PERU TREK
HIKING THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

In 1911 Hiram Bingham, leader of the Yale University Peruvian Expedition, made one of South America’s most remarkable archeological discoveries in the mountains outside Cuzco, Peru. On a ridge high above the Urubamba River Gorge lay the remnants of the 15th century Inca stronghold, Machu Picchu - the Lost City of the Incas. Following years of extensive excavation (some of which is still going on), a vast network of terraces, trails, temples and public buildings have been reclaimed from the dense forest.

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a remarkable journey back through time. You'll be traveling on foot through the Andes like the Incas did. The trail itself is an astonishing achievement, considering the Incas were around for only one hundred years. This ancient footpath, once known as the Royal Inca Highway, was carved through a thick cloud forest and the solid rock of the Andes. Spectacular pre-Columbian ruins line the entire route to Machu Picchu, which is unquestionably the most famous Inca ruin in South America.

The group meets in Cuzco, the archaeological capital of South America. After touring the city and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an enormous Inca fortress shaped like the head of a puma, we depart for the colorful Sunday market and terraced ruins of Pisaq, in the Sacred Valley. The night is spent at a comfortable inn in Yucay, as we prepare for the trek in the morning.

Our trek starts along the mighty Urubamba River, as we make our way on an ancient Inca road built in the 15th century. Porters carry our camping gear, freeing us to hike with a light daypack and camera. Each morning you'll awaken in camp to tea and hot wash water brought to your tent. Then, after a hearty breakfast, you'll set out on the trail. The route goes through a thick cloud forest, traverses picturesque alpine meadows and crosses two high mountain passes. Our unhurried five-day trek allows for a more relaxed pace and more time to view, learn about and photograph each of the remarkable ruins and scenery along the trail.

The crown jewel of the trek is entering Machu Picchu though the Sun Gate. There, perched high on a ridge, lays the Lost City of the Incas, with Huayna Picchu in the background - a breathtaking sight! We spend that night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, a lovely town on the river near Machu Picchu. The following morning we'll return to Machu Picchu for a complete tour of the ruin with our Peruvian guide before returning to Cuzco by train. The Inca Trail Trek is truly an unforgettable tour through a region rich in early South American history and majestic mountain views.

Meals included are designated B/breakfast, L/lunch, D/dinner

Day 1: We meet in Cuzco in the early afternoon at our hotel for an orientation and afternoon tour of the city. If your schedule permits, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND arriving in Cuzco a couple of days prior to the trip to begin acclimatizing to Cuzco’s elevation of 11,150 feet. Cuzco is a very beautiful and intriguing city with lots of ruins, museums and shopping opportunities, and we can arrange lodging for you in the same hotel prior to the trip. Hotel

Day 2: After a morning visit to Sacsayhuaman, an enormous Inca fortress overlooking Cuzco, we depart by bus for the colorful Sunday market in Pisaq. After lunch we'll explore the magnificent terraced sun temple in Pisaq and spend the night at a country inn in Yucay. Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 3: Today starts with an early morning visit to Ollantaytambo, where most of the town's buildings display original Inca stone foundations. After viewing the fortified temple site, we take a short drive to Chilca, where we rendezvous with our Quechua porters who will transport our camping gear. Carrying only light day packs, we'll hike along the turbulent Urubamba River and catch magnificent views of 19,000 ft. Nevado Veronica towering above. That afternoon we pass the Inca ruin of Llactapata and camp nearby for the night (9,800 ft.) Camping (B, L, D)

Day 4: We begin our hike upward and pass through a magical cloud forest of endemic Polylepis trees, with gnarled trunks and reddish, papery bark. Our camp, at Llulluchupampa (12,000 ft.), is near the edge of a beautiful alpine meadow. Camping (B, L, D)

Day 5: The morning’s hike up to Warmiwanusqa Pass (13,800 ft.) affords us a most remarkable view eastward to the Huaynay Peaks and westward to the rugged Vilcabamba Range. We descend to the Paccaymayo River and camp at the Inca outpost of Runturacay (12,200 ft.) Camping (B, L, D)

Day 6: We cross our second pass (13,100 ft.) to the restored townsite of Sayacmarca. The trail then passes through an Inca tunnel carved from solid rock, heads over the third pass (12,000 ft.) and we find our camp near the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (11,460 ft.). There are magnificent views down to the Urubamba River and the Vilcabamba Range. Camping (B, L, D)

Day 7: If you wish, you can hike up to an ancient ceremonial lookout on a granite knoll above camp where Inca priests undoubtedly saluted the spirit of the sacred mountain Salcantay (20,580 ft.) directly south of us. After breakfast, our morning is spent descending through an exotic cloud forest habitat filled with delicate orchids and hummingbirds. After visiting the picturesque Huinay Huayna hillside ruin, we'll hike the final stretch to the Sun Gate for our first view of Machu Picchu (7,970 ft.). We continue our descent through the magnificent ruins with numerous stops for photos. Our hotel lodging is in the lively town of Aguas Calientes, located on the Urubamba River below Machu Picchu, with dinner in a local restaurant. Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 8: In the morning we return to Machu Picchu for a comprehensive 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 in the afternoon we'll return to Cuzco by train. Hotel (B, L)

Day 9: Board your domestic flight in Cuzco for Lima, where you catch your flight back home. (All international flights connect in Lima.) B

Please Note: Cuzco is one of Peru's most beautiful and intriguing cities to explore. If your schedule permits, we highly recommend spending a couple of days in Cuzco at the beginning or end of this trip. We can arrange extra nights lodging for you and there are great opportunities for shopping, visiting museums and ruins.

ITINERARY CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL OR BY DISCRETION OF GROUP LEADERS. All the services described above are arranged weeks or months in advance of your trip. If train 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 equal value. If we are unable to do so, passengers may be responsible for additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control.

This tour may also be chartered as an 8 day tour. This would eliminate one night of camping on the Inca Trail and this is a suitable option for those who do not have enough time for the 9 day trip.

8 DAY TRIP DATES: We offer customized 8 day tours for groups of 4 or more people any dates between April through December.

8 Day TRIP COSTS: $1,450 double occupancy, single supplement $300. Single tent only fee of $70.

8 DAY TRIP COST INCLUDES:
Lodging - Hotel 4 nights (double occupancy), camping 3 nights
Meals - 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
Guides
Porters
Park fees
Tent (double occupancy), thermarest sleeping pad and communal camp gear

8 DAY TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Restaurant meals in Cuzco
Tipping of Peruvian guides and staff
Airport taxes ($4 domestic flights, $25 international flights)
Taxis to and from airport in Cuzco
International round-trip flight to Peru
Domestic flights to and from Cuzco

Rental sleeping bag: $35. We provide mummy-style winter-weight synthetic-fill sleeping bags, with sheet liners which are laundered between each trek. Rental sleeping bags should be requested well in advance of your departure. If you are taller than 6 feet, please request an extra-long bag.

WHO COMES ON A NICHOLS EXPEDITIONS TRIP? You can expect a spirited mixture of singles and couples in their 20's to 60's from all corners of the US and a few international locations as well. Many have accompanied us on numerous tours in the past. All seem to share the common bond of an appreciation for the outdoors and an active lifestyle. We will gladly supply references and the make-up of any trip that you are interested in joining.

ARE CHARTER TRIPS AVAILABLE? Yes, you bring the people and we'll take care of all the details! Charters may be arranged for 2 or more people. Call us to schedule your next trip 800-648-8488.

THE GUIDES: We have an excellent Peruvian staff that includes a bilingual Peruvian guide, camp cooks and drivers for our support vehicles. You will be well taken care of and learn a lot about Peruvian culture.

WHAT IS THE HIKING LIKE:The Inca trail is an amazing ancient footpath made up of sections of packed dirt, granite steps and places carved out of solid rock. The trail passes through dense lowland foliage and high alpine terrain for a good cross section of Andean flora and fauna. Each day we will hike 4 - 5 hours and cover 5 - 7 miles. You are free to hike at your own pace and the group meets for a nice long lunch break.

WHAT ABOUT COLLAPSIBLE TREKKING POLES? In two simple words - they work! A pair of trekking poles will let your arms and back get involved in the fun. Trekking poles eliminate thousands of pounds of pressure from your knees and ankles per day, reduce muscle fatigue, lessen or eliminate joint pain and increase safety. If you start walking with a good light pair, you will never be without them on the trail again. We suggest removing the baskets and bringing the rubber tip guards along for better grip on hard rock when needed.

FOOTWEAR: Enough can't be said about the importance of good fitting, quality hiking boots. You should have a medium weight boot with a semi-flexible vibram rubber lug sole that offers good ankle support. Blisters, caused by improperly fitted or insufficiently broken-in boots are the most common and painful problem encountered on treks. Prior to the trip, be sure you are able to wear your boots for a full, active day with no discomfort. Waterproof your boots with several applications before the trip.

A GOOD PACK IS YOUR FRIEND: Your pack needs to fit you properly and carry your gear comfortably. The pack needs to be about 2,500 - 3,000 cubic inches, large enough to carry rain gear, warm clothing, water, camera, snacks and your small first aid/blister kit on the trek. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND adding a 2 qt. hydration system to your pack or purchasing a new pack that comes with one installed. To keep your gear dry we suggest either a waterproof pack cover or putting everything in FREEZER WEIGHT ziploc bags. We personally do both.

BAGGAGE CHECK-IN: Make it easy and limit yourself to 1 carry-on size daypack (your trekking pack) for your hiking boots, essential medications and travel clothing. Check-in a duffel bag with additional clothing and camping gear. If you transfer flights on route to Peru, make sure you have adequate time between flights.

TRAVEL DELAYS: Nichols Expeditions is not responsible for any costs you may incur due to delays with transportation (airline or other), weather, road conditions, government intervention, sickness or other contingencies for which we are unable to control. For international flights, it is necessary to arrive 2 hours prior to departure (check with your carrier). If you miss your flight and we need to provide a special shuttle for you to meet up with the group, you will be responsible to pay for all extra costs.

THE SECRET TO STRESS FREE TRAVEL: Simply put, arrive at the starting point of your trip a day or two early. Many have told us this was one of the most important things they did to get ready for their trip. They felt rested, better acclimatized and more acquainted with the customs and pace of life of their new surroundings.

ADDITIONAL HOTEL LODGING: Let us know in advance if you would like us to make additional hotel reservations for you in Lima or Cuzco.

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.

HOW IS THE FOOD? Excellent! We will be staying in hotels and inns that serve great food. On the trek our menu features wholesome, nutritious meals perfect for outdoor activities. Our cooks are well trained in sanitary procedures, and vegetarian and other dietary restrictions can easily be accommodated.

MONEY: The traveling money you will need is for restaurant meals not included in the tour price, tipping of Peruvian guides, airport taxes and taxi transfers in Cuzco. $250 US should cover these expenses. You may choose to bring more money for shopping. It is most convenient to bring and exchange US dollars in Peru, but traveler's checks and credit cards are often accepted. There are ATM machines in Cuzco.

IMMUNIZATIONS: Be sure to check with your state health department for the most current regulations. We consider a current tetanus shot a must. Your local health department and the CDC Center for Disease Control are good places to check for suggested immunizations for foreign travel.

CLIMATE AND SEASONS: You can trek April - December in the Andes, and each season has its benefits. We have scheduled our trip at this time because it is the beginning of the dry season, and the main tourist season hasn't started. The mountainsides are still green and the skies are generally sunny and clear. Temperatures during the day may go into the 70's and at night drop below freezing.

CAMERA EQUIPMENT: Bring lots of film! ASA 100 - 400. Also, install fresh batteries and bring spare batteries, lens cleaner, lens tissue, a lens brush and a clean toothbrush to remove grit from your camera.

WHAT ABOUT TIPPING? We suggest 10% for good service in restaurants and a small amount for baggage and taxi workers. For the Peru staff on the tour (guides, cooks and drivers) we suggest 5% of the trip cost, which will be divided among the staff.

HIGH ALTITUDE AND MEDS FOR PREVENTING ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS): From our experience leading tours at high altitude and from information gathered from leading medical experts in the field of altitude related illnesses, we have developed the following information to help you understand more about the affects of traveling at high altitude and how to lessen or prevent them.

High altitude is considered to start at 8,000 ft., and the altitude at which you are sleeping is the important altitude. Ascent to high altitude should be done slowly at a rate of 1,000-1,500 ft. per day. At the beginning of this tour, slow ascent is impossible; you will be flying from Lima (sea level) to Cuzco (11,000 ft.). While many people do this every day, and some have little or no reaction to the altitude, we feel it is in your best interest to become educated on the symptoms, prevention and treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Nearly everyone who spends time at or above 8,000 ft. experiences some type of mild, short-lived reaction to the altitude. The most common symptoms are mild headache, dizziness, change in breathing pattern, shortness of breath, fatigue or weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and change of sleeping pattern. These symptoms usually go away within a day or two, and this is what "being acclimatized" means. While people acclimatize at different rates, after a few days if you are still bothered with these symptoms, OR if the symptoms become worse and/or incapacitating (like vomiting, headache that will not go away with Ibuprofen or aspirin, or decreased coordination), you have Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Experts agree that the best way for people to acclimatize is to keep hydrated, consume a high-carbohydrate diet, limit strenuous exercise, not overeat, not smoke, not use depressant-type prescription sleeping pills (Melatonin is OK) and initially avoid alcoholic beverages. We also suggest arriving in Cuzco at least 1-2 days before the start of the tour and allow yourself plenty of rest. In addition to these precautions, and especially if you are prone to AMS, we suggest using, or at least having on hand, Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone (prescription medications mentioned below). If you need them to aid your acclimatization and/or for treating AMS, you will have them. They may not be reliably available in Peru.

Treatment for AMS depends on the degree to which a person has the symptoms and may require rest, prescription medications, oxygen, and/or descent to a lower altitude.

In addition to the suggested practices mentioned above, there are 4 prescription medications and a dietary supplement that have been successfully used when dealing with AMS.

ACETAZOLAMIDE (DIAMOX) - is the most widely used preventative, and it has been shown to shorten the acclimatization process. Suggested dose is 125 mg 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 sleeping altitude on Day 6. Keep a few day's extra in case you have trouble breathing later in the tour, even though our sleeping altitudes will be lower. Acetazolamide is a diuretic and will increase urination. A common side effect of Acetazolamide is tingling in the fingers. A potassium supplement will help lessen the tingling effect. PEOPLE WITH A SULFA ALLERGY SHOULD NOT USE ACETAZOLAMIDE. IF THERE IS ANY QUESTION ABOUT YOUR TOLERANCE FOR THIS MEDICATION, TRY IT AT HOME BEFORE THE TOUR.

GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT - has recently been studied to help prevent AMS. Much more work remains to be done, but in two studies, Ginkgo Biloba has been shown to be very 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. The medical community is split on its use as a prophylactic to aid acclimatization, but it may be a reasonable alternative for those 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 continue for a few days until no symptoms occur, then taper off gradually. As a treatment, 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. Dexamethasone is a steroid, so it should not be given to diabetics or anyone for whom steroids are contraindicated.

If you are allergic to Sulfa drugs, here are two other prescription medications to consider:

NIFEDIPINE - is for those at risk for high-altitude pulmonary edema. Dosage is to take oral Nifedipine, 10 or 20 mg, every 8 hours.

SALMETEROL (SEREVENT) - is a newer prophylactic treatment that was recently shown to reduce the risk of high-altitude pulmonary edema in those with a prior history of this disorder. Dosage is inhalation of 125 mcg of Salmeterol every 12 hours, (See: Salmeterol for the Prevention of High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema, C. Sartori et al, New England Journal of Medicine, 2002;346:1631-6)

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

SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS OF OUTDOOR GEAR:
The following are suggested suppliers of quality outdoor gear:
Patagonia - the top source for camp clothing, www.patagonia.com
Campmor - all your camping gear needs, www.campmor.com
REI - lots of travel clothing & camping gear, www.rei.com
L. L. Bean - for travel clothing & camping gear, www.llbean.com
Sierra Trading Post - good deals on outdoor clothing & camping gear, www.sierratradingpost.com
Travel Smith - ventilated & sun blocking clothing, www.travelsmith.com
Zeal Optics - great fitting polarized sunglasses, www.zealoptics.com

CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS:
__ PASSPORT - make sure that it DOES NOT EXPIRE DURING YOUR TOUR! Make a copy of the photo page and carry it separate from your passport. This will make replacing your passport much easier if it gets lost or stolen.
__ Pouch for carrying passport and money around your neck or on a belt
__ Traveling clothes to Peru - can be laundered & left at the hotel during the trip
__ Sunglasses with strap - if prescription, bring a spare pair
__ Prescription glasses or contacts - bring spares
__ Brimmed hat or baseball cap - for sun protection
__ Wool or synthetic ski hat
__ T-shirts (synthetic shirts that dry quickly - you probably will sweat under your daypack
__ Long-sleeved shirts or t-necks - polypro or capilene suggested
__ Pile shirt or wool sweater
__ Warm jacket - down is light and packs small
__ Gloves with lightweight liners
__ Underwear
__ Long underwear or tights
__ Pile pants or heavy long johns - for cool mornings & nights camping
__ Long pants - for city wear
__ Shorts for hiking - quick drying
__ Tennis shoes for camp and travel
__ Hiking boots - broken in, good support, lightweight
__ Socks and liner socks - 4-5 pair
__ Rain suit - pants & jackets - Gore-Tex RECOMMENDED
__ Toilet kit - sample sizes of biodegradable soap, shampoo, skin lotion, toothpaste, etc.
__ Waterless hand cleaner - 4 oz. bottle for quick handwash before eating
__ Babywipe towelettes - for easy clean-up in your tent on trek, 6-10 towelettes per day
__ First aid kit - personal medicines for altitude & travelers diarrhea, tampons (cycles may be erratic at high altitude), antiinflammatory, Band-Aids, athletic tape, moleskin, anti-acid, etc. MAKE SURE ALL PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS ARE IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITH YOUR NAME ON IT!
__ Sun & lip screen - essential for the high altitude, waterproof, SPF 15 minimum
__ Small camp towel or bandanna
__ Insect repellent & anti-itch Hydrocortisone cream
__ Flashlight or headlamp & extra batteries
__ Small amount of toilet paper, a few extra ziplocs & a lighter packed in qt. ziploc bag
__ Watch or travel clock with an alarm - for early morning wake-up in hotels
__ Earplugs - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, all foreign hotels and tentmates are noisy!

CAMPING GEAR: Large 2 person tents and inflatable sleeping pads are provided. Sleeping bag rentals are available in Peru. Contact our office for advance reservations - 800-648-8488.
__ Sleeping bag - rated 20-30°F, light & compact with a stuff sack, line stuff sack with a plastic trash compactor bag before stuffing sleeping bag (rentals are available)
__ Water bottle or Camelback style hydration system, 1-2 qts. suggested
__ Collapsible hiking poles - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, they will take tons of stress off your knees, especially on the downhills, the benefits far outweigh the investment!
__ Daypack - use as carry-on for flying & on trek to carry rain gear, sweater, camera, water and daily essentials
__ 2 Duffel bags - one for trek & one for clothing left in Cuzco (see PACKING SUGGESTIONS)
__ Small padlocks - to lock zippers on duffels Note: Check New Airline Regulations for when to lock baggage.
__ Ziploc bags - assorted sizes, for small items like books, camera, film, etc.
__ Plastic trash compactor bags - strongest available, to line duffels and packs

OPTIONAL ITEMS:
__ Pee-jar - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to prevent those "late night walks to the john," 1 quart plastic water bottle w/ regular top for men and wide top for women. You will be glad you did!
__ Camera with new batteries, spare batteries & film
__ Binoculars, book, journal, pocket knife (pack properly for airport security)
__ Water purifying tablets - if you use questionable water sources you need to disinfect, boiled water will always be available on the trek
__ Energy bars/snacks - if needed bring from home, but daily snacks are provided on the trek
__ Laundry kit - small plastic bottle of powdered laundry detergent, 8-10 clothespins & 25 ft. of 1/8 in. nylon rope for a clothesline, pack in a 1 qt. ziploc bag

PACKING SUGGESTIONS:
Make sure if you change carriers on route to Peru, that you allow enough time for your checked baggage to be transferred to the new carrier.

For Airlines Travel, carry on your daypack with your hiking boots, irreplaceable medications and travel clothes. Your checked baggage will be a duffel with the rest of your clothing, camping gear and an empty duffel bag packed inside. The empty duffel is for any non-trek clothing and purchases you wish to leave in Cuzco for the end of the trek. If you decide to bring a sleeping bag and it fits in your duffel bag, bravo, but remember they can be rented in Cuzco!

On the trek, you will be given a 4100 cubic inch waterproof bag that will carry your thermarest sleeping pad, your overnight clothing and sleeping bag. Your daypack will hold your raingear, a sweater, camera and water bottle.

Follow the packing list carefully and keep your gear to a minimum. Each person will be allowed to bring a maximum of 22 pounds of personal baggage which includes the weight of the trekking bag (approx. 2 lbs.) your sleeping bag, pad and personal clothing. Remember, you will be carrying your raingear, a sweater, camera and water bottle(s) in your daypack and you'll be wearing your hiking boots. Follow the list, pack light and you'll enjoy the trek!

Packing Hint #1: Ziploc plastic bags are lightweight, inexpensive, non-bulky 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 sample sizes. If not, transfer some to smaller plastic bottles that can be purchased in the size you need.

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

RESERVATIONS: For complete reservation information click here.