Trails of the Spirit

The region of the Andes around Cusco and Pisac can be moderate during the day and cool in the evenings with the possibility of heavy showers at any time. So layers is the way to go. Add layers as it becomes cooler and a good waterproof jacket with perhaps waterproof leggings and sturdy walking boots.

It is best to limit yourself to easy to wash and dry clothing. Think of the great selection of outdoor tee shirts and trousers made of the new synthetic materials that are comfortable and dry so fast. These are better than the heavy cottons and jeans. One or two changes of clothing with two or three sets of underclothes should be loads.

Pack: Keep it light and simple and pack it all into an easy to carry rucksack or something similiar. It almost goes without saying, a heavy suitcase is not the way to go. If in doubt leave it out. If you need something warmer you can always buy some of the great traditional knitwear locally.

Best advice is to go to your doctor or specialist clinic before the journey. A Yellow fever jab is deemed necessary to enter Peru, although I've never been asked for the Certificate of inoculation. Might be good to get some hepatitis and rabies inoculations also. There are others - your doctor will advise.

I'm always asked about mosquitos and malaria. The good news is mosquitos are not an issue in the Andes but please check with your doctor or clinic.
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My advice is to go along to your doctor or clinic if possible at least 4 months prior to departure as some of the inoculations are designed to require a booster shot within a 3 month time frame before travelling.

You'll get by just fine without Spanish although having a little can help.

You need reasonable mobility. We will be going for walks but these will be at a moderate pace. Good basic health, flexibility and a willingness to 'rough' it (relatively speaking), for awhile is all that's needed.

It is always more enjoyable if you have a good base level of fitness. Before leaving for the journey, regularly going for a good brisk walk for 30 or 40 minutes two or three times a week and/or some light gym work would be good. The trip is not arduous but it is at an altitude you will probably not be accustomed to.

There will be no more than twelve people in the group plus at times our guide and myself.

For cash it's best to bring US Dollars. In the towns and cities such as Lima and Cusco, some stores, restarants etc take credit cards. A few of the banks in the larger towns and villages also have cash dispensers taking most of the International Plastic Cards.

Dollars can be exchanged for local Peruvian Sols using accredited money changers. Which in my experience are cheaper and more reliable than the banks!

Any age from 18 years and upwards.

A reasonable base fitness, mobility and flexibilty is required, that and having no need for specialist medical requirements.

The weather in the Andes is moderate to cool. In July it can be 18 to 22 degrees centigrade during the day and 4 or 6 at night. Warm during the day and cool in the evenings. It can be fresh and showery and changeable. Light clothing during the day with something warm to hand like a sports jacket and the likes of a light waterproof poncho or jacket for the showers. The evenings can require another layer such as a warm jersey under a jacket. (Read more in the clothing FAQ above).

No mosquito problems in this part of Peru and no concerns with wild animals either.

There are a lot of Internet cafes in Cusco and some in Pisac, (as in most towns and villages). Not very fast connections but adequate for emailing. There are also a few photo/media shops in Cusco which can save your camera images to DVD as a backup or to free up your camera storage if required. I've always found them competent, dependable and good value.

Mobile phone connection is OK in Cusco and patchy outside of this. Connection with home is best by Skype in one of the Internet cafes. Like most countries the locals also use the internet so you should have no problems.

There are a good selection of shops and galleries in Cusco along with interesting coffee shops for hanging out and bringing your journal up to date!. The best bargains can be at the local markets in the likes of Pisac where you can get good prices by honing your negotiating skills.

There will be space built into the itinerary to allow you time to explore Cusco and some of the market towns on your own.