Machu Picchu & Galápagos Island Hopping - 16 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include boarding a morning train through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, visiting Machu Picchu with a local guide to learn about Inca history, hiking up Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island, staying at a G Adventures-supported community guesthouse in Floreana, and marveling at the unique wildlife of the Galápagos.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  The tour includes accommodation in hotels for 13 nights and G Adventures-supported community guesthouses for 2 nights.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 15 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  G Adventures believes solo travelers should not have to pay more. Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some independent trips may have different arrangements requiring solo travelers to pay a single trip price.

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Who will be leading the group?

  The group will be led by G Adventures Representatives in Lima and Cusco, a specialist Inca Trail CEO (Chief Experience Officer) for Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, a CEO/Naturalist Guide (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority) while in the Galápagos Islands, and a local G Adventures Representative in Quito.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, all local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that G Adventures has your passport information at the time of booking to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change, so contact your airline for the most up-to-date information and consider checking in online in advance.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Transportation includes public bus, train, private van, plane, speed boat, pickup truck, local bus, and panga.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping service providers like waiters at approximately 10% is customary in Latin America and is an expected, though not compulsory, expression of satisfaction. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides range from $5-10 USD per day. For the G Adventures CEO, a guideline of $20-25 USD per person, per week is appreciated if they did an outstanding job.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). Credit and debit cards (especially Visa) are useful for cash advances, but there's no guarantee they'll work everywhere. A 5%-10% fee usually applies for credit card purchases. It's best to bring a combination of US dollar cash and cards. Avoid bringing traveler's cheques as they are difficult to exchange. Bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100USD for easier exchange.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, in case circumstances outside of G Adventures' control (like a natural disaster) require a change to the planned route. This is a rare occurrence.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will need to provide evidence of medical expenses coverage (minimum USD200,000 including emergency evacuation and repatriation) to your leader. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage/personal effects are strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers all included adventure activities.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  Inoculations may be required; consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers. Be aware that remote areas may lack medical facilities, and leaders cannot administer drugs. This adventure travels to high altitude (over 8,000 feet/2,440 meters), which can affect individuals differently regardless of fitness or age. Consult your physician on how to prepare for and manage altitude sickness.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. There may be times when you need to do your own laundry, so bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include: Lima Cooking Class, Full Day Lima Experience, Lima City Tour; Cusco City Tour, Inka Museum, Cusco Tourist Ticket, Cusco Cooking Class, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, Rainbow Mountain Hike; Ollantaytambo Storehouse Ruins and Hike, Ollantaytambo Ruins Visit; Aguas Calientes Hot Springs Visit; One-Day Inca Trail Hike; Floreana Island Loberia Snorkelling Excursion; Isabela Island Swimming, Islote Tintoreras Snorkelling, Wall of Tears Bike Visit, Los Tuneles Snorkelling, Concha de Perla snorkelling; Puerto Ayora Surfing Lesson; Santa Cruz Island Tortuga Bay Kayaking; Quito City Tour & Equator Line, Teleférico; and Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day.

• How does this tour support local communities?

  This tour supports local communities through G Adventures' Planeterra International Foundation. It includes 'G for Good Moments' such as visiting the Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op, dining at the Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco, and staying in G Adventures-supported community guesthouses and eating in community restaurants on Floreana Island. These initiatives help local communities earn income from tourism, support Indigenous people, empower women, create youth employment, and protect the environment.