PERU TREK 4 GOOD

2008-07-02T22:39:00.026-05:00

PERU TREK 4 GOOD is a Travel Agency from Cusco-Peru, launched by Yure Chavez: famous Peruvian travel agent/guide, and other professionals in Tourism who have been guiding and organizing Customized and Tailor Made Itineraries: Adventure, Ecotourism, Bird Watching, Conventional and “off the beaten track” Tours for more than 12 years. Peru Trek 4 Good is for travelers who want more real and authentic holidays that also benefit the environment and local people. We offer and practice a Responsible Tourism; designing more enjoyable and authentic holidays that maximize the benefits to local communities, minimize any negative social or environmental impacts of tourism, and help local people in health, education, and conservation of fragile cultures and habitats/species. Our mission is to act as a conduit and open a window into the little known aspects and insights in the region, enabling you to explore the areas of your particular interest, whilst enjoying a well balanced itinerary. We do this by providing quality advice at the PLANNING stages of your trip, and quality support DURING your travels. We will assist you in the choice of destinations and accommodation all of which we have personally visited during the last calendar year. Our recommendations always give preference to locally inspired and/or owned establishments, never compromising comfort and always offering value for money. We will provide serious and well researched background information on the destinations to be visited as well as current practical details to make your trip run smoothly. On the ground we are fully dedicated to cover every logistical aspect of the trip so everything works out. We can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you out in the case you run into any inconvenience or you want to change your plans.
Please also note that every Peru Trek 4 Good trip either has a volunteer component built in, or is organized to raise funds for a particular Project we Support. It is another way that we can support our community-based partners around the country and educate more people through direct, personal experience.

2008-06-12T13:35:00.006-05:00

ABOUT PERU TREK 4 GOOD / Government Legal Permits

PERU TREK 4 GOOD is a Travel Agent from Cusco-Peru, launched by Yure Chavez: Peruvian famous travel agent/guide, and other professionals in Tourism which have been guiding and organizing Customized and Tailor Made Itineraries: Adventure, Ecotourism, Bird Watching, Conventional and “off the beaten track” Tours for more than 12 years. Peru Trek 4 Good is for travelers who want more real and authentic holidays that also benefit the environment and local people. We offer and practice a Responsible Tourism; designing more enjoyable and authentic holidays that maximize the benefits to local communities, minimize any negative social or environmental impacts of tourism, and help local people in health, education, and to conserve fragile cultures and habitats/species. Our mission is to act as a conduit and open a window into the little known aspects and insights in the region, enabling you to explore the areas of your particular interest, whilst enjoying a well balanced itinerary. We do this by providing quality advice at the PLANNING stages of your trip, and quality support DURING your travels. We will assist you in the choice of destinations and accommodation all of which we have and are personally visiting during the last calendar year. Our recommendations always lie on locally inspired and/or owned establishments, never compromising comfort and always offering value for money. We will provide serious and well researched background information on the destinations to be visited as well as current practical details to make your trip run smoothly. On the ground we are fully dedicated to cover every logistical aspect of the trip so everything works out. We are contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you out in the case you run into any inconvenience or you want to change your plans.
Please also note that every Peru Trek 4 Good trip either has a volunteer component built in, or is organized to raise funds for a particular Project we Support. It is another way that we can support our community-based partners around the country and educate more people through direct, personal experience.

Government Legal Permits / CONTACT US: yure_c@yahoo.com

2008-06-10T19:27:00.006-05:00

MORE GUEST'S COMMENTS – REFERENCES

Rick Meyers: r.meyers@comcast.net

We have been home for about a week. Part of us is still in Peru. There were many highlights, so many that it is difficult to tell people what we enjoyed most since we have so many wonderful memories. You made our visit the excellent experience that we hope we would cherish. Your professionalism, organization, friendliness and knowledge made our journey a unique, enjoyable and safe adventure. We hope that we can encourage some of our friends to travel with you in the future. I am still sorting through the hundreds of photos we have. I hope to present a slideshow at work and for our friends shortly. Gracias por todo. email: yure_c@yahoo.com

Dor'e Pearson: Doreme16@aol.com

We just returned yesterday from Peru, and met a wonderful guide and his driver who had a van. Our guides name is Yure Chavez, and he is fluent in English, very educated (college degree earned in Cusco). His driver Freddie spoke some English as well. Everything went like clockwork. Both Yure and his driver Freddie are very personable, knowledgeable and professional. We will look for every opportunity to recommend Yure & Freddie to anyone that expresses interest in visiting Peru. Sincerely, Dor'e. email: yure_c@yahoo.com

Cindy Frederick: cfrederick@uniserve.com

I've been meaning to write and send our many thanks for a wonderful trip. We have given your name to various people. It was a fantastic trip. Thanks so much!
Cindy & Steve

Kim Updegraff: duine2@yahoo.com

We hired a private guide from Cusco - Yure Chavez / yure_c@yahoo.com . His knowledge was at times overwhelming. He made sure we knew the history and culture of everything we were seeing. Pointed out all the flora and fauna. (He was a farmer's son and has a genuine love for the land). He's great for photography tours also. His English is VERY good! He also took us to an orphanage to drop off books and toys for the kids. I was a little teary eyed (as was my husband) leaving there. He can also direct you to some of the best Peruvian wines (at a bargain price). Contact him at his email (you can tell him that Kim & Gary recommended him).

Travel agent From Suisse - Edith Nussli: boardwalken@yahoo.com

Dear Yure,I wanted to tell you once more, how much Andree and myself loved our trip and your Country and it was due to your great organization. Every thing was perfect and especially because I did this same job for many years, I can really appreciate how well every thing was planed. Thank you very much, and Yure, please if you need recommendations for other people, it would be a pleasure for me to do so. Edith

MORE TESTIMONIALS AT TRIP ADVISOR

2008-06-10T18:52:00.014-05:00

MAIN PROJECTS OUR TRIPS ARE SUPPORTING THIS YEAR: 5% is donated to the Projects

Every Peru Trek 4 Good trip either has a volunteer component built in or is organized to raise funds for a particular Social Project we Support. This is another way how we can support our community-based partners around the country and educate more people through direct, personal experience:

1.- AUSANGATE HEALTH CLINIC:

The area at the base of Mount Ausangate is beautiful and remote. At an average elevation of 12,000ft, the growing season is short and the local diet is largely meat and potatoes. This project is a collaborative effort of four communities who all desire access to basic healthcare. This clinic will serve all four communities, about 4,000 people, and provide prenatal care, birthing assistance, nutritional support and first aid for these communities. Read more about the project

2.- ”MOSQOY”: Quechua word for dream

We are a charitable organization working to bridge cross-cultural gaps between North America and Peru. We aim to realize the dreams of Peruvian students and textile workers through our two projects, Project Colibri and Banco de Jovenes.

Our goals:

To educate through Youth Bank for the Future, a project aiming to provide post-secondary education for twenty graduating students in Ollantaytambo, in hopes of establishing a stronger base of professionals in future generations.

To preserve through Project Colibri: Strands for Sustainability, working with textiles communities to keep their art and culture alive.

To connect generations, and the elders and youth of the Andes, spread awareness between the cultures and languages of Canada and Peru, and bridge the gap in the commodity chain between producer and consumer. Read more about the Project

3.- "AYNIKUY", in Quechua means to help each other or to cooperate

Aynikuy is also the name of The Mountain Fund's new micro-finance program in Peru.
Why a micro-finance program in Peru?
The typical salary in Peru (if you can get a job) is about $200 per month. Families cannot live on so small an income so many families have started very small businesses as street vendors, small libraries, hardware shops, grocery shops, etc. These entrepreneurs do not have easy access to needed capital to purchase inventory, or to expand and improve their businesses. Banks ask for collateral which people do not have, or charge interest rates that are too high. Read more about “AYNIKUY”…

4.- JUAN PABLO II ORPHANAGE & KINDERGARDEN:

This home is supported by the Cusco Regional Government. There are 60 orphans in this home ranging in age from 1-18 years old. 80% of residents are children and 20% are teens. These children are orphans due to bad social and economic problems with their families and were sent by the courts to live here. Again, they are what is called “social orphans” meaning they have biological families living, but unable or unwilling to support these children. The children live in “apartments” in groups of 10, with each group having a house mother who takes care of them.

5.- TICA TICA MEDICAL CLINIC:

There’s a small and simple clinic located in “Tica Tica”, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Cusco. The clinic rents the facility from the neighborhood, and therefore they work mostly with the neighbors and farmers that come from nearby villages. On average, the clinic sees 50-60 patients per week.

The clinic has 2 doctors, 2 dentists, 1 obstetrician, 3 nurses, 1 chief of laboratory, and 1 secretary; all of whom are volunteers. They are also involved in disaster prevention and other social work.

The clinic performs basic medical procedures, dental work, some obstetrician care, birth control counseling, etc. They send people who need surgeries to the hospitals, as they don’t have the finances or facility to conduct surgeries.

The clinic is in need of doctors, dentists, obstetricians; basically any volunteers who can perform any kind of medical work. The clinic also needs administrative volunteers for the office.

Contact Us: yure_c@yahoo.com

2008-06-10T18:51:00.008-05:00

ABOUT OUR STAFF & EQUIPMENT FOR THE TREKS

We are fully committed to your trip being comfortable, as well as memorable. On our tented trips, we use the highest-quality Mountain Hardwear four-season tents. Our dining tents are either Mountain Hardwear Space Stations or Mountain Hardwear Strongholds. There are simply no finer tents that money can buy. We are also committed to environmentally responsible trips. At our tented travel destinations, we use Phillips Environmental PETT toilet tents; with SEATS & ORGANIC BAGS inside - (View Video)
All of our trips are designed to immerse you in the local culture and flavor of Peru. We know the locals and work with them every day. Your guide and staff grew up in these countries and are experts in the languages, customs and history of the places you will visit on your trip. Our cooks are simply the best! You’ll enjoy fresh, tasty food prepared each day for your enjoyment. We are committed to our porters and arrieros providing them with good wages, clothing, camping gear and food. They are our friends. They will soon be your friends too!

CONTACT US: yure_c@yahoo.com

2008-06-10T18:50:00.004-05:00

OWNER/ MANAGER INFORMATION

I am a Professional in tourism, and I was born in Cusco, where I went to University for 5 years to be licensed in tourism; I speak Spanish, Quechua (local language), French and English. I have been guiding and organizing customized and tailor made itineraries. Conventional, adventure, ecotourism, bird watching, 4x4 driving expeditions, and off the "beaten track tours for more than 12 years all over Peru. I live and work in Peru, I have first-hand experience of my country; this detailed, in-depth knowledge is the only way I can offer a truly great tailor-made travel service. I do not act as a middleman; you contact the expert who runs the operations for Tours & hotels directly to make a booking. For any question, you will always be in direct contact with me: The guide, Trip organizer and Operator without any intermediaries and extra costs. Without ever compromising your safety and comfort, I'll take you well off the tourist paths into the real Peru, the country I know inside out!

e-mail: yure_c@yahoo.com
msn: yure_c@hotmail.com
Skype: yurechavezperu

2008-06-10T18:49:00.007-05:00

TAILOR MADE TRAVEL

Peru has an array of “must-see” sights that tend to be visited in a logical route, and at PERU TREK 4 GOOD we pride ourselves on being able to offer our clients these classic trips but also something to make your trip a more authentic and personal experience. During our extensive travels throughout the length and breadth of the country researching hotels and excursions we have discovered many options that will allow you to escape the crowds for a while, be it a quiet lunch in a hacienda, a home stay, a private Inca Trail, Choquequiraw, Ausangate, or other off the beaten track trek. We highlight the region’s finest sights and experiences.
To make the most of the country, trips to Peru tend to be busy affairs with plenty of early mornings and long days; although we will ensure that you have time to rest, and also time to acclimatise to the altitude. Internal flights (which tend to be scheduled in the mornings, hence the need for early starts) are used only where necessary, but wherever possible we prefer to make use of the spectacular road and rail journeys that link the main towns and sights. Without ever compromising your safety and comfort, we’ll take you well off the tourist paths into the real Peru, the country we know inside out.Only you know what your ideal trip should include; whether you want to concentrate on archaeology, culture, 4x4 drive trip, visit a remote typical town-tribe or spend time wildlife watching, sample a city’s hustle and bustle or relax in a secluded beauty spot, PERU TREK 4 GOOD specialists will help you discover the joy of a unique trip designed specifically for you.We are providing suggested itineraries & tours for all the regions we know and visit, and you may wish to base your travels on these, all of them are tailor-made so any of these ideas can be worked into your own itinerary. Please note that with PERU TREK 4 GOOD, tailor-made travel means exactly that; after an initial discussion with you, we will create a unique itinerary for your trip; fully independent and designed exclusively to your specifications, complete with background information, historical notes, colour pictures, etc, etc. We are of course delighted to fine tune the plan if you think it could be improved in any way, and we will not begin to book your trip until you are completely satisfied with it.Create your own dreamed trip¡¡

CONTACT US: yure_c@yahoo.com

2008-06-10T18:49:00.006-05:00

OWNER/GENERAL MANAGER MESSAGE

Today, the advances in technology make possible to travel nearly anywhere, anytime, have also created an overwhelming flood of information about the choices available to any traveler.Try a web search on any travel-related word or phrase, and you’ll see what we mean. Add the specialty magazines and cable television channels alone, and you have a serious inundation of information. Throw in your local newspaper’s Sunday travel section, a few best-selling books on the subject and an “insider’s” newsletter or two, and you may grind entirely to a halt.The whole world is there offering and selling Peru; waiting for you - and every destination, hotel, restaurant and authority looks good. But we know, and you know, that not all of them are. So how do you choose? Simply: contact PERU TREK 4 GOOD, it is our job, not only to simplify travel for our guests before their trip, but to ensure that the arrangements we make are right…the first time.For more than 12 years, I have been providing clients with the assurance that, when they travel with us, the local guides, accommodations, excursions and dining will be the very best that our full-time, on-site staff can arrange: in short, the best in Peru. PERU TREK 4 GOOD takes its travelers on extraordinary journeys-in extraordinary style. Knowledgeable local guides, the best value accommodations, comfortable transportation and a choice of activities and amenities are immutable standards on every PERU TREK 4 GOOD Trip. Because we are a Local Peruvian Operator and have a Responsible Tourism Policy; we always design & offer more enjoyable and authentic holidays that maximize the benefits to local communities, minimize any negative social or environmental impacts of tourism, and help local people in health, education, and to conserve their fragile cultures and habitats/species. THIS IS THE OTHER AMAZING FEELING YOU WILL HAVE: TRAVELLING WITH US YOU WILL ALSO HELP THE GREAT SOCIAL PROJETCS WE SUPPORT, WICH HELP LOCAL PEOPLE!!!. So, as you plan your next holiday adventure, remember that there is a simple short cut to Excellence & Responsible Tourism: PERU TREK 4 GOOD.Unforgettable travel memories are just one e-mail away:

yure_c@yahoo.com
Sincerely yours,Yure ChavezOwner/General Manager

2008-06-10T18:48:00.005-05:00

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Tourism is like fire - you can cook your dinner on it, or it can burn your house down.
Some big Tour Operators control destination-based accommodation and transport, employ overseas staff, import food, and provide all inclusive holidays during which guests never leave the hotel - this means that up to 75% of the cost of some holidays stays in the country of origin rather than benefiting local people in Peru; one of World’s poorest countries. Too often tourists are unaware of the impacts of their behavior on sensitive local cultures. While it is your holiday it is somebody else’s home. Tourism developments can pollute the environment, and use vast quantities of precious resources such as water and firewood. Sadly, tourist trade in endangered species, hardwoods, and ancient artifacts threatens our natural and cultural heritage. Tourists are increasing getting fed up with pre-packaged, over sanitized holidays that provide few opportunities to meet local people on their terms, or to enjoy wildlife and the environment without feeling like they are contributing to its destruction. Our Responsible Travel Policy provides equitable exchanges of culture, respect and wisdom with local people. It is about a warmer welcome from local people who are benefiting from tourism; about providing visitors with better insights into local environments and cultures through the knowledge of local guides; and about knowing that income from your visit will help local communities to conserve the special places, cultures and wildlife that you have enjoyed as a visitor. Being a responsible traveler need not be difficult or dull! It is really simply a matter of thinking of yourself as being a guest. Traveling responsibly can be as simple as respecting local traditions and religions, learning a few words of the local language, and asking permission before you photograph local people. Traveling with respect earns you respect.

Our goal is to make travel that benefits travelers, hosts and their environments; more enjoyable and authentic holidays that maximize the benefits to local communities, minimize any negative social or environmental impacts of tourism, and help local people in health, education, and to conserve their fragile cultures and habitats/species.

CONTACT US: yure_c@yahoo.com

2008-06-08T20:32:00.014-05:00

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Things you Should Do / Don’t Forget to Bring

Please find below some useful information for your trip:

My recommendation is to print out the pages. It's a lot to digest in one setting, and you want to give this your full attention.
Please remember that I am always available to respond by e-mail (yure_c@yahoo.com / yure_c@hotmail.com) to all your questions. For any emergency you can always contact me at the next telephones:

Peru

code: 51 – Cusco code: 84

Home-Office: 249080 Mobiles: 984625267 / 984763670

- If you call from overseas; dial: Peru’s code + cusco’s code + telephone number

- If you call from anywhere in Peru dial: 084 + telephone number

Chat with me:

- JUST CLIK OVER THE DARK CHAT BOX ON THE LOWER RIGHT CORNER OF YOUR BROWSER when you are visiting: http://www.yurechavez.blogspot.com/

- msn: yure_c@hotmail.com

- yahoo: yure_c@yahoo.com

- Skype: yurechavezperu

ORIENTATION NOTES

1. AIRPORT / ARRIVAL

Lima’s “Jorge Chavez” Airport is where your flight from the USA/Europe will arrive. It’s a busy airport, but not an enormous one. Most of the crowds will be on the outside looking in, watching for arriving friends and family.
Whichever way you arrive, note that you will have to pay departure taxes of $6-$30 at each airport.

2. TIME ZONE / PHONING HOME
All of Peru is 2 hours ahead of West Coast time; 1 hour behind the East Coast.

The Peruvian telephone system was privatized several years ago and bought by a Spanish firm which has substantially improved the service. If you’d like to phone back to the U.S./Europe, it is best to check with the front desk of our hotel to find out how. Although previously phone calls had to be “ordered” (i.e., calling the operator to request a call, and then waiting minutes or hours for it to be placed through), now you can generally dial direct from all over Peru. Phone calls are not included in the trip price, so please make sure to settle your hotel phone bill before you leave.
The Peruvian country code is 51. To call a Peruvian number from overseas, dial the international access code (011 in the USA), followed by the country code, city code (Lima is 1, Cusco is 84) followed by the six or seven digit number.
3. CURRENCY
Peru’s currency is the “Nuevo Sol” (literally, new sun), but people use the term sol for one, and soles for more than one. The rate changes daily, but it is currently worth about 2.70 to the dollar. There is also a change counter and ATM in the Lima airport terminal, and several in Cusco. In a pinch, however, U.S. dollars are acceptable (bring singles for tipping until you can change money)
As you may know, neither U.S. Banks or airport change counters offer the best rates. Once in Cusco I’ll help you get a better rate at a Casa de Cambio (Exchange House).
Visa, American Express, Dinners credit cards are accepted in Peru (at most hotels, restaurants and shops), for travelers checks banks charge from 2 – 3% for the exchange. You’ll find most prices far lower in Peru than in the USA/Europe

4. ALTITUDE
Cusco’s altitude is 11,000 feet. Though you’ve probably been this high if you’ve driven through the Rocky Mountains or the Sierras, the altitude is a challenge in

Peru

because you’ll rise to it from sea level in just over an hour by airplane. For this reason, our schedule is to take it very easy on day one. Even if you feel great, please don’t exert yourself on our first day in Cusco.
Once at the hotel, you’ll be served mate, a tea made from the coca leaf. Many people think that in high altitude the idea is to take deep breaths to get more oxygen. In fact, the opposite is true. Shorter, quicker breaths are more effective. Light, healthy eating is a good idea for the first few days too. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and sleeping pills. Many people avoid eating beef on the first day, to give the digestive system a rest.
If you’d like to take further precautions, you may consider Diamox and other medicines now offered for altitude sickness. Diamox is available by prescription in America, and now, over-the-counter in Peru. However, I cannot comment in depth on other newer medicines. Check with your doctor for details.
The Sacred Valley, Machupicchu and are at a much lower altitude, and will not be a problem after adjusting to Cusco.

More information: http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/41/8.cfm
5. FOOD
If you are open to trying new food, you may love Peruvian food. But as with travel anywhere, there are several precautions to take.

The water in Lima and Cusco is safe. However, as water may have bacteria that locals are used to, it is still a good idea to drink bottled water always, brush your teeth with the same water and be careful when you shower with the tap water. Bottled mineral water is plentiful and inexpensive in Peru. Also always peel fruits and try to avoid uncooked vegetables and ice.
Although Peruvian cuisine is not necessarily spicy, you should be aware of aji, Peruvian chili peppers that can come in several colors, green, red and orange. They are very hot, and served particularly with ceviche, the national dish. The most famous (or infamous) delicacy in the Cusco area is cuy, a delicacy; something the Incas first raised in large quantities. No matter how much it tastes like chicken, you should know that it is actually guinea pig.

Before you leave, you’ll undoubtedly have a chance to try Peru’s best beer and the pride of Cusco, Cusqueña, and it’s the national cocktail, a Pisco Sour.
6. SHOTS/VACCINATIONS

No particular shots are required for Arequipa, Cusco, Machupicchu or Puno. The area's high altitude keeps it out of the malaria zone, and no other diseases in the area have been reported within the last few months by the World Health Organization. If you will be visiting more tropical and jungle regions of the country, i recommend to take yellow fever shots and please follow up with an update on anti-malarials for the region, depending on latest reports. IN THE MEANTIME, PLEASE FIND THE NEAREST "TRAVELER'S MEDICAL CLINIC" or other medical facility that can provide inoculations they may be recommending.

7. VISAS / PASSPORTS / CUSTOMS
For the short stay you’ll have in

Peru

, no visa is required, as long as you have a valid passport.
When you arrive, you’ll be given a tourist card to fill out along with a customs declaration. The Immigration officer your first stop within the airport in Lima, will hand a small card back to you. You MUST take good care of this card, which is required to be shown for hotels and upon your departure from

Peru

. Please hold onto this: it is important to have upon departure from Peru. My recommendation is to bring a paper clip along, to attach it inside your passport.

I also recommend making a photocopy of your passport to bring to Peru (of the main, two-page spread which includes your photo). There are cases where you’ll need to carry identification (such as for changing money), where a copy of the passport is sufficient.
Once at the hotel, it is a good idea to put your passports and airplane tickets in the hotel safe.

8. LANGUAGE

Spanish is spoken in Peru, but in many parts of the Andes you’ll hear Quechua, the language of the Incas.
Throughout the trip you’ll be with the local guide who speaks English Quechua and Spanish. Nonetheless, any words you can learn on your own in Spanish may help you have a richer experience in Peru. Quechua is completely unlike either English or Spanish, and you’ll begin to recognize common words during our stay. It was the language of the Incas and was spoken throughout their vast empire.

9. HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES

Two issues are important to consider when it comes to your enjoyment of the adventure: health and safety.
The biggest threats to your health – altitude sickness (soroche) and feeling ill from bad water – can be handled with some conscious thought and attention.
As for your personal safety, there is absolutely nothing to fear in terms of terrorism or political violence for us in Peru. However, while Peru tends to overestimate these concerns, we sometimes underestimate more mundane issues such as pick pocketing and petty theft. Neither is especially high in Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Machupicchu , etc or the Rain forest area, but please it is worth paying attention to in Lima.
My first recommendation is not to bring anything to Peru that you couldn’t bear to lose. Expensive jewelry is neither necessary nor appropriate in the places we’ll be going to.
Second, use a money belt for essential items such as passports and large dollar denominations. A fanny pack is better than nothing, but not as effective as something inside the waist of your pants or underneath your shirt.
Third, clothing with pockets that can close with Velcro, a zipper or a button mean you can walk without having to worry about valuables falling out or being snatched.

10. WHAT TO PACK

In order to know what to bring, you of course need to know what weather to expect. You will be visiting Peru at a good time for being outdoors; It is the dry season in the Andes and the rain forest, on the coast it is winter, if is sunny days will in the mid 60’s and low 70’s, with nights getting down to the 40’s (in the Andes). In Machupicchu the range is less great, with highs in the upper 70’s and lows in the 60’s. In the rain forest it is hotter (85’s – 95’) and wet.
You should dress comfortably for an active week. Long pants are essential for Cusco and Puno evenings, but shorts are a lot easier for trail days. To save space, consider the hiking pants that can be zipped off at the thigh, allowing you to adjust during the day on the trail. Those with zippered, velcro or buttoned pockets add to your security too. Likewise shirts/blouses that have some pockets with long sleeves that can be rolled up will work for high altitudes, where temperatures can change quickly. A fleece on top should be more than enough for the hikes, and can be complemented with a Peruvian sweater in Cusco in case it gets colder than expected there.

Peru

is a poor country: you’ll find that your clean clothes are more than formal enough for any evening occasions you may partake in.
Most important, as Forrest Gump might say, is comfortable footwear. Go for strong, sturdy and supportive walking shoes/hiking boots. Even if you’re not walking the length of the Inca trail, Cusco is a city of cobblestone streets. It is up to you if you’d like to bring a nicer pairs of shoes for other times, but the truth is, the city’s restaurants are quite used to “Hiker Fashion.”

MACHUPICCHU LUGGAGE:

- Passengers must have their tickets and ID (original or photocopy) in hand.

- In order to guarantee safe and punctual operations, passengers must take only the necessary luggage for the full day tours or overnight at Machu Picchu.

- Peru Rail will not accept big luggage or carry-on which size or weight exceed the measures defined bellow.

- Blocking exists is prohibited by law and will seriously affect the safety of passengers on board (bus or train).

Carry-on Baggage Allowance / Each passenger may take

1 bag or backpack

05kg/11lb

62 inches/157cm (length + height + width)

Baggage that exceed the measures will not the allowed

11. POLITICAL UPDATE

Having democratically elected Alan Garcia, Peru is probably in the best political shape in the past twenty years. The terrorist movements were crushed in the early 90's by Pres. Fujimori, but he in turn became a corrupt leader. Some years ago, he took refuge in Japan, claiming Japanese citizenship, now he is in jail in Peru.

12. WEATHER

Peru

has a diversity of microclimates.

On the coast, it almost never rains, it is winter between April and October where it is cool in some areas such as Lima (minimum 12°C/54°F); it is warm (avg. 23°C/74°F) between November and March.

In the Andes, the rainy season (between November and March) is warmer; the dry season (between April and October) is colder, with temperatures below freezing at night, but with good temperate in the day.

In the Rainforest the rainy and dry seasons are the same as in the Andes, but it is generally warm all the time (30°C/86°F).

13. GIFTS:

During the tour we will see and meet many locals, especially kids, and it is always nice to bring for them some gifts like: Pencils, pens, crayons, note books, toys, used clothes, shoes, lap tops, etc, etc. FOR OUR MEDICAL TREKS, WE ALSO NEED ALL KINDS OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES, MEDICINES, VITAMINES ETC, ETC. Anything that you could bring will be very welcome!!!
Also if you would like to help with our social projects, we are in need of couriers to help us deliver Donations/Items to Peru. Please let me know if you can bring an extra bag on your next trip.

14. TIPS:

People that work in tourism are used and live on tips so please you should tip.

The usual amount for tips in Peru is from 10 – 20 %, for instance:

- If you get help with the suitcases at the hotels the usual tip is $ 1 per suitcase.

- Drivers get $ 10-15 per day.

- Guides get $ 20-30 per day

Things you Should Do / Don’t Forget to Bring / Please contact us if you have more questions: yure_c@yahoo.com

2008-06-08T20:28:00.002-05:00

THINGS YOU SHOULD DO / DON’T FORGET TO BRING

1. Get in shape! The better health you are in before arriving, the easier the walking will be on the trail. There’s so much to see in Cusco, and so much more to explore at Machupicchu, that you’ll want as much energy as possible.

2. Check your Passport. If you need a new one, get started now. If you don’t, make two photocopies of the main pages.
3. Take note of your diet and how being in a different country with food choices. Consider multi-vitamins, digestive enzymes and other supplements. Also consider just I case buying Imodium or other anti-diarrheals.
4. Practice packing. As you’ve heard a dozen times, less is more. But especially in Cusco, where there are lots of interesting things to buy, you’ll want room for things to bring back (especially an alpaca or wool sweater which is inexpensive, but sometimes bulky!). Leave behind things that are so valuable that you couldn’t stand to lose them.

DON’T FORGET TO BRING …

To make sure you have an enjoyable trip, I have organized the following list of items you should remember to bring with you. I have arranged the list in order of importance, however, each member may have very many different needs, so don’t count on this to be your ultimate list.

“Must Have” items

Valid passport (must be valid for at least the duration of your trip)

Return ticket

Credit cards: Visa, American, Dinners, etc

Health documents (i.e., proof of vaccinations; if you have them)

Health insurance (if you have)

Dictionary/Electronic translator

Pen, yes a pen!

Clothing

Belt

Hiking Boots (Gore-Tex)

Hat

Light raincoat or jacket (Gore-Tex)

Long-sleeve shirts/pants (these may come in handy to prevent excessive mosquito biting and other unpleasant encounters with nature)

Pouches (waist/leg) for document safekeeping

Sandals

Shoes/sneakers

Shorts

Socks

Sweater (can get chilly in the evening due to altitude)

T-Shirts

Underwear

Health kit and other trip essentials

Mosquito repellent

Advil/Aspirine

Band-aids

Contact lenses/solution

Deodorant

Hairbrush/comb

Lip balm

Lotion

Nail clippers/pocket knife

Prescription glasses

Q-tips/cotton balls

Shaving kit

Sunglasses

Sunscreen / bug repellant

Toothbrush/paste/dental floss

Other equipment

Walking sticks (if you need them to hike)

AC Adaptors (we use 220V)

Backpack

Batteries

Binoculars

Camera, charger, adaptor/cable to download pictures, etc.

Compass

Flashlight

Lighter/matches

Locks

Travel clock/watch

Please contact us if you have more questions: yure_c@yahoo.com

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SIMPLY THE BEST AND AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM IN PERU!

While in Cusco you will be staying in the home of Yure Chavez. There’s a volunteers' apartment at Yure’s with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and living area, plus kitchen, there’s also TV cable, wireless internet, and computers available. We’ll provide Breakfast and Lunch each day but you are welcome to fix yourself some snacks in the kitchen as well. Each bedroom is equipped for double occupancy (two twin beds).

You’ll be living in a real Peruvian neighborhood while at Yure’s. From their house you can walk (slowly) to the main plaza in about 10-15 minutes.

We will make all the arrangements for you to transfer from Lima to Cusco (transportation to Cusco not included), pick you up at the airport and get you settled in. Then we will show you around Cusco so you can navigate the city (which is easy) and introduce you at your volunteer placement.

Since Yure is a professional guide and owner of Peru Trek 4 Good a highly recommended travel company, they can answer any questions you have about travelling in Peru: on tours of Inca sites, Cathedrals, treks, amazon etc.

If you have any further questions about our volunteer work in Peru, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at: yure_c@yahoo.com

We have the next main areas for our volunteers to choose from: If you would like others, please let us know, we will find the right and most convenient place for you!!

JUAN PABLO II ORPHANAGE & KINDERGARDEN

Work Shops they have now and ongoing, are: bakery, ceramics, clothes making (knitting, sewing, etc.), computers, and they also have a small farm where they raise guinea pigs, rabbits and grow some vegetables.

REQUIREMENTS: Some Spanish would be very useful here too. Volunteers can help the children and the mothers in any of the described workshops. Help is also needed for nannies, nurses, and tutors, you can also help with the painting and decoration of the dormitories, etc, etc.

MEDICAL CLINICS

There’s a small and simple clinic located in “Tica Tica” (one of the poorest neighborhoods in Cusco City) , and an other one at Quiquijana (one of the poorest neighborhoods in Cusco state). These clinics mostly work for the neighbors and farmers that come from nearby villages. On average, the clinic sees 50-60 patients per week.

The clinics have 2 doctors, 2 dentists, 1 obstetrician, 3 nurses, 1 chief of laboratory, and 1 secretary; all of whom are volunteers. They are also involved in disaster prevention and other social work.

The clinic is in need of doctors, dentists, obstetricians; basically any volunteers who can perform any kind of medical work. The clinic also needs administrative volunteers for the office.

For volunteering at the clinics there is an extra charge of US$100 per person

Your Placement/ Donation Fee of $200 includes:

Placement/Donation for your volunteering duration of one to four weeks.

Making your arrangements and reservations to get from Lima to Cusco, making arrangements for you to overnight in Lima if needed (cost of airport pickup and hotel not included).

Pick up from Cusco airport and city tour. Introduction at your placement and other assistance as you may need from time to time while living in Cusco. Spanish introduction and practice every day.

Your Homestay Fee of $90 per week includes:

Affordable & comfortable homestay at our own volunteer house with host Yure Chavez, which includes breakfast and Lunch each day.

A minimum homestay of two weeks is required. If you have just 1 week please contact us: yure_c@yahoo.com

Goverment Legal Permits

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PERMIT FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

PERMIT FROM THE LOCAL GOVERMENT