Choquequirao and MachuPicchuTrek between two Peruvian treasures.

Tour Code: 45930Grade 8

Combine beautifully diverse trekking with two of the most intriguing Incan ruins on this incredible hiking tourbetween Choquequirao and Machu Picchu.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Marvel at Choquequirao, a beautiful and secluded Incancity.

Rediscover Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world.

Experience changing ecosystems from rainforest to alpine.

Get off the beaten track on peaceful, remote trails.

Holiday Duration: 13 nightsHOLIDAY DATES12th Jun 2020 - 25th Jun 2020, 7th Aug 2020 - 20th Aug 202025th Sept 2020 - 8th Oct 2020

Choquequirao and Machu Picchu

Our new trek between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu combines beautifully diverse trekking and visits two of the most intriguing Incan ruins.

We fly to Lima and have time for a morning walking tour before returning to the airport for our flight to Cuzco. At 3400m Cuzco can take a little time to acclimatise to. On arrival plan on sitting in the hotel sipping coca tea rather than running marathons. Our day to acclimatise will be spent looking around this fascinating city and perhaps some gentle walking in the surrounding countryside.

To start the trek, we drive out to Capuliyoc (2910m) to meet our trekking crew and the mules that will carry everything. Over the next two days we trek through the Apurimac River valley and on to Choquequirao, where we camp the second night. We should arrive in time to have a brief tour of the site in the afternoon and complete our tour the next morning. We will continue up out of the valley to the Choquequirao Pass (3340m) for spectacular views and a picnic lunch.

For the rest of the trek we head through remote country passing villages where life is lived in simple fashion, crossing the San Juan Pass (4150m) and the Totora Pass. At 4665m this is the highest point we reach on the trek. Finally, we reach Aguas Calientes, the village below Machu Picchu. The next morning, first thing, we have a guided tour of Machu Picchu. It entirely justifies its world-renowned status as a tourist attraction, and no one could fail to notice the greater popularity of the site. The contrast between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu could hardly be more pronounced.

We take the train back to Cuzco for our final night before flying back home via Lima.

WHAT'S INCLUDED Return flights from Gatwick to Lima (British

Airways) Airport transfers Five nights en suite hotel accommodation Seven nights fully supported tented

accommodation Full board on trek, most meals English speaking local guide throughout All local transport costs.

HOLIDAY GRADEThis is a Grade 8 challenging holiday. It will include hard mountain walking whilst on trek with long ascents and descents at high altitude. Stamina and a good head for heights is essential. Expect long and exhilarating days whilst on trek. See the Itinerary for detailed descriptions of the walks and information about ascent/descent and distances walked each day.

Whilst on trek our bags will be carried on mules so we only need a day sack. The mule handlers normally have spare animal with them in case one should go lame. On occasions the unloaded mule may be available for anybody struggling with the day's walk.

Proposed ItineraryOur bottom line is happy travellers, and to that end we trust our tour leaders to use the itinerary below as a basis for providing you with a great holiday. We expect our leaders to make adjustments to the itinerary if the weather, group ability or other local conditions make that necessary. There are normally more options available to our leaders than those listed below and one or more of these options may well be chosen. All distances, heights & timings are approximate.

Key to Meals:B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner.In flight meals, if appropriate, will be advised in your final travel documents

Day: 1 - Lima (-) We fly direct from the UK to Lima airport. On arrival in Lima we will meet our Peruvian guide and transfer to the hotel in the Miraflores district of the city. The transfer might take 45 mins depending on city traffic. Dinner is not included tonight but there are many options for those who would like to eat.

Day: 2 - Cuzco (B/L/D) We will have some time in the morning exploring the local area on foot before returning to Lima airport for our flight to Cuzco. On arrival at Cuzco we will transfer to the hotel. Cuzco is at 3300m (11,000ft) so it is important to take things easy to acclimatise. You will be offered a cup of coca tea on arrival in the hotel. It is said to help reduce the effects of altitude. If you find you don't care for the taste think of it as medicine and drink it anyway. Our local guide will offer further advice about altitude.

Day: 3 - Cuzco (B/L/D) Today will be an easy day in and around Cuzco to continue our acclimatisation. There is plenty to see and do in Cuzco to keep us entertained.

Day: 4 - Chiquisca Camp (B/L/D) Cusco-Capuliyoc (On Bus) -Capuliyoc - Chiquisca (Hike)

After an early breakfast we will be collected from our hotel for the drive of approx 4 hours to the trail head. On the way we stop at Sayhuite, a pre Colombian archaeological site. for a short visit. We should arrive at Capuliyoc (2,910m) for a late lunch. We start our trek from here and walk down to Chiquisca camp (1900m).

Distance: 8km/5miles

Ascent: Minimal

Descent: 1100m

Walking Time: 4hrs

Day: 5 - Choquequirao (B/L/D) Chiquisca-Choquequirao

After breaking camp, we descend into the spectacular Apurimac river canyon. At first the descent is quite gentle, then it gets steeper and hotter as we go deeper into the canyon to arrive at Playa Rosalina (1500 mts). This takes about an hour. From here we have a long climb out of the canyon to Marampata (2930m) where we have lunch. After lunch we continue to Choquequirao (2860m) and visit the site with our guide. If we are lucky, we might see condors and spectacle bears during the day. We camp at Choquequirao.

Distance walked: 14km/9miles

Ascent: 2190m

Descent: 1230m

Walking Time: 8hrs

Day: 6 - Pincha Unuyuc (B/L/D) Choquequirao-Pincha Unuyuc

This morning after an early breakfast we explore Choquequirao with our expert local guide. The site is larger than Machu Picchu but there are similarities. Choquequirao is an enigmatic, monumental site, built during the mid to late 15th century, it became lost for several centuries as the high jungle in this area covered the ruins. It was re-discovered in 1710 by Europeans but little importance was attached to it. Hiram Bingham brought into the public eye in the early 20th century. After a detailed tour of the site, we continue up to the Choquequirao pass (3340m) for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we continue down to the Rio Blanco valley, to the Inca terraces at Pincha Unuyuc (2100m). Our camp will be close to the terraces.

Distance walked: 8km/4miles

Ascent: 530m

Descent: 900m

Walking Time: 4-5hrs

Day: 7 - Maizal (B/L/D) Pincha Unuyuc-Maizal

Leaving Pincha Unuyuc, we go down into deep valley of the Rio Blanco crossing the river on a regular bridge in the rocky bottom of the canyon. On the way we will enjoy the beautiful cloud forest. We camp at Maizal (3000mts).

Distance walked: 8km/4miles

Ascent: 1160m

Descent: 620m

Walking Time: 6hrs

Day: 8 - Yanama (B/L/D) Maizal-San Juan Pass (4150m)-Yanama

For some today's walk will be the highlight of the holiday. We climb up to the San Juan pass (4150mts), for lunch. In the afternoon we drop down into the Yanama Valley (3500m) with great views of Panta and Pumasillo's snow-capped peaks, another excellent opportunity to see condors. We camp at Yanama. Walking time approx 7-8 hours.

Distance walked: 11km/7 miles

Ascent: 1200m

Descent: 650m

Walking Time: 7-8hrs

Day: 9 - Totara (B/L/D) Yanama - Totora Pass - Mariano Llamuoca (4665m) - Totora

Today we climb from our campsite to the top of Totora Pass-Mariano Llamuocca (4665mts) which is the highest point we reach on the trek. From here we have amazing views of Salcantay and Humantay peaks to the south. Then we drop down to Totora (3400mts) where we camp. Walking time approx 9 to 10 hours.

Distance walked: 19km/9miles

Ascent: 1220m

Descent: 1400m

Walking Time: 9-10hrs

Day: 10 - Lucmabamba (B/L/D) Totora - Lucmabamba

Today we continue our descent through lush cloud forest, full of begonias, orchids and crops like coffee and passion fruit, to Granadichayoc. From here we will take transportation for 30 minutes to our camp site Lucmabamba (2100m), where we will have our lunch. Walking time approx 5-6 hours.

Distance walked: 18km/11miles

Ascent: 730m

Descent: 1920m

Walking Time: 5-6hrs

Day: 11 - Aguas Calientes (B/L/D) Lucmabamba - Llactapata - Hidroelectrica (Hike), Train Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, we start the last day of our trek. We head uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2710m), where we come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast. This is a view few travellers get the chance to admire. We will take a short break to explore the Llactapata Ruins. Lunch is served at a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu. This afternoon, we begin the final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations. Finally, we will get to Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Power Station, to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Here we stay in a hotel with a few comforts we might have missed during the trek.

Distance walked: 13km/8miles

Ascent: 940m

Descent: 1180m

Walking Time: 6hrs

Day: 12 - Cuzco (B/L/D) Machu Picchu - Train to Ollantaytambo - Bus to Cuzco

After an early breakfast, we make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu. It takes about 25mins to drive to the entrance of the site. Our local guide will give an introductory two-hour guided tour of the sanctuary. After this we have some free time to explore. We will return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train to Ollantaytambo. From here our private vehicle will drive us back to Cuzco and our hotel. Arrival in Cuzco will be approximately at 7 or 8 pm.

Day: 13 - In flight (B) After breakfast we transfer back to Cuzco Airport for our flight back to Lima. Here we connect with the international flight back to the UK.

Day: 14 - () We arrive back in the UK

Optional ExcursionsA range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

Leaders Evening BriefingEach evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.

Local Transport CostsAll local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost.

Personal ExpenditureBudgeting for ExtrasWhen budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.

TippingAlthough entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life

and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff & to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday.

Small GroupsGroup SizeComing from all walks of life your fellow travelling companions will share your desire to discover great things and have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy their infectious enthusiasm, camaraderie and great dinner conversation.

Our maximum group size for guided walks between grade 5 and grade 8 is 18 persons.

Tour LeadersYour tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.

On some holidays of 7 nights and over, the tour leader may have one day's break a week, enabling you to have a 'free' day too!

Travel DetailsWe fly with British Airways from London Gatwick direct to Lima and vice versa.

For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.

Land OnlyIf you are joining and leaving at your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday from your hotel.

Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you.

If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'no-travel' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details.

Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel.

If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance.

Passports and VisasFor entry into Peru a passport is required which should be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay. Your passport is often required when checking into hotels and when changing money, so carry it with you on these occasions. It is also an excellent

idea to memorise your passport number for the form filling. No visas are required for UK nationals.

General Passport & Visa AdviceIt is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country.

Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.

General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.

AccommodationHotel Jose AntonioAv 28 de Julio 398MirafloresLimaPeru

Phone: +51 14 457743Web: www.hotelesjoseantonio.comEmail: reservas@hotelesjoseantonio.com

Tented accommodation on trekPeru

Phone:Web:

El Mapi Hotel109 Pachacutec AveAguas CalientesPeru

Phone: 0051 84 211 011Web: www.mapi-inn.com/Email: info@mapi-inn.com

On this holiday we have 5 nights in comfortable, well located hotels in Lima, Cuzco and Aguas Calientes. Please see hotel websites for further information.

We spend 7 nights on trek camping. All camping, cooking and dining equipment will be supplied. We will use comfortable two-man dome tents (Eureka Mountain brand). All camping equipment is provided including inflatable mattresses. Camping equipment and personal luggage (maximum 7kg in weight) will be transported between camps by mules, so you need only carry your day pack each day. Our trekking crew will set up and dismantle camp each night. You will only have to roll out your sleeping bag.

On camp, we have sleeping tents and a mess tent where breakfast and dinner will be taken on tables and chairs. We also have a toilet tent. Hot water for washing will also be provided to you in the mornings. Sleeping bags are available to borrow free of charge from our agent. Please let the RWH tour leader know on arrival if you would like one.

Clients booked in a single room will stay in a single occupancy tent on trek.

Please note because of the baggage weight restrictions on trek it is advisable to carry a bag separate from your main bag to take on trek. A holdall is ideal for this. Your main baggage can be left in the hotel in Cuzco. Please stick to the 7kg weight limit for baggage carried on mules on trek. It may be an idea to weigh out the equipment you intend to take on trek before you leave the UK. Please note you will need waterproofs and fleece in you day sack on trek so these will not count as part of the 7kg.

Breakfasts in Lima, Cuzco and Aguas Calientes will be taken in hotels. Lunches and dinners will generally be in local restaurants or hotels. Food on trek will consist of cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and dinner will be served in the dining tent on camp. Lunch will generally be served at a convenient location on trek.

FootwearGood quality waterproof walking boots with a moulded sole and deep tread and which provide good ankle support are essential.We recommend that you either wear your walking boots or shoes or pack them and some waterproofs in your hand luggage as in the unlikely event that your hold luggage is delayed, you will still be able to participate in the holiday programme.

Kit ListOutdoor activities are always more enjoyable if you are prepared. The following list is a basic guideline that will enhance your experience. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

A basic kit list is likely to include:- Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers- Lightweight, quick drying trousers- Several polo shirts, T-shirts or specialist walking shirts- Fleece jacket- Comfortable walking socks- Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)- Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and high SPF sun block- Swimwear (if appropriate)- Day sack (25 litre capacity) to comfortably carry the kit you'll take out for the day- Strong polythene bags to keep the contents of your daypack dry- Water bottle(s) - at least 1 litre capacity- Basic first aid kit (plasters, blister treatment, antiseptic etc)- Insect repellent- Plastic container and reusable cutlery for your picnic lunches- Walking/trekking poles (if applicable)

Survival BagsOn this, as on all grade 7 and above holidays, we strongly recommend that all group members carry a simple orange plastic survival bag. In the event of you being injured it will keep you warm and dry whilst waiting for the emergency services to arrive. It is cheap and lightweight and doubles as a mat to

sit on. These are widely available online or from outdoor equipment shops.

Trekking PolesMany of our clients find walking poles hugely beneficial when walking. They can both reduce stress on the knees and aid confidence.

Water-to-GoAn alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.

Travel Document ChecklistDocuments and Information to take with you:

- Your passport (make sure it's valid and it's yours)- Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary- Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)- Holiday money- Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)- Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)- Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)- Your holiday Booking Confirmation document- Your travel insurance details- Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)- Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport- A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant- Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Maps, Guidebooks & AdviceMaps and guidebooks relating to your holiday may be obtained before departure from:

The Map Shop (www.themapshop.co.uk)

Weather and ClimateVisit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:

Weather2 www.myweather2.com

BBC Weather www.bbc.co.uk/weather

ElectricityElectricity is supplied at 110 Volts at 60Hz. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a two pin North America style adaptor with flat pins. More information can be found at www.powerplugadapter.uk.

HealthNo compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Peru.

You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.

Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Typhoid immunisation is recommended.

You might also like to consider immunisation against Rabies, Diphtheria and Yellow Fever.

There is a risk of Malaria in some low altitude regions and a very low risk in other parts of the country. Dengue fever and Zika virus also exist in Peru; please take normal precautions against mosquito bites. Seek pre-travel Zika virus advice from your health care provider 6-8 weeks in advance of travel, particularly important if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

You should also be aware of issues associated with travelling at high altitudes. The lower atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes results in less oxygen finding its way into the blood. Problems usually start for most people at around 2,500 to 3,000 metres. If you reach this altitude gradually the body can accustom itself to having less oxygen, and once you are above it if you gain further height slowly you are less likely to have problems. It is important on arrival at destinations at this kind of altitude to rest for a few hours and not to over-exert yourself in the first day or two, as over-exertion can make altitude problems more likely. Local people also swear by coca leaf tea, which you will probably be offered on arrival, as a means of preventing or treating altitude problems. It is harmless and if you drink plenty of it, it will at least help you to avoid dehydration, something else that makes altitude problems more likely, so drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol!) at these high altitude destinations. Anybody who has a

medical condition affecting blood circulation or breathing or has any other worries should consult their doctor before departure.

Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP.

Further Travel Health AdviceFor further advice please visit:

- The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) travel health website at www.travelhealthpro.org.uk- The NHS 'Fit for travel' website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk- The Foreign Office Office Travel Advice Website at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.- Or a local travel health clinic.

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

InsuranceTravel InsuranceYou must be adequately insured to join our holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday. You will be unable to participate in our local walking and other activity programmes without being able to demonstrate that you have valid travel insurance.

Please ensure that as a minimum your travel insurance policy covers you for travel to your holiday destinations (country and geographical region) and for medical expenses, mountain rescue (including helicopter rescue) and emergency repatriation to your home country in the event of illness or injury. Your policy should also provide adequate cover for the activities, included and optional, you are likely to participate in during your holiday.

See our brochure or website for further advice regarding holiday insurance.

Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers.

Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel insurance once your holiday arrangements have started.

Personal SafetyThe UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination.

Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.

Cultural AwarenessResponsible TravelWe're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.

Heart & SoleWe appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.

CommunicationMobile PhonesPlease do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements.

Please do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if

delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements.

As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals.

FeedbackWe welcome all comments about our holidays and value ideas for the future. If you have provided us with an email address we will invite you to complete an online questionnaire or to add feedback to our page on independent review site 'Feefo'.

Important InformationPlease note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued.

In most cases the revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will remain unchanged. Should we make a major change to your holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change.

You may wish to review the latest version of this Holiday Information Sheet online prior to travel.

Please note that any advertised offers, benefits or initiatives may be discontinued at any time.

Contact UsRamblers Walking Holidays

- Tel: UK +44 (0)1707 331133- Email: info@ramblersholidays.co.uk- Web: www.ramblersholidays.co.uk

Our office is open and our Sales & Reservations team available to speak to you from:

- 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday- 9.15am to Midday on Saturdays- 9.15am to 3pm on Saturdays in January & February only

Please quote your Booking Reference number and Tour Code whenever contacting us.

We wish you an enjoyable holiday!