Peru and Bolivia: Backpacking and Trekking

At a Glance

At the heart of the ancient Inca empire, and in the shadow of the mighty Andea, Peru and Bolivia boast some of the world's most rewarding long-distance treks. The glory of the region is its Inca roads, built for the fleet-footed chasquis, or runners, who conveyed messages throughout the Inca empire. Few places in the world can boast such well engineered footpaths running through such superb scenery. To visit the region without hiking some of these trails neglects one of the main reasons for going - a better understanding and appreciation of the Incas. To visit without this guidebook confines you to only the most popular and crowded trails. Do yourself a favour and get off the beaten track!

ISBN-10: 1841620335

ISBN-13: 9781841620336

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Table of Contents

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Geology, Natural history, The people; past and present

Chapter 2 Practical Information
Preparations, Travel in Peru and Bolivia, Backpacking and Trekking in the Andes

Chapter 3 Health and Safety
Health, Safety

PART TWO PERU

Chapter 4 General Information
The country, History, Getting there, Currency, Tourist information, Communications, Miscellaneous, Protected areas of Peru, Giving something back

Chapter 5 Lima

Chapter 6 Cajamarca and Chachapoyas Regions

Chapter 7 The Cordilleras Blanca, Negra and Huayhuash

Chapter 8 The Central Andes

Chapter 9 Cusco and Vicinity

Chapter 10 The Cordilleras Vilcabamba and Vilcanota

Chapter 11 The Arequipa Area

PART THREE BOLIVIA

Chapter 12 General Information
The country, Getting there, Currency, Communications, Miscellaneous, Protected areas of Peru, Giving something back

Chapter 13 La Paz

Chapter 14 Lake Titicaca

Chapter 15 The Cordillera Real

Chapter 16 Sorata, Illampu and the Tipuani Valley

Chapter 17 The Cordillera Apolobamba

Appendix 1 Language

Appendix 2 Further reading

Index

About the Authors

Hilary Bradt, founder of Bradt Travel Guides has been writing about South America since her first trip there in 1969 when she fulfilled her dream of seeing the land of the Incas. For 13 years she led treks to Peru and Bolivia and now lectures and broadcasts on aspects of travel and low impact tourism.

Kathy Jarvis is a tour operator and experienced tour leader who presents slide shows and lectures on various aspects of the Andes. She is also author of Bradt's Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia: The Backpacker's Manual.

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Guidebook Updates

Notes from the Authors

"Broadly speaking, trekking differs from backpacking in that your gear is carried by pack animals or porters and that a local company is involved in supplying tents, food, transport etc. In effect, a trek is a package tour which leaves you free to enjoy the mountains without worrying about any of the logistics...There are many advantages of trekking over backpacking, not least that all the complications of travel in rural Peru and Bolivia are taken out of your hands. In spite of this, the ultimate hiking experience, for most people, will be with one or two chosen companions, and all the effort and hassle of backpacking. For this is what exploring the wilderness is all about. You are open to serendipitous events, you can stop when you are tired, go as far as you want, and choose the route that most appeals to you."

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