Orientation: Peru is located on the central west coast of South America. Its neighboring countries are: Ecuador and Colombia to the N; Chile to the S; Brazil and Bolivia to the E; and the Pacific Ocean to the W. It is the third largest country in South America, with a surface area of 1 285 215,6 km2 (larger than France, Spain, and Germany combined) distributed approximately in the following manner: 12% coastal territory, 28% Andean highlands and 60% Amazon jungle. Its capital, Lima, is located in the coastal area, where the country's greatest economic activities take place.

Time Zone: Peruvian time is five hours past Greenwich Mean Time and is similar to Eastern Standard Time in the United States (except when the U.S. goes on daylight savings time from April to October). In reference to other cities, when it is noon in Peru, it is: Santiago de Chile and Caracas 13:00 Rio de Janeiro 14:00 New York 12:00 Tokyo 03:00

Weather :Peru's climate may be divided into two: The Western Andes and the Desert Coast. On the Coast, it does not rain and the temperature is warm trough the year. On the other hand, in the Andes, there are two seasons: Rainy and dry. As Cusco is situated in the Eastern Andes its rainy season is between October and May.

The rest of the year, it is dry: Rainy time, starting in October/ November has its own maximum in January, continuing until March/ April. In some years, it has meant landslides, floods, etc.

In High altitude cities, it is cold in the evenings but sunny and warm in the mornings. It is even possible to wear t-shirts, but when the sun sets it gets really chilly so please bring a warm sweater (or buy an alpaca one in Cusco) and a good jacket.

Altitude :

Lima: Sea level, 54 m / 177 ft (a.s.l) (above sea level)

Cusco: 3,360 m / 11, 028 ft (a.s.l)

Machu Picchu: 2,400 m / 7,875 ft (a.s.l)

Urubamba Valley: 2,850 m / 9,348 ft (a.s.l)

Water

Tap water in most of Peru is potable, but the chemical content varies from place to

place. To avoid problems, we recommend you to always drink bottled water.

Visas

All travelling passengers should refer to their closest Peruvian Embassy to check which visas are required, although current visa requirements may be subject to change at any time.

Language

The official languages of Peru are Spanish, spoken by 73% of the population, and

Quechua spoken by 24% of Peruvians. English is widely spoken in hotels and shops.

Currency

Peru's official currency is the Nuevo sol ; its symbol is S/. The denominations in circulation are bills of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles; coins of 1, 2, and 5 nuevos soles; and coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 céntimos of a nuevo sol. US$ are widely accepted. At the moment, US$ 1.00 is worth around 3.20 Nuevos Soles.

Tipping

Whilst tipping is a personal matter, we are happy to give some guidelines: Most restaurants add a 10% tip. The total tip should be about 15%.Doorkeepers should be tipped 1 US$ per bag. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.

Photography: If you are taking photographs of local people, always ask their permission beforehand. Your guide can assist you in this. Do not take photographs of military installations or airports. Film is readily available in all tourist areas. It is advisable to carry your camera in a dust-proof bag. Photography or camera fees are applicable at most sights and museums; your guide can give you details of the latest charges.

Electricity: Peru's electrical current is 220 volts AC 60 cycles. However, special travel adapters can be purchased to enable all normal plugs to fit all mains sockets.

Vaccinations: Full details of the latest health requirements should be obtained from an authorized medical source, such as your doctor and/or HBS Health Services (ask for Sharon Follayttar). There are no mandatory health requirements for Peru. Because you are visiting Andean areas, don't forget to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Be sure to try hot tea or infusion of coca leaves on your arrival in the altitude; during your first day move slowly and eat lightly.

Peruvian Gastronomy

Peruvian cuisine is highly varied and spicy. Some of our typical dishes are: "cebiche" (raw fish marinated in lemon juice), "aji de gallina" (de-boned chicken cooked in a milk and aji sauce), and "anticuchos" (shish kebabs of beef heart and meat), apart from the typical dishes from each region. Be sure to try "Pisco Sour", Peru's typical mixed drink prepared with pisco, lemon, egg white and sugar.

PACKING LIST

Travel Documents: .. Valid passport and photocopy of passport. I20 for international students.

.. Airline tickets and participant’s info package

.. Cash (minimum $300), credit card (visa is recommended)

Hiking Gear:

.. 1 medium sized duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase that will be transported from camp to camp. Optional small zipper lock and baggage tag.

.. 1 medium sized backpack ~45 – 50 liters (~2,500-3,000 in3). Large enough to carry

your water, camera, first aid kit, lunch pack, snacks, fleece, jacket and waterproof

pants. Larger rucksacks are fine.

.. Rain cover for back pack.

.. Water bottles or hydration packs [2 x 2lt recommended]. Nalgene or camelpack type.

.. Light weight rain poncho (with hump for backpack)

.. Waterproof & breathable shell (jacket) - Gore-Tex if you have one but other

waterproof materials type Hyvent should suffice.

.. 1 / 2 pairs of hiking shorts

.. 1 / 2 pairs of hiking pants

.. 2 synthetic wicking T-shirts (e.g. Capilene). Avoid cotton for hiking. Ideally bring 2

short-sleeved and 1 long-sleeved.

.. 1 light weight fleece

.. 1 mid weight fleece

.. Sun Hat / Cap with brim

.. Small head lamp or flashlight with spare batteries and extra light bulb (for non-LEDmodels)

.. Sunglasses, with a securing strap/string

.. Light gloves e.g. fleece or windstopper

.. Hat or fleece balaclava

.. Pocket knife/tool.

Footwear :

.. Semi-stiff waterproof (type Goretex) multi-day trekking boots.

Make sure that your boots are well broken in before you arrive. Otherwise your

feet will pay the price. We cannot emphasize this enough. Non-broken-in boots

undoubtedly will cause chafing and blisters.

.. Shoes for overnight camps - i.e. sneakers or Tevas.

.. 3 / 4 pairs of mid-weight hiking socks

.. Liner socks (if you are used to wearing them, otherwise not necessary)

Casual wear:

.. Bathing suit (for lodges and hotel)

.. Clothing and shoes for restaurants

Note: Dress in general is very casual unless you want to eat in one of the more expensive

restaurants in Lima for example, in which case a tie and/or jacket will be required and smarter ladies' wear. Due to the altitude, it is important to remember whatever the season, to take some warmer woolens for the nighttimes drop in temperature.

Personal Items:

.. Spare contact lenses or prescription glasses. Make sure you have glasses along if you regularly wear contact lens.

.. Biodegradable soap/shampoo, wet wipes, tooth brush, tooth paste, etc.

.. Light towel

.. Sun screen min. SPF 30 and lip balm

.. Freezer Ziploc bags, to protect camera, binoculars, etc. from dust.

.. Toilet paper. Bring 2-3 rolls along and always have one in your day pack.

.. Energy bars, or chocolate bars, dry fruit or sweets

.. Powdered sports drinks (e.g. Isostar or Gatorade) to remove taste from treated water and improve hydration.

Personal First Aid Kit:

.. Aspirin / Tylenol / Ibuprofen

.. Diarrhea (Imodium)

.. Antibiotic (Cipro) (consult your physician - prescription required)

.. Gastrointestinal medication (Pepto Bismol)

.. Diamox (not necessary, a question of personal choice. Check with your physician -prescription required)

.. Band aids, sterile gauze pads, porous adhesive tape, bandages, blister pads (Moleskin

or similar)

.. Flu and cold medication, throat lozenges and nasal decongestant

.. Insect repellent

.. Instant hand sanitizer

Optional Items:

.. Camera, Film/Memory cards, batteries. The batteries and possibly the cameras will not work well in the very low temperatures. Keep them close to your body to keep them warm.

.. 1 pair adjustable trekking poles

.. 1 pair of rain pants

.. Fleece bottoms

. Small binoculars

.. Small notebook (like Moleskin) & pencil

.. Money pouch (with drawstring to hang over your neck)

.. Altimeter, or watch with altimeter function

.. Hiking gaiters (ankle high)

.. Plug adapter and current converter. Peru's electrical current is 220 volts AC 60 cycles. However, special travel adapters can be purchased to enable all normal plugs to fit all mains sockets.

.. Spanish phrasebook

Additional Thoughts:

.. Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medication in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.

.. Be kind to your feet! If you plan on purchasing new boots do so ahead of time and allow yourself time to break them in. A very good way to minimize the risk of blisters is to wear a thin liner sock under your regular thicker hiking socks. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip. (Note: This is not absolutely necessary. Try on your boots with one regular pair of hiking socks.)

.. Cotton is wonderful in warm weather, but once it becomes wet it drains your body heat. Plan on bringing at least one synthetic shirt that maintains its warmth when wet. Suggestions are Capilene, MTS and Thermax. .. Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Plastic bags are also helpful to separate clean and dirty clothing.

.. If you normally wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses in case of irritation from dust in your eyes.

GENERAL INFORMATION.

History : Although most people associate the history of Peru with the epicenter of the powerful Inca Empire, Peru’s earliest civilizations thrived long before the emergence of the Inca.

The earliest architecture found in Peru dates back to same time as the construction of the pyramids in Egypt. The first civilizations were coastal fisherman who moved inland starting around 1800 B.C., constructing irrigation canals that allowed them to diversify their crops. Large settlements developed in the Casma Valley to the north of Lima, of which remnants still exist today, such as the stone monoliths of Sechín. At the same time, settlements were farming in the highlands, whose people used domesticated llamas, still the pack animal of Peru, to carry potatoes and grains down to the coastal area to trade. These highland tradesmen then carried back not only fish and other goods, but also the already established religion of the people they traded with. It was also around this time that the Peruvian delicacy cuy (guinea pig) was domesticated, and when the techniques that still characterize the iconographic weaving of the Peruvians today were developed. The Nazca and Moche tribes followed in the area south of Trujillo, leaving behind the Temple of the Sun and Moon, and other groups rose to prominence in succession—Wari, Chimu, Chachapoyas. Skip ahead hundreds of years and jump to the central highlands, where in the early 15th century a small tribe under the rule of emperor Pachacutec begins its meteoric rise to become the great Inca Empire. In only 50 years the Inca created an empire stretching from Colombia to Chile, absorbing or destroying all the other tribes that stood in its way and advancing in leaps and bounds by taking on the technologies and knowledge practiced by the people who joined them—everything from architecture and irrigation to healing and working with gold. By the time the Spanish arrived, the city of Cusco was already well developed as the center of the vast empire. The common language was Quechua, which is still spoken today from Ecuador to Bolivia.

The colonization period of Peruvian history is marked by the development of the mining industry to take advantage of the country’s mineral wealth, worked largely by the native Inca population. Catholic movements in the 17th century, hoping to convert the native people, only served to entrench native spiritual beliefs, providing a thin Christian veneer that allowed native religions to live on. In the late 18th century, the indigenous people of Peru started to rebel, leading to some reforms as well as growing demand for independence from Spain. With the help of foreigner and independence fighter José San Martín, independence was declared in the capitol city of Lima on July 28, 1821, and labor and land reforms were put in motion.

But Peru was not ready for self-rule. From 1826 to 1865, it saw 35 presidents come and go, each one leaving behind a country ruled only by chaos and poverty. In 1830 a new source of revenue was discovered—the bat excretion guano, highly coveted in Europe as a fertilizer—that brought large amounts of money to Peru, but its benefit was overshadowed by the horrible conditions workers went through to obtain it, often at the cost of their lives. To add insult to injury, in 1879 Chile declared war on Peru and Bolivia over disputed land rich in mineral deposits. Unprepared to fight, both Peru and Bolivia were forced to cede the land (called the Tarapanca) to Chile, ending the War of the Pacific in 1883. It would be nice to say that Peru finally left all these troubles behind as it moved into the 20th century. Unfortunately its economic and political struggles persist. The population increased dramatically without a concurrent increase in employment. It wasn’t until a military revolution in 1968, followed by another blow to the economy during the subsequent military rule, that democracy finally replaced the long-standing oligarchic system of government. Democratic elections in 1985 and 1990 reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to democracy, despite lacking the tools necessary to create an effective government. These days a lack of jobs, paired with an extremely harsh climate, has driven many people into cities that simply do not have resources for them all. The few groups of Amerindians who have remained in the Amazonian jungle never know when a land developer will come barreling into their home to destroy their way of life. But even with this sometimes sad history, Peru can boast a proud people of incredible strength and a gorgeous landscape that Peru itself—and the rest of the world—should never give up on.

Tradition: Life in Peru is harsh, and the dearth of modern resources available to a large part of the population means that ancient ways of life are maintained, perhaps more out of necessity than nostalgia. Brightly colored clothes woven using Pre-Inca techniques and the Inca practice of dividing labor amongst large family groups (called allyu) are still very visible aspects of the agricultural life of the highlands.

In the jungle, over 50 distinct linguistic groups still exist, some spoken by as yet untouched tribes. But when it comes time to party, tradition reveals itself to be thoroughly linked with modern times. A fermented drink made from corn, called chicha, is still consumed in mass quantities during ancient ritual celebrations. A semi-Catholic holiday, celebrating the Lord of the Earthquakes, takes palace on Easter Monday and is unique to the city of Cusco. The day is spent celebrating a portrait of Christ that people say saved the city from an earthquake in 1650. The ñucchu, a flower whose red color now symbolizes the blood of Christ, was once given as an offering to ancient gods; its major role in the festivities is a great example of how European iconography has allowed the pre-Columbian rites of the people to live on under a guise of Christianity.

This same part of the year also brings the wine festival in Ica, a four hour drive south of Lima, complete with parades, a Queen of the Wine, and of course, gallons of the many varieties that Peru has coaxed out of its desert landscape. This, along with the Pachacámac h orse festival in Lima, provides visitors with the chance to see European culture in Peru outside of its colonial architecture. around Easter. Gifts are given to the spirits of Peru’s ancestors in Cusco every August, a traditional offering to an earth goddess that has outlasted the centuries. July is livened up around the country by Independence Day,and how can having Christmas in the summer not be fun?

Climate : Although Peru spans a number of different environments, from Amazonian forests to a desert coastline, its defining geographical feature has to be the powerful and obtrusive Andes mountain range. Although its highlands make up only a quarter of Peru’s land area, it is home to over half of the population (seemingly the better choice between that or untamed tropical jungle). Though proud of thei r marvelous landscape, the people of Peru are nevertheless faced with a harsh climate and a rather large obstacle around which to distribute their scant resources. Most visitors to Peru are heading to Machu Picchu, a trek that could involve considerable time outdoors (depending on your adventure level). So keep in mind that the rainy season in the Sierra lasts from October to May. Most places in the highlands don’t see much snow, but the best time to visit and enjoy clear views of the mountains you flew all that way to see is between May and September. other months in between—but August is considered the most severe month). The jungle is of course hot and humid all the time. So if your trip runs the gamut of Peru’s starkly contrasted climates, be prepared to pack smart and wear layers (and see the Further

Readings section for more information on how to travel Peru the right way)

Arts & Cuisine: When you think of the highlands, you can’t avoid the image of a traditionally dressed native highlander draped in a hand-woven cloth in bright, bright primary colors. When you live that high up, quality weaving is a necessity. But the Peruvians have turned necessity into an art form.

Also not to be overlooked are the country’s unique musical traditions. The folk music that entered the world stage during the 1960s had existed in Peru for centuries and possessed special significance in an entirely oral culture (the Quechua language of the Inca had no system of writing). Songs capturing the every day life of its people— herding, harvesting, returning from war— are all played on traditional Peruvian instruments like the bass-heavy Andean harp. Accompanying this musical tradition is a fierce love of dance among the native people, an environment that proved the perfect match for the criolla (Creole) and African musical influences that newcomers to Peru The cuisine of Peru is itself an artistic melding of a variety of diverse cultures. Guinea pig and ají chile are the highland’s contributions to national cuisine, with the jungle serving up manioc and fried bananas, and the coast bringing in chupe de camarones (shrimp soup) and ceviche (raw seafood marinated in citrus and peppers). Add in some Spanish, Arabic, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences, and you’ve got yourself a world cuisine. So be brave and grab a fork, but before you dig in, take a moment to give without which our lives would just little less rich. Provecho!

Further Readings: Insight Guides: Peru, published in 2005 by Apa Publications. Cut Stones and Crossroads by Ronald Wright, published in 1984 by Viking Press. The Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming, published in 18983 by Penguin. Rainforests: A Guide to Tourist and Research Facilities at Selected Tropical Forest Sites by James L. Castner, published by Feline Press.

Faces of Latin America by Duncan Green, published by Monthly Review Press, 1997.

Areas of Interest:

Lima: search of the history and culture of the country. So much so, in fact, that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just like, it seems, most of the rest of the country. In its pre-Hispanic past the home of the god Pachacamac along the river Rimac, as well as an ancient administrative center, Lima was ”founded“ in 1535 by Peru’s conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who named it the City of the Kings. Architectural highlights of the city include its main cathedral and the church and convent of San Francisco, considered to be one of the greatest achievements in Latin American architecture. Its European influences are felt not only in the imported tiles but in its spooky catacombs as well. You can also tour the mansions of Lima’s former rich and famous, including one built over the temple of an Inca chief. And if you are looking for Peruvian nightlife, look no further. The bars, clubs, and casinos of the bohemian Barranco district may get a bit rowdy at night, so non-thrill seekers can head to San Isidro or Miraflores, hopefully catching a performance of Afroperuvian music and dancing amid the many entertainment options.

Cusco: Much, much more than the gateway city to Machu Picchu (another of Peru’s UNESCO World Heritage sites), this former capitol of the Inca Empire is a rewarding stop for anyone visiting Peru. It is a city called the archeological capitol of Peru and the Americas, filled with pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial gems, including the famous Temple of the Sun. Originally built in the shape of a puma, the city retains its pre-Columbian traditions with events like the Festival of the Sun (June 24).

Machu Picchu: Ok, there are no hotels in Machu Picchu. And you’re not going to find that quaint little Peruvian lunch spot to go home and tell your friends about. But it has got to be the coolest darn city you’ll see in Peru, if not everywhere else you have ever been. A skilled guide will give you as much commentary as you can handle—we’re just covering the basics here. Discovered July 24, 1911 by Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu is considered one of the best architectural monuments in the world, and remains a mystery to this day. No one knows what it was used for, though theories range from a new expansion for the urban center of Cusco to a monastery—that’s marvel number one. It was built in the Andes at an elevation of 2,400 meters above sea level. And did we mention the fact that it sits on the peak of a mountain on a thin strip of land that drops off into a 400-meter cliff? As if all that isn’t enough, there is the mathematical perfection and breath-taking beauty of the buildings themselves. Although the purpose behind the site is not known, we do know a bit about how it was used. The site is divided into an agricultural and an urban sector, with terraces for farming and streets and canals for whoever it was that lived there.

Now Machu Picchu is spectacular and stunning on its own, but travelers have the option of upping the ante even more by trekking to the site along the ancient Inca Trail, part of a huge highway system that once led people from across the continent to the capitol of the Inca Empire. You can do it at your pace and according to your specifications, witnessing the variety of environments and wildlife living among ruins never even discovered by the Spanish during their colonization of Peru. Challenge yourself, have fun, and see Machu Picchu the way it was truly meant to be seen.

Arequipa: Close to Peru’s southern border with Bolivia, the city of Arequipa began as a stop on a cargo route and has become one of the most prosperous cities in the country. A well- educated city offering museums, monasteries, and mansions all revealing the riches of its citizens, Arequipa is also the country’s second largest city and the closest urban center to the Cañon del Colca, home to the majestic condor and said to be deeper than the Grand Canyon, and Lake Titicaca, the highest (navigable) lake in the world.

Today, Puno is an important agricultural and livestock region; particularly of South American camelids (llamas and alpacas) which graze on its immense plateaus and plains. Many homes in Puno, much like surrounding cities, are half-finished. This is done so that the inhabitants do not have to pay taxes. Much of the city economy relies on the black market, fueled by cheap goods smuggled in from Bolivia. Puno has been designated to become a Special Economic Zone or "Zona Económica" by Peru's president, Alan Garcia. Puno is served by the Inca Manco Capac International Airport in nearby Juliaca.

Puno is situated between the shores of Lake Titicaca and the mountains surrounding the city. There is less than 2 miles distance of flat land between the shores and the foothills, which has caused the growing city to continue to expand upwards onto the hillsides. As a result, the town's less developed and poorest areas, which are high on the hillsides, often have very steep streets, which are generally not paved and cannot be accessed by automobile.

Up one of these streets is the Kuntur Wasi viewpoint, which has a huge metal sculpture of a condor. There are some 700 steps to climb to reach the sculpture but the view across the city and Lake Titicaca beyond is breathtaking.

Puno: is known as the "Capital folklórica del Perú" (folkloric capital of Peru) due to its wealth of artistic and cultural expressions, particularly dance. They are most notable during the celebrations of the Feast of the "Virgen de la Candelaria" and the Regional Competition of Autochthonous Dances. Puno's access to Lake Titicaca is surrounded by 41 floating islands. To this day, the Uros people maintain and live on these man-made islands, depending on the lake for their survival, and are a large tourist destination.

Puno is the first major hub in the constant migration of indigenous peoples of the Andes to the larger cities of Peru. It is the largest city in the Southern Altiplano and is the recipient of new residents from surrounding smaller agricultural communities of poorer class of people seeking better opportunities for education and employment. As such, Puno is served by several small Institutes of Technology, Education and other technical or junior college-type facilities. Additionally it is home to what is commonly referred to as the "UNA" or the Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, which was founded in 1856.

The lake is located at the northern end of the endorheic Altiplano basin high in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia. The western part of the lake lies within the Puno Region of Peru, and the eastern side is located in the Bolivian La Paz Department.

Map of Lake TiticacaThe lake is composed of two nearly separate sub-basins that are connected by the Strait of Tiquina which is 800 m (2,620 ftacross at the narrowest point. The larger sub-basin, Lago Grande (also called Lago Chucuito) has a mean depth of 135 m and a maximum depth of 284 m The smaller sub-basin, Wiñaymarka (also called Lago Pequeño, "little lake") has a mean depth of 9 m and a maximum depth of 40 m . The overall average depth of the lake is 107 m

Lake Titicaca is fed by rainfall and meltwater from glaciers on the sierras that abut the Altiplano. Five major river systems feed into Lake Titicaca—in order of their relative flow volumes these are: Ramis, Coata, Ilave, Huancané, and Suchez. More than 20 other smaller streams empty into Titicaca, and the lake has 41 islands, some of which are densely populated.

Having only a single season of free circulation, the lake is monomictic, and water passes through Lago Huiñaimarca and flows out the single outlet at the Rio Desaguadero, which then flows south through Bolivia to Lake Poopó. This only accounts for about 10% of the lake's water balance. Evapotranspiration, caused by strong winds and intense sunlight at altitude, balances the remaining 90% of the water input. It is nearly a closed lake.

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