PERU BIKE TOUR
CYCLING LAKE TITICACA TO MACHU PICCHU
June 6- 18, 2012
Breathtaking Views * Spectacular Inca Ruins
Awesome Downhill Cruising * Hot Springs in the Andes

Get ready for a World Class Cycling Adventure with miles of awesome downhill cruising, charming hotels and inns, a few nights camping under the stars, hot springs and lots of friendly smiles from the local people. This unforgettable tour takes us through the Peruvian Andes from Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, to Machu Picchu, the most famous Inca ruin in South America. We will travel by bike to some of Peru’s most spectacular locations and then do more extensive explorations on foot to see Inca and pre-Inca ruins, hike scenic trails, explore unique islands and visit local markets. Our Cycling Tour of Peru is filled with breathtaking vistas and heart-warming memories of an ancient region that has proudly maintained its heritage and customs. This is adventure cycling at its finest!

The tour begins in Cuzco, Peru, the archaeological capital of South America. After touring the city and visiting Sacsayhuaman, an enormous Inca fortress shaped like the head of a puma, we depart by bike for a remarkable downhill cruise to the wonderfully terraced ruins of Pisaq. Next, we fly south to Lake Titicaca where a boat will take us to the amazing reed islands of the Uros Indians and then on to Taquile Island for a cozy night in a wonderful native-owned inn. The panoramic view of the distant snowcapped peaks across the lake in Bolivia is out of this world.

After returning to the mainland, we hop on our bikes and pedal the magnificent shoreline of Lake Titicaca to a camp overlooking the lake. Our next ride is to a camp at the hot springs near La Raya Pass. The following day is a playful descent through a magnificent valley surrounded by Inca ruins and snow-capped peaks to our final camp in the Sacred Valley. (For these three nights we provide deluxe camping accommodations as we pass through a remote region where there are no hotels.) The next day's ride to Pisaq includes a guided tour of the exquisite terraced ruins, and we overnight in a splendid hotel in Urubamba. The following morning, after visiting the lively market in Chinchero, we begin a scenic descent back into the Sacred Valley and end our riding in Ollantaytambo.

Our attention now shifts to visiting Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. A morning train ride brings us to the trailhead where we begin hiking to the dramatic Winya Wayna ruins and then on to the Sun Gate where we enter Machu Picchu - what a fantastic view! From this vantage point, you can see the entire Inca city perched high above the mountains and dense jungle that hid this site for centuries. Our evening accommodations are in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes. The following day we return to Machu Picchu for a comprehensive tour of the ruin and then take the afternoon train to our overnight lodging in Urubamba. We finish the journey in the charming city of Cuzco, a perfect ending to this adventure.

Our Cycling Tour of Peru is filled with breathtaking vistas and heart-warming memories of an ancient region that has proudly maintained its heritage and customs.

ITINERARY

PLEASE NOTE: This tour is fully-supported and designed to accommodate riders of varying levels. A support vehicle will accompany the tour for rider assistance, and daily riding distances can be decreased if you prefer.

Day 1: (Wed, June 6, 2012) Meet in Cuzco, Peru, (11,000 ft.) in the early afternoon in the lobby of our hotel for a group orientation and city tour of Cuzco. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND arriving in Cuzco a day or two before your tour to be fully acclimatized before the tour starts. Hotel in Cuzco. (The day’s schedule will be finalized in a Pre-Tour Letter.)

Day 2: We begin with a morning bike fitting before departing for a mostly downhill ride to Pisaq (8,700 ft.). After lunch, we'll explore the magnificently terraced Pisaq ruins and then transfer by van back to Cuzco. Ride: 16.5 mi. Hotel in Cuzco. (B/L)

Day 3: In the morning we’ll visit Sacsayhuaman (11,800 ft), an enormous Inca fortress, for a guided tour. In the afternoon, a short flight from Cuzco takes us over the spectacular snow-capped Andes to Juliaca on the Peruvian Altiplano. We will travel by van to our hotel in Puno (12,000 ft.) on the shore of Lake Titicaca. Hotel in Puno. (B, D)

Day 4: We leave the mainland and take a chartered motor launch on Lake Titicaca to the fascinating floating reed island community of the Uros Indians. We will continue our boat trip to Taquile Island where we’ll spend the night (12,000 ft.). It is peaceful there and walking is the only method of transportation - there are no roads or motor vehicles on the island. Tonight’s lodging is a rustic inn
overlooking Lake Titicaca that is run by a hospitable native family. Rustic inn on Taquile Island. (B/L/D)

Day 5: After breakfast, we reboard our motor launch and head back to the mainland, reunite with our bikes and start riding a scenic route along Lake Titicaca that few tourists have ever seen. That evening we will be greeted at our first camp (12,000 ft.) with a wonderful meal and a fantastic starry canopy overhead.
Ride: 20.5 mi. Camping (B/L/D)

Day 6: After a morning van transfer, we start our ride to La Raya Pass (14,300 ft.). It is a gentle but steady climb, and llamas and
alpacas can be seen in the alpine meadows beside the road. The support van will be following close behind for assistance. After a photo stop at the top of the pass, we will enjoy a sweeping descent to our second camp - one of the world's highest hot springs at 13,000 ft. - anyone ready for a soak?
Ride: 23 mi. Camping (B/L/D)

Day 7: From the hot springs camp, we begin a long downhill cruise that follows the spectacular Vilcanota River. During the descent, the high alpine pastures give way to small farms with colorful crops growing in harmonious patterns on the hillsides. We will stop for lunch and a tour of Viracocha's Temple, an impressive Inca ruin in the village of Raqchi. We continue riding until mid afternoon and then transfer by van to our last camp (10,000 ft.) in the Sacred Valley. Ride: 35 – 50 mi. Camping (B/L/D)

Day 8: We cycle the winding Vilcanota River canyon as it passes through a delightful countryside of small farms, cactus gardens and eucalyptus groves on our route to Pisaq. Birds are abundant, and the Andean hummingbirds (some the size of robins) are fascinating to watch as they flit above the cactus flowers. After lunch, we continue riding to our charming hotel (8,500 ft.) in Urubamba. Ride: 48 mi. Hotel in Urubamba (B/L/D)

Day 9: In the morning, we transfer by van to Chinchero for a very interesting visit to the weaver’s co-op and tour of the village. Following a picnic lunch, we ride a grand rolling 2,000 ft. descent back into the Sacred Valley and continue riding to Ollantaytambo. We’ll tour this massive Inca fortress where the Incas turned the Spaniards back. Our lodging tonight is in a gorgeous hotel in Ollantaytambo (8,000 ft.). Ride: 29 mi. Hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B/L/D)

Day 10: We board the train for a dramatic ride down the rugged Urubamba River gorge. Before reaching Machu Picchu, we leave the train for our hike to Machu Picchu. After crossing the river on a footbridge, we follow a moderately difficult trail to Winya Wayna. This dramatic Inca site overlooking the river has cascading ceremonial baths. After a picnic lunch, we traverse through the cloud forest and emerge at the Sun Gate for our first view of Machu Picchu (7,970 ft.) high above the city. We will then stroll down the Royal Inca Road for a suitably regal entrance to the Lost City of the Incas. Lodging is nearby in Aguas Calientes (6,500 ft.). Hike: 10 mi. & 2,500 ft. ascent. Hotel in Aguas Calientes. (B/L/D)

Day 11: We return to Machu Picchu for sunrise & a complete tour of this remarkable archeological treasure with our guide. Later, you might choose to explore some of the nearby trails or simply wander back through Machu Picchu to sketch or photograph this extraordinary site. Later that day, we will return to Ollantaytambo by train and transfer to Urubamba. Hotel in Urubamba. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Morning van transfer to Cuzco and you are on your own for shopping and exploring this splendid city. We'll have our farewell dinner in Cuzco. Hotel (B, D)

Day 13: Flights leave Cuzco for Lima and homeward, or stay
additional days and we can arrange extensions to the rain forest, the Nazca Lines and multi-day treks in the Andes. (B)

All the services described above are arranged weeks or months in advance of your trip. If airline schedule changes, unusual weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control prevent us from operating the services according to the schedule described above, we will attempt to substitute services of equivalent value. If we are unable to do so, passengers may be responsible for additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control.

TOUR DATES: 13 days, June 6 - 18, 2012
Can be combined with our Galapagos Wildlife Tour.

TOUR COST: $2,750 US (double occupancy), Single supplement $500 US. Single tent only fee of $50 US.

TOUR COST INCLUDES: Flight from Cuzco to Juliaca, 8 nights hotel lodging (double occupancy), 1 night rustic homestay, 3 nights camping, tent and sleeping pad, meals where indicated on itinerary, guides, city and historical site tours, park visitation fees, support van, bus and train to Machu Picchu.

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: International flights to Peru, domestic flight to Cuzco, airport taxes, tipping of local guides and drivers ($150 US/pp), meals not indicated on itinerary, beverages, bicycle rentals ($240 US), sleeping bag rental ($35 US).

RESERVATIONS: A $300 US deposit per person is needed to reserve a space.
For complete reservation information click here.

CAN I CHARTER THIS TOUR? Yes! This tour can be chartered with a minimum of 8 people. Call us for information and availability, 800-648-8488.

WHO COMES ON A NICHOLS EXPEDITIONS BIKE TOUR? You can expect a spirited mix of singles and couples in their 20's to 70's from all corners of the US and a few international locations as well. Many have accompanied us on numerous tours in the past. Most folks are recreational riders and all seem to share the common bond of an active lifestyle, an appreciation for the outdoors and a love for fun. We will gladly supply references and the make-up of any trip that you are interested in joining.

THE GUIDES: Our exceptional Peruvian staff includes a bilingual Peruvian guide, camp cooks and drivers for our support vehicles. The owners, Chuck and Judy Nichols, accompany most trips and supply a fun style that brings folks together like a group of friends having a great time on an unforgettable vacation.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: This tour is perfect for riders and hikers of all abilities who are reasonably fit and in good general health. The 6 days of riding is moderately strenuous and daily cycling distances will vary from 15 to 48 miles. We will be riding at 8,000-14,000 feet, and most of the rides are actually downhill, yea! We will be on scenic paved and packed dirt roads with little traffic. A support van follows to assist riders when ever they want a lift and to avoid congested areas. The hiking is moderately strenuous on well maintained trails, with most hikes being 1-2 mile tours of Inca ruins. The longest hike is 10 miles to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. All hikes and rides are optional.

THE FOOD: We will be staying in hotels and inns that serve great food. On the 3 day camping portion, our menu features tasty, nutritious meals perfect for outdoor activities. Our cooks are well trained in sanitary procedures, and vegetarian and other dietary restrictions can easily be accommodated with advanced notice. All meals are included except meals in Cuzco

WEATHER: The skies are generally sunny and clear, and temperatures during the day may go into the 70's and at night drop below freezing. We have scheduled the tour at this time because it is the beginning of the dry season, but there is always a chance of rain.

RENTAL BIKES: We rent good quality mountain bikes with a water bottle cage and flat pedals without toe clips and straps. You are welcomed to bring your own pedals and seat. We will supply all mechanical support during the tour. NOTE: You will need to provide your own water bottle and helmet.

CAMERA GEAR: Whether you shoot a digital or film camera, bring more media storage cards or film than you think you need! A portable hard drive may be the answer for digital storage. Other useful items are plenty of extra batteries, lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brush, a mini tabletop tripod and a clean toothbrush to remove grit from your camera.

FILM WARNING FROM TSA: Equipment used for screening checked and carry-on baggage WILL DAMAGE UNDEVELOPED film. Make sure to REMOVE IT AND HAVE IT HAND INSPECTED. To expedite the screening process, carry all film in clear canisters or take the film out of solid colored canisters and put it in a clear plastic ziploc bag. DIGITAL CAMERAS AND DIGITAL MEDIA ARE NOT AFFECTED. See the TSA website for complete details - http://www.tsa.gov

LANGUAGE: It is not necessary to speak Spanish to travel in Peru, but it can be lots of fun and our Peruvian crew can always help you with the finer points of the language. A small dictionary and some creative sign language should get you to the start of the trip without too much trouble. Many people in the hotels and airports speak English.

MONEY: The currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sole (or simply Soles). You will need money for meals in Cuzco, beverages, shopping, snacks, airport taxes and tips for the Peruvian staff. We suggest exchanging a minimum of $250US (more if you like to shop).

CASH & CREDIT CARDS: US Cash: bring only NEW bills with NO tears. You can exchange money at the airport in Lima or Cuzco when you arrive. Credit Cards: bring 2 or more Visa or MasterCards in case you have trouble with one. There are ATMs in a few of the towns on the tour. To use your Credit Card to get Peruvian Soles at an ATM, each Credit Card will need a PIN#. Be sure to activate the PIN# and check that it works BEFORE you begin your travels. We also suggest contacting your credit card company PRIOR to your trip to inform them of the countries where you will be traveling and the dates. We do not recommend bringing Travelers Checks because some places do not accept them, exchange rates vary widely and they require a bank to exchange them.

TIPPING: We suggest 10% for good service in restaurants and a small amount for baggage and taxi workers. Keep $1 US bills handy and you will produce a smile every time! During the tour, we suggest $150US per guest to cover our Peruvian guides, the staff and the various service people on the tour and at the lodges.

PASSPORT: You must have a current Passport to enter Peru. Be sure does it does not expire within 3 months of completion of your trip. You do not need to have a VISA. You will receive a Tourist Card during your flight or upon arrival in Peru. They are free and good for up to 90 days. KEEP YOUR COPY OF THE TOURIST CARD FOR PRESENTATION UPON DEPARTURE FROM PERU.

MAKE COPIES OF PASSPORT: We recommend making 2 photocopies of your passport’s photo page and any other valuable documents you might carry with you on the tour. Travel with one copy stored separately from your passport . Leave the other copy at home with a relative or friend (ideally the same person you gave as your emergency contact). In the event that any of your documents are lost or stolen, this will greatly assist the process of replacement.

IMMUNIZATIONS: For all travelers, we suggest keeping your tetanus immunization up to date (every 10 years), and we suggest a Hepatitis A immunization, too. You can check your state health department, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the online traveler’s data base http://www.mdtravelhealth.com for the most current information.

COLD & FLU SEASON: Check with your doctor to see if any of your current medications lower your immunity. Airplane flights, different cities or your neighbor’s kids could all be a source of germs, and no one wants to be sick on vacation! To keep yourself healthy WASH YOUR HANDS. We also recommend carrying a small hand sanitizer in your pack and using it.

THE SECRET TO STRESS FREE TRAVEL: Simply put, pack light and arrive early. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND arriving in Cuzco a day or two before your tour to be rested, acclimatized and more acquainted with the customs and pace of life in your new surroundings. Many people have told us this was the most important thing they did to get ready for this tour.

ADDITIONAL HOTEL LODGING: Let us know if you would like us to make additional hotel reservations for you in Lima or Cuzco either before or after the tour.

TRAVEL INFORMATION: THIS TOUR BEGINS AND ENDS IN CUZCO. There are no direct flights from the US to Cuzco, as all flights go through Lima. Continental, American, Delta and Lan Peru Airlines all service Lima. Lan Peru and Taca Airlines fly into Cuzco. We suggest checking Orbitz.com.

TRAVEL DELAYS: Nichols Expeditions is not responsible for any costs you may incur due to travel delays or other contingencies we are unable to control. For international flights, arrive at least 2-3 hours prior to departure (check with your air carrier for their requirements) and allow ample time between connecting flights. If you miss your flight and you need a special shuttle to meet up with the group, you will be responsible for the cost.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: To protect you against life's uncertainties, we have a Travel Insurance Policy that protects you against tour cancellation, trip interruption and medical emergencies along with baggage benefits. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE!

HIGH ALTITUDE: High altitude begins at 8,000 ft. This tour starts at 11,000 and we will ascend to 14,000 during a brief portion of one afternoon. From our experience leading many high altitude tours and from information gathered from leading medical experts, we can help you understand more about the effects of traveling at high altitude and how to lessen or prevent altitude sickness. You can also find altitude information online at MD Travel Health.

RECOGNIZING, PREVENTING & TREATING AMS (ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS): Nearly everyone who recreates above 8,000 ft. experiences some type of mild, short-lived reaction to the altitude. The most common are shortness of breath, a mild headache, fatigue, dizziness, a change in breathing, loss of appetite, nausea and insomnia. These symptoms usually go away within a day or two, and when they do, this is what "being acclimatized" means. However, if after a few days you are still bothered by these symptoms, OR if the symptoms become worse (vomiting, a headache that will not go away with Ibuprofen or aspirin, or decreased coordination) you have AMS. 

Altitude acclimatization is best done by ascending 1,000-1,500 ft. per day. Unfortunately, at the beginning of this tour you fly directly from Lima at sea level to Cuzco at 11,000 feet, so we HIGHLY RECOMMEND arriving in Cuzco a day or two before your tour. To aid in your acclimatization, drink plenty of fluids, eat mostly carbohydrates, limit strenuous exercise, do not smoke, do not use depressant-type prescription sleeping pills (Melatonin is OK) and initially avoid alcoholic beverages. In addition to these precautions, and especially if you are prone to AMS, we suggest using, or at least bringing from home Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone. Both are prescription medications used to prevent and treat AMS, and if you need them, you will have them. These medications may not be available in Peru.

Treating AMS starts with recognizing and personally acknowledging the symptoms, and then assessing the severity of the symptoms and acting to reduce the affects. Treatment may require rest, prescription medications, oxygen and/or descent to a lower altitude.

MEDICATIONS FOR PREVENTING & TREATING AMS (ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS):
ACETAZOLAMIDE (DIAMOX) - is the most widely used preventative, and it has been shown to shorten the acclimatization process by increasing the rate and depth of breathing. Acetazolamide is a mild diuretic and common side effects are increased urination and tingling in the fingers (that can be lessened by taking a potassium supplement). NOTE: PEOPLE WITH A SULFA ALLERGY SHOULD NOT USE ACETAZOLAMIDE. If there is any question about your tolerance for this medication, consider trying it at home before the tour. Suggested dose is 125 mg (cut a 250 mg dose in half) twice per day for persons below 220 lbs., and 250 mg twice per day for persons over 220 lbs. Begin the medication 24 hours before arriving in Cuzco, and continue using it twice per day until reaching the tour's maximum altitude on Day 6. Keep a few days extra in case you have trouble breathing later in the tour.

GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT - has recently been studied and has been shown to be effective in preventing or lessening the symptoms of AMS. It has yet to be determined exactly how Ginkgo Biloba works at altitude, but it may act as an antioxidant, reducing stress on tissues that have been injured by low oxygen levels. The recommended dose of Ginkgo Biloba extract (24% flavonoid glycosides, 6% terpenoids) is 80 - 120 mg twice a day, starting 5 days before arriving at high altitude and continuing while at altitude.

DEXAMETHASONE (DECADRON) - is a steroidal anti-inflammatory used to treat AMS. DEXAMETHASONE SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN TO DIABETICS OR ANYONE FOR WHOM STEROIDS ARE CONTRAINDICATED. The medical community is split on its use as a prophylactic to aid acclimatization, but it may be a reasonable alternative for those with a sulfa allergy who cannot tolerate Acetazolamide. They do agree that Dexamethasone is effective for treating AMS. As a prophylactic, dosage is 4 mg twice per day starting with your arrival in Cuzco, and continuing for a few days until no symptoms occur, then taper off gradually. As a treatment for AMS, take two 4 mg doses 6 hours apart. Do not ascend until at least 12 hours after the last dose, and then only if there are no symptoms of AMS.

For those who are allergic to Sulfa drugs, here are two other prescription medications to discuss with your doctor: oral NIFEDIPINE and SALMETEROL (SEREVENT)

SOURCES FOR INFORMATION:
BASE CAMP MD http://www.basecampmd.com/expguide/amspremed.shtml
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR MOUNTAIN MEDICINE http://www.ismmed.org/np_altitude_tutorial.htm#AMS
MD TRAVEL HEALTH http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/illness/altitude_sickness.html
CIWEC CLINIC TRAVEL MEDICINE CENTER IN KATMANDU, NEPAL http://ciwec-clinic.com/

Hackett PH. High-Altitude Medicine. Paul S. Auerbach : Wilderness Medicine: Management of Wilderness and Environmental Emergencies, 3rd Edition. Mosby, St. Louis, 1995 Ward MP, Milledge JS, and West JB.
High Altitude Medicine and Physiology, 2nd Edition. Chapman & Hall Medical, New York, 1995. Hultgren H. High Altitude Medicine. Hultgren Publications, Stanford, California, 1997.

SUGGESTED READINGS FOR PERU:
Conquest of the Incas, John Hemming, Macmillan
Field Guide to the Birds of Columbia, Hilty & Brown, Princeton University Press
The Lost City of the Incas, Hiram Bingham, Atheneum
Machu Picchu, John Hemming, Newsweek
Monuments of the Incas, John Hemming, Little Brown
Tropical Nature, Adrain Forsyth & Ken Miyata, Scribner's & Sons, New York
Turn Right at Machu Picchu, Mark Adams, Penguin Group (USA) Inc., New York

SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS OF OUTDOOR GEAR:
The following are suggested suppliers of quality outdoor gear:
Poison Spider Bicycles - excellent source for bicycle clothing and accessories, www.poisonspiderbicycles.com, 800-635-1792
Patagonia - the top source for outdoor clothing, www.patagonia.com
Campmor - all your outdoor gear needs, www.campmor.com
REI - lots of travel clothing & outdoor gear, www.rei.com
L. L. Bean - for travel clothing & outdoor gear, www.llbean.com
Sierra Trading Post - good deals on outdoor clothing & gear, www.sierratradingpost.com
Travel Smith - ventilated & sun blocking clothing, www.travelsmith.com
Zeal Optics - great fitting sport sunglasses, www.zealoptics.com

LODGING & WEATHER: There are 9 nights in hotels & inns and 3 nights camping. While the weather is usually clear, showers are always a possibility. Temps - days 55-75F & nights 25-40F. An investment in good quality gear is your assurance for a more comfortable tour.

DOCUMENTS:
__ PASSPORT - Please MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT EXPIRE DURING THE TOUR! Make 2 photocopies of your passport and any other valuable documents you might carry with you on the tour. Travel with one copy stored in a separate place from your passport. Leave the other copy at home with a relative or friend (ideally the same person you gave as your emergency contact). In the event that any of your documents are lost or stolen, this will greatly assist the process of replacement.
__ Pouch for carrying passport and money around your neck or on a belt

CLOTHING:
__ Traveling clothes to Peru - can be left in a small duffel Cuzco, we return to the same hotel at the end of the tour, ID tag on duffel bag
__ Sun hat - bike hat, visor or baseball cap
__ Wool or synthetic ski hat - thin enough to fit under bike helmet
__ Bike jerseys - 2, bright colors for visibility
__ Short sleeved t-shirts - 4 quick drying synthetic, for hiking/biking
__ Long-sleeved shirt - quick drying synthetic, for evenings
__ Long-sleeved t-neck or bike jersey - 2, mid-weight synthetic for layering
__ Pile shirt or wool sweater - windproof pile works great
__ Warm jacket - down is light and can pack small into a stuff sack
__ Underwear, sports bras
__ Bike shorts - 2 padded lycra cycling shorts to prevent chafing
__ Bike tights or long underwear - synthetic, for sleeping on cold nights and cold descents on the bike
__ Long pants - 2 quick drying synthetic, zip-off leg convertible pants double as shorts
__ Shorts for hiking - quick drying synthetic, or zip-off the legs of your convertible pants
__ Pile pants - optional, for cool mornings & nights while camping if you chill easily
__ Swimsuit - for hot springs
__ Rain suit - BOTH JACKET W/ HOOD & PANTS, Gore-Tex recommended, good wind-proofing for riding, hood keeps you drier and warmer
__ Socks - 2-3 pr ea. cycling & walking
__ Comfortable shoes for walking/hiking - good fit & support for walking, avoid using toe clips & straps with heavily lugged shoes
__ Bike shoes - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to increase pedaling efficiency & reduce foot fatigue__ Long finger gloves - windproof, size to fit over bike gloves, for cold descents

PERSONAL ITEMS:
(Note: electrical items must have 220V capacity & bring a 2 round-prong EU-style plug adapter)
__ Toilet kit - buy travel-size samples of your regular items, feminine hygiene products (cycles may be erratic at high altitude), Ziploc bag your lotions to prevent spills
__ Altitude medications - Please bring the altitude medications we recommend, because if you really need them, you will have them with you on the tour. Also, they may NOT be available in Peru!
NOTE ON PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Keep all prescription medications in their original, labeled containers.
__ Personal first aid kit: Cipro for traveler's diarrhea, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhea, anti-acid, anti-biotic cream, antihistamine / decongestant tablets, throat lozenges, Vaseline, hydrocortisone cream, eye drops, sm. aloe vera gel for sunburn, band-aids, 1" white athletic tape, second skin &/or a sm. roll of duct tape for blisters
__ Waterless hand sanitizer - two 2 oz. bottles, clean hands will keep you healthy!
__ "Babywipe" towelettes - for easy clean up, 6-10 towelettes per day, for 3 nights camping & 1 night at Taquile Island
__ Small quick-dry camp towel or large bandanna for hot springs
__ Sunscreen & lipscreen - SPF 30, sweat proof so it will not run in your eyes
__ Insect repellent - small bottle
__ Small flashlight with extra batteries - small LED headlamps are best
__ Small travel alarm clock - for early morning wake-up in hotels
__ Portable laundry kit all packed in a 1 qt. ziploc bag - seal 1 cup powdered laundry detergent in a 1 qt. ziploc bag, add 8-10 clothes pins & 25 feet of light nylon cord for clothes line
__ Plastic laundry bag - for dirty laundry / damp swimsuit
__ Foam ear plugs - 2 pr. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for sound sleep in noisy conditions
__ Small roll of TP & 4 sm. ziploc bags (for used paper), pack all in 1 qt. ziploc bag
__ Extra Ziploc bags of assorted sizes
__ 2 light weight collapsible trekking poles - optional, great for saving your knees, especially on descents, 2 poles work MUCH better than one - really!

OPTIONAL PERSONAL GEAR:
__ Pee-jar - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!, 1 to 2 qt. Nalgene water bottle with a standard top for men & a wide top for women, to eliminate those cold midnight walks to the john while camping. You will be glad you did!!
__ Camera - new batteries & plenty of spare batteries, lots of film / media cards, lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brush, mini table-top tripod & clean toothbrush to remove grit
__ Portable digital photo storage hard drive - reuse same media card, shoot larger files, less expensive than buying extra media cards
__ Binoculars, book, journal, pocketknife (make sure to pack in checked bag for airport security)
__ Energy bars - bring favorites from home, daily snacks are provided on the ride

ESSENTIAL BIKE GEAR:
__ BIKE HELMET - all riders must wear them, check old helmets for cracks & replace!
__ SUNGLASSES - a MUST for eye protection, bring a spare pair
__ BIKE GLOVES - a MUST to protect your hands from nerve damage while riding & abrasion if you fall, short or long fingered
__ WATER BOTTLE - or Camelbak-style hydration system with spare mouthpiece
__ SMALL DAYPACK OR FANNY PACK - for rain gear, camera & snack while riding

OPTIONAL BICYCLE GEAR:
__ Rearview mirror - to fit on helmet, glasses or handlebars
__ Your own personal bike seat (ONLY THE SEAT WITHOUT THE SEAT POST ATTACHED)
__ Padded seat cover
__ Toe clips & straps (rental bikes have flat pedals without toe clips & straps)
__ Clipless pedals & your own bike shoes with cleats installed

CAMPING GEAR:
Large 2-person tents and inflatable sleeping pads are provided. Single tent fee is $50 (if you want your own tent for the 3 nights camping). Sleeping bag rentals are available for $30. Contact our office for advance reservations - 800-648-8488.
__ Sleeping bag - OPTIONAL, rated 20-30°F, light & compact with a stuff sack, pack in a duffel bag with other personal gear, NOTE: warm, clean rental sleeping bags are available for $30!!

IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE: YOUR BIKE MUST BE IN GOOD REPAIR! Have it checked by a qualified shop and all worn parts replaced. INSTALL NEW TIRES & NEW TUBES! We only carry tools for minor adjustments & parts may be hard to find. We suggest arriving at least one day before the tour in case of baggage delay. You will have time to build up, test ride and adjust your bike.
__ Road, hybrid or mountain bike - NEW 28-35c road tires, triple front chain rings suggested, 26T x 32T low gear recommended for the hills & altitude
__ Pad & pack bike securely in a bike case (with help from your local bike shop if it is your first time), you can pack clothing & shoes in the case along with the bike, bike case can be left in Cuzco during tour
__ Rear carrier with a rear bag or pannier, handlebar bag or small daypack to carry snacks, rain gear, camera and sunscreen as needed during the day
__ 2 spare inner tubes to fit your tire & wheel size
__ Bike tools to build up your bike
__ Small rag for cleaning bike parts & chain
__ Sm. tire pump & patch kit

BAGS & PACKS:
__ Daypack - for day hikes to carry extra clothing, camera & water; use this as your carryon bag on your flight for your irreplaceable items, prescription meds and enough clothing for a day or two in case of baggage delay
__ Wheeled suitcase - for clothing & personal items, keep it small to fit in the support van
__ 1-3 Duffel bags - 1 small duffel for packing one night's clothing & toiletries to be taken to Machu Picchu (NOTE: you will hike to Machu Picchu with only a light day pack while your over night duffel will be sent on to the hotel, couples might choose to share a duffel); 1 duffel for your sleeping bag (ONLY IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN); 1 small duffel for leaving travel clothing & purchased items in Cuzco until your return; NOTE: pack unused duffels inside each other to save space traveling to Peru
__ Fanny pack, handle bar bag, rear carrier bike bag or small daypack/hydration pack - big enough to carry raingear, sweater, camera and snack while biking (you could use your Daypack for this)
__ Identification tags for each bag or pack with your name, address & phone

PACKING & TRAVEL INFORMATION

TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS:
See TSA Security Regulations for procedures and suggestions for expediting your experience in security. If you change carriers on route to Peru, make sure you allow plenty of time for any additional security and for your checked baggage to be transferred to the new carrier. Also, arriving a day or two before the tour will allow any lost bags time to reappear.

YOU MUST CLAIM YOUR BAGS IN LIMA. There are no direct flights to Cuzco. So, even if the ticketing agent said they will ticket you all the way to Cuzco, you still have to claim your bags in Lima and go through customs before proceeding to Cuzco.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS:
Travel light and bring only the items on the equipment list. Limit yourself to carrying only 3 bags - 1 daypack for carryon, 1 duffel or wheeled suitcase for clothing and 1 duffel for sleeping bag if you bring one. Have an Identification Tag on each bag. Any additional duffels can be packed inside your bags until needed.

Packing Hint #1: Freezer-weight Ziploc plastic bags are lightweight, inexpensive, and see-through. They are indispensable for packing items like books, toilet kits and cameras, and to prevent spilled liquids & creams in your baggage.

Packing Hint #2: Travel-size samples save space and weight! Visit the "samples section" of your drugstore or supermarket and see if your favorite shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, toothpaste and deodorant are available in travel-size samples. If not, transfer some to smaller plastic bottles that can be purchased in the size you need. Remember to plastic bag all lotions.

Packing Hint #3: Think multiple use items like zip-off leg convertible pants for hiking shorts, quick dry shorts double as a swimsuit, and a large bandana can be used for a towel. Be creative and keep your luggage light!

Packing Hint #4: Do your own laundry. If you bring synthetic clothing, you can easily wash what you wore in a hotel sink and hang it in your room to dry.

RESERVATIONS: For complete reservation information click here.