Ausangate Expedition

Peru conjures up fascinating images: inaccessible Incan citadels, sparkling mountains turquoise lakes, deserts, volcanoes and virgin forests, colorful markets, exuberant celebrations, Baroque churches. Land of the Incas and the Cordilleras. Reality is even more extraordinary...

Visible from Cusco, the culminating point of the Vilcanota Cordillera sits enthroned at the heart of the untamed glacier massif, amidst spectacular countrysides.  It's ascent constitutes the crowning of a trek full of beauty : glittering mountains, numerous lakes dominated by glaciers, lost villages, herds of alpacas, hot springs...

Day 1/  Arrival in Lima
Day 2/  Flight to Cusco, visit
Day 3 to 6/  Excursion in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu.
Day 7 to 13/  Transfer to Mallma, trek up to the foot of Ausangate by the Laguna Singrenacocha, acclimatization with our ascent of Huayruro Punco Norte (18,045 feet)
Day 14 to 17/  Ascent of Ausangate (20,906 feet) with an altitude camp
Day 18 to 20/  Continuation of our tour of Ausangate up to Tinki via Palomita Pass (16,732 feet), Apacheta and Arapa Pass (15, 748 feet).  Transfer to Cusco
Day 21/  Flight Cusco - Lima. Depart from Lima.

Difficult to imagine the contrast between the jungle which surrounds the site of Machu  Picchu and the emptiness of the Altiplano which extends to « infinity » at the foot of the glacier faces of Ausangate.
It is by first searching for the Inca myths near Machu Picchu that our trek begins, before attacking the giant of the south of Peru, Ausangate.
He will not succumb to us easily.  We will need patience to travel the extended vastness that Ausangate lays out at his feet.
More than just an expedition, it is a true adventure in one of the most varied cordilleras of Peru into which we invite you:  impressive and unknown glacial mountains, numerous lakes in always surprising colors, villages at the end of the world, herds of alpacas, preserved traditions of a very present population despite the harshness of the area...
Once we reach up to 6 participants, we will hire the services of two high mountain guides (UIAGM).  This will largely enhance our chances of reaching the summit, even if some participants decide not to go the whole way.
It has been close to 25 years since Allibert/Mountain World Travel realize the first Frenchman on this summit.  Cirilo, the son of our loyal mule-driver, at 15 years of age, was able to reach the summit with the first team.  In August of 2006, it was the turn of Cirilo's sister, Tina, to reach the summit in the company of 8 clients, Allibert/Mountain World Travel and their two guides, thus becoming the first Peruvian woman on this myth-like summit.  The long standing history between Allibert/Mountain World Travel and this mountain are not even close to ending!

Day 1/  Arrival in Lima
Meeting/assisting at Lima airport.
Transfer to a 4 star hotel located in Miraflores ("chic" suburb of Lima)

Day 2/  Lima - Cuzco (11,155 feet)
Transfer to the airport. Flight Lima-Cuzco (1 hour). Settle in at a 4 star hotel. Beware of altitude sickness: no haste! First, visit and discover this city, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Main visited sites at the heart of Cuzco: the Beautiful Plaza de Armas (with the magnificent facades of the cathedral and the church of the Compañía), the streets with foundations of Inca walls (Calle Loreto, Calle Hatum Rumiyoc), the San Blas neighborhood, the Santo Domingo convent, which houses the famous Temple of the Sun, museums (Museum of Contemporary Art, the regional museum ...) and other colonial buildings ... (depending on the remaining time and the mood of the group!) Dinner in a typical restaurant near the Plaza de Armas.

Day 3/  Cusco - Pisac - Salines de Maras - Ollantaytambo
Excursion in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, discovered at the foot of Pisac, the largest ensemble of cultivated terraces in the entire region. Direct descent from the ruins to the Plaza de Armas. Lunch at restaurant in Urubamba, and then the bus leads us to the famous Maras salt fields, whose white evaporation basins arrange themselves in the form of terraces along several hundred feet on the sides of the steep valley.  On the road to Ollantaytambo, visit of a village built on Incan ruins.  We also visit the gigantic, monumental stone ruins which dominate the site.  Short hike to visit a quarry from which extracted stones were used to build the fortress. How these stones were dragged for a certain number of miles and mounted to the site of the fortress remains an enigma. One night in a charming inn in Ollantaytambo.

Day 4/  Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes (9,514 feet)
Visit the village built on the ruins of the Incas and the rest of the monumental ruins which dominate the site.
After lunch, take the train to Aguas Calientes charming auberge. Western Ambiance: rail road tracks run though the main street! It is pleasant to relax in the hot springs ...

Day 5/  Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Morning rise in order to take the shuttle bus that leads us to the Machu Picchu site. Complete inspection of the site, discovered in 1911 by archaeologist Bingham. Around 11 am, until the arrival of the first "tourists" who left Cusco that morning, we climb up to Wayna Picchu, a famous mountain peak dominating the site (impressive trail seen from the bottom, count 2 hours round trip with our detour to the Temple of the Moon). Back by bus to Aguas Calientes and then by train to Ollantaytambo where another bus is waiting to take us back to Cusco (which we can normally reach by late afternoon). 4 star hotel.

Day 6/  Cuzco and its surroundings
Early rise, short bus transfer to Tambomachay. Small trek back to Cuzco. Along the way, we visit the Tambomachay fountains, the fortress of Pucapucara, Qenqo and the colossal Sacsayhuamán fortress. Around noon, return to the Plaza de Armas.
Afternoon spent touring downtown: The Beautiful Plaza de Armas (with the magnificent cathedral facades and the church of the Compañía), streets with foundations of Inca walls (calle Loreto, calle Hatum Rumiyoc), the San Blas neighborhood, the Santo Domingo convent (which houses the famous Temple of the Sun), museums (Museum of Contemporary Art, Regional Museum...) and other colonial buildings... depending on the mood and the group! Free evening and night at the 4 star hotel.

Day 7/  Cuzco - Mallma (13,780 feet)
Route Cusco-Mallma :  4-5 H on bus.  Imposing landscapes, climb two passes (13,780 and 13,123 feet in altitude) with a view on all of the Vilcanota Cordillera.  Meal stop at Ocongate, the chief place on the north side of the Vilcanota Cordillera.  A few more miles to Mallma where camp is installed.

Day 8/  Mallma - Singrenacocha (14,255 feet)
Climb back up the Rio Singrenacocha Valley in magnicient landscapes dominated by the Ccallangate glacier massif (20, 046 feet), before discovering the extraordinary turquoise green of the Laguna Singrenacocha that we follow on a nice path.  Idyllic camp on the banks of the lake.
4 H walk.

Day 9/  Singrenacocha - 2 passes (approximately 15,748 feet) - Pacchanta (14,108 feet)
A long stage today.  Short, steep climb up to a small pass and then vast pastures up to our first pass at 15,748 feet.  The whole massif of Ccallangate and it's grandiose glaciers unfold before our eyes.  Traverse above the Laguna Armaccocha, descend into the middle of the alpine pastures and then climb back up to the second pass and redescend onto Pacchanta, a town of importance at the foot of the north side of Ausangate.  Near our camp, we can take a welcome dive into the natural hot water pools.
6-7 H walk.

Day 10/  Pacchanta -  Paso Ticclacocha (16,568 feet) - Ticclacocha
Climb back up a magnificent « quebrada » (sunken valley) betwen the Ausangate and the Ccallangate massifs.  Pass close to several lakes fading into nuances of green and then climb up to the Ticclacocha Pass dominated by the sharp point of the snow covered Collque Cruz.   Up and over the pass and then camp close to Ticclacocha Lake (15, 748 feet).
6 H walk.

Day 11/  Ticclacocha - Quebrada Acero (16,404 feet)
Traverse above the alpine pastures of Jampa, surrounded by glacial mountains everywhere:  on one side, the massif of Ausangate with the Mariposa and the Maria Huamantilla ;  on the other side, the massif of Ccallangate and the three summits of Pico Tres (19,990 feet).  Climb back up the Acero « quebrada » (sunken valley) to our camp at the shores of the little lake, one of the most beautiful camp sites of this trek, incontestable panorama of the mountains.  We might have the chance to catch a glimpse of some vicunas, who really appreciate this remote glen, as well as some condors. To perfect our acclimatization, we will spend 2 nights at this camp at 16,404 feet.
6 H walk.

Day 12/  Ascent of Huayruro Punco Norte (18,143 feet)
Easy climb on a mountain spur (we will have to climb on all fours in some of the rocky areas) up to the Huayruro Punco summit.  From the summit, a top to bottom panorama of all of the Vilcanota mountains, the huge glaciers of snow-covered Pico Tres and, towards the south-west, onto the immense Sibinacocha Lake and the Carabaya Cordillera.  Return to camp and relax the rest of the day.  A full day spent above 16,400 feet which will help a lot in preparation for our final ascent.
4-5 H walk.

Day 13/  Jampa - Hacienda Finaya - Base Camp (15,092 feet)
An easy day in order to allow us to arrive in good shape at the foot of our mountain. Descent from the « quebrada » (sunken valley) up to the small, isolated town of Jampa and then a descent into the beautiful alpine pastures up to the little town of Finaya and it's marshlands.  The whole length of our trip, we will, generally, meet up with numerous alpaca.  And then a short climb up a glen which opens up.  In front of our eyes, Ausangate, and a good portion of our ascesion path.  Sitting to it's right, the beautiful glacial face of the snow covered Mariposa (or Santa Catalina, 19, 029 feet) and it's draperies of snow.
Installation of base camp.  
5 H walk.

Day 14 to 17/  Ausangate Ascent (20,906 feet)
To accomplish this ascent, we will install an intermediary camp situated near 17,881 feet.  To arrive at this camp : a steep climb in an unstable moraine and then, when our itinerary disappears from view at our base camp, climb back up a large, easy, grassy slope....which stumbles upon a rocky cliff.
A judiciously plotted pathway allows us to pass this obstacle.  Our camp is installed just above, on the same margin with the glacier.  A very beautiful atmosphere from camp.
5-6 H climb between base camp and advanced camp.
Between altitude camp and the summit:  a two hour progression without difficulty (if there is not deep snow) leads up to the foot of a steep, snowy slope.  Altitude 18,701 feet.  Due to this steep, snowy slope, upon which we arrive, our guide will install 650 feet of fixed rope to arrive at the summit of this slope (19,192 feet).  The slope begins at 35° and culiminates at about 45 to 50° on the last few feet.  With the help of an ascender device at the time of our climb (and an abseil device for the return), each person assure its progression.  The itinerary follows the large southern glacier.  No technical difficulties, but the use of snow shoes to arrive at the summit is often necessary.  Between 3-5 H to travel the remaining 1,740 feet of altitude gain.
Return via the same itinerary to our advanced camp.  It wil, therefore, be necessary to count on between 10-13 hours of effort the day we summit....
Disassemble our advanced camp and return to base camp at the end of the expedition.  
Day 17 is a reserve day.

Some additional information :
We have known this mountain since 1984, the year of the first attempt to the summit
- In 1985, an itinerary (not at all obvious, because hidden from base camp) was discovered and followed by two waves of ascent by Allibert/Mountain World Travel that same year.  We had the opportunity to bring Cirilo (15 years of age) and Francisco Paucarmayta (52 years of age), our two mule-drivers to the summit, and our clients as well.
They, thus, became the first Peruvians to climb up this mountain.  Cirilo is now responsible for the Mountain World Travel Local Receptive Agency that Allibert/Mountain World Travel co-founded with him in Cusco.  He and his family always guarantee a wonderful service in the Ausangate zone.

Day 18/  Base Camp - Paso Palomita (16,732 feet) - Paso Apacheta (15,748 feet) - Yanacocha (15,092 feet)
After the expedition, we continue our tour of Ausangate.  Steep climb up a pass at 16, 732 feet in lunar type reliefs dominated by the Ausangate glaciers.  Redescend towards the beautiful Ausangatecocha Lake (we admire during our passage the diverse frontal moraines left by the glacier under the lake). Climb up a second pass and descend to our camp near Lake Yanacocha.
Once again, a really beautiful camp:  lakes, nearby glaciers, alpacas...
6 H walk.

Day 19/  Yanacocha - Paso Arapa (15,748 feet) - Upis
A last pass into the strange lunar landscapes under the North West side of Ausangate.  Camp at Upis where a nice, well deserved bath awaits us in the hot springs.
4 H walk (approximately)

Day 20/  Upis - Tinki - Cuzco
Redescend into the high mountain pastures to Tinki where we meet up with our vehicle (2-3 H walk), and then 4-5 H on the bus to Cusco.  4 star hotel.

Day 21/  Flight Cuzco - Lima.... home
Transfer to the airport, Cusco-Lima flight. Visit downtown Lima, capital of Peru:  the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, the very interesting San Francisco monastery (church, cloister, catacombs) and the Plaza San Martín. Then back to the airport to check in for your return flight home.

Note: your international flight must take off after 5pm. If scheduled earlier, you have to spend one more night in Lima.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Trekking: each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day or half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc). Transport is ensured by the mules and the logistic team during the hikes.
Above the base camp: porters for the collective materials.

The guides
- An experienced Western Mountain World Travel English speaking professional mountain guide (UIAGM-IFMGA). A second Peruvian UIAGM guide once we reach 6 participants.
Local Team
- A driver
- Mules care takers, cooks and helpers (their numbers dependent on our group's size)
- Porters for altitude camps.

- Domestic flights with a local airline company (Lan Peru, Taca....)
- For ground transportation, private air conditioned bus, with professional driver.

- 4 star hotel in Cuzco (4 nights) and Lima (1 night).
- Sometimes 3 stars (or inns/lodges of similar standing) when there are no other options nearby (Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo).
- Camping (13 nights):
- Trekking and base camps: 2 people per tent
- Altitude camps: 3 people per tent
During treks in the mountains: nights under tents (mountain dome tent, 2 persons per tent), a toilet tent and a "mess tent" for meals and spending the evenings (tables and folding chairs).
We choose those hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for its cordiality and hospitality.
The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

When in town
Breakfast and evening meal taken at the restaurant.
During the treks
Lunches are usually in the form of a hearty picnic and or cold cooked meals. The dinners are prepared by the cook. Hearty and varied, they are made from foods purchased on the spot, including the meat in the villages.
Copious snacks for trekking, cereal bars, dried fruits, biscuits, cheese are also purchased locally. In Peru, you can now find a wide assortment of products, some very similar to those found in North America (chocolate bars, cereals, etc....) We will also enjoy other products with more "local color" (eg excellent quinoa bars).
Freeze dried meals in altitude camps.
Beverages
- Mineral water provided for travel and in the restaurants, along with mate (tea or infusion at the end of the meal).
- During the trekking, hot drinks provided with the opportunity to fill up your water bottles in the morning. You should also take tablets to treat the water and you can replenish your water at the sources or mountain brooks. Some evenings, you will also have a chance to taste other typical Peruvian drinks (the famous Pisco sour drink, Peruvian red wine ...)!

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flight in/out Lima
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Airport taxes (to date $ 45 per person) for domestic and international flights
• Drinks (except mineral water during meals at restaurant)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guides and drivers
• All items not expressively mentioned in ‘What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Lima:
-      Taca: flights from Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco...
-      American Airlines: flights from anywhere in the States through Los Angeles, Miami, New York
-      Delta: flights from anywhere in the States through Atlanta
-      United: in cooperation with Lan, flights from anywhere in the States.
Note: your international flight must take off after 5pm. If scheduled earlier, you have to spend one more night in Lima.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport; US citizens are admitted to Peru for up to 90 days.
For US Citizens, please check with  US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
For other nationalities, please contact the Peruvian embassy of your country.

No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you however, to be up date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B recommended.
A treatment against Malaria is necessary as this trip is visiting Amazonia.
For more information visit the website of the US Department of Health

Dentist and doctor
Physical Examination prior to your departure is recommended.

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

Level 7
At least 4 months prior:  Hike over 13 miles every weekend, carrying a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds and you should be engaged in another intense sports activity that develops endurance on a year round basis AND, in addition, you have implemented a third training element (of your choosing) at least 4 months prior to departure.

Basic Equipment
- Thermal underwear (fast drying)
- Thin thermal fleece turtle neck
- A warm fleece jacket in fleece (light weight/well insulated).
- A mountaineering jacket and a down jacket.
- Mountaineering pants.
- Thermal long underwear.
- A ski hat and a neck gaiter.
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun.
- Very good ski sunglasses with side protections.
- A ski mask for the summit.
- A pair of warm/waterproof technical mountaineering Gore-Tex gloves (double lawyer of down)) or a pair of Gore-Tex over-mittens and warm under-gloves.
- A pair of replacement gloves.
- A rain poncho
- A survival blanket (reinforced model).
- A water bottle (no Camelback, as tube will freeze).
- Hand and foot warmers

Shoes and technical material
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Mountaineering shoes with rigid soles compatible for crampons.
- Thermal Socks
- A head lamp.
- Waterproof/breathable Over-pants (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gaiters.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles (optional).
- A pair of crampons with "antibottes" (rubber plates preventing snow from balling up underfoot).
- A technical climbing ice axe.
- Mountaineering helmet.
- An adjustable, light and compact harness, adapted for walking.
- Two locking carabiners, for rope maneuvers.
- A 2 meter sling
- 6 feet of cordelette, 7 millimeter diameter
- An ascender
- A belaying device
- An ice screw.

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 5° F to -13° F)
- A self-inflated mattress

Pharmacy
- You own small "pharmacy" to have validated by your Doctor. It should contain: sun lotion, bandages, sterile strips and double skin, anti diarrhea medication, pain killers, an anti inflammatory, a muscle relaxant, eye lotion, cough drops, a broad spectrum antibiotic, disinfectant, tweezers, personal ear plugs, and personal drugs. And anything else indicated on the "Trip Details" page or in "Important Information" (including necessary items to treat altitude sickness).
- However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).

Luggage
- A large, robust and technical back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, for daily carrying.
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porters' team or the vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.
- A bathing suit

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).

- Temperatures can be icy at the top, even in the middle of the summer. Plan on bringing winter mountain equipment.

- If you wish to rent mountaineering shoes, ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, please inform us at the time of your booking. As Mountain World Travel does not itself rent out this kind of material, we will direct you to our partner store at location (you will be offered a discount).  The confirmation that you receive after booking will specify directions to the rental shop.

In Peru, country of Incas and Cordilleras
The Cordillera Blanca, the Cordillera Vilcanota, Lake Titicaca, the altiplano, the site of Machu Picchu ... All of these sites conjure up fascinating mythical images in the minds of travelers!
With a desert coastal strip, a great wall of snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, a chain of high volcanoes and a thick rainforest, Peru has much strength to excite hikers. Beyond these extraordinary landscapes, a trek in Peru is also the chance to meet the Andean civilization: the surprising remains of the Inca Empire, a civilization which flourished until the 16th century; the testimonies of numerous previous civilizations and the cultural richness of the many communities on the altiplano. So follow us on to the Incas' paths, frequented by the Peruvian people and their herds ever since the dawn of time. Soak in the legends of the "sons of Sun's" earth, its markets, its exuberant celebrations, its Andean music... so that the myth turns to reality!

• The most complete range of travel: hikes to cultural expeditions.
• Original routes, even exclusive, thanks to our guide's very good knowledge of the field (more than 20 years of experience) and the knowledge of our suppliers, undisputed experts in their region.
• The best stages and varying, even when addressing the most visited sites
• The quality of accommodation for your comfort
• Unparalleled logistics throughout the trip (high quality and great variety of food and service during treks)
• Comprehensive, high quality security equipment, including a hyperbaric chamber for all trekking and expeditions.
• A team of mountain guides, tour guides and licensed guides to all historic site; all of  whom are highly qualified and licensed.

The seasons are reversed compared to North America. Remember that when it is summer in the United States (July-August), you arrive to in winter in Peru!
- In the Sierra (mountainous), the dry season, from April to October (local winter), is the best time for altitude trekking. The view is unobstructed and the peaks are sunny, but if daytime temperatures only vary by a little, cold reigns at night, especially in June and July. Even though the months of April and May can still see some significant rainfall in the mountains, the weather is usually beautiful in the morning, with a superb view of the sparkling mountains. From April to July, the landscape is green and the alpine pastures covered with flowers.
- The coastal deserts can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time is between November and March, the local summer, because during the winter, Lima and the coastal regions are often drowned in a thick fog.

Average temperatures in main cities (day maximum/night minimum) in Fahrenheit degrees:

	Jan	Feb	March	April	May	June
Lima (coast)	79/66	79/66	79/66	75/63	72/61	66/59
Cusco (10,827f)	66/45	66/45	66/43	66/41	66/37	66/34
	July	August	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Lima (coast)	66/57	66/57	66/57	68/59	72/61	75/63
Cusco (10,827f)	66/34	68/36	68/41	70/43	70/43	68/45

Population	28 million of habitants (49 % American Indians, 33 %  Mulatto, and 12 % Creoles)
Surface	496,2222 square miles
Capital	Lima (almost 8 millions habitant)
Main Cities	Arequipa, Cuzco, Huaraz
Peaks	Huascaran (22,205 feet), Ausangate (20,945 feet)
Maqin lake	Titicaca Lake
Official Language	Espagnol and Quechua
Religion	Catholicism (almost 90 % of the population)
Political Status	Constitutional Republic
Time Shift	http://www.worldtimezone.com/utc/utc.html

The currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN)
Exchange rate in 2007 (standard price): 1 € = 4 PEN approximately
What currencies to bring and where to exchange?
Take dollars which can easily be exchanged in the major cities. Credit card use is widespread and you can find ATMs in major cities (Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco, Puno ...). You can withdraw either SOL or US dollars (the dollar is accepted for all big transactions).

As an organizer of worldwide trips, Mountain World Travel is concerned for our guest's safety and security. We always keep ourselves up to date with current travel warnings and always consider the government safety advices, while organizing and preparing our different trips. Please double check on the official government website regarding each country's warnings.
US citizens, please check with: US department of State

Since its inception, Mountain World Travel has a special relationship with Peru! Jef Tripard, a founding member, biologist and mountain guide demonstrates a longstanding passion for those Peruvian sites that are not very well frequented.  It was in 1984 that the beautiful adventure actually began. Philippe Allibert conducts a first time French mountaineering expedition in Peru to climb Ausangate, which will later become a summit fetish for our team. A native from the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range, Cirilo-then aged 15-and his father Francisco-great friends of Herman Buhl, conqueror of the Nanga Parbat Mountain in Pakistan- were the muleteers accompanying the expedition. Since that day, our teams have been working together and a true friendship has been established. Many bonds of affection also exist between the Mountain World Travel guides and this Peruvian family.
From the outset, Cirilo and Francisco have been providing service on our trekking trips. And unlike many Peruvians who generally walk by means of utility, they passionately love the mountains! With an extraordinary sense for guest service, they along with Mountain World Travel, created a local agency in Peru.  Today, they work exclusively for us. Cirilo is undoubtedly one of the greatest connoisseurs of the southern Peruvian Cordilleras. He conveys his enthusiasm and knowledge to his guiding team, for which the Inca world has no secrets.

We involve ourselves in a responsible way in Peru on several levels:
- The funding of learning English for the Peruvian team in order to promote friendly exchanges with the trekkers and expand their professional opportunities.
- welcoming Bolivian guides on trekking trips in Peru to enable discussion with their colleagues regarding working methods and their different professional experiences.
- Improving our staff's working conditions (guides, porters, cooks and muleteers), through 650 pounds of hiking equipment donations (sleeping bags, backpacks, jackets, fleece, shoes) collected in 2005 through your generosity, which of our guides donation and the mountaineering equipment companies of Millet and Salomon.

The official languages in Peru are Spanish (spoken by a large majority of the population) and Quechua (the vernacular of the Inca Empire, spoken by the American Indians).  By learning a few key words, you can earn the respect of your audience and facilitate your dealings with the Peruvian people. Do not hesitate to use the following terms in Spanish:

Hello, how are you? : ¿Buenos días, cómo está?
Very well, thank you: muy bien, gracias
Please: por favor
Thanks: gracias
Goodbye: Hasta Luego
Yes: sí-no: no
Excuse: perdoneme
No problem! : No se worries

You can ask your guide how to pronounce them; your voyage will only be richer by your attempting to speak the local language!
And smile, it is often the best means of having good contacts!

The Peruvian people, made up of Indians, Mulattos and Creoles, is a people with old traditions. The inhabitants of the Peruvian highlands are sometimes rather reserved initially; it is advisable to observe some discretion.

What are the risks of traveling to Peru?
Peru suffers from a bad reputation: it is said that robbery (against tourists in particular) is commonplace. This idea is excessive. The situation has improved more in recent years. The best way to avoid being robbed is not to show too much of your jewelry and other technological devices, not to leave valuables unattended in hotel rooms and to always be vigilant in frequented places (markets, tourist sites and so on.)

Advice from Yves Pelissier, head of travel in the Americas:
In Cuzco as in Arequipa, relatively safe cities, feel free to wander through the narrow streets which are full of treasures: Inca foundations, colonial churches not cited in the guides, beautiful patios and gardens which you can catch a glimpse of through a propped open door.

Are electrical plugs compatible with American equipment in Peru?
There are two types of plugs in Peru: ones similar to those in Europe and ones like those in the US (two vertical slits). In general, the voltage is 220 volts.

Can I bring home all of the souvenirs that I want?
Crafts in Peru are rich and abundant: weaving, wools, musical instruments, jewelry, minerals, and so on. Buy items that you like as soon as you see them because each place has its specific craft and you are not guaranteed to find the same object even if you return later! On the other hand, do not rush on purchases in Lima because this is not the place where one finds the most beautiful souvenirs. We also remind you that it is forbidden to acquire the archeological pieces from the Peruvian cultural heritage (such as pre-Columbian artifacts).  Even if you think you have made an acquisition in due and proper form, you do not have the guarantee of being able to export your purchase without the consent of the National Institute of Culture; and that only comes at the end of another very long process!

What should I put in my hand bag and carry on luggage?
While preparing your luggage, put anything that resembles a "cutting" item (scissors, file, crampons.....) or anything that could be regarded as potentially harmful to the aircraft security in your check on luggage. Note that lighters are prohibited in carry-on baggage and in check on luggage. Luggage should not be locked (no padlocks or combination closures, only certain approved locks are authorized) due to the fact that their contents could be searched by security personnel at any time.

Peru presents three types of distinct landscapes.  One being the Amazon rainforest (selva) which occupies more than 60% of the territory. The second being the coastal desert strips along the Pacific, representing only 10% of the territory but "housing"  half of the population, in addition to Lima, the capital.  And the third being the mountainous territory, the Sierra, made up of several high Cordilleras, which include five peaks over 19,700 feet: Cordillera Blanca, Huayhuash, Vilcanota, and the Cordillera Vilcabamba, south west of Peru.
Do not leave your waste behind you: bring waste to the next hotel or camp (the local team sets up a trash collection each night). To do this, always think of bringing with you a small bag for your personal waste. Smokers: please, provide a pocket ashtray for your cigarette butts. In addition, bring the most polluting waste back to the USA (batteries, etc...)  due to the fact that there is no way of eliminating these on the spot. Prefer to treat the water using tablets (type Micropur) rather than buying many plastic bottles of water that will only increase the amount of waste.
In the camps, use the toilet. In nature, if there is no danger of fire burn your toilet paper after use. Crossing cultivated land, picking crops (fruits, corn, etc.), frightening  a farmer's cattle...all of these actions can potentially cause great loss; including the risk of him not being able to feed his family during the difficult months.  Respect their assets!
On the hills, animals that you encounter most often will come from the camel family: the llama, alpacas, guanacos and vicuna. The first two are domestic, the last two only are wild. Sometimes, by chance, you may come across viscaches, small agile long-tailed rodents living in the rocky terrain at higher elevation and some raptors, including the majestic condor. Traveling through the coastal desert along the Pacific, we may see penguins, seals, pink flamingos, pelicans, terns, endemic ducks and many other kinds of birds. We are counting on you not to try to approach these animals too closely. The flora is reduced at higher elevations; therefore it needs to be respected: grasses, mosses and lichens, as well as some succulent plants (cacti)). The most common tree in the Andean valleys is the eucalyptus (introduced in South America after the arrival of the conquistadors). In some Cordilleras, up to over 14,700 feet, you can see quenuas (polylepis), trees with bark in sheets.