Footprint Expeditions in South America

Other Trip Options:

• » The Sun Trail & a Jungle - 22 Days with Inca Trail (SJLP-OET)
• » The Sun Trail & a Jungle - 22 Days with Traditional (SJLP-OEN)

Day 01 - Lima

Arrive in Lima at anytime throughout the day. Transportation is included from the airport to the corresponding hotel, and there are no activities planned for this day until our first welcome meeting in the late afternoon, most likely in the hotel lobby.

Lima is the largest city in Peru as well as is the capital of the country. Geographically located on the Pacific Coast, Lima is the 5th largest city in Latin America, following only Mexico City, São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

Lima was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, and was swiftly named La Ciudad de los Reyes, or "The City of the Kings." For three centuries it was considered the most important city in the Americas because the economical, social and political power that was centered there.  

Down town Lima is on the UNESCO list of cities granted with World Heritage status, using its historic wonder to make it a suggested region for travelers and visitors to Peru. The architecture in this part of Lima is characterized by a mix of styles. Take time to visit the Plaza de Armas, the San Franciscan Monastery, the Cathedral, and the Torre Tagle Palace, much of which are influenced by both the Spanish Baroque and Colonial periods. Lima is also home to the highest concentration of museums in the country, the most notable being: the National Museum, Larco Museum, and the Gold Museum, each containing exhibitions about pre-Columbian culture, art, history, and religion.

Lima has a plethora of culinary options, which can be seen in its title as the “Gastronomical Capital of the Americas”. There is a wonderful mixture of food genres here, with many Chinese, Andean, Japanese, and Amazonian. Also, Lima holds various Guinness World Records for the quality and diversity in the aspects of its culinary grandeur.

Day 02 – Paracas

This morning, there is sufficient time to go out and enjoy the city of Lima. Around mid day we will catch a local bus to begin to head south.  After three hours we will arrive at the coastal fishing town of El Chaco, located directly outside of the Paracas National Reserve. There are no planned activities for this afternoon, but feel free to enjoy a walk on the beach or watch the majestic sun slowing descend over the water. There are also plenty of quaint restaurants where you can try some local fresh fish and other sea food.

The Paracas National Reserve is located in Ica. Its main purpose is to preserve the sea’s ecosystems as they are and to protect the historical and cultural heritage of the Paracas Pre-Inca Culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast.

Day 03 - Nazca.

This morning we will take a tour to the Ballestas islands, which are two large rock formations shaped by wind, water, and time. These natural arch-like formations are the home to a variety of sea birds and sea lions that have set up colonies around the islands. Many times, it is possible to observe dolphins and Humboldt penguins in this area. After this excursion, we will head back to the main land to board our private bus which will take us to a small family winery where we will have the chance to learn how Pisco (Peru’s national liquor) and Peruvian wines are made.

After lunch, we will head to Huacachina Oasis. Take some time to relax around the oasis or, for the more adventurous, climb the highest sand dune only to ride back down on a sand board (similar to snow-boarding).  Around 4pm we will travel in sand dune buggies for a fun ride across the Ica desert until sunset. We will stay the night in the city of Nazca, located two hours away from the beautiful Oasis.
Meals Included: Breakfast (01).

Day 04 - Night Bus

During the morning we will fly over the Nazca Lines. The price of the flight and the airport taxes are included. Around midday we will visit an ancestral Nazca cemetery located in the arid desert where we will discover how the ancient civilization who resided here persisted against the rough climate of the region. Then later in the night we will ride on a comfortable night bus to the city of Arequipa.

Nazca is the name of a system of valleys and deserts on the southern coast of Peru, and is also the name applied to the culture that flourished in this region between 300 BC and 800 AD. These people were responsible for the mysterious Nazca Lines, which were enormous drawings of animals, plants, and geometrical lines on the desert that only can be recognized from the air. Some famous figures in these lines are the monkey, spider, hummingbird, condor, lizard, etc.
Meals Included: Breakfast (01).

Day 05, 07 - Arequipa – Colca Canyon

We will arrive to Arequipa early in the morning and check-in at the hotel.  There are no activities planned for this day.

Arequipa is surrounded by three famous volcanoes. El Misti, one of the infamous volcanoes, is known for its perfect cone shape and for the fact that during most of the year it is covered in snow. This city is the second largest of the country, and has a population of 1.2 million inhabitants. Arequipa lies at an altitude of 2,380 meters (7,800 feet) above sea level. The historic centre of Arequipa is also one of the World Heritage sites named by UNESCO in recognition of its history and colonial architecture. The city is also known for the color of the many interesting walls located throughout the city. The walls are made up of light, white bricks which are products of the naturally compressed volcanic ash.

Arequipa is also famous for its culinary attributes.  Take a moment to stop by one of the ¨Picanterias” or local restaurants and try their rich Peruvian dishes, some of them being: Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed Chili Peppers), Cuy Chactao (Deep Fried Guinea Pig), and Chicharron (Deep Fried Pork).

Although there is no pre-determined schedule today, we do have a few activities within the city to suggest. For example, stop by the Santa Catalina convent. This complex is considered a city within a city due to the extent of its size. It was founded in 1580, and at any given time there may have been at least 500 Sisters from the area staying there.  In 1970 it was opened to the public. Another suggested place of interest is The Museum Santuarios Andinos. This museum contains a famous exhibition of Juanita, named the” princess of the Andes¨. She was a young Inca girl that had been frozen for nearly 500 years when she was found on the summit of the Ampato volcano. She was the scientific proof needed to show that the Inca civilization did in fact perform human sacrifices.

After around five hours of driving through the Andes Mountains, we will arrive at this location, which is considered the second deepest Canyon in the world. Along the way we will spot some of the “camels of South America”: Llamas, Alpacas and Vicuñas. During the bus ride, we will also cross the highest pass of our trip, driving 4900 meters above sea level. In this point, we will witness the amazing Andean landscape of volcanoes and snow capped mountains. After arriving, we can relax in our beautiful lodge. At night, we can go for a swim in the natural hot springs of Chivay and enjoy a Pisco Sour in one of the many pools.

The canyon is shaped by hundreds of Inca terraces where mostly potatoes and Andean cereal crops are cultivated. The majority of these terraces are still used by local farmers. Remember: during this day we will reach the highest altitude of our trip where the weather can reach extremes of very sunny days and frigid nights. Be prepared for both, but also remember that this is also a prime opportunity to purchase an alpaca scarf or sweater for a great price.

Early in the morning we will head to the south bank of the canyon, crossing several small and picturesque villages along the way until we reach La Cruz del Condor. This outcrop is the nest of a large family of condors which can be seen gliding in and out of the canyon throughout the day. After this spectacular show of these animals in their natural habitat, we will take a hike along a section of the canyon enjoying the landscape and the fresh air. Take a bus ride back to Arequipa in the afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast (02).

Day 08 - Cuzco

Flight to Cuzco,  located at 3316 meters above sea level. This famous city is the main destination for travelers in South America.

This ancient city has several impressive titles such as the “Navel of the World”, “Historical Capital of Peru”, is one of UNESCO’s sacred World Heritage cities, and is deemed the “Archeological Capital of the Americas”. These titles were earned due to the fact that Cuzco has a unique combination of cobble-stoned streets, Inca walls bordering most down town streets, colonial houses with Inca stones bases, churches centuries old, plazas, and Quechua speaking descendants. This cosmopolitan city also has great night life where you can meet people from every corner of the world.

One great site worth visiting is the Cathedral of Cuzco, located in the Main Square. It was founded in 1559 and took nearly one hundred years to build. It is the greatest repository of colonial arts and history in the city. Another recommended sight is the Qorikancha temple, considered the most important and most elaborate Inca building from that time with highly masterful stonework throughout.

The majority of the main Inca ruins are located right outside the city. For example, visit the megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman, or visit Qenqo, a limestone rock with dozens of carvings and niches used as a mummifying center. Or, just walk to the closest ruins of Tambomachay, a temple used for the worship of water. Tambomachay still has well preserved water channels and an ancient ceremonial bath place. This ruin is linked with the ruins of PukaPukara, only 300 meters away.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 09 - Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo

This morning we will head East to the Sacred Valley of the Incas,  stopping at  established viewpoints along the way to view both the luscious landscape and typical Andean crops of quinoa, kiwicha and potatoes. We will then have chance to visit the indigenous Andean Community of Ccaccaccollo, which is assisted and supported by our non-profit organization, OYE.  Here you will have the chance to learn the traditional customs of the people living in this area, and they will teach you the ancient weaving techniques that they have practiced for many centuries and continue to use today to support their community. Later in the morning we will head to Awanacancha, another great place to observe llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos.

Around mid day we will visit the Inca citadel of Pisac which is located directly above the town with the same name. The citadel is well known for the magnificent agricultural terraces and the Intihuatana (Hitching Post of the Sun) which we will learn more about in out visit. We will then descend to the colonial town below which is highly popular for its traditional market and traditionally elaborately dressed locals. This is a good place for shopping for handicrafts.

After a one hour drive we will arrive to the most preserved Inca town, Ollantaytambo.  This town is dominated by the presence of its ruins, the massive Fortress and Ceremonial Center, narrow, cobble-stoned, and perfectly lined streets. Interestingly enough, when viewed from above, the town has the shape of a corn husk, and the fortress the shape of a llama.
Meals Included: Breakfast (01).

Days 10, 12 - Inca Jungle Trail

Travel on our bus to Malaga high pass, hop on a mountain bike and start to descend from the highlands through the small Andean plateau, then keep riding above the clouds and immerse down into the cloud forest. The landscape is breath taking. We will camp at our Monterosa tree Project.

Early in the morning visit our tree project, plant a tree and start hiking an original Inca trail that gently descend to the inca ruins of Huamanmarca. On this part of the trail it’s possible to observe wild fauna and flora like orchids and as well coffee and tea plantations, and a big variety of fruit plants. Relax at the incredible hot springs of Cocalmayo.

This hike start at the town of Lucmabamba,  following an ancient Royal Inca trail that will lead us to a pristine and one of the last primary woodlands in the area, right there u arrive to the ruins of Patallacta where its possible to see the west side of the lost city of the Incas. Descend to the Hydroelectric of Machu picchu to catch the train to Aguas Calientes.

Amaze  a magical sunrise over one of the new  greatest wonders of the world. Visit Machupicchu in a guided tour, then explore and discover it wonders, climb Wayna Picchu mountain or the hike to see the Inca bridge over a cliff. Return to Ollantaytambo by train and bus to Cuzco.
Meals Included: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 2 Dinners.

Day 13 - Machu Picchu – Cuzco

Witness a magical sunrise over one of the new  greatest Wonders of the World. Get up early, jump on the bus, and arrive to the Lost City of the Incas for an incredible experience.

Visit Machu Picchu in a two hour guided tour of the most important temples and sectors of this great ruin. Then, later, explore and discover on your own the wonders of the Lost City of the Incas. This afternoon we will return to Cuzco by train and bus.

Machu Picchu was recently honored to become part of the New 7 Wonders of the World as well as, like many of our other destinations on this journey, is one of the top World Heritage cities on UNESCO’s prestigious list. Interestingly enough, it is not mentioned in any of the chronicles from Spanish colonialism. No one knows its function and even though it has been studied by scientists for decades, many unanswered questions remain. The town was forgotten for centuries and covered by rich vegetation until July 24th, 1911 when American historian Hiram Bingham was led by an 11 year old native boy to the site where he made the re-discovery of this phenomenal structure. It was all done on accident as Bingham was actually in search of the lost town of Vilcabamba.
Meals Included:Breakfast (01)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Passengers who are either not interested or not able to the hike the Inca Jungle Trail can choose to spend 2 days in Cuzco and then travel by train to Aguas Calientes. The next morning they may take and early bus to the Machu Picchu entrance and meet the hikers at the ruins. Please advise your travel agent or Footprint Expeditions while booking if you decide to not hike the Inca  jungle Trail. 

Days 14, 15 - Tambopata Amazon Trip

Fly from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest Basin. Travel by canoe to our lodge in the middle of the rainforest in the Tambopata National Reserve. The rainforest offers a mixture of river life, great jungle trekking, animal spotting, bird watching, as well as much exotic fauna and flora.

The flight lasts about 30 minutes originating in Cuzco, crossing the Eastern Andes Mountain Range, and landing in Puerto Maldonado. This is the most important city in the area and is situated at the confluence of the Tambopata and Madre Dios Rivers.  The main industrial activities of this area are Brazilian nut collecting, working with timber, agriculture, gold mining, and in the last years ecotourism has gained popularity.

We will head to the town’s river port and jump in a motorized canoe to navigate one of the most important rivers in the area. On our way to our lodge we will have the chance to spot river wild life like Flycatchers, Jabirus, Roadside Hawks, Capybaras, Macaws, Parrots, Turtles, and sometimes small Caimans. The large spectrum of animals and plants in this area include over 200 mammal species, 32  parrot species, 89 frog species, thousands of plants, four species of monkeys, many species of lizards, and more than 1300 bird species, just to name a few. Some of the most famous wild life in the are the Tapir, Ocelot, Harpy Eagle, Jaguar, Hoatzin, and Giant River Otters, some of which are especially difficult to spot.

The lodge is basic and makes for simple accommodation, but at the same time is comfortable. The cabins are made with eco friendly materials mimicking the native style of the region. Each room has two beds each with mosquito nets, flushable toilets, cold showers, and no electricity. The lodge staff is maid up mainly of locals who are trained to work in tourism, and who are also the best ones to show and teach you about their customs, traditions, medicinal plants, hunting and fishing techniques.
Meals Included:2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 2 Diners.

Day 16 - Cuzco.

Fly back to Cuzco. Free day to relax or to keep exploring this city. There are several optional excursions available.
Meals Included:Breakfast (01)

Day 17, 18 - Puno – Uros Floating Reed Islands

A seven hour bus journey will take us through the Vilcanota Valley and the Altiplano . Here, witness the birthplace of the Amazon River located between the cities of Cuzco and Puno.

The city of Puno sits here on the shores of this lake, which is also the highest navigable lake in the world measuring in at 3820 meters above sea level.

Visit the Floating Reed Islands of Uros, this is a group of artificial floating islands made with reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. The reeds are fundamental resources for the life of Ureños (inhabitants of these islands) as they use them to build houses, boats, beds and even as food. Ask to take a traditional reed boat trip between the floating islands!

Later in the afternoon visit the Funeral Towers of Sillustani lays on the rolling hills of Lake Umayo Peninsula, at this inspiring location the ancient Collas built these towers to buried their nobilities and then later on the time the Incas improved the quality and magnificence. The cylindrical 12 meters towers, once housed the remains of entire family groups with it belongings and plenty food for their journey to the next world. 

Also, remember to bring warm clothes as it is windy and cold on the lake. Expect cold weather at night round year.
Meals Included:Breakfast (02)

Day 19, 20 – Copacabana – Island of the Sun

Travel around the shores of the Lake Titicaca in a local bus to reach the small town of Yunguyo, transfer buses to cross the border to Bolivia to get to the picturesque and restful. The town is known for it lake views, Moorish Cathedral, pilgrimage destination and a base to visit the famous Isla del Sol y de la Luna.  Be prepared for a chilly weather round year.

Take a boat to the Island of the Sun, the legendary birthplace of Manco Ccapac and Mama Ocllo, the first Inca people, hike around the island looking for great views of the lake and the Inca ruins. Spent the night with a local family in a simple and basic accommodation, there are no electricity facilities and no hot shower. Next morning return back to mainland for a bus ride to La Paz city.
Meals Included:Breakfast (01) Lunch (01) Dinner (01))

Day 21 - La Paz

Arrive to La Paz in the afternoon, have some free to wonder around down town, or to do some last minute souvenirs shopping. Enjoy our farewell dinner.
Meals Included:Breakfast (01)

Day 21 - Departure day

There are no planned activities for today. Have a safe journey whether you are headed home or to explore another destination!
Meals Included:Breakfast (01)

Important Trip Information Details

This tour is highly active and there are some long travel times. Most of the trip we will be traveling at high altitude, the included activities are mostly physical like small hikes and long treks like the Inca trail… Also, most of the food options are Peruvian Creole food, Novo Andean Cuisine, and it’s possible to find a wide variety of international food. There is internet and banking access in almost every single town. The sight-seeing is incredible and you will return home with multitudes of memorable experiences.

What is Included:

Ballestas Island in Paracas, Sand Dune Buggies ride around Huacachina Oasis, Nazca Lines Over flight, Chauchilla Ancient Cemetery, 2 days Colca Canyon Excursion,  Sacred Valley Tour, 4 days Inca Trail, Machupicchu Guided Tour, 3 days Amazon Jungle Excursion, Uros Reed Floating Islands, Sillustani Funeral Towers Cemetery,  2 days Island of the Sun Excursion and Andean Family Home Stay.

Domestic Flights:

  Arequipa to Cuzco and Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado to Cuzco, includes airport taxes.

All of the information provided in this dossier was compiled with detailed care for our clients and is provided to them in good faith. This is not part of the contract between Footprint Expeditions and the client. This is a guideline for an itinerary that is updated every year according to the comments and feedback of our travelers, tour leaders, and local operators in order to provide the best experience possible for our clients. Our brochures are updated every year around late October and if you had booked with the previous brochure expect to find some changes to the itinerary.

IMPORTANT NOTE

We recommend that you print the PDF dossier a few days prior to your trip departure in order to have the most up to date information about your trip.

Validity:Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009

Trip Style:

Adventure

Physical Rating

4 of 6 May include activities on average 6 to 8 hours long of  hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and other activities. Requires only an average/moderate level of fitness to have fun and enjoy the experience.

Important note:

Throughout most of our trip, optional activities might increase the physical rating. For further information please contact our sales department or get in contact with one of our adventure specialists.

Service Level Rating:Original:

Open for anyone that has the travel bug and wants to visit, discover, and explore new places; these adventures were designed for adventure people that wants to enjoy a bit more of comfort without losing the philosophy of the company, small and comfortable hostels, family run. Immerse yourself in real experiences and adventures in the continent of the salsa, samba and tango. We are including many activities during the trip, most of which are offered in a private or  shared service basis such as the Inca Trail, Amazon Excursion, Lake Titicaca, etc…while at the same time we provide plenty of freedom and flexibility to help create your own experiences in the places that we visit.

Group Size:

Max 16, Min. 4  : We believe that group size is important in order to maximize our travelers’ experiences. The minimum allowed on each trip are four travelers and the maximum is sixteen. Keeping the groups between these sizes will allow our travelers to be more individually affected by each experience while at the same time lessoning the negative impact we may have on the places that we visit.

Our advice:

The fact that there are going to be travelers in your group from all the corners of the world, it is important to be open minded, respectful, and patient with the other members of the group. Please always remember that other members of the group are from different ages and backgrounds and in order to create a great group dynamic within the group it may be necessary to put in a bit of effort.

Meals Included:

19 Breakfasts, (based on Continental breakfast) 07 Lunches and 06 Dinners.

When traveling with Footprint Expeditions not all meals are included.  We want you to explore the tastes of each place we visit. Local cuisine is considered a very important part of the travel experience. Most of our trips include some meals, usually breakfast and some other meals in included activities where it would impossible for you to get food at your own in places such as the Inca Trail, the Salt Flats expeditions, or the Amazon Rainforest excursion. The food provided is fresh and very well prepared by our chefs and cooks. As well, our experienced guides and tour leaders will suggest some great local food options at every destination we visit. 

Transportation:

Public and Private buses, Airplanes, Boats, Canoes, Sand dune Buggies, Train and the well appreciated power of your own feet.

We believe that a big part of the traveling experience is how to get there.  How will we reach our next destination? This is why we are going to travel basically on anything that moves with safety while using reliable companies.

Accommodation:

Hotel (14) Night Bus (01) Andean Family Home Stay (01) Camping (03) Jungle Lodge (02)

Important Note: Accommodation can be quite basic at the Family Home stay and at the Jungle lodge ( no electricity and basic toilets facilities and cold showers)

Joining Hotel Information:

Lima
Hotel
Miraflores 106
Lima, Peru

Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 51 2 633-1176

Fax: Int. Dialing Code + 51 2 633 5988

Joining Instructions:

In case you miss the transfer provided by Footprint Expeditions, the next information will be helpful to reach your joining hotel in Santiago.

Lima’s International Airport is Jorge Chavez, located 16 km from Miraflores Disctrict , about a 35 minute drive depending on traffic. The best way to get into the city is by taxi, and the price will most likely be around 12USD or 35 Soles.

There is one official cab company called Green Taxi, make sure you get their services, Give the cab driver the hotel name and address. Do not forget to set the price before you board the cab.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly, the last day is a departure day during which no activities are planned.

On day one of the trip around late afternoon your tour leader will organize a meeting, also called briefing time, where you will meet all the participants of the trip and be provided with all of the necessary information such as insurance details, international flight information, etc… Your trip leader will give you detailed information of the expedition trip. In case you miss this briefing, the tour leader will leave you a message detailing where and what time you should meet the group.

Emergency Contact:

In case you need to contact Footprint Expeditions, please call to any of our offices in Peru or Brazil. If for any reason you do not get a quick answer please call our 24 hours emergency mobile phone.

Footprint Expeditions, Cuzco, Peru

International Dialing   +51 84 245642

Emergency Mobile Phone: +51 84 984 111377 or +51 84 984 111378

What to Bring?:

Always bring the necessary clothing items you might need for the trips.  It is also a good idea to bring a set of some nice clothes for going out or some fine dinning. Pack as light as possible; remember that you will carry your back pack or your duffel bag. We also recommend you to bring good quality clothes, especially good hiking boots, wind breaker, and a warm jacket in case you are doing outdoor sports.

Recommended Items:

• Passport (with photocopies)
• Travel insurance (with photocopies)
• Airline tickets (with photocopies)
• Footprint Expeditions vouchers and dossier
• Visas
• Vaccination certificates required
• Money belt
• USD cash
• Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
• Camera and film according to your camera needs
• Reading/writing material
• Pocket knife
• Windproof and waterproof jacket
• Warm Fleece top
• 5 shirts/t-shirts
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• 1 pair of shorts
• Towel and swim suit
• Sun hat
• 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
• Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
• Sport sandals or flip flops
• Enough underwear
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch or alarm clock
• Water Container
• Flash Light or Torch
• Personal First-aid kit (tablets for diarrhea, anti-histamine, Aspirins, band aids, and prescription drugs you may be taking during the trip)

Laundry:

Laundry is offered at most of our hostels and hotels where we will stay, but they will charge you a bit more money than in the street laundries. There are laundry facilities in almost all towns in our trips for reasonable and inexpensive prices per kilo. We suggest you ask your tour leader for the best places to do it.

Visas:

It is a mandatory responsibility for all travelers to have the CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION AT THE TIME OF TRAVELING WITH FOOTPRINT EXPEDITIONS. All countries require a valid passport with minimum six months validity. We suggest you contact your embassy or consulate for the right and most up-to-date visa requirements according to the countries you will visit in your chosen trip.

Countries Visited in this Trip:

• Peru
• Bolivia

Spending Money:

It is very important to have in your mind your own spending habits at the moment that you make your trip budget for eating, drinking, partying, shopping and tipping. Every traveler has different spending requirements and it is important to remember that it is always is better take extra than not enough as you do not want to spoil your trip because you feel short of founds.

Meal Budget:

Allow USD320 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.

Emergency Money Fund:

In case of any emergency caused by external factors that is out of the control and responsibility of Footprint Expeditions, trips can be re-routed, and it is important for you to have access to at least an additional USD 200 or equivalent as an emergency fund; for example, in the case of social issues, natural disasters, or strikes. While any of the previously listed emergencies rarely occur, it is better to be safe than sorry!

Money Exchange:

Visa credit cards are largely accepted in most of the countries in South America, and there are plenty ATM facilities for cash advances for credit and debit cards. Be aware that in most places at the time of paying with credit cards you will be charged a 0% to 10% fee. Always ask how much you will be charged. Other widely accepted cards are Mastercard, American Express, and Diners.

We suggest you to bring a combination of USD cash, credit and debit cards, and some amount of Travelers Checks even if you can get a less-favorable exchange rate for them. The commission varies between 2% to 10%, but the Travelers Checks will give you the safety in case your credit or debit cards won’t work.

We are aware that the costs of living and traveling in Peru is cheaper than than most of the countries in South America and Bolivia is one of the cheapest, but are around 50% to 60% cheaper than the costs of living in the USA. Use this like a reference point. Exchange rates can fluctuate everyday, please visit the following site for the most-up-to-date exchange rate.   www.xe.com

Local Payment:

Most of our trips involve a Local Payment. The overall tour price is divided in two separated payments. The first payment is the one that you had paid directly with your travel agent, Footprint Expedition sales representative, or through our web site. The Local Payment is the final amount to be paid locally. In this way, you pay the total price of the tour in two parts. Doing this allows us to supply our tour leaders with money until they get the total funds needed for the trip; limited banking facilities and transferring funds takes a long time. At the same time, this helps us to save on operational and administrative costs, and we can keep our trips prices competitive passing those savings onto you.

The local payment must be paid to your tour leader or Footprint Expeditions representative on day 01 of the trip at your joining hotel. It has to be paid in cash in the currency requested, normally USD Dollars or Euros.

Airport Departure Tax:

USD 32.00

What is not included?

International flights and departure taxes, visas and vaccinations, sleeping bag, camping mattress, tips for local guides and tour leaders, extra activities, food not mentioned, travel insurance (this is compulsory and a copy of your policy will be collected by your tour leader on day 01 of the trip).

Tipping Tips:

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as guides, drivers, cooks, porters, horsemen, etc., depending on the service, length, and quality of the trip. Ask your tour leader for specific recommendations. It is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your trip. Please remember that tipping is an expression of satisfaction for the services you got, and it is not compulsory to do it.

Expect to tip at restaurants at approximately 10% or more, depending on the quality of the service and food.

If you felt that your Footprint Expedition tour leader had done an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend $25 per person, per week of travel. This amount is an entirely personal preference.

Our Trip Rules

The use of illegal drugs or prostitution contravenes the laws and is against our travel philosophy. Our Tour leader has the right to expel any member of the group if they are found breaking these rules.

Travel Insurance

It is a necessity if you are participating in any of our trips. You need it for protection against the unexpected (health emergencies or financial losses) and for the peace of your own mind so that you can fully enjoy your vacation. Travel insurance is mandatory for all travelers whilst on a tour run by Footprint Expeditions.

We recommend insurance policies that cover medical expenses (including emergency repatriation), trip cancellations, personal liability, loss of luggage and personal items, etc.

The travel insurance details will be checked and collected by our tour leaders on day 01 of the trip.

Extra Activities Prices:

Lima:

• City tour $25
• San Francisco Church and catacombs $2
• Museo de la Nation $3 entrance
• Museum of the Inquisition FREE entrance

Arequipa:

• Convento Santa Catalina entrance $11
• Juanita Museum $5.5

Cuzco:

• Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket) $25 (half ticket)
• City tour $15-20
• Horseback riding around ruins (with guide) $40
• Horseback riding around ruins (without guide) $15
• Whitewater rafting $40
• Mountain biking $45
• Inka Museum $4 entrance
• Action Valley - bungee etc. $80+
• Motorcycle bikes or ATVs $50