Peru Trek - June 2007 - The Ultimate Netwalk

Some useful information about the adventure (information is subject to alteration and updating):

The route outlined in the itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, permits and the overall fitness of the group. However, the structure of the event will remain the same. The 'contribution' project is also subject to change in the case that there is a change in priority of needs between now and the time of our adventure.

Dates of Training Walks:

Tony Burgess and David Hyner will be doing some training walks between now and June 2007 and anyone who is booked onto 'Peru Trek 2007 - The Ultimate Netwalk' is welcome to come along and join in.

Dates for training walks are as follows:

Feb 11th                Malvern Hills, Worcestershire

March 18th           Clent Hills, West Midlands

April 15th              Shropshire Hills

May 20th              Mount Snowdon?

June - The Trek!!!

To find out details about the specific meeting points and times of any of these walks, please call David during the week before the specified date of each walk and he will give you details. David can be contacted on +44 (0)7958 523 539

Fees:
The total fee to take part in this adventure is £3000

We require an initial registration fee of £500 when you apply to join the trip.

Of this sum, £375.00 will be a deposit to Stretch Development Ltd and Academy of High Achievers Ltd as promoters and organisers of the event and £125.00 will be paid as a deposit to Across The Divide Ltd in respect of your flight. We act as agents for Across The Divide Ltd and we shall issue an ATOL receipt (ATOL NUMBER 6475) for this part of your payment to confirm that it is protected by Across The Divide Ltd ATOL bond.

A further amount of £2500 will be collected by no later than 10th March 2007.

Of this sum, £628.30 will be paid to Across The Divide Ltd to cover the balance of your flight, £1135.00 will be paid to Across The Divide Ltd to cover ground costs and the remaining £736.70 will go to Stretch Development Ltd and Academy of High Achievers Ltd as payment for promotion, organisation and administration relating to the event (and also contributes to other costs related to the trip).

Of the above figures, the price includes:
Flights, all services; accommodation, transport, food etc in-country
Administration and organisation involved prior to the trip
Day-to-day running of the event
Safety and logistical management
Provision of UK safety staff
Provision of UK medical staff
Organisation of emergency evacuation if necessary
Radio back up and support
Satellite telephone
All safety equipment needed to run the event

The following are not included:
Visas

Personal Travel Insurance

Tips to local staff

Drinks at meals i.e. beer & wine

Items of a personal nature

An evening meal on day 11
Local departure taxes (see further down this page)

Flights:

Stretch Development Ltd and Academy of High Achievers Ltd are Agents for Across The Divide Limited, ATOL Protected 6475. You will be issued ATOL receipts for your flight payments.

Departure from UK will be on the morning of 10th June 2007. Arrival back in UK will be the morning of 23rd June 2007

OUTGOING FLIGHTS:

Depart from 'South Terminal' at Gatwick - Please arrive at the airport by 6:30am on 10th June

NB: Please wait for the whole group to arrive before checking in because we check the whole group's luggage in together as one total luggage capacity.

CO35 10th June 2007 London Gatwick / Houston 09:30 / 13:40 (As in your manual)

CO590 10th June 2007 Houston / Lima 15:40 / 22:20 (Please note this is a slight modification from the times published in your manual)

RETURN FLIGHTS:

CO591 21st June 2007 Lima / Houston 23:30 / 06:04 (arrives 22nd) (Please note this is a slight modification from the times published in your manual)

CO510 22nd June 2007 Houston / Newark 08:40 / 13:24 (Please note this is a slight modification from the times published in your manual)

CO18 22nd June 2007 Newark / London Gatwick 18:50 / 06:55 (arrives 23rd) (Please note this is a slight modification from the times published in your manual)

Continental Airlines can be contacted in the UK on 01293 776 464 and in Lima on 0800 70030.

More airline info can be found at: http://www.continental.com

Check-in time is no later than 3 hours prior to departure.

Your timely arrival at the UK departure airport is your own responsibility. No refunds can be given to any person arriving late and missing the flight.

Local departure taxes are always changing. At time of writing, there is a departure tax of US$28.24 payable for international flights and US$5.00 payable for internal flights (payable for Lima-Cuzco flight). Participants are expected to pay their own local departure taxes in-country.

(We are an Agent for Across The Divide Ltd, ATOL Protected 6475)

Passports

Must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of departure from the UK.

NB: Please see extra info on passports below under the heading 'VISA INFORMATION'

VISA INFORMATION:

British passport holders do not currently require a visa for touristic visits to Peru of less than 90 days.

All non-British passport holders must check with the Peruvian embassy two or three months before departure. For further information see Peruvian Embassy website:
http://www.peruembassy-uk.com

British nationals can travel to the USA for transit purposes without a visa for up to 90 days provided they meet the normal Visa Waiver Program requirements.

These are:
- Individual machine readable passport in good condition (must have 6 months validity)
- A passport is machine-readable when there are two lines of letters, numbers and chevrons printed on the personal information page (the one with the photograph). If there are no lines of text, the passport is not machine readable.
- Passports issued after October 26th 2005 must have a digital photograph. This requirement does not apply to travellers with passport issued prior to October 25th 2005.
- Passports that are issued after October 26th 2006 have to bear an integrated circuit chip containing biometric information. This requirement does not apply to travellers with passports issued prior to October 26th 2006.
- Onward/return tickets on a scheduled flight with one of the major airlines
- Good health (ie; no communicable diseases or mental illnesses)
- Sufficient funds
- No arrests / cautions / convictions
- No violations of the USA Immigration Law (ie: overstaying the 90 day period)

Notes:
- British nationals who are not “British Citizens” need a visa to enter the US at all times.
- If travelling on an “e-ticket” the traveller must carry the full itinerary.
- If the traveller is visiting the USA very frequently on tourism / business it is advisable they obtain a visa to ease Immigration procedures on arrival.
Further details can be found at: http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html

Insurance

Academy of High Achievers Ltd and Stretch Development Ltd hold their own professional and public liability insurance policies for any 'training / development' aspects of the event.

'Across the Divide' (our specialist Travel partner for this event) is fully insured (and very experienced) for such events.

Clients travelling must carry individual travel insurance. 'Across the Divide' (our specialist travel partner for this trip) offers a competitively priced policy that provides the required amount of cover. It is strongly recommended that all clients take out this insurance.

If you have already signed up for this trek, we will send you an insurance application form along with a medical questionnaire soon. Once you recieve these, please fill in and return promptly.

Clients NOT taking out the Across the Divide insurance must supply written proof that they are insured and that their policy provides adequate cover for this type of event. They will NOT be permitted to travel unless adequate proof is produced. Specific wording as to the type of cover required is contained in Section B of Across the Divide Expeditions insurance form. This must include:

• Medical repatriation to the UK
• Mountainside evacuation by helicopter
• Rescue callout initiated by a Satellite Emergency Position Indicating Rescue Beacon (EPIRB)

Across the Divide will pay for medical/emergency services for any participant taking out the company’s insurance policy. These costs will then be reclaimed by the participant and paid back to Across the Divide.

Any participant not taking out an Across the Divide travel insurance policy will be required to give written agreement that they accept full liability for any costs incurred by Across the Divide for medical and/or emergency services (including telephone calls/hotels etc) on their behalf. A copy of a policy is not sufficient.

Click here for a Summary of Insurance cover provided if you decide to take out Across the Divide travel insurance (recommended).

A full policy document will be sent on receipt of the correct premium. If any participant is not fully satisfied the policy can be returned within 7 days and a full refund will be given.

Weather

Peru's climate varies widely, ranging from tropical in the lowlands to near- arctic in the highest mountains of the Andes.

As we climb to higher altitudes, the air temperature can drop quite dramatically – particularly at night. With clear skies during the day, the suns’ heat can burn very quickly, but clouds and rain can sweep in swiftly, reducing the temperature considerably.

When climbing to Macchu Picchu, we may encounter any number of conditions – from strong sun, to rain and even possibly hail. You should be prepared for all eventualities.

The average temperatures for the month of June are: Min 1°c and max 21°c (min and max recorded tempertaures in June are -5°c and +25°c respectively).

The average number of hours of sunlight in June is 8.

Average rain for June is 5mm

Average number of wet days in June is 2

(Data based on Cuzco - BBC weather)

So be prepared !

Terrain

On any one day the terrain is as varied as the weather. We will trek from fertile fields of the sacred valley through scrub to high mountain pastures. We will see cacti and orchids. Ascents and descents on occasions will be steep and exposed, but all the trails are safe. They are checked and maintained by local staff prior to and during the trek.

The interest is sustained throughout the trip. The views of the sacred valley and the Andes are astounding. Acclimatisation is crucial to the success of the trek. Consequently, the first couple of days will be quite short and taken slowly.

There are a number of steep climbs and descents. There are some narrow paths passing along a ridge with some very dramatic views. Other tracks run through the valley, following the river and facing towards a spectacular mountain peak.

Horses will be available for Clients to use if they are struggling with altitude sickness, or are unable to continue walking due to fatigue.

Food and water

Food served in camp is of a high standard, and will comprise fresh fruit and vegetables, soups and pastas . Breakfast and evening meals will be served in camp. Lunches will either be provided as a packed lunch in the morning, to be carried by Clients, or will be served at the lunch stop by our local team.

Vegetarians are adequately catered for. Participants with special dietary requirements should advise us at least one month prior to departure, and will need to bring additional personal supplies with them from the UK.

The water provided on the trip needs to be purified/sterilised before it can be drunk. All participants will be expected to bring sufficient water purification solution/tablets (iodine is strongly recommended) for the entire trip. As a guide, bring enough to purify 30 litres of water.

Alcohol

To ensure the health and safety of participants, there will be no alcoholic beverages available on this trek. It is not advisable to drink alcohol whilst at altitude. A bar will be available (at participants own expense) during the gala evening at the end of the trek.

Personal security

Participants should always carry their valuables on their person and keep them out of sight. Individuals should not walk around displaying expensive jewellery and personal belongings. Extra vigilance should be exercised when leaving shops or banks. It is also advisable to walk around in pairs while in towns and cities.

Local time

Local time in Peru is GMT -5 hrs

Travel agreement

Academy of High Achievers Ltd and Stretch Development Ltd will promote this event and co-ordinate UK aspects of the lead-up to the event and will also facilitate any personal development and/or networking themes during the trek itself. We of course have had significant input on the nature of the actual trek that we will be enjoying,firstly through our careful choice of specialist tour operator as our partner 'on the ground' in Peru and also through our close ongoing discussions we are having with them to ensure that this is an incredible 'one-off' bespoke adventure.

For the travel and 'on the ground' operations for this adventure, your agreement will be with our experienced specialist tour operator partner for this event - ATD (Across The Divide).

Their expert guides will manage the group on a day to day basis and your contract will be with them for all activities based in Peru.

(We are an Agent for Across The Divide Ltd, ATOL Protected 6475)

Money / Cash £ $

The local currency is the Peruvian Nuevos Soles (PEN).

Current exchange rate (March 2006) GB£1 = 5.75 PEN = 1.73 US$

Clients are recommended to take US dollars or traveller’s cheques. Business establishments accept all major credit cards of current international use. Participants will not need much local currency until the end of the trek.

Spending money and shopping: As a rough guide, depending upon your retail therapy needs, £200 to £400 (or US$300 to $600) should be sufficient.

There will be very little opportunity to spend money while on the trek itself. There are plenty of opporunities to buy souvenirs during your stay in Cuzco. The best, and cheapest, place to shop for souvenirs, and pretty much anything else in Peru, is in the myriad street markets which can be found absolutely everywhere.

You will need to purchase an evening meal on day 11 in Cuzco

Local departure taxes are always changing. At time of writing, there is a departure tax of US$28.24 payable for international flights and US$5.00 payable for internal flights (payable for Lima-Cuzco flight). Participants are expected to pay their own local departure taxes in-country. So as a rough guide, you will need between $25-40 for departure taxes on departure.

Tipping/gratuities

Staff employed as porters, camp staff and guides generally come from Peru. Their employment provides a very welcome source of income. However, they are by no means wealthy people and any additional income is well received. Across the Divide (our specialist travel partners for this adventure) also provides local staff with a guaranteed tip – unusual amongst most tour operators. If clients wish to tip the local staff, we suggest £20 (or local equivalent) per participant as a guideline. To avoid any favouritism/jealousy, we ask that all tips are pooled and divided equally amongst ALL local staff by the local agent.

Photography

Brings lots of film and/or memory cards and a spare battery. A polarising filter, if you have a camera capable of taking filters, can give very pleasing results.

Some authorities strictly forbid taking pictures of the military, bridges, police and airports, for example. It is advisable to check with local staff before taking pictures in such situations.

It is normally alright to take pictures of local people, although you should always ask their permission, particularly when taking close-ups. Staff will happily advise of any restrictions relating to photography on arrival in Peru.

Local law and customs

While in a foreign country, a UK citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the UK and may not afford the protections available to the individual under UK law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the UK for similar offences. Persons violating Peruvian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.

Peruvian law strictly prohibits the export of antiques and artefacts from pre-colonial civilizations. Travellers buying art should be aware that unscrupulous traders may try to sell them articles that cannot be exported from Peru. Peruvian customs authorities may seize such articles and the traveller may be subject to criminal penalties. Travellers who purchase reproductions of colonial or pre-colonial art should buy only from reputable dealers and should insist upon documentation from Peru's National Institute of Culture (INC) showing that the object is a reproduction and may be exported. Peruvian customs authorities may retain articles lacking such documentation and forward them to INC for evaluation. If found to be reproductions, the objects eventually may be returned to the purchaser, but storage and shipping charges must be paid for.

Begging

We try to discourage the giving of gifts in an unstructured manner, as this leads to local people viewing groups as source of presents. This can spoil the genuine nature of their welcome. The areas in which we will be trekking are by no means well off in any material sense and giving presents, such as pens and pencils, is very much welcomed, especially by local school children.

The method that we would encourage you to adopt is to give gifts through the local guide. They will ensure that they are distributed to the local community in a manner sensitive to the local conditions, generally direct to a local schoolteacher or a responsible adult.

Fitness / walking pace

Each day will comprise about eight hours of activity.

The fitter (stamina is essential) you are, the more you will enjoy the event.

It is not a race. We will walk to the pace of the slowest member – not the fastest.

We will trek in groups where you can chose your own ideal pace.

Your pace and indeed, your walking ability (when in altitude) may be determined by the environment rather than your fitness.

(David Hyner says:) I have seen overweight people trek without problem and also seen very fit people having to get onto a horse due to the altitude.

Altitudes above 2500 meters are classed, as being at high altitude and the effects of lowered oxygen levels will be felt by numerous participants. Across the Divide (our specialist travel partner for this adventure) provides full medical back up in terms of a British qualified doctor equipped with a full high altitude medical kit and oxygen.  See Further down this page for info about training yourself for this Trek.

Camps and Accommodation

The accommodation during this trek will be all camping except for the first night (usually spent in Lima before catching the connecting flight to Cuzco the next morning) and the last two nights (gala night spent at Aguas Calientes after returning from Macchu Picchu, the final night spent in Cuzco). The campsites are of very good quality and have also been chosen for their spectacular location.

Camps during the trek will comprise two-person tents with a central area for cooking eating area. There will be no showers and limited washing facilities during the trekking days (bowls of hot water are provided for washing). Toilets will generally be the long-drop variety constructed at each campsite. There may be some flushing toilets available, but should not be expected!

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, walking days should finish by 1730hrs. At 1830hrs a staff meeting takes place, where trek leaders, staff, local guides and camp logistics’ manager discuss the day’s trek and the logistics of the following day. At around 1900hrs the whole group is briefed on the following day’s activity/trek; dinner follows at 1930hrs.

Kit Advice
Choosing the right kit can not only ensure you are happy and comfortable, but can also help you to avoid getting injuries or soreness.

Clothing and accessories
When training or packing for the trek consider the loose-layered look. Clothing can be removed as needed, and put back on as you rest, or as the temperature drops. Loose clothing that permits free airflow is good. Consider synthetic-blend materials that wick away moisture and dry quickly when the weather is hot.

Rain gear should be breathable, waterproof and lightweight. There are a number of manufacturers that produce garments that meet all of these criteria. For wet weather protection look for articles that have sealed seams to prevent leakage. Examine wrist and ankle closures to make sure they are durable.

KIT SPECIFIC TO THE PROJECT
All tools needed for the project will be provided, participants are asked to bring a pair of tight fitting leather work gloves or similar.

Sunscreen
You must protect your skin, especially in higher altitudes. Sun damage can be painful and long-lasting, so purchase a waterproof, sweat-proof sunscreen with a high SPF number. Always wear a sun hat.

Shopping for footwear

In every sport, having and using the right equipment adds to the enjoyment of the activity - long-distance walking is no exception. Your feet consist of 26 bones, 56 ligaments and 38 muscles - an engineering wonder that will operate best when encased in a shoe that allows them the freedom to do what they do best, i.e. support, balance and carry your entire body.

Go to an outdoor equipment store and ask them to suggest options that match your particular needs. There is no need to buy a boot suitable for Everest if a lightweight pair of desert boots is the most suitable and economical. Of course, your choice will depend on your budget, but remember that boots are one of your most crucial pieces of equipment.

There should be at least a thumbnail’s distance between the end of the boot and your toe. Your heel should not slip upwards in and out of the shoe when you lift it up. Avoid shoes that have too many layers, straps, etc., as most of the time they do little else but add weight.

Shoes often come in different widths. Choose the one that is best for your foot. Some shoes contain a built-up arch support, an extra feature that is not needed by everyone.

It is best to shop for shoes in the afternoon. Your feet can swell by up to half a size over the course of the day. Make sure that you try the shoes on with the type of sock that you will be using when you are walking. Lace the shoes evenly and snugly. You should try to get the feel of the shoe under similar conditions to the ones you will be walking in. If possible, road test the shoes on a hard surface, not on the store’s carpet. Take about 15 steps at a good pace, travelling back and forth, twist your ankles left and right to make sure the heel support does not dig into your ankle too much. Notice how your foot feels and try several different models for the sake of comparison.

Socks
Next to your shoes, socks are an often neglected but nonetheless essential piece of equipment. Ill-fitting socks can cause serious blisters.

There are many different types of socks available. We would recommend, however, that you avoid tube or one-size-fits-all socks. Many walkers opt for cotton socks, but cotton easily absorbs moisture and can lose its shape. That said, if you have trained with cotton socks over long distances and had no problems, then stick with what you have. Alternatives to cotton are cotton/synthetic blends, which can help to wick away moisture – the benefit being dry feet and the maintenance of sock shape as you walk.

Feet can sweat up to a cup of water a day. If you can avoid it, never wear socks more than twice without washing them. During your training, and the trek itself, your feet are likely to perspire more than normal. On the trek, we recommend that you bring sufficient socks to be able to wear a clean pair every day. When on the trek itself, make sure that you remove any dirt or sand from your feet during lunch/drink stops. Dry, air and massage your feet to keep them comfortable and, if necessary, put on a new, dry pair of socks for the afternoon.

Kit list

Equipment provided by local operators:
Tents and core camping set-up.
Sleeping mats are provided by the local agent. Participants may bring their own for extra comfort if they wish.
All catering requirements will be taken care of by local operators.

Personal Kit to be brought by participant:
During the trek personal kit in your main holdall will be limited to 15kg per person.

Main bag:

Please note - a change from the information in your manual is that once you arrive you will be asked to transfer everything from your main bag into a bag provided by Across the Divide (that is particularly suitable for transportation on the trek).

Rucksack or holdall or suitcase, weighing, when full, no more than 15 kg when full. (only 12kg of kit will be transferrable into the kit bags ATD provide for the trek once we get to Peru - the remaining small amount of weight availability is simply for clean clothes for the last night and the journey home - this will be transferred for us separately from the main trek luggage straight to the finishing destination).

Sleeping gear:
• Sleeping bag (2-3 season)   *NB - Recent night time temperature reports would indicate that if you are someone who feels the cold easily it may be worth going for a 4 season sleeping bag instead.
• Sleeping bag liner for extra warmth (very cold nights expected for at least two nights)

Clothing:
a) Project work clothes:
• Light-work clothes including:
        o T-shirts
        o Shorts
        o Trousers
        o Light fleece / long sleeved top
• Hard-wearing work gloves
b) Trek clothing
• Trekking trousers (light weight, fast dry)
• Shorts (preferably long)
• T-shirts (vests not recommended due to potential sun burn)
• Long sleeve tops – to protect you from the sun. (light weight, fast dry are best)
• Good quality lightweight waterproof jacket (made of breathable material and that packs small)
• Waterproof trousers
• Warm top or fleece
• Down jacket or additional fleece – if you feel the cold
• Thermal underwear – if you feel the cold, and for night time
• Hat, gloves and scarf – it really does get cold at night!
• Clothes for gala night (anything clean and fresh will be fine - doesn't need to be smart)
• Well broken in, lightweight boots for trekking
• Socks and underwear
• Bathing suit – may be possibility of relaxing in a hot pool at Aguas Calientes if time permits.
• Sandals or training shoes for comfortable wear

Personal items:
• Toiletries and towel
• Ear plugs
• Camera, lots of film/memory cards and a spare battery
• Two bin liners or rucksack liner
• Padlock or means of securing/locking luggage
• Money belt
• Wet-wipes/baby wipes for washing (we recommend baby wipes – Papmers are good ones)
• Small freezer bags for use as a daily personal rubbish collection
• Optional – walking poles – MUST have plastic caps or will be confiscated on entry to park. Bamboo poles are available to buy quite cheaply in Cuzco.

Day sack - Along with your waterproof clothing and any spare clothing layers for temperature changes, you will carry:
• Platypus/Camelback (recommended) or water bottles - min 2-litre capacity
• Camera and plenty of camera film
• Torch – head torch type is ideal + spare batteries
• Toilet paper and safety matches or lighter
• Sun hat
• Sun screen- minimum factor 30
• Sun glasses
• Insect repellent
• Lip salve with sun block
• Small waterproof bag containing; passport, airline ticket, credit cards and money
• Personal First aid kit (see below)

Personal First Aid Kit:
• Painkillers
• Imodium or Lomita for diarrhoea
• Antihistamine tablets and cream
• Antiseptic wipes
• Plasters
• Gauze pads
• Crepe bandage
• Zinc oxide tape (or Leucotape which is much better)
• Moleskin and/or 'Compeed' for blister treatment
• Dehydration mix such as Dioralyte
• Small tub of Vaseline
• Tweezers (not in hand luggage on flight)
• Scissors (not in hand luggage on flight)
• Safety pins (not in hand luggage on flight)
• Water purification tablets (iodine) enough for 30 litres
• Alcohol hand gel

(For all tablets follow advice given on packet and keep instructions with the tablets)

Most large pharmacies such as 'Boots' will stock First Aid materials, Sun Screen, Water purification chemicals, insect repellent.

Here are some places where you can buy boots, waterproofs, sleeping bags, clothing etc:

http://www.blacks.co.uk

http://www.millets.co.uk

http://www.gaynors.co.uk

http://www.snowandrock.com - currently has a sale on!

One of your fellow trekkers, Andy Fairweather, sells quality outdoor wear that is great for a trek like this one - Do take a look at this attachment and contact Andy directly to make a purchase: 0870 141 7270 or by email

We suggest that you travel in clothes that you would like to trek in, including your boots.

By travelling in your boots you are cutting weight of your luggage and also if the worst happens and your case goes missing at least you will have one set of trekking clothes and your boots. You may also want to consider having a change of undies and your hat, gloves and waterproof in your hand luggage.

It is advisable that your one piece of hand luggage is the day sack that you will use on the trek (again so that if the worst happens and your main bag goes missing at least you will have a day sack). However, many of the things that you will be carrying daily on the trek are items that will be confiscated if you have them in your hand luggage on the flight (eg any sharps such as tweezers, saftey pins etc mentioned in the kit list above). So please think very carefully as you pack your hand luggage to avoid having kit confiscated.

There are strict rules on what cannot be taken in your hand luggage. Guidance from Gatwick airport's website on packing is reproduced below:

(Gatwick airport guidance) Hand luggage
The following items must not be packed in your hand luggage. They must be placed in your hold baggage. If these items are discovered in your hand luggage they will be confiscated and not returned:

Scissors (except where both blades are round-ended or less than three centimetres).

Razor blades (razors that have the blade set into a plastic moulding are allowed, but razors that can be opened and the razor blade removed are prohibited).

Knives with blades of any length.

Household cutlery (small teaspoons are permitted).

Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons, for which proof will be required).

Tools (including multi-tools and penknives).

Catapults.

Corkscrews.

Walking/hiking poles.

Fireworks.

Toy/replica guns (metal or plastic).

Sporting bats.

Darts.

Billiard, snooker or pool cues.

(Gatwick airport guidance continued) Hand luggage packing tips

Check the weight/size allowance for hand luggage given by your airline – do not exceed this.

For Continental Airlines - the airline that we are trvelling with - the maximum weights as published on their website are: 1 bag of max weight of 40 lbs or 18 kg. However, this weight would make it heavier than your main holdall! We suggest that you keep your hand luggage as small and light as you intend your day sack to be each day on the trek - after all, if your main holdall is at the maximum weight of 15kg then you will be carrying whatever weight is in your hand luggage every day that we are trekking! Across the Divide say that 18kg of hand luggage (which effectively would end up being the weight you would carry in your day sack is far too heavy - even if you have trained in the UK walking with a heavy rucksack, multiple day treks at altitude are a different kind of challenge and there can sometimes be undesirable consequences for the individual, the other trekkers and the packhorses if any individuals are carrying more than they absolutely need to day to day.

One possible way to guage what weight to make your hand luggage for the flight would be to do a 'trial' packing of your day sack as it would be when full of your kit that you will carry each day on the trek (see day sack kit list above). Weigh it. Keep your hand luggage for the flight to roughly the same weight as that.

More airline-specific info can be found at: http://www.continental.com)

Don’t wrap gifts - it is possible that the security teams may wish to view them properly, and will unwrap them.

Keep electronic items to a minimum and please bear with us as we may need to take a little longer to screen these items.

A change of clothes, or at least underwear and a spare shirt can also be appreciated, either at the end of a long-haul flight, or if hold baggage is delayed.

Don’t carry anything on to an aircraft for anyone else.

(Gatwick airport guidance continued) Hold baggage packing tips

Before packing, check locks and zips on suitcases to make sure they are in good working order and that you have the necessary keys.

Don’t overfill your suitcase – it will be more likely to burst in transit.

Pack heavy items, such as shoes and books at the bottom of your case.

Make sure that tubes and bottles of toiletries are properly sealed and inside a suitable bag. It’s worth wrapping toiletry bags in a towel or a plastic bag, so that if there is a leak other items in your suitcase won’t be affected.

Take a tube of laundry handwash liquid so that small items can be washed and re-used for the duration of your stay (or you could go without this completely in Peru and just rinse your clothes - we'll all smell together!)

Plan your wardrobe so that you can mix and match items of clothing, and create different outfits from a smaller number of clothes (not sure this is very applicable to us - fashion will be the least of our priorities!)

In addition, to avoid bags getting jammed on the conveyor belt, please could you ensure the following:

All loose straps are tied up or removed.

All flaps are securely fastened.

Extendable handles are retracted or secured.

Old tags and barcodes are removed.

(Gatwick airport guidance continued) For safety reasons, there are a number of items that cannot be taken onto any aircraft, so please do not pack them in any luggage (hand or hold):

Flammable liquids and solids.

Oxidisers such as bleaching powders.

Organic peroxides.

Tear gas devices or any gas cylinders.

Infectious substances such as live virus materials.

Wet-cell car batteries.

Magnetrons.

Instruments containing mercury.

Instruments containing magnets.

Fireworks.

Non-safety matches.

Fire lighters, lighter fuel, paints, thinners.

Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weedkiller.

Radioactive materials, acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda.

Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper.

Vehicle fuel system components which have contained fuel.

Training programme

Training for the trek ensures you are physically prepared, able to complete the trek safely and will also greatly contribute to your enjoyment of the event.

Don’t forget that, even if you are accustomed to walking, you will probably not be used to walking for up to 8 hours per day on uneven ground - sometimes walking on steep trails or difficult terrain. You should aim to increase your fitness levels to prepare yourself for this type of challenge.

Medical check-up
Before you start on a new training programme, it is always a good idea to consult with your local doctor. You may wish to take our recommended training programme along with you so the doctor knows the level of training you are hoping to carry out.

Getting started
Set aside plenty of time to train for the trek. You should start training at least six months before your departure. Taking a little time to work out your training plan for the coming months will really pay off. It will give you an idea of what you are aiming to achieve and will help to keep you motivated. We have put together a suggested training plan, which you can build upon according to your own expectations.

Stretching
Tight muscles hurt and perform less efficiently. They are more prone to injury. The more you strive to prevent muscle tiredness, the better off you will be. In order to help improve flexibility in your muscles and joints we recommend a thorough warm up prior to walking (in order to warm up for a walk, begin strolling at a more leisurely pace for up to five minutes). Additionally, while walking try to stretch regularly (we recommend five minutes’ stretching for every hour that you walk). Try to make stretching a habit through your training. You will find that it will pay real dividends on your trek.

The guiding principles for stretching are outlined below:

• Always warm up prior to undertaking a long walk - walk slowly for 10 minutes or walk in place for 3 to 5 minutes
• Hold each stretch for 15 to 20 seconds – and never bounce in the stretch
• Achieve your stretching position gently – don’t bounce or jerk
• Only stretch within your limits. If you feel any discomfort, stop
• Breathe slowly and with a normal rhythm

TIP: Include Yoga or Pilates classes in your training strategy – this will help with your flexibility and core stability

Starting your training
Walking is the best way for you to train for a trek. If you are a stranger to exercise, we would recommend that you build up the mileage that you train over slowly. It helps in this instance to think in terms of time, rather than distance; several ten minute walks a day for the first few days should help to break you in. However, regardless of your own personal fitness level, we recommend that you do not increase either the time or distance over which you are training by more than 10-20% a week.

In the months leading up to your trek, you should try to leave whole weekends free for long training walks. Training that you put in walking 15-20 miles in a day, and back-to-back, two-day walks, will pay off in improving your fitness level.

As a guide, we suggest the following six-month training plan for those with a reasonable current level of fitness (able to do at least 15 minutes of moderate exercise comfortably).

Whilst training, use the walking boots that you intend to take with you on the trek. This will help you to get used to them, will break them in and make sure they are comfortable during the trek.

Suggested trekking training programme:

Month 1:

When beginning your training programme, try to build up your fitness levels – don’t try to do too much before you are ready. Aim for three exercise sessions per week, building up to 30 minutes of exercise in each session.
Target = 3 sessions of exercise per week of 30 minutes by the end of month 1

Month 2:

Now you are able to complete 3 sessions of exercise per week, you should look to build this up slightly. Continue your routine of 3 sessions of at least 30 minutes exercise each week, but aim to walk a total of 6 miles each week.
Target = 4-6 miles of walking per week by the end of month 2.

TIP: if you live near hills, use them for your training as much as possible to prepare your muscles for doing lots of upward walking! If you don’t have any hills near you, use the incline setting on a treadmill or visit hilly places for your weekend walks to practice.

Month 3:

Build up your stamina slowly by increasing the length of your walk a little for each session.
Again, try two to three shorter sessions of around 3 miles each during the week, and a longer walk on the weekend to reach the target.
Target = 8-10 miles of walking per week by the end of month 3.

Month 4:

Now you are building up stamina, you should be ready to increase your walking targets.

Target = 10-14 miles of walking per week by the end of month 4.

Month 5:

You will need to increase your walking distance again this month to 10-14 miles per week.

Target = 16-20 miles of walking per week by the end of month 5.

Month 6:

Walk every day for at least one hour*, followed by at least one weekend in the month of back-to-back walking – 5-6 hours on Saturday AND Sunday. On other weekends, walk for four hours on at least one of the days.
Target = 20-25 miles of walking per week by the end of month 6.

* Within your training programme, rest is as important as time spent on your feet. We strongly recommend that you rest on at least one day out of seven. Equally, when training, stick within the limits of speed and distance that are comfortable for you.

Tip: To keep yourself motivated and avoid the boredom of walking alone, why not join a local walkers club or the Ramblers Association. Walking in a group will encourage you to train, and will take you to lots of beautiful places around the UK
http://www.ramblers.org.uk

Other types of training

You may like to consider some of the following activities when putting together your own personal training plan:
Interval training

Distance runners use interval training as a means of improving their endurance levels, and so can you. Alternate between walking briskly for up to a minute, then returning to your original pace for a few minutes.
Aerobic conditioning Most of the aerobic training that you do must be on foot, outside. Training entirely on a treadmill will not adequately prepare you for the conditions that you will encounter on the trek. Your trek will take you up and down hills, in addition to walking on the flat. Do not neglect your hill training (and remember that where there is an uphill, you will generally be rewarded with a downhill section).
Cross-training

Many forms of aerobic exercise can be used to help you train effectively for the trek. Sports such as running, cycling, swimming, canoeing or skiing will all help in a cross-training programme. All use similar muscle groups to those that you will use on your trek, and help to increase your overall levels of stamina.
Weights

You could try improving your strength by adding a weights session to your training programme. Strengthening your leg and buttock muscles using free weights or weight machines will increase your walking power. Walkers also benefit from strengthening other muscle groups, particularly in the abdominal and back region, as well as shoulders, chest and arms.
Chart your progress

Keep a training diary in which you log type of exercise undertaken and your achievements (for example, distance walked, time taken and even how you felt at the end of each session). This will help to keep you focused, honest and allow you to map your progress. This will help maintain motivation by showing you how much you have improved as your programme progresses.

Personal Fitness Trainer:

Consider taking on the services of a personal fitness trainer.

Steve and Marie Halls, based in Staffordshire, are fully qualified Personal Fitness Trainers and they are both going to be joining us on this unique trek in June 2007.

They will be happy to work with you as you prepare for the trek, and if you live outside of the Staffordshire area, you can benefit from an excellent book written by Steve called 'FBI - Fit Body Initiative' available from Bookshaker.com. You can contact Steve and Marie through their website: http://www.stevehalls.co.uk by email: steve@stevehalls.co.uk or by telephone: +44 (0)1785 814998

We can absolutely vouch for their professionalism and the great results that they get with people. Steve is a key part of the Academy of High Achievers team on our residential programmes in the UK. Do at least give them a call and have a chat, even if you live outside of the midlands region you can benefit from asking questions and acting on their advice.

Injury Prevention
Walkers experience one of the lowest incidences of injury among exercisers. Injuries that do occur are often easily prevented - inadequate training and over-training can lead to injury, as can poorly fitting shoes and socks, poor flexibility, inadequate hydration and nutrition. Make sure:

• You warm up before starting to train, and cool down afterwards
• You stop if your body is hurting
• You don’t over train, or try to do too much too soon. Build up gently rather than exhausting yourself.
• You have the right kit – good, comfortable boots and socks

Walking techniques
To ensure that you are comfortable when walking long distances, you must pay attention to your posture and gait. The following tips will help you to walk comfortably and avoid injury:

• Stand tall and keep your head up – keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed and level and stomach muscles tight – pulling them towards your spine
• Take a natural stride length – don’t overstretch yourself
• Touch the ground with your heel first – roll the foot forward – through the arch and over the ball of your foot – to your toes then push off
• Keep your elbows close to your body
• Shorten your stride when walking up hill - your legs, lungs and heart have to work harder to power you up the hill. You should also keep your back straight
• Keep your back straight when walking down hill
• Walk at your own speed – do not feel pressurised to keep up with faster members of the group
Walk correctly, and you’ll step into camp each night on sturdy, albeit tired, legs, ready for another eight to ten hours of walking the following day.
Over training
The warning signs associated with over training include fatigue, low-grade fever, moodiness, irritability, decreased appetite and sex drive and increased resting heart rate. If you feel lousy but still push yourself to the limits to maintain the training schedule that you have set for yourself, you may find that you are doing yourself more harm than good. Take time off. Let your body recover. You will not lose ground. Far from it. You will return to your training with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.

If your training regime does lapse, stay calm! Just pick up from where you left off, or if you have really lost enthusiasm do something else that you enjoy – or drag someone else out walking with you!

Mixing different training adds variety and can help to alleviate the boredom associated with doing the same activity every day. Your body and your mind will stay motivated to train as the time for departure approaches. However, remember - The best training for walking is walking!

Diet
Trekkers need to know how to eat and drink to maintain good walking performance and health. Food and drink are vital elements necessary to power your body when training and during the trek. Eating the wrong food, or drinking too little water, can leave you feeling tired, run down and deflated.

Before you start buying supplements by the caseload you should take a look at your basic diet – every day food has all the nutrients and energy you need for a good balanced diet.

• Carbohydrates are the best source of food for your muscles – eat plenty of pasta, beans rice, whole grains, fruit and vegetables
• Drink plenty of water – to keep your fluid stores topped up after you have been training
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine – they make you dehydrated
• Nibble during long walks – for walks of more than two hours you should try to eat a little as you walk to replenish your muscle glycogen. Try bananas, cereal bars or dried fruit.
• Refuelling after long walks - eat or drink carbohydrate-rich food during the hour (ideally in the 20 minutes) following a long walk to experience the benefits – this is when your muscles are ready and able to be refuelled.

As you increase the distance over which you are training, you will need to ensure that you eat well, both before and after your walks. The latter is particularly important.

A word of warning. Avoid training too soon after eating. Blood will be diverted to your muscles rather than being used for digestion, which is likely to lead to stomach upsets.

Carbohydrates, proteins and fats
Carbohydrates is the main source of energy for your body. Glucose is formed from the breakdown of carbohydrates (sugars and starches) in your diet and is stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver. The body can only store about 90 minutes worth of glycogen in your muscles – so after that they have to find ‘fast’ energy from other sources – this is why we have to keep topping up energy supplies as you go.

Protein is used by your body to repair your muscles. They can also be a good source of vitamins and minerals. Good sources of protein are fish, green leafy vegetables and red meat.

Contrary to popular belief, some fat in your diet can be important to help the body repair itself and store certain vitamins. Fish such as mackerel and herring provide good sources of fat, as are seeds such as sesame and sunflower.

Ideally, your diet should be composed of the following:

60% carbohydrate
20% protein
20% fat

and PLENTY OF WATER!

Hydration
We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to drink water and sports drinks before, during and after your training walks, as well as on the trek itself. Water is needed for your body to produce sweat – to keep your body cool – and to make sure your body is working properly. If you don’t give your body all the water it needs, it stops working very quickly.

Some main points to remember to make sure you are suitably hydrated:

• Don’t wait until you are thirsty or your mouth is dry - by then you are already on your way to dehydration
• Carry the liquid that you plan to drink in a camel back or platypus, not in your hand - uneven distribution of weight will affect your stride and comfort when walking over a long distance
• Sports energy drinks – limit their consumption to 1 litre for every 2 litres of water consumed
• Drink often and little – drink small amounts of water every 15 minutes or so – you should drink at least 1 litre of water per hour whilst walking
• Eat foods containing sodium – this can help your body absorb the water it needs
• Watch out for signs of dehydration – don’t wait until it is too late. See our health section for signs of dehydration.

Vaccinations / Medical:

We suggest that you make an early appointment with your GP to discuss any vaccinations that you may need in advance of the trek. Medical recommendations vary regarding the type and/or number of vaccinations or tablets you need for rural Peru so be sure to check with your doctor.

Travellers should always check for current recommendations with their GP, or at a travel clinic, at least six weeks before travelling.

British Airways Travel Clinics (01276 685 040) are a good source of information and are able to arrange inoculations. Additional information can be found on the following web site www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice

We also recommend that you take a look at http://www.masta.org and pay a small fee for a report of their current advice on vaccinations and medication for rural Peru.

Alternative sources of information include:

Expedition Medicine: www.expeditionmedicine.co.uk

Fit for Life: An excellent source of medical information for the general public with regular updates on vaccinations needed and malaria risk. http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Travel health online: An easy to use site that gives easy to use travel health info. http://www.tripprep.com

World Health Organisation: http://www.who.int/en

Tropical Medical Bureau Ireland: http://www.tmb.ie

The inoculations recommended at present are detailed below:
• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Dangers – risk assessment

Prior to the departure of the trek an experienced member of the expedition team will have carried out a comprehensive site visit to identify any potential risks. The definition of adventurous travel, however, is that there is an element of risk. With adequate planning and preparation, the risks can be identified and the necessary procedures and equipment put in place to minimise any danger. The following have been identified as potential risks to participants for this event:

• A proportion of the group may suffer low to high levels of altitude sickness due to the nature of challenge.
• Sun burn and heat exhaustion are a risk if appropriate precautions are not taken (see health section)
• Participants with horse hair allergies should highlight the allergy with us before commencing the trek.
• Hygiene and water purification must be strictly adhered to

Health advice
All 'Across the Divide' (our specialist travel partner for this trek) staff are first aid qualified and our doctor will be present at all times and available for consultation if required.

Clients will be expected to bring with them their own first aid kit, as it is not possible to carry sufficient basic medical supplies for the whole group. (See kit information further up this page for more detail on First Aid kit contents to carry)

Clients wearing contact lenses may suffer slight irritation from airborne dust in dry conditions. In certain situations, this may result in a low-key infection. Contact lens wearers are advised to bring an adequate supply of eyewash and a pair of spectacles.

Water purification
During the trek clients will be responsible for purifying their own drinking water. This cuts down on the fuel needed to boil water and therefore the amount of local wood and fossil fuels needed to support the trek. As a guide, each client will require approximately 30 litres of purified water on the trip. There are a number of different water purification methods, as described below.

Tablet purification… Comes in three main forms either iodine based (Pota Aqua), chlorine based (Puritabs) or silver based (Micropur). The only preparations that kill guardia are those based on iodine. Clients are advised to check that they only bring iodine-based tablets.

Filters… These are generally a more expensive method for purifying water, although they can be cost effective if you plan to do a lot of wilderness trekking. There are two main types of filter - mechanical and chemical. Although cheaper, mechanical filters are unwieldy and tend not to filter out harmful protozoa and viruses. Chemical filters (Katadyn) claim to filter out both, although the manufacturers’ notes should be closely followed. If a filter is the chosen method of water purification, clients should opt for a chemical version.

Potential health risks during the trek
Our doctors will be on hand throughout the trek to attend to any medical problems. However, there are a number of possible health risks to this event:

Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is the number one medical complaint of travellers in the first 2 weeks away from home. It is prevalent in countries with underdeveloped water purification and sanitation systems AND it is preventable if you are careful and practice good hygiene.
Bacterial infection is only one cause of diarrhoea. Viruses, protozoa, certain medications, food intolerances, allergies are among the myriad other causes of this ailment. This is important to remember, because there is no one pill that takes care of all of them. And if you indiscriminately take antibiotics (which only work on bacteria), you can actually make any of the other causes of diarrhoea even worse by knocking out all of your body's natural "good" bacteria.
The best way to prevent diarrhoea during the trek is to follow the following guides:
• WASH YOUR HANDS after using the toilet and before eating.
• Treat your water with a good filter or by boiling or by using iodine - and don't slip up!
• Avoid un-pasteurized dairy products.
• Avoid drinking products with ice that is made from untreated water.

Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness symptoms may occur at any altitude above 7,000 ft (2000 m). Symptoms vary and may depend upon the altitude reached, the time taken to reach that altitude, the time spent at the altitude, the degree of exertion, and individual susceptibility.

Symptoms of altitude sickness are:
• Headache
• Nausea and appetite loss
• Insomnia
• Giddiness / Dizziness
• Headache that remains after aspirin
• Vomiting
• Difficult breathing at rest
• Abnormal or intense fatigue
• Decreased urination

Altitude sickness can hit you no matter how fit you are. All Across The Divide expeditions are accompanied by a UK doctor with altitude and expedition experience. Our itinerary is designed to allow acclimatisation, but we also recommend the following steps to help avoid altitude sickness:

• Climb slowly – over-exertion will not get you to the top any faster, but it will get you sicker
• Dress warmly - hypothermia will exacerbate the symptoms of altitude sickness
• Avoid alcohol - its effects might be a little more profound at high altitudes
• Stay well hydrated - drink enough to keep your urine clear.

Dehydration
At all times watch out for signs of dehydration. In this respect, fluid output is as important as the input. If you are drinking a great deal but not passing water regularly, you may find you are dehydrated. Look also at the colour of your urine - dark yellow coloured urine is a warning sign that should not be ignored (with the ideal being champagne coloured urine).

Other signs of dehydration are:

• dry or sticky mucus membranes in the mouth
• fatigue
• dizziness or confusion
• decreased urine output /darkening in colour of urine
• heartburn or stomach ache
• recurring or chronic pain
• lower back pain
• headache
• mental irritation or depression
• water retention
• lack of skin elasticity
• sunken eyes

Heat Exhaustion
When the body is unable to cool itself through sweating, serious heat illnesses may occur. The most severe heat-induced illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion are:
• Headaches
• Dizziness or light headedness
• Weakness
• Confusion or inability to think straight
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Fainting or passing out
• Pale, clammy skin

To help avoid heat exhaustion, it is recommended that participants
• Drink plenty of cool water
• Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, such as cotton.
• Take frequent, short breaks in cool, shaded areas to allow the body to cool down.
• Avoid eating large meals when walking in hot environments.
• Avoid alcohol or beverages with caffeine. These make the body lose water and increase the risk for heat illnesses.

Hypothermia
Too much cold is just as dangerous as too much heat, particularly if it leads to hypothermia. Trekking at high altitudes can expose you to rapid temperature changes, and wet and windy conditions – which can cause the body to rapidly lose heat.

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and the core temperature of the body falls. It is surprisingly easy to progress from very cold to dangerously cold due to a combination of wind, wet clothing, fatigue and hunger, even if the air temperature is above freezing.

It is best to dress in layers; silk, wool and some of the new artificial fibres are all good insulating materials. A hat is important, as a lot of heat is lost through the head. A strong, waterproof outer layer is essential, as keeping dry is vital.

Symptoms of hypothermia are:
• Exhaustion
• Numb skin (particularly toes and fingers)
• Shivering
• Slurred speech
• Irrational or violent behaviour
• Lethargy
• Stumbling
• Dizzy spells
• Muscle cramps

Disability or Special Need Statement

Please inform Academy of High Achievers Ltd, Stretch Development Ltd and Across the divide of any help that you may require to meet needs you may have as a result of any physical condition not stated in the health and insurance questionnaire.

Due to the nature of this event and its location, there will be certain conditions that may have limiting resources available in Peru and thus we would be unable to help you with special requests (eg; hearing loops, signing etc).

Please help us to help you by ensuring that you inform us at registration of any such condition or special needs.

Thank you.

Some Useful Contacts:

British Honorary Consul, Cuzco:
Mr Barry Walker
Manu Expeditions
Urbanización Magisterial
G-5 Segunda Etapa, Cusco, Peru
Tel: (+ 51) (84) 23 9974 - 22 6671
Fax: (+ 51) (84) 23 6706
Email: bwalker@terra.com.pe/

British Embassy, Lima:
Torre Parque Mar (Piso 22)
Avenida Jose Larco, 1301
Miraflores, Lima
Tel: (51) (1) 617 3000 Main
(51) (1) 617 3050 Consular/Visa
Fax: (51) (1) 617 3100 Main
Email: consvisa.lima@fco.gov.uk (Consular/Visa)
belima@fco.gov.uk (General)

Peruvian Embassy, London:

52, Sloane Street,

London SW1X 9SP, UK
Tel:        +44 (0) 20 7235 1917

+44 (0)20 7235 2545
Fax:       +44 (0) 20 7235 4463
e-mail: postmaster@peruembassy-uk.com
www.peruembassy-uk.com

Terms and conditions of Academy of High Achievers Ltd and Stretch Development Ltd and also Booking Conditions of Across the Divide Ltd can be viewed by clicking here

We hope this information is helpful.

Please feel happy to send us any other specific questions by email:

Tony Burgess : tburgess@aha-success.com

David Hyner: info@stretchdevelopment.com

Click here for the itinerary for the adventure

Warmest wishes

Tony Burgess                                                                        David Hyner

Director of Academy of High Achievers Ltd                    Director of Stretch Development Ltd

(We are an Agent for Across The Divide Ltd, ATOL Protected 6475)