Eco Trek Peru
The tour operators at Eco Trek Peru aim to help hikers combine exercise, sightseeing and nature preservation. Participants can hike by active volcanoes, canyons and hot springs, visit Machu Picchu, Cusco or the Amazon, with its pink dolphins, monkeys, butterflies and other exotic animals. Among the tours offered is the seven-day Apu Auzangate Circuit, where participants hike through mountains, Andean villages and beside turquoise lakes. The tour requires a minimum of four people; lodging (igloo-style tents) and most meals are included. Hikers are encouraged to bring a rain jacket, sturdy footwear, insect repellent, camera, sun block, water bottle and money for souvenirs, some food and driver/guide tips. All Eco Trek Peru guides hold Wilderness First Aid certification.
Eco Trek Peru
Carmen Alto 246, San Blas
Cusco, Peru
011 +51-84-247286
ecotrekperu.com
Wasai
The Wasai tour group offers a five-day, four-night Wild Tambopata Candamo Expedition, specializing in nature and bird ecotourism. The trip begins in Puerto Maldonado, where hikers trek four hours along the Tambopata River into the Tambopata Reserve Zone rain forest. Along the tour, hikers can observe a parrot clay lick, swim at a waterfall and hike through Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, home to capybara, caiman, howler monkeys, jaguars and other animals. Water craft enthusiasts can paddle out on Lake Sandoval to look for otters and rare birds. Wasai's tour price includes most meals, transportation (except flight), rubber boots and a bilingual guide. Participants will pay out-of-pocket for park entrance fees, tips, alcohol, extra adventure activities and any laundry charges.
Wasai
Calle Las Higueras 257
La Molina, Peru
011 +511-436-8792
wasai.com
GreenTracks
Hikers interested in exploring Peru's Inca Trail can sign up for one of GreenTrack's guided tours of the area. Tour participants hike to ruins, such as Inti Punco, Phuyupatamarca, Llactapata, Runkurakay and Winay Wayna. The tour price includes all meals, a bilingual guide, tents, camping gear, cooking supplies and pack animals. Hikers can rent sleeping backs and day packs from GreenTracks. The company also offers tours of other areas. Hikes last from two to five days; groups are small, and individualized treks are available. GreenTracks recommends travelers bring high-altitude medication and antibiotics, plus sunblock, comfortable hiking boots and personal identification. The Inca Trail Authority requires all guests on the Inca Trail to acquire a permit; your passport number must match your permit.
GreenTracks
416 County Road 501, PMB 131
Bayfield, Colo. 81122
800-892-1035
greentracks.com
Article Written By Filonia LeChat
Fionia LeChat is a technical writer whose major skill sets include the MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher), Photoshop, Paint, desktop publishing, design and graphics. LeChat has a Master of Science in technical writing, a Master of Arts in public relations and communications and a Bachelor of Arts in writing/English.
