain poncho
• Strong plastic bags to help keep gear dry
• Plastic bags for your trek clothes in case of rain
• Sleeping bag (this can be rented locally for approximately US$10 per day)
• Mattress (a foam mattress is included as part of the hike; self-inflating mattresses are available for rent)
• NOTE: In case you rent an extra porter, you must bring a carrier bag for the clothes.

ECOAMERICAPERU S.R.L. TERMS & CONDITIONS

Below are the terms and conditions which will apply to your booking. Please read them carefully as you will be bound by them:

1. THE CONTRACT: All bookings are made with ECOAMERICAPERU S.R.L., “the Company”, which sells tours to groups and individual travelers as described in this brochure and on the Company website; the person or persons named on the booking are hereafter referred to as the “Client”. By making a booking by telephone, on the website www.ecoamericaperu.com, or by email or facsimile with the Company, the Client accepts on behalf of them and all those named on the booking, including minors and person under a disability, to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

2. MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The Company must be notified in writing at the time of booking of any medical conditions, pregnancy, physical challenges or any other mental and/or physical condition which may affect fitness to travel and/or any medical condition. The Company will do its best to meet the Client’s special requests including dietary, but such requests do not form part of the Contract and therefore the Company is not liable for not providing these requests.

3. CURRENCY: The Company sells in United States Dollar (USD) and Soles (S/.)

4. DEPOSIT REQUIREMENT: ECOAMERICAPERU S.R.L. Trips:

(a) for groups (4+) or Tour Operators/Travel Agencies full payment is required at booking time.

(b) For independent travelers 60% of total payment is due at booking time and the 40% balance is paid upon arrival.

(c) tailor  made trips may require a higher deposit or full payment at the time of booking.

5. CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT: Any cancellation by a Client must be made in writing and acknowledged by the Company. The date on which the request to cancel is received by the Company or its Agents will determine the cancellation charge applicable.  The cancellation charges are expressed hereafter as a percentage of the total tour price, excluding insurance:

(a) Groups 4+ or Tour Operators/Travel agencies:

• Cancellation before departure: loss of 100%

(b) Individuals:

• Cancellation 60 days before departure: loss of 20% of total payment

• Cancellation 59 to 7 days before departure: loss of 50% of total payment.
• Cancellation less than 6 days before departure: loss of 100% of total payment.

Except for cancellations for the Inca Trail:

•  Cancellation 120 days before departure: loss of 30% of total payment
•   Cancellation 119-1 days before departure: loss of 80 to 100% of total payment.

(c) ECOAMERICAPERU S.R.L. Tailor Made trips may vary in cancellation policy from that detailed in this clause, and will be detailed at time of booking.  The Company will not be responsible for bank fees and other transaction.

6. CHANGES OF A TOUR BY THE COMPANY: If the Company makes a major change the Company will inform the Client as soon as reasonably possible if there is sufficient time before departure. When a major change is made, the Client may choose between accepting the change, obtaining a full refund of all monies paid (excluding Trip Cancellation Insurance Premiums and/or flights or other forms of transport or hotels) or accepting any alternative tour offered by the Company. Also any changes made to alter the itinerary while traveling will be made with full authority by the Tour Leader and any direct or indirect cost incurred as a result will be the responsibility of the Client.

7. UNUSED SERVICES: There will be no discounts or monies refunded for missed or unused services, including voluntary or involuntary termination/departure from tour, such as sickness, death of a family member, late arrival on the tour, or premature departure either voluntarily or involuntarily.

8. CANCELLATIONS. The Company reserves the right to cancel any trip due to unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside the Company’s control. The Company is not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking.

CANCELLATIONS FOR TRANSPORT: AIRFARE, BUS AND TRAIN: Regarding transport bought at The Company, we will not be held responsible for any additional expenses or loss that may arise from and cancellations due to bad weather, strikes, demonstrations, road blockades and other reasons out of our control. The Company will help you rearrange transport or accommodations. The Company will refund: (a) National airlines: refund according to airline (b) International airlines: refund according to airline. (c) Trains and buses are non-refundable. (d). Accommodation: according to hotel policy. INCA TRAIL CANCELATIONS

9. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK: The Client acknowledges that the nature of the tour is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages or injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks. Prior to tour commencement, the Client may be asked to sign a participation form.

10. GUARANTEED DEPARTURES: The Company guarantee selected departures at their discretion. (a) Independent Travelers shall depart with minimum of 1 person. (b) Groups depart with a minimum of 2 people.

11. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: The Client must be in possession of a valid passport required for entry, departure and travel through each destination point along the itinerary of the tour (passport must be valid for up to 6 months after your return date), all visas, permits and certificates including vaccination certificates, and insurance policies required for the length of the journey. The Client accepts full responsibility for obtaining all such documents, visas and permits prior to the start of the tour, and is solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from missing or defective documentation.

12. FACTORS OUTSIDE THE COMPANY’S CONTROL (FORCE MAJEURE):The Company shall not be liable in any way to the Client for death, bodily injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss or detriment to person or property, or financial costs both direct and indirect incurred, or for the Company’s failure to commence, perform and/or complete any duty owed to the Client if such death, delay, bodily injury (including emotional distress or injury), illness, damage or other loss or detriment to person or property is caused by an Act of God, war or war-like operations, terrorist activities or threat thereof, civil commotions, labor difficulties, whether or not the Company is a party thereto, interference by authorities, political disturbance, howsoever and wheresoever any of the same may arise or be caused, riot, insurrection and government restraint, fire, extreme weather or any other cause whatsoever beyond the reasonable control of the Company.

13. INSURANCE: The Company highly recommends all Clients obtain travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, and evacuation expenses. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, and all other expenses that might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects.

14. RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR TOUR: All services herein are organized by ECOAMERICAPERU S.R.L. Notice is hereby given that all arrangements made on behalf of the Client are made by organizers on the sole condition that the organizers shall not be held responsible for any injury, death, accident, delay, loss, damage or irregularity which may be occasioned through acts of any company and/or persons engaged in carrying out the arrangements. America Tours SRL acts as an agent for some tours, transport companies, hotels and other contractors and shall not be held liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may occur, including, but not limited to, any defect in a vehicle or any other form of conveying a traveler, acts of God, detention, delays or expenses arising from quarantine, strike, riots, theft, force majeure, civil disturbance, government restriction or regulation, accident by aircraft, boat, bicycle, motor vehicle or any other form of transport or in any hotel or guest house, pension, or other form of accommodation. Airlines, buses, railways, and ship companies and other suppliers have their own booking conditions or conditions of carriage, and the Client will be bound by these as far as the relevant transport provider or supplier is concerned.

15. CLAIMS AND COMPLAINTS: If a Client has a complaint against the Company, the Client must first inform the tour leader or guide at the earliest opportunity to allow the grievance to be rectified or contact the Company representative in charge of the booking. If satisfaction is still not reached through these means during the tour then any further complaint must be put in writing to info@ecoamericaperu.com or jasmin@ecoamericaperu.com

16. LOCAL CONDITIONS: The Client acknowledges that he or she will be visiting places where the political, cultural and geographical attributes present certain risks, dangers and physical challenges greater than those present in his or her daily life. By booking travel with the Company, the Client acknowledges she or he has considered the potential risks, dangers and challenges, and expressly assumes the risks attendant to such travel conditions. The Client is solely responsible for acquainting themselves with customs, weather conditions, physical challenges and laws in effect at each stop along the itinerary, and is encouraged to locate or make contact prior to embarkation with his or her local embassy or consulate in each destination.

17. ERRORS AND OMISSIONS: The Company makes a concerted attempt to verify the accuracy of statements made. The Company cannot be held responsible for any error, omission or unintentional misrepresentation that may appear in this brochure or on the website.