Amazon Jungle Expedition

Lima to Cusco

Having arrived in Lima we’ll take a connecting flight into the Andes to Cusco, where we’ll stay overnight.

Cusco City Tour

A tour of this fascinating city allows both opportunity to explore the sights, sounds and tastes of South America and opportunity to acclimatise to the altitude.

Cusco to Juliaca

The first day of our expedition sees us board transport and drive into the Andes to Juliaca for a brief overnight stay.

Juliaca to Lake Titiaca

In the early morning we’ll continue by 4x4 taking us further into the Andes, over a mountain pass at 5000m above sea level and to Lake Titiaca - the highest navigable lake in the world and the point where we leave our 4x4s and step into our canoes.

Tambopata River

As the river carries us from of civilisation the cloud forest rises around us holding flora and fauna unlike anything else world-wide. The river is narrow and we navigate class II-III rapids and pitch camp on sandy beaches at night.

Rarity and Rafting

River and rainforest become more intense, more unforgettable, as the rapids raise to class III-IV and exotic animals such as Capybara, Tapir, Royal Condor, Spider Monkeys and hundreds of species of birds forage, flit and soar around us.

Macaw Lick to Puerto Maldonado

The waters calm and as evening approaches we arrive at the famous Macaw Lick where hundreds of Macaws offer a kaleidoscopic display as they gather to feed on the clay. There will be another opportunity to engrave this memory early the following morning, then we take a dug-out motor canoe to the frontier town of Puerto Maldonado.

Puerto Maldonado to Cusco

As we began with a 4x4 journey into the Andes, then followed with several days’ expedition by water, the only suitable means to end this stunning journey is by air, so we fly back across the Andes to Cusco, where our expedition finishes.

Peru uses the Sol (S). Carrying cash, an ATM card, as well as a credit card that can be used for cash advances in case of emergency, is advisable. Credit card fraud is rampant. Tell your bank you will be in Peru and use your card with care. USD, Euro and GBP are easily exchanged in Cusco.

Ask for small denominations, as S100 bills are hard to change in small towns or for small purchases.

Do not accept torn money as it will likely not be accepted by Peruvians. Don't change money on the street as counterfeits are a problem.

ATM machines are readily available in Lima and Cusco. ATMs elsewhere can be unreliable. Plan ahead if you need cash. ATMs allow withdraw up to $200 USD or equivalent in soles per day per account.

Demo Content

VISA and MASTERCARD are most widely accepted. AMEX is accepted more frequently now, but mainly in the luxury hotels and restaurants.

Safety First

Valid travel insurance is essential in order for you to take part in a Fitways trip. You will need cover for medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. Fitways also recommend that your policy includes cancellation protection as deposits paid cannot be refunded.

As with all foreign travel, it is advisable that you check the latest information and advice on your destination. For UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice, see www.gov.uk/fco

January is the hottest month in Cusco with an average temperature of 11°C (52°F) and the coldest is July at 7°C (45°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 9 in August. The wettest month is January with an average of 155mm of rain.

The conditions in the jungle are hot and humid. Daytime temperatures frequently exceed 30°C. While we are traveling in the dry season, please keep in mind we will be in the rain forest, so expect heavy downpours during the trip. The temperature can drop considerably in the evening so make sure you have a warm layer.

The CDC and WHO have recommended that travellers receive the following vaccines:

Yellow Fever (this vaccine may be required based on your travel itinerary)
Typhoid
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Routine Vaccines

The sockets are 230v. The voltage is not exact, but the difference is usually tolerable by electrical devices. It’s mostly safe to plug your electrical apparatus from United Kingdom in Peru without a voltage adapter. If you have any concerns with a special device i.e. a medical device, you probably want to seek further professional help.

There will be no available electricity supply on the trek itself so do ensure you have plenty of spare batteries. Plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type found in the US, though some facilities have been noted to use the 2 rounded prongs instead.

Wi-Fi is available at the hotel in Cusco. There is also mobile phone reception. During the trek there are very few sections where you will be able to pick up a mobile signal.

Cuzco enjoys high daytime temperatures up to 20 degrees Celsius from May to October, despite this being Peru's winter period, and you will be fine wearing cotton trousers, shorts and T-shirts in Cuzco itself on sunny days. The temperature drops considerably at night, however, and can reach below freezing, so make sure that you have a warm sweater and fleece or coat to go out at night. If you travel during the rainy season, you can expect rain at least once a day, so take waterproof clothing.

Peru is basically a country of open doors. The entry into Peru for Citizens of most American and Western European countries does not require a tourist visa. The maximum period of stay granted by the authorities is 183 days (cannot be extended). To enter Peru you will need a valid passport with 6 months remaining.

• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Bandana or scarf
• long sleeve top. Light colours. Not cotton
• Long trousers. Light colours. Not cotton
• Canvas trainers/tennis shoes
• Socks. Long enough to tuck your trousers into

• 2 x T-Shirts
• Long sleeved top
• Trousers (lightweight)
• Socks

• Sunglasses (must be Category 3 rated)
• Water bottle (2 x 1 Litres)
• Head torch and 2 sets of spare batteries

• Sleeping bag liner

• Sun cream (minimum Factor 30)
• Foot powder or cream (antifungal)
• 2 x Insect repellent (high deet content)
• Camera
• Notepad and pen
• Contact lenses (& glasses as a back-up)
• Glasses
• Zip Lock plastic bags and dry bags (Essential) – perfect for keeping your kit organised & dry
• Cash (USD or local currency) for the tip at the end of the trip (small denominations)

• Toilet paper & lighter
• Wash kit (including  biodegradable soap & shampoo) – please keep any heavy items, including cosmetics, to a minimum

• Ear plugs (great for ensuring a good night’s sleep)
• Eye mask (Very useful if your roommate wants to read)
• Books or e-reader  (there will be plenty of free time most afternoons/evenings)
• Antibacterial hand gel (excellent for preventing the spread of bugs/illness)
• Small can of deodorant
• Swimming costume