Pre-trip Accommodation & Airport Transfers
We provide a free service for booking pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers can be reserved for your arrival into Lima.  Just log in to your account on our website & select the accommodation / transfer required, or you can contact us direct.   We will require your flight number, arrival time, and arrival date so please ensure this is done ASAP after you have booked your flights and at least 6 weeks prior to your departure date as these services are subject to availability.  All prices listed for pre / post trip accommodation & airport transfers are approximate.  If you are arriving early in the morning and you would like to check in immediately, you may have to reserve your room for the previous night to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times.

Pre-trip Accommodation
Double, twin, and triple rooms will be provided subject to availability where requested. However when not available we may need to book other rooming arrangements, and will fit these as closely as possible to your request. Those travelling solo will be put in shared rooms to reduce the costs to them, which may be dorm rooms or twin/ triple shares with other Oasis Overland travellers. Single rooms may be available in some cities for solo travellers, and we will arrange this for you on request, subject to availability. If you are flying in early morning and you would like to check in straight away your room may have to be reserved from the night before to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times.

Post-trip Accommodation & Airport Transfers can be arranged with your tour leader during the trip or directly with the hotel. The return airport transfer is not included and is at your own expense.

You need to arrive at your departure city at least the day before your trip begins.  Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end.  You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities.

For those booking their flights from the UK, the best is an 'open jaw' or 'multi-city' type ticket which allows you to fly into one destination and out of another.  Try airlines such as Iberia, American Airlines, KLM, British Airways and Qantas.  It is easy to find prices for flights online, through various search engines (www.opodo.co.uk or www.ebookers.co.uk are but two) and direct with airline websites. But it is worth bearing in mind that you may well be able to find a cheaper fare through a travel agent, who's experience may help with complicated itineraries and many of whom offer airline insolvency cover in the cost.  Busy months (and more expensive) are Feb / Mar, Jul / Aug and Dec, you should book as early as possible, if you are flying over these times.

One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips - we recommend that you contact us at the time of paying your balance. We will supply you with a letter confirming that you are travelling overland on the specified trip that you have booked, in case immigration or the airline queries the fact that you do not have a return flight ticket. It is also recommended that you have a copy of your payment confirmation / receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) and itinerary as further proof of booking.

The information below is to be used only as a guide & may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant  Embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements.

Passports
Please bring 2 photocopies of your passport details to give to your tour leader. You will need at least 1 blank page per country in your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from your departure date. If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport for the entire trip.  It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant Visas you require.

Visas

* =    We recommend obtaining this visa before travel.  Price varies.

On arrival to countries in South America, you will be given an 'Immigration card'.  It is important that you keep this with your passport during your entire stay in the particular country as it is needed for departure.  Failure to produce this immigration slip can result in a fine.

For more Visa information please visit www.projectvisa.com

Updated USA visa information in effect as of 12 January 2009. The US government has announced that as of 12 Jan 09 a new online system known as Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) that is part of the visa waiver programme (VWP) will become mandatory. To apply for authorization to travel to or via the US (even on transit) under the VWP, travellers will have to log on to the ESTA web based system and complete an application online providing biographical & eligibility information. In most cases, ESTA will provide an almost immediate determination of eligibility to travel under the VWP.

If your country does not appear on the Visa Waiver Program list below, you will need to apply for a visa to the US before flying out to join your tour. More information can be found at: Foreign & Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk; U.S State Department travel advice: www.travel.state.gov or www.usembassy.org.uk

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are; United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

If your nationality does not participate in the VWP, check the US State Dept website for your visa requirements and how to apply. Failure to determine your eligibility for travel under the Visa Waiver Program or to apply for a visa to travel to the US will result in you being denied by airlines and or the US government to travel to or via the United States.

Vaccinations and Health
As we are not medically trained - we are unable to advise on vaccination requirements, so please use this information and chart only as a guide.  Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice on any medical issues. We suggest allowing 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations. For more information visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or www.nomadtravel.co.uk  Oasis travellers receive a 10% discount on vaccinations, medical kits, clothing and camping equipment from the Nomad Travel Clinic - you will receive your discount code on your booking receipt.

There are other vaccines not listed here which are sometimes recommended - please see a registered GP or Travel Health clinic for further advice. (Cholera , Diphtheria (all countries advise) , Hep B, Rabies ) etc.

KEY:
Y    = Advised
Y*  = Advised if visiting Jungle (but medical advice varies - please consult your travel clinic or GP)

Yellow Fever
Being vaccinated against Yellow Fever and having a valid certificate and a photocopy is deemed compulsory in some countries we visit, especially at certain borders and are needed if you are entering from an infected country.

Rabies
Vaccinations are regularly advised for all countries that we travel through in Africa - especially if time and money are not a deterrent.

Malaria
In some of the areas we visit there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria prophylactics you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers.  Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them.   Your crew will advise on where the worst affected areas are on the trip. There are a number of prophylactic malaria treatments on the market & requirements change.  It is also wise to take a sample of whichever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave.  This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change the regimen if necessary. www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Medical advice should be taken particularly if you are visiting the jungle in either Ecuador or Peru, the Brazilian Pantanal or Iguazu Falls in either Argentina or Brazil as part of your trip.

Altitude sickness
This is caused by thin air and can affect anyone arriving at high altitude (above 3000 metres). The symptoms are headaches, dizziness, shortage of breath and possibly nausea. To avoid this or alleviate the symptoms rest for a few hours, and avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, large meals, and take it easy for at least 24 hours and drink plenty of water.
As we are travelling mostly by land (as opposed to flying into a high altitude location) we should acclimatise gradually, and so avoid 'soroche', mountain sickness.

Dengue
Unlike the malaria mosquito, which bites at night, the dengue carrying mosquito bites during the day. Some areas we travel to do have occasional outbreaks & it is therefore advised that you take care not to be bitten during the day as well as at night.  There is no vaccine available.

Health
To join our trips you should be in good general health.  Your medical insurance co' must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition / allergy or if you are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. Our crew will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have. For general health advice log onto www.nathnac.org/travel/

It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis Trip & at the very least are insured for all necessary medical & repatriation costs incurred overseas with a minimum sum insured of £500,000.

Your Tour Leader will ask to see a copy of your insurance policy at the pre-departure meeting and you will be asked to provide the following details: 24-hour emergency medical telephone number, your policy number, confirmation that the policy duration is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of your trip.  It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.

We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip.

For further information on the insurance we offer, the activities covered, costs and how to book - click here or check out the Insurance section of our website.

Local Payment (LP)
LP is part of your overall trip payment and is the most cost effective and practical way to get hard currency to South America to pay for a variety of your day-to-day local costs which cannot be pre-paid from the UK. It is a guaranteed amount, set before your trip departs, and unlike 'group kitty' systems we will not ask you to contribute more once the trip is underway.

Please note: Your LP is payable to your Tour Leader on the morning of departure in US$ Dollars CASH ONLY. Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks. Do not bring all of your Local Payment in US$100 notes and please make sure that they are post 1996 and not of a serial number starting with CB.

Spending Money
From past trips and traveller feedback US$200 per week should cover costs such as visas, most meals, soft drinks and beers, email & communications, souvenirs and other general spending. Personal spending habits & budgets differ greatly from person to person. Budget on optional activities separately (see optional excursions page) & allow extra for your Local Payment contribution. There is mostly a departure tax payable in the airport, so allow up to US$60 for this (figure includes internal and international flights).

Changing money
Change your money only at banks, hotels, airports or forex bureau's.  It is illegal to change money on the street, as these people will normally be opportunistic thieves or undercover police. Your crew will advise you where & when you can change money & with what means.  It is also a good idea to have a small CASH emergency fund, to allow for the unexpected.

How to bring your currency?
As a general rule it is best to bring your money as 2/3rds US$ cash & 1/3rd in US$ or £GB Travellers Cheques (TC's). Euros are also becoming more widely accepted.  US dollars dated pre-1996, old, marked or damaged notes and serial numbers starting CB are not accepted in South America, so please ensure your notes are dated 1997 onward & Scottish pounds are also not accepted.  It can be difficult using US$100 bills so if possible, bring US$50 bills or lower.

Visas need to be paid for in US$ CASH ONLY!

Travellers Cheques (TC's) - as well as debit / credit cards can attract 2 to 8 % commission. The use of TC's overseas can be frustrating but at the same time worthwhile as they can be replaced in an incidence of loss or theft.  

Credit & Debit Cards - a combination of several types are suggested as not all types are accepted in all places. Visa & Maestro are best, MasterCard has limited access through parts of Peru & Bolivia. Over the counter cash advances can be expensive, time consuming and should not be relied upon - you will be given local currency and NOT US$ or £GB. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. Please see the optional excursions page for activities that can be paid for using a Credit or Debit Card.

ATM's - Some smaller towns may not have ATM's, but large cities generally do have. www.visa.com or www.mastercard.com can give a general idea of locations of ATM's around the world - but please do not rely on this means alone to obtain local cash, please only use as a guide - things change, and ATM's don't always work!
Besides memorising your PIN, it is also important to be aware of your daily withdrawal limit and bank withdrawal costs.

Tipping is often expected and relied upon. It is often more than a reward for services well done, but, as wages are extremely low, it is an accepted means of supplementing an income. If you would like to leave a tip for any activity/individual, you could organize this as a group and give a tip at the end. A recommended amount for restaurants is usually 10% of your total bill and similar for activities.  Some countries also charge an extra Government tax.  Your Tour Leader will usually be able to help you with any queries regarding this. 
In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Oasis Crew.  Our guys work very hard at making your trip a great travel experience. Working overseas can often be challenging and they are pretty much on call for you 24 hours a day, so it's appreciated with a thank you for hard work and good service - even if it is just verbally. Although a tip is not expected by either Oasis or our Crew if you have had a great trip and feel you would like to show your appreciation by leaving your crew a tip - an amount of $1 a day  has been recommended to us by some past customer feedback.

Please be aware that tipping and the amount you tip is entirely up to you individually and always your choice.

Stuff to buy
South America is famous for many great items from wooden carvings, woven and knitted items such as hats and gloves and ponchos. There are also great opportunities to purchase jewellery, leather wear through to woollen items in most of the countries we travel through.  It is possible to post things home from several of the major cities we visit.

As an Oasis traveller you can get a 10% discount at Tatoo Outdoor Gear Shops in Quito, Lima, La Paz & Santiago (cash sales only) on production of your oasis Overland booking confirmation receipt. www.tatoo.ws (Their website is in Spanish, but it gives some idea of the items available - please note, not all items stocked in all stores)

Become part of the "Souvenir Alert " Campaign - and think before you buy.  Check that your purchased goods are not breaking the law and endangering wildlife, or your souvenirs may be confiscated by customs on your return. www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth/CITES/

You will experience a varying degree of climatic changes at any time of year, from freezing temperatures (down to as cold as minus -15°C) in the Andes, to scorching heat in the desert and heavy downpours in the jungle (up to as hot and humid as 47°C and 90% humidity).

The rains in the Andes usually occur between November and April.  This means downpours once or twice a day with the rest of the day usually warm and sunny, although there will also be times where it may not rain at all for a week or so.  April to October is the dry season with clear views of the mountains.  It is hot during the day but extremely cold at night with temperatures often well below zero.  You will be spending a lot of time at altitude where nights can be very cold at any time of year.

The deserts in Chile can also be cold during the night but can be very hot during the day particularly between October and May.  The Amazon Jungle is very hot with high humidity plus regular downpours of rain usually year-round. Click here to view the climate chart.

The less you take the less you have to pack, wash & lug home & you can always pick up extras along the way. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much gear.  Clothes washing or laundry facilities will be available at least once a week.  You will be travelling in the heat & camping in the cold, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best. Pack according to season: use the climate guide above (remember, nights are cold in deserts and the mountains).  Make sure that you bring your gear in a 70 - 90 L rucksack or holdall - suitcases are not suitable.

Even though our trucks are equipped with a comprehensive medical kit, we advise you to bring a small personal medical kit as our truck kit is not for general everyday use. It will also be your responsibility to carry your kit on included excursions and optional activities as some local operators may not have medical kits to hand.

Cameras (incl. Digital & Video Cameras)
An easy to use 'point and press' will get you some good photos. For memorable shots, it may be worthwhile investing in an SLR camera, but be sure to get some practice in before the trip!  Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download onto CD/ internet sites - but don't rely on it.
We recommend you bring:

• Strong bag / carry case to protect the camera - zip lock / plastic bags are useful for dusty / sandy conditions

• Spare / extra batteries

• Polarizing Filter / Lens Hood for SLR's - this will help to minimise the washed out effect from very brought sunlight

• Film - this is getting harder to find and may well be out of date or expensive

• Memory / Storage media (2 x memory cards in case one gets corrupted) - again this could be hard to find

• USB cable - to connect in internet cafes or for downloading

We can recommend Clock Tower Cameras for second hand cameras and lenses. Contact Paul or Eddy on 01273 706010 or visit their website: www.clocktowercameras.co.uk

Photography no no's!!
It is forbidden in all the countries we visit to take photos of anything military.  Bridges, border posts and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film / camera confiscated by irate officials. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people (especially in areas of poverty) - if in doubt it is always better to ask first before you snap away!

Electrical charging & power supply
It may be difficult to find a power source for charging at times, so a spare battery is a must.
Consider a 12V in-car charger (our vehicles are equipped with a couple of 12 volt cigarette lighter charger sockets - truck trips only) or bring along your 230v mains charger and travel adaptor plug for use at some of the hotels, hostels and campsites we stay at.

NOTE: 12V - 230V inverters cannot be used on our vehicles because of the power drain they cause.

Log onto www.kropla.com  for information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.

As an Oasis Overland traveller you will receive a 25% discount off Lonely Planet & Footprints guides, which give concise information on all countries, to help make sure you don't miss out on stuff you want see! 
Maps - Bartholomew's, Geo Center and National Geographic have good detailed maps of the areas we travel through.

Oasis Tour Leader
We have one Tour Leader on this tour whose duties are extensive & quite demanding. From organising accommodation, meals, travel arrangements, pre-booking some excursions and guides, to finding the best deals, socializing & making sure all runs as smoothly as possible. While your leader is experienced and knowledgeable about the regions that we travel through they are not tour guides as such. The diversity and extent of the history and cultures in this region is vast.  In most historical areas we visit there are trained guides, who offer their services; they have spent many years, and have vast experience at particular sites.

Accommodation
We use a mixture of hotels and guesthouses along the way using shared rooms (between 2 people of the same sex from your trip) unless you are a couple or you have requested a specific type of room.  It must be remembered that the Hotels we use are an integral part of Peru & Bolivia and can suffer from common problems that can affect all levels of hotels such as, electrical failure, plumbing faults and other technical difficulties and hot water may occasionally be temperamental if a lot of people are using the showers at the same time. This is a possibility throughout all classes of hotels

During the four days Inca Trail hike we camp. Tents are provided and sleeping bags can be hired (see Inca Trail section for more information on the various hikes).

Meals
All breakfasts are included whilst on tour plus all meals on the Inca Trek and your Lake Titicaca overnight stay (19 Day Peru Encompassed and 21 day Peru and Bolivia Explorer trip only). We find that most people appreciate sampling the culinary tastes of South America and class this as one of their favourite pastimes. This is why we don't include every meal - allowing each person the chance to try out some of the local cuisine from markets, restaurants & cafes. At times your Tour Leader may organize a group meal - which is another good way to sample some of the local and international delicacies.

Vegetarians / Vegans - Our Tour Leader will always do their best to cater for Vegetarians, Vegans or any other dietary requirements whenever possible, but it must be remembered that the variety of dishes available may not be the same as available to meat eaters. If there is anything in particular you require or would miss from home, it would be best to bring it with you.

Remember that when eating out in local restaurants & hotels that the vegetarian concept, while often not new, is still alien & often incomprehensible to many local people and you will often be offered fish or chicken in error.  Most large towns and cities, or areas used to tourists, will often have more choice for vegetarians but please be aware that you will not receive the variety or quantity of dishes available to meat eaters.

Transport
We use a mixture of public buses and trains and we also take several internal flights between cities allowing you more time to explore.

The most reliable way to receive messages from friends and family is via email.  This is quite common place in many areas that we visit, but the efficiency or speed of connection is never a guarantee!  You will usually be able to email once a week or so on average, depending on which countries you visit.   Telephone calls can be expensive, and the cheapest option is to buy a phone card for each country you visit. Internet access costs around US$1 to US$2 per half hour.  There is also the opportunity to use Skype in some areas.

Language
Spanish is spoken widely in South America, apart from Brazil which is Portuguese.  You will find that trying to learn a few words and pleasantries will add tremendously to your enjoyment of the trip and your interaction with the local people.  It may even be worth thinking about arriving early and joining one of our Spanish Schools (see our website Add On section).

All major cities have their share of petty crime (just like our cities!) and sensible precautions need to be taken.  Wearing expensive looking jewellery / watches and carrying cameras, will draw unnecessary attention to yourself.  Leave valuables such as passports, excess money etc in your hotel safe / safety deposit box (we recommend carrying a copy of your passport details page at all times). You may find a simple money belt is more discrete than a bag.  Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common sense. At night in cities it's best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets, single women in particular need to be careful & we would suggest that it is better to be in a group.

Oasis does not take responsibility for client's personal items and we advise you to not take items of value that are not essential for the journey.

Before you go

• Remove unnecessary packaging before you go - waste disposal facilities are often stretched in the places we visit. To avoid unnecessary pollution of local water supplies take environmentally friendly toiletries with you.

• Why not invest in a wind-up or solar-powered torch or media player before you travel or at least rechargeable batteries.

• Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history / culture before you go. You'll get so much more out of your trip.

• Why not pack some pens / pencils exercise books in your rucksack and they can be donated to a local school or project while you're away.

• Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your trip.

While you're travelling
From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and a manageable environmental policy which all of our crew practice on the trips we operate, and they will share this information with you at the start of your trip. We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.

• Don't waste water. It is a scarce resource in many of the places our trips visit.

• Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact of it being illegal it also encourages the trade to continue.

• Look after and preserve the areas we visit. Be careful about stepping on coral reefs or trekking on undesignated tracks.

• Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy.

• Don't feel when bargaining that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you.

• Try the local food and drinks - this will help to support local farmers and food sellers. Sitting in a local cafe is also a great way to meet local people.

• Dispose of litter appropriately on your trip. This includes cigarette butts. Not only does litter look unsightly it can be lethal to wildlife.

• Where any toilet facilities exist, however unsavoury they might seem to you, they should be used. Where they do not, always bury your waste and amke sure it is never near, (at least 30m) from a water source.

• When game viewing do not encourage your guides to get too close to the wildlife so that their natural behaviour is impeded.

• Respect local customs, traditions and beliefs of the people in the different regions that you travel through.

• Do not take photos of people, ritual events or special places unless you have asked first. Dress appropriately according to local codes and show respect around religious festivals.

• Recycling is almost non-existent in many of the ares and countries we visit - we do the best we can with limited resources & space on our vehicles.

• For books dedicated to travelling more responsibly & ethically see: www.tourismconcern.org.uk

Community Projects
Oasis are active in raising awareness and providing support to a number of projects and local schools where we believe we can make a positive difference. You can also help support these projects or possibly visit them on your trip. To gain further information check out the websites below:

Cuzco, Peru - Oasis are helping with a monthly financial donation to Pachamama's Children, a new project to help restore a school and bring back education to the children of the Chinchasuyo community, near Cuzco. This is the area in which many of the guides and partners on the Inca Trail live.

The Inca Trail
We INCLUDE the cost of trekking to Machu Picchu in ALL our trips that visit Peru.

We offer 3 routes - Classic, Lares, and Salkantay - (subject to season and availability), all accompanied by knowledgeable guides and porters.

Our first choice trek is the Classic trail. As availability is limited we will move quickly after booking to obtain you a permit where possible. When the Classic trail is not available, we will arrange the Lares trail at no extra charge (subject to minimum 2 people). If you wish to trek either the Lares or Salkantay by choice, you must let us know at the time of booking, and an additional fee may be payable. All of the treks visit Machu Picchu for the day. For more information more about the treks including maps please click here for more information on three routes and treks:
Classic      Lares     Salkantay

Train Only
For those who don't fancy trekking at all, there is the option of taking the train to Aguas Calientes, staying overnight in a simple hotel, and heading up to nearby Machu Picchu the next day. This option gives you an extra two nights in Cusco, where we will provide accommodation.

Detailed Itinerary

Please note that our itineraries are not set in stone and can be subject to change.

Day 1

The capital of Peru, Lima is a city of contrasts. Here you'll encounter both abundant wealth and grinding poverty, modern skyscrapers next to some of the finest museums and historical monuments in Latin America. You will have a free day to explore its many museums, markets and colonial plazas.

Day 2

Our first stop, south of Lima, on the Peru overland travel adventure is at the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve. Here we take a boat trip to view one of the most important marine reserves in the world with the highest concentration of rare and exotic sea birds and sea mammals. (breakfast)

Day 3

An hours drive inland in the heart of the Ica Desert is Peru's main wine centre. Here we visit the Tacama winery, originally a Jesuit run Bodega it now produces export quality wines as well as Peru's national drink, Pisco. After our own tasting session we continue a few kilometres to the nearby Oasis of Huacachina. A palm fringed lake surrounded by impressive sand dunes, you can relax on the beach, go for a swim & then if its an adrenaline rush you're after head out with your Tour Leader on a custom made dune buggy & roar across the desert sands to the top of enormous dunes & then sand board down them - imagine snowboarding but on sand instead! Tonight, after an unforgettable desert sunset, we sit around the campfire while our guides cook up a storm, followed by a night sleeping out under the stars. (breakfast)

Day 4

Travel to Peru is not complete without a trip to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries - the Nazca Lines. Only discovered 80 years ago from the air, these huge figures carved into the desert floor are best viewed by light aircraft. Thought to have been made by three different civilisations going back more than 2000 years, there are many contrasting theories about what they signify and why they are there, it is worthwhile asking local opinion - you may well be surprised with the replies, this will undoubtedly be one of the best experiences on your Peru travel adventure! Also memorable is a visit to Chauchilla Cemetery with its well-preserved mummies. Leaving the Atacama Desert we begin to climb into the Andes mountain range towards Arequipa. (breakfast)

Days 5 to 8

Four days are dedicated to exploring this beautiful colonial city and the spectacular surrounding area. Continuing as always with our theme of adventure travel, Peru offers many options to go white water rafting, cycling, trekking, horse riding as well as a visit to the Colca Canyon, which at 900m is not only one of the deepest in the world but also the home of the majestic Condors. Here you can view the condors circling lazily in the thermals rising from the canyon floor. (breakfast x 4)

Days 9 to 10

A short flight over the dramatic Andes Mountains takes us to Cuzco, the outdoors capital of Peru and our base for the next 7 days. A mecca for adventure travel, Peru's famous Inca Trail begins near this city. Although Cuzco is today a colonial city most of its churches and museums are built on top of original Inca stonewalls which are clearly visible. You have the option of doing a day tour of the beautiful Urubamba or Sacred Valley of the Incas where you'll find temples, terraces, local communities and markets before returning to Cuzco for a good night's sleep before your Inca Trail! (breakfast x 1)

Days 11 to 14

We head out early from Cuzco to the Urubamba Valley from where we begin our 4 day hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This moderate to strenuous hike is a once in a lifetime experience and anyone with a good level of fitness can master it. A stunning combination of awesome views, Inca ruins, magnificent mountains and exotic adventure. There are also alternatives to this trek available, for when the Classic Trail is unavailable, or by your choice. Please see the section on Inca Trails for details, and ensure that you contact Oasis at the time of booking to arrange any alternatives.  Our route back to Cuzco for all options is by train. (3 meals each day)

Day 15

Today you will board the plane to Lima where the trip ends on arrival.
Should you like to stay in Lima any extra nights, please let us know and we can arrange accommodation for you. (breakfast)

* Wine Harvest Festival in Ica
** Festival in Inti Raymi in Cuzco