• > How Strenuous are these Trips?
• > Group Participants and Tour Leader
• > Private Tours and Custom Dates
• > Local Transportation
• > Accommodations
• > Meals
• > Climate
• > Travel Documents
• > Flights
• > Airline Tickets
• > Money
• > Health
• > Luggage & Clothing
• > Resources
• > Communication

How Strenuous are these Trips?

The challenge level of this trip is Moderate. Count on lots of walking. We are in high altitudes and there is steep terrain.

Group Participants and Tour Leader

On PRIVATE TRIPS and GROUP TOURS (for NORTH AMERICAN PARTICIPANTS only), we will use a local guide (or guides). For larger groups, we often bring in one of Djoser’s trained Dutch tour leaders to assist the group. They are very familiar with the area, the local culture and all that the area has to offer in the way of activities and points of interest. Guides function as logistics coordinators, not lecturers. They will organize and accompany many activities and meals, but in keeping with our philosophy of “freedom and choice”, they will also make suggestions so that you can dine and explore, safely on your own.

IN-COUNTRY STAFF
Our land representatives are situated in the destination country you will visit. We work closely with them and they function as our liaison with the guide, drivers and hotels. They are also available in the case of an emergency and their number will be provided on your emergency contact list.

PROBLEMS OR EMERGENCY
While you are away, should you have a problem, you have several points of contact. Your guide, our land representative, and of course, we are just a call or email away at our 24/7 emergency number. We will provide contact numbers for you before you leave. Please distribute this list to family or to your contact person at home. If someone needs to reach you from home due to an emergency, but is having difficulty due to language or bad connections, they can call our office and we will assist in contacting you.

Private Tours and Custom Dates

Local Transportation

Depending on the size of the group (with North Americans, only) or private party, we travel by private car, van, mini-bus or bus. We bridge long distances with planes and trains. When we book night trains, where possible, we travel in the comfortable, sleeper compartments, which offer more privacy and comfort.

Once we make a stop, we explore cities and villages on foot and by using the local modes of transport.

Accommodations

On PRIVATE TRIPS or GROUP TRIPS with NORTH AMERICAN participants, only, we use better 3-star hotels with private baths and air-conditioning where needed. In some destinations, we use a combination of 3-star and 4-star hotels. Breakfasts are included. Hotels are conveniently located and many have a special atmosphere. Some have swimming pools. Most do not have mini-bars, porter service or luxury services found in U.S. hotel chains. On private trips, you do have the option to upgrade lodgings.  Occasionally, we visit remote areas where the choice of lodgings is limited, and accommodations may be more basic.

SINGLE TRAVELERS & ROOMMATES
On most trips, you can request single accommodations for a reasonable charge. If you would like single accommodations, please indicate your preference on your booking form.

On our International Group trips, if you are traveling solo, we will match you with a same-sex roommate. If there is not a roommate available, unless otherwise noted, there is no supplementary charge.  On the private trips or with North American Groups, there is a single charge if we cannot match you with a roommate.

EXTEND YOUR PROGRAM
On most trips you would have the option to extend your stay in the beginning or end of our trip, or at both the front and back. It is always a great idea to be fully rested when you begin your travels. If you are traveling with an international group you will also need to coordinate your flight arrival with the arrival time of the European travelers. Their arrival begins the land program. For many trips the European participants will arrive early in the A.M. In this instance we recommend that you book your flight so that you arrive the day or evening before so that you are sure to begin the trip with the rest of the group. We will reserve the hotel where the group will be staying, subject to availability. Look for extension hotel prices in the price section of our literature.

HOTEL EXTENSIONS (in U.S. Dollars)
On most of your trips you will have the option to extend your land program at the beginning or end of your program.  An extension is recommended for group trips when the European participants are scheduled to arrive early in the morning, so you will be ready to start with the group. 

Meals

With the exception of breakfasts, meals are not included in the cost of the trip. The guide will make nice suggestions for safe, reasonable meals. Be sure to ask for recommendations for some places with a special ambiance or entertainment for special evenings. Peruvian food can be hot and spicy. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits and wonderful seafood dishes. Pisco Sour is a famous local drink made from a strong grape brandy. The local wines and beers are excellent. In the jungle, a cook will prepare food. Although primitively prepared, it is quite tasty!

Climate

The warmest months in Lima, Peru are November to March with pleasant temperatures in the 70s and 80s. June through August lows may dip to the 50s. You can check the weather chart in our website in the Peru section for more details.

Check the following website for a summary of temperature and rainfall in the region during your season of travel:  www.worldweather.org

Travel Documents

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
In our literature, we have indicated when visas are required. But requirements can change so you must also check with the Department of State for the most recent document requirements for travel to your destinations. Be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after departure from your destination. Also make sure there are extra pages in your passport.  When completing VISA applications, be sure to confirm whether you will need a SINGLE or DOUBLE entry tourist visa. We will provide you in-country contact information for your visa application.  The website for the Dept. of State is:  http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.

VISA & PASSPORT EXPEDITOR
If you are in a rush for documents, a passport or visa expediting service can arrange your documents in a couple of weeks or a couple of days. We have used ITS EASY PASSPORT & VISA SERVICES, for years. They have easy to follow process instructions and have always been reliable. ITS EASY will honor a 10% discount off the processing portion of the fee if you let them know you are traveling with us.
Please use the following link for ITS EASY PASSPORT & VISA SERVICE:
http://www.itseasy.com/visa-expediting-services.php

TRAVEL INSURANCE
For piece of mind, we highly recommend that you procure travel insurance.  Make sure that you are covered in the event of illness or injury. If adequate treatment is not readily available in the area, emergency evacuation is often required by private carrier and can be exorbitantly expensive. Also, unforeseen events at home can prevent you from going, such as the illness of an immediate relative. Even things like delayed or missed flights or lost luggage can be costly. You are free to choose your own insurance provider. Over the years, we have recommended TRAVELEX. They offer a variety of plans and most importantly, they are responsive. Should you choose to go with TRAVELEX, you will contact them directly and the cost of your coverage will depend on the plan you choose. The cost will be based over the total cost of your trip and flights, and the amount is also subject to your age. Ask about the TRAVEL PLUS plan and the more economical TRAVEL LITE plan.  Their website is www.travelexinsurance.com and phone number is 1-800-228-9792.  It is important to get travel insurance immediately after booking as most companies have a brief window (10 days from booking) for coverage of pre-existing conditions, for example, coverage of cancellation due to a chronically sick relative.

Flights

BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS FROM/TO THE U.S.

DJOSER PROVIDES THE LAND PROGRAM ONLY.  YOU WILL NEED TO BOOK YOUR OWN FLIGHTS.


USEFUL LINKS FOR BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS
ORBITZ:   http://www.orbitz.com/
EXPEDIA: http://www.expedia.com/

BEFORE YOU FINALIZE YOUR FLIGHT, GET TRIP CONFIRMATION!
Do not book your flight prior to written or e-mail notification from Djoser that the trip is a "go". For instance, group trips must meet the required minimum enrollment. We will notify you of the status of enrollment upon request. Also, on very rare occasions, an unforeseen itinerary or date change can occur.  We advise you to take out travel insurance. Before booking your flight, make sure that you are aware of your flight provider's penalties for changes or cancellations.  We are not liable for penalties incurred for flight changes or cancellations. 

UPON ARRIVAL - AIRPORT TRANSFER
Upon arrival at the destination country, a representative, holding a DJOSER sign, will meet you at the airport and will take you to the hotel where you will meet the tour leader and the other travelers. Prior to your departure you will receive more information about this.  Be sure to give us your flight information: airline name, flight numbers, airport name, arrival and departure times.

FLIGHT DELAYED?
If your flight is delayed or canceled, please notify us so that we can alert the tour leader and land agent of your later arrival. It is possible that we will not be able to cancel or reschedule the pick-up for you upon arrival. In this case, you should take a taxi from the airport to the hotel address, which we have provided for you. Djoser is not responsible for this extra expense, however, generally, travel insurance will cover this expense.

Airline Tickets

Money

MONEY MATTERS
The cost of the land packages includes city-to-city transport, guide assistance, lodging as described, and only meals listed in the price inclusive section. You should budget for out-of-pocket expenses for other meals, fees for optional excursions and activities, in-city transport and other personal expenses.  See our prices for the estimated out of pocket expenses.

CURRENCY & CASH
On your trip you will want to make sure you are prepared with the proper form of currency. ATMs can be scarce and charge cards are not always accepted.  You will want to exchange money for the local currency.  Before you go, you can check the most current conversion rates, and you can also print out a handy currency exchange "cheat sheet" at: http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet

TIPPING
It is customary to tip your guide at the end of your journey. The amount is up to you and will be greatly appreciated.

Health

Check with your doctor or local health authorities for the latest recommendations. Be mindful of what you eat. We recommend you carry a first aid kit and be sure to be equipped with your personal medications, painkillers, and medicines to prevent diarrhea and stomach disorders. The tour leader will also carry a first aid kit in case of emergencies. Keep in mind that travel and hiking or cycling can be tiring. It is important to be in good condition and fully equipped for the journey. Take care that you eat properly, drink plenty of water and get lots of rest. For country specific health advice, please consult the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.

Luggage & Clothing

Please limit your luggage to 35 pounds. We recommend a soft, rolling duffle bag. Hard suitcases are difficult to pack on the vehicle.  Be sure to bring good walking shoes that are comfortable and already broken in. Make sure any equipment that you bring is in good working order.

It is recommended that you bring a universal adapter plug and extra batteries for your flashlight, in the event of power outages. 

Resources

A good guidebook is invaluable. We recommend the Lonely Planet series as well as the DK Guidebooks.

Communication

Mobile telephone use is limited. Internet cafes can often be found in larger cities but count on a slow connection. Check with your phone provider before departure regarding coverage or consult the following webpage: www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/index.shtml