Accommodation
Hotels (4 nights), camping (3 nights).
Transport
Plane, train, local bus, on foot.
Meals
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners. Allow USD $75 for meals not included.
Staff
Group leader, local guide on Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
All Latin America group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a representative or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible.
We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Age Restriction
Minimum 18 years unless accompanied by a legal guardian.
Optional Activities
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip.
The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
City tour, Lima - USD25
San Francisco Church and catacombs, Lima - USD2
Pachacamac tour, Lima - USD30 (plus S/.7 entrance fee)
Museo de la Nacion, Lima - S/.7
Museum of the Inquisition, Lima - Free
Gold Museum, Lima – S/.30
Archaeological Museum, Lima – S/.11 (guide fee S/.15)
Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket), Cuzco - USD25
White water rafting, Cusco - USD25
Mountain biking, Cusco - USD35
Museo Inka, Cusco - USD2
If while on the Inca Trail you are happy with the services provided by your local guide and porters a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you along the trail. An appropriate amount for the 4 day trek would be between 20-40 USD per person.
What To Bring
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage (please see below for exceptions), and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.
You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay under 10 kg /22lb). It is in your own interest as you are expected to carry your own luggage, though distances are never great. Most travellers carry their luggage in a pack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. Suitcases are not recommended.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Passport (with several photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card
Your local payment
Money belt or pouch
Vouchers, pre-departure and trip notes
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
First-aid kit
Fleece top
Torch
Sturdy walking shoes
Sunblock
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Sunglasses
Swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Watch or alarm clock
Sun hat
Water bottle
Camera and film
Recommended for the Inca Trail:
Inner sheet (for sleeping bag)
Warm hat and gloves
Thermal underware
Rain poncho (this can be bought in Cusco for a couple of dollars)
Sleeping bag (this can also be hired locally for approximately $16 USD)
Mattress (a foam mattress is included as part of the hike; self inflating type mattresses are available for hire)
During the trek most of your luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cusco. The evening before you start the Inca Trail, you will receive a small duffel bag to pack clothes for the next 4 days (5 Kg. Max.) Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day, as porters will always be ahead of the group. You should therefore bring a day pack (30 – 50 litres of capacity) in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water, sun screen, etc.
Latin Americans can be very conscious of appearance so try to be casual but conservative in your dress. Outside of beach areas halter tops and very short shorts should not be worn. When visiting churches or religious sites shoulders and knees should be covered.
Group Size
Minimum 1, maximum 16.
Other Information
The Inca Trail is closed during the month of February for its cleaning and maintenance. This closure affects all trips in which the Inca Trail portion of the tour starts on or after the 1st of February to and including the 28th of February. Those affected trips will instead hike the Lares Trek.
The Inca Trail is a moderate 4 day hike at high altitude.
Should you choose not to hike the Inca Trail, please advise us in writing at the time of booking, so alternative arrangements can be made. Without prior warning, local fees may apply.
In order to secure Inca Trail permits, it is vital that you provide the correct and most up to date passport information at the time of booking (DOB, passport number, expiry date and name spelling exactly as it appears in the passport that you will be travel with). Any inconsistency between the information provided and the passport you travel with may result in you not being granted access to the Inca Trail.
In the event that Inca Trail permits can't be secured, you will be offered the following options:
-Change to another trip or departure
-Hike Lares Trek (Machu Picchu included) or
-Stay in Cusco for 2 nights, travel to Aguas Calientes by train for a 3rd night and visit Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.
With the exception of our Comfort trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share.
Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes (please ask for a copy). On our Comfort trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
Please bring your local payment with you in USD cash and please pay with higher denomination bills of either $100 or $50 USD notes. Please also ensure that the notes are new and clean (as old or ripped notes may not be accepted) and that they are 2000 series onwards only.
Weather
As a multi-geographical country, Peru can have very diverse weather.
The wet season (approx November to March) is characterised by rain and average temperatures in the highlands; heat and humidity in the central coast; and rain, heat and humidity in the jungle. The dry season (April to September) can be freezing in the highlands, cold in the coastal zone, and could present some cold fronts in the jungle.
It is recommended that you bring a good sleeping bag, thermals, scarf, gloves, and a warm jacket for travel in the dry season.
Most of our guesthouses do not have heating, as this would be a major financial and environmental strain on our hotels and local towns, and energy supply and timing provisions are limited in some places.
Please be prepared for some cold showers.
Operator Remarks
Due to the strict restrictions on Inca Trail Permits, it is highly recommended that you book your trip as far in advance as possible.