we support responsible, sustainable and ethical tourism...

frequently asked questions - In order to be well prepared for your trek we offer the following generic information about our trips. Please ask if you have any specific questions about your route.

pre trek briefing trek difficulty

hiring extra equipment do you need an extra horse?

altitude trekking tips insurance

emergency horse what to bring optional extras equipment

luggage storage water cooking & meals bathing toilets medical kit

responsible tourism gifts sharing information about your home country peru travel

tipping feedback how much money should I take? safety women travellers

train tickets 7 strikes

Pre Trek Briefing We offfer you a briefing prior to departure eg 1 - 2 days before you leave on your trek. (2 days is preferred) Depending on your schedule a suitable time is usually around 6pm -8 pm. (The briefing should lasts ½ an hour to an hour- depending on how many questions you ask!) At this briefing the guide (or a representative of the agency if your guide is on a trip) will explain the route you will take on your trek and you have a chance to ask last minute questions about the trek. The advantage of having the briefing two days before the trek is that it gives you a last minute opportunity to buy snacks or warm clothes (there are plenty of hats, gloves and scarves for sale in Cusco). Your final payment to our Administrator is also usually done at the pre-trek briefing. Your pre-trek briefing will be organised once you have paid your deposit. Please advise us if your briefing time (advised in your trek confirmation) is suitable.

Trek Difficulty - on each trek page we have attempted to grade trek difficulties as best as we can. It is very subjunctive as it depends on your fitness, experience and a whole range of factors including your health on the day. Trekking in the Andes is never easy!!! The most common feedback we get is "this trek was much harder than I anticipated, you should rate it much harder." (about most treks!) Read the reports on each trek page to get a good idea of what other trekkers thought of the difficulty!

The trek difficulties are in relation to one another NOT to trekking in your home country, or even in another country. Therefore Huchuy Qosqo is considered easy, Ausangate considered moderate and Choquequirao to Machu Picchu difficult... but actually ALL are challenging!

Most people can do many of the treks as long as they have average to good fitness and a good attitude. (but they do find it a challenge!) Some training before the trek WILL make it much easier! We strongly suggest that if you do not consider yourself very fit (be honest!) to talk to us prior to doing a trek! Also, please advise us if you have any medical conditions - ie bad back, sore knees, weak ankles as well as other medical conditions. If you do not tell us we assume you are 100% healthy!

We do not take any responsibility for your assumptions about the grading of the treks ("but I thought it would be easier than it was...!") or poor/insufficient acclimatization.

Hiring Extra Equipment We hire sleeping bags (rated for -5, -10 and -15 celsius temperatures) , thermarest (inflatable mattresses), walking poles, and extra horses for luggage. Which sleeping bag to choose? Do you feel the cold - then opt for the -15 bag. Our foam mattresses (included in the price) are more than adequate but a thermarest inflatable mattress provides a lot more luxury! Walking poles - guides advise that two poles are better than just one as they provide much more balance, especially on steep descents (ie Llactapata on the Salkantay route and the Choquequirao and Choquequirao to Machu Picchu sections.)

optional extras We can hire the following to you.

• Basic Sleeping Bag suitable for -5deg. ($3.00 per day)
• Super Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg. ($4.00 per day)
• Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg. ($5.00 per day)
• Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($2.00 per day) Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes to aid balance.
• Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($4.00 per day)
• Extra mule to carry YOUR things ($9.00 per trip day) for alternative treks. This mule is if you think you will exceed the luggage allowance of 7kg.
• Extra riding mule and muleteer to lead it ($18.00 per trip day). Included in the price of your trek is an emergency horse. If for some reason you think that you will need a horse more than simply emergencies, then its advisable to have a personal horse.
• Extra porter to carry your things ($25.00 per trip daygfor the Inca trail treks only - if you think that you will exceed the luggage allowance of 7kg.
• When calculating costs for hire of walking stick, sleeping bag, calculate using the length of the tour. Even though you won’t use the equipment on the final day it will still be ‘on the road’ and ‘occupied.’ 

RESPONSIBILITY IMPLIED IN HIRE OF EQUIPMENT

• Please take care of the items you hire as if they were your own!
• if you damage an item, please "own up" and be honest and advise your guide of the damage, so we can fix it!
• if the damage caused is due to normal wear and tear, we will cover it.
• We will NOT cover the cost of lost walking sticks. When your guide gives you your walking sticks, they are 100% your responsibility until the end of the tour. Please do not leave them by the side of the trail! If you lose your sticks during your trek, you will need to pay for a replacement. The sticks cost $100 each.
• by hiring equipment you automatically enter an agreement with Apus Peru that you will replace the cost of lost equipment.

Altitude We strongly recommend that you acclimatize for 2-3 days in a high place (like Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Arequipa or Lake Titicaca) before attempting any of these hikes. Altitude can affect anyone at moderate to high altitude (generally anything over 3,000 metres). Altitude sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen which can be up to a third less than at sea level. No one understands why some people are affected and others not. Age, level of fitness and strength is no indication of how well you will fare at altitude. Be aware that altitude sickness can be serious, so if your guide advises you to rest or descend, please do as instructed. As most of our
Treks are a mixture of ascents and descents, altitude sickness is often short term and suffering from it does not necessarily mean you will be unable to complete the trek. Drugs are available to combat the effects of altitude sickness, for more information please ask your doctor.

Trekking tips We recommend that you refer to our webpage "Trekking tips".
Our number one trekking tip is … Go at your own pace. It's not a race. Most of our tours have adequate time for you to take it easy along the trail. We also find it is more enjoyable to stop and rest frequently, admiring the landscapes than to arrive in camp early and sit in your tent!

Do you need an extra luggage mule? (see also below 'luggage storage and emergency riding horse) We include in the price of your tour 7kg (15lbs) of luggage each person. we LOAN you a duffel bag which you can put this 7kg in. the reason for this is that duffel bags strap onto mules much better than backpacks/your luggage and its better that our custom designed duffels get dirty than your luggage. If you think that you are going to need more than 7kg (plus the things that you carry in your day pack) then you might like to consider hiring an extra mule. Each mule can carry about 20kg of equipment so its usually shared between 2 or 3 people. Most people find that 7kg is more than adequate if they pack normally or a little conservatively. We strongly recommend that you leave the bulk at of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco - all hotels or hostals should provide you with luggage storage as a courtesy service.

* if you wish to order an extra porter (Inca Trail Only) it MUST be done at the time of booking or permits will be sold out.

* if you wish to order an extra riding horse or an extra cargo horse it can only be done as late as one week prior to your departure as the muleteers live in remote areas and are not easy to contact about the number of mules they need to bring to the trailhead.

Luggage Storage & Load Limits
During the trek we advise you to store your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco- all hotels or hostals should provide you with luggage storage as a courtesy service.

At your briefing you will be loaned a small duffel bag to pack clothes for the trip. Please limit your luggage in this duffel bag to 7kg (15lbs) each person. The mules will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. The duffel bags are waterproof but it is still advisable to put your things inside a plastic bag within the duffel bag. The approximate dimensions are 60cm by 30cm. PLEASE RETURN YOUR DUFFEL BAG AT THE END OF THE TRIP!!! You can do this by leaving it in the reception of your hotel. We have continued to "lose" the duffel bags so please be consciencious and return your bag!

For pictures of the duffel bags check out these pics duffel bag one and duffel bag two

Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5kg of their things - a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera, sunscreen and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the muleteers travel at a different pace than the group.

* important note: your sleeping bag is always included in your duffel bag, so allow approx 2 kg of weight. This still gives you 5kg of things, which is more than adequate for a hike of several days.

* Particulary on the Classic Inca trail treks, try to "pack light". We give you an allowance of 7kg, but if you can pack lighter than this, its greatly appreciated! (its only 3 nights and no... you won´t have a lot of time to be reading ´War and Peace´.)

At the end of your trip, please leave your duffel bag in the reception of your hotel. We will come to collect it.

Emergency horse/mule We send an "emergency" horse or mule on your trips which is to be used in case of emergency, sprained ankle or even if you have been sick and feel weak. If you are walking particularly slowly, your guide may advise you to use the horse so that the group reaches their campsite in good time. PLEASE USE THE HORSE IF THE GUIDE SUGGESTS IT! It is in the best interest of everyone in your group that you all arrive at your campsite in good time. Please also note that this is not a "horse" as considered by Western standards, it is more like a cross between a mule and a horse and it will not be comfortable to ride for long periods of time. If you seriously think you require a "riding horse" please discuss it with us. It should also be noted that in extremely wet, muddy or steep conditions that sometimes it is inadvisable to ride the horse for safety reasons. see here for a picture of the a riding horse. Note: an emergency mule is not included on some treks, (specifically the Classic Inca Trail) so you should carefully check your list of inclusions for specific information.

Equipment Please see each page for specific notes in regard to the equipment that is carried on each tour. Generally, the following items are 'normal' unless specified on the tour page.

• Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
• If you are travelling alone and would like your own tent, please request this. Normally we can accomodate single travellers in a 2 man tent. If you are travelling in a group of 3 we might accomodate you in two tents or a 5-6 man tent.
• Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
• Cook and Cooking equipment is included.
• Dining tent
• Toilet tent

What to bring? Each web page has a specific list of what to bring for your trek and the list supplied here might not apply to you. However, remember that the weather in the Andes can be very unpredictable and you should be prepared for bad weather. Peru is located in the southern hemisphere meaning the winter extends from June to August. In the summer months daytime temperatures can be hot & sunny, but the nights can be very cold. During winter it can be cold and rainy during the day and particularly cold at night. It is usual to encounter some rain all year round so we recommend buying a cheap poncho in Cusco for about US $1.

We also recommend bringing thermal underwear in order to combat the cold. Its recommended to wear the thermal underwear in the evening and early morning. When packing try to bring a range of layers so that you can take off or add clothes as required in the ever changing Andean weather.

• Original passport and valid ISIC student card
• Insurance card. (We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance)
• A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
• Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
• Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
  We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
• Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
• Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
• Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
• Binoculars (if you have them)
• Refillable Water Bottle

Water We generally recommend that you start out from Cusco with 1-2 litres of water. You should also bring a refillable water bottle with you. (Any bottle you buy from the shop will do but we recommend a hardy plastic bottle) During the day, when you are hiking you can fill up from streams, on the advice of your guide. You should use purification tablets for this water. (Micropur tablets can be bought in Cusco or you might like to ask in your camping shop at home. Some people recommend iodine tablets). In the evening, your cook will boil water for your use and you can fill up your bottles every morning before setting out. As people have different requirements for water (ie some people drink a lot and others less) it is important that you take responsibility for ensuring you have enough water each day. You need to communicate your needs (via the guide) to the cook.

cooking & meals Our cooks serve hygenically prepared food that features Peruvian and Western dishes. If you are a vegetarian or have specially dietary requirements and/or allergies, please specify on your booking form and remind us at your briefing. Water is boiled for three minutes before being used for cooking and raw vegetables, if served, are washed in boiled/ purified water.

For photos of some example meals, please see our apus peru meals page

Bathing There are few opportunities for bathing on our treks. However, in the evening and morning, please ask your cook to warm some water for you to wash your hands and face. There are cold water shower facilities on the Choquequirao trek.

Toilets Depending on the tour you take, we provide toilet tents at each of the campsites or you can use the existing facilities. During the day, your guide carries a pick or lightweight shovel. Should you need to use this, please ask them. Ideally, you should relieve yourself at least 70 metres from any water source and also a good distance from the trail. Remember also to bring plenty of toilet paper but follow international leave no trace rules and carry it out… (Please no white flags along the route!)

Medical Kit Each trip departs with a basic medical kit and an oxygen bottle. We advise that if you have your own medications and needs that you bring these. We do not include altitude tablets in our kit. Please note that the blister care that we have is Peruvian style (band-aids and cotton wool) - we do not have second skin or Western style blister treatments.

Insurance - As outlined in our booking conditions, we strongly recommend that you have your own travel insurance prior to departing on one of our treks. Please note that the non refundable deposit should be able to be recouperated through a travel insurance claim in the case of accident or illness. We are often asked to provide more information about travel insurance but believe it best if you contact insurance companies in your own country to learn more about travel insurance. In brief, an individual's medical insurance is very distinct from typical travel/trip insurance. Read here about typical travel insurance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travel_insurance
Medical insurance is quite different in that it often does not cover emergency evacuation. We strongly recommend that you check your medical plans for emergency evacuation coverage AND strongly recommend that you obtain travel/trip insurance if you want to hedge your risk against trip cancellation, illness, injury, death, etc in order to recoup some of their expenses in such an event

Responsible tourism We strong recommend that you read the following page http://www.apus-peru.com/responsible_tourism_detail.htm

Visitors to Peru often want to help people, and whilst on treks you may encounter children asking for pens and sweets. When they do this, remember that by handing out sweets, loose change or small gifts, it can corrupt and create begging mentality where none existed before.

However, to not give anything also doesn't give the best impression of tourists.

If you wish to bring gifts please consider those which might convey a positive image. This includes fruit - oranges and apples. Children in the high Andes rarely eat fruit, and you are encouraging a healthy eating behaviour. The drawback is that fruit is heavy to carry.
Other ideas include Dried fruit & Bread
Try to avoid anything that has packaging which will inevitably become litter.

Pens and paper are often suggested but are not necessarily useful for semi-literate children. Shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste are all purchasable at cheap prices in Cusco and encourage healthy behaviours but do come in packaging. (The packaging then becomes litter).

If you want to contribute very positively, you can bring simple reading books or picture books (in Spanish) and ask that you accompany your guide to the local school to give them to the teacher. Do not give the books to individuals.

If you wish to give a cash gift, please do not give it directly to the teacher. The best way to give a cash gift is via the Apus Peru Community Chest project. See
http://www.apus-peru.com/community_chest.htm

If you strongly wish to give cash when arriving in a community, ask to see the President, Secretary and/or Treasurer of the Community or the Parents Association. Then, ensure that your gift is witnessed by several people and that the donation is written in the 'Actas' or recordbook of the community.

Please note that 5% of our trek price is contributed to community projects. If you want more information, please ask Ariana at apusperu@westnet.com.au for details. Our main projects are supporting bilingual education in the community of Chaullacocha (between Lares and Ollantaytambo) and running "Revitalising weaving workshops."

How much money should I take? Please review what is included in your trek in order to estimate what you should take. Along the way you can buy snacks and souvenirs, mostly of a non expensive nature. Most people also like to enjoy a nice meal and some drinks in Aguas Calientes on the night you arrive from your trek. Aguas Calientes is generally more expensive than other parts of Peru, so expect things to cost more there. Finally, bring money to tip your staff and your guides. (Please see below) There is an ATM in Aguas Calientes, but don't rely on it working so we suggest you take ample to cover your expenses while there.

Tips -  Tips vary and depend on the traveller's satisfaction with the quality of the service rendered. Although our staff  are paid just above local industry rates, and we include all meals and transportation, they do appreciate tips. Tips also provide incentive for staff to work harder. Deciding how much to tip the porters, the cook and guide is a difficult moment at the end of the trek and can be made more difficult when members of the group have different cultural understandings about tipping. (Some countries tip, other countries don´t tend to tip).

Generally speaking, if the group have been pleased with the service then try to ensure that (minimum) each porter/muleteer takes home an extra 10-15 soles per day of trek, cook 20-25 soles per day of trek, and the guide as you feel is appropriate. (these amounts are shared between all members of the group, and are not individual tips. the group as a whole would tip 10 soles multiplied by the amount of days. A recent, higher estimation follows: between $10 and $20 a day for guides, between $5 - $10 a day for cooks and drivers, and $3-5 a day for the muleteers. Again, that should be divided between everyone on your tour, is PER person, and multiplied by the length of your tour.  We believe that ultimately, tipping the guide and cook should be dependent on the quality of the service that you received. At no stage should you feel obliged to tip!

Gifts If you wish to bring a gift from your home country please bring something useful, simple and not too expensive. Hats and t-shirts are good gifts, fridge magnets are not (many families do not have refridgerators!) Pens and paper in remote communities also break down the work that NGOs do - that they give school supplies in exchange for teacher training.

Remote Peruvian communities still function using "ayni" - the idea of "today for me, tomorrow for you". If you give lots of things (or lots of tourists over a period give a little) then it breaks down the traditional concept of ayni - that is, that exchanges should be reciprocal. Therefore while it is nice to give - also consider the long term implications and what it means for these traditional communities.

Sharing info about your home country Many people collate small photographs or information about their lives in their home country. We encourage this very important cultural sharing, however, really analyse what you show people. Pictures of your brother with his brand new car, the family on a ski holiday or your sister in an elaborate debutante dress in some ways only emphasise difference, rather than generate solidarity. Pictures of your house (no matter how moderate it is by Western standards) will probably emphasise that you are "rich" by Peruvian standards.

Peru travel
For general advice on travelling to Peru, please refer to our website
http://www.apus-peru.com/peru_travel_advice.htm

For advice regarding vaccinations, please contact a suitably qualified doctor as we are unable to advise which vaccinations you should have.

Safety Trekking in the Andes is generally pretty safe. There is minimal theft - it does sometimes occur on the more touristed routes (ie Salkantay). Be cautious, not paranoid! We do recommend always sleeping with your valuables (ie money belt, passports) near your heads or in your sleeping bag. Your camera and day packs should be kept between you or near your heads - never near the flap of your tent. Shoes should be stored inside!

Women travellers Women in Peru are normally treated well as long as you don't dress or act in an attention that draws attention to yourself. The vast majority of our guides, cooks and muleteers are male - so if you are a group of two women who have signed up on a trek, expect that you will have a male entourage. (We can sometimes organise female guides on request!) All our staff are implicitly trustworthy. A suggestion from other female trekkers - bring a couple pairs of sports bras for the trek!

Peruvian people have different concepts of time and space. They enter people's "personal space" a lot of the time and so if the guide does this and it makes you feel uncomfortable TELL THEM IMMEDIATELY that this is not appropriate in your culture. (or whatever!) But tell them in preference to commenting on it in your final report.

Extra charges. we need to charge extras for the following:

• Single tent supplement (ie you don’t want to share a tent with anyone else) you need to pay $25.00 extra for the whole tour

• Private tour supplement (if only two passengers). if you want a private trek (only 2 passengers) then you need to pay the 2 person price plus a $30 private trek price per person. If choose to list the trek on trekkers wanted, but no one joins the trek, then you will not need to pay this fee. If you have 3 or more people in a group, and you want a private trek, there is no surcharge

• Passport name/number change fee. $10 per change. this applies to inca trail reservations. as permits are hard to obtain, sometimes people need to make their reservations using an old passport, but will be travelling with a new passport. We make the change when you have the new passport, and we strongly suggest you travel with both passports.
• Change fee. $10 per change. this applies to date changes, and other changes not specified but will require administration staff time!
• Train changes are explained below.

Train tickets - for backpacker trains the timetable is 2.30pm and 6pm, and you return to Cusco approximately 4-5 hours later. A representative of the agency will meet the train in Ollantaytambo and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. We apologise in advance if we cannot get either of these times, if we cannot we have endeavored to do so. Some people want early trains, some people like later trains, it all depends on personal preference and its impossible to anticipate people's preference. Please also note that in high season (normally July-August) the trains to Machu Picchu and back again are completely over-subscribed and its difficult to get tickets, even with several weeks notice. (this is why we are inistent that youd send your passport details asap!) In the case that Apus Peru is not able to obtain train tickets for you we will provide a car that returns via the Abra de Malaga to Cusco. (approx 6 hours of travelling).

Please note the following:

• If you have specific travel plans that might be affected by the Peru Rail timetable, you should advise us AT BOOKING. You cannot advise us at your pre trek briefing, this is too late!

Ticket changes will incur the following charges

• Difference between two types of ticket – usually a $38 ticket and $60 ticket ($22 per ticket)
• 10% relocation fee, of first ticket
• Admin fee per ticket $10.00
• We can only make a change to a train ticket ONCE.
• If you decide to come back at a different time than the rest (majority) of your group, then your transfer from Piscacucho or Ollantaytambo is NOT included in the price of your tour. You will need to pay this yourself.

The cheapest & simplest way of changing your train ticket is to wait until the day you arrive in Aguas Calientes, and go personally, with your guide, and try to change it on the spot, paying only the 10% relocation fee.

Exercise recommendations Any exercise recommendations that we can provide are only general, and not specifically applicable to you, (especially your current physical status, fitness, health conditions, age, and prior experience). If you are going to embark on a rigorous fitness program, then you should do so under the advice of the appropriate medical or fitness professionals.  In general terms, you should do whatever exercise you can to improve your current fitness. The trek days (generally on most treks) are long and so if you can take long walks 2-3 times a week (ie approx 1 hour) this will assist in improving your general fitness. As the Andes region is mountainous, if you can do some of your walks in hilly or steep terrain will also assist the body in preparing for the Andes. We can not advise you how many times a week you should ´train´ as we are not aware of your individual circumstances or timetable. Thus, our advice is only general, and says that the fitter you are – the easier the hike would be.

Feedback
Your guide should give you a feedback form to complete on the final day. We would greatly appreciate if you could take the time to complete this form and give us your impressions of your journey.
If we don't receive this form, we will email you for your comments.
It is most important that we have your feedback on all aspects of the journey.

Background information on strikes

Strikes are a frequent occurrence in Peru, occurring much more often when we would like. Strikers often pertain to a particular sector and are protesting conditions in their sector. Strikes disrupt business and tourism, and create an economic loss (as well as sometimes damage to property) but strikers feel that this is one of the few ways that they can loudly and clearly communicate with government. Sometimes strikes are advertised well in advance, with several weeks of notice. Sometimes we have just a few hours notice. Sometimes strikes are very strong, other times they are unsupported by the people and nothing much happens. As such it is very difficult for us to plan around them. I say you never know how strong a strike is until you wake up in the morning and look out the window.... if there are cars in the streets it’s not going to be a strong strike...or at times the strike doesn't affect the centre of Cusco city but the main roads and arteries will be cut off by particularly vigilant campesino farmers along the way.

Strikes are not targeted at visitors, the protestors are striking against their government/or decisions made by their government. Depending on the situation we normally advise our clients to try to avoid travelling on a strike day because you are at risk of 'breaking the strike' and inciting the anger of protestors. As such, we normally reschedule departures that occur on Strike days. When travel is by air (ie difficult to change) we advise you to take caution taking taxis to and from the airport. Otherwise, it’s prudent to take the advice of the bus company that you are booking with -if they are not selling tickets you will not be able to travel anyway.

What happens if your trip is scheduled at the same time as a strike?

1. If the strike has been scheduled well in advance and we are telling you about it, please do worry unnecessarily or feel that your trip will be ruined.
2. Sometimes, if strikers needs are met, strikes are cancelled and there will be no need to change your travel plans.
3. If the strike does go ahead try to consider it as an authentic Peruvian experience rather than a problem or something that will completely wreck your holiday.  Remember that you are travelling in a third world country and those people who enjoy their holidays most, are those that have an open mind and take things as they come.
4. If you do have flexibility with your travel dates, we will try to reschedule your trip around the strike, so that there is no risk of being stuck in a place for a while.
5.  Just because we are not taking “action” straight away doesn´t mean we are not completely conscious of what is happening and trying to think about alternative strategies. It is more because we know that you can spend an enormous amount of energy worrying or rescheduling when it’s unnecessary.
6. Finally, at all times, whatever decisions we will make will be done so with your best interests in mind (the combination of your safety as well as trying to have the best holiday possible).

General suggestions in regard to Strikes

1. Always take out travel insurance so that in the event of cancellation your tour costs will be covered.
2. Try to allow 1-2 days in your itinerary for any unforeseen weather or political actions. 
3. Familiarize yourself with our general booking conditions.

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - we support sustainable, responsible and ethical tourism...

366 Cuichipunco, Centro Historico, Cusco, Peru- Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005-10. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.