Peru: Ancient Cities & the Andes - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include conquering the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, experiencing an Andean homestay with locals, witnessing soaring condors at Colca Canyon, and enjoying traditional Peruvian cuisine like pisco sours and fresh seafood.

• What is the age range for participants on this tour?

  This tour is specifically designed for travelers aged 18 to 39, with a minimum age requirement of 18 years.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 18 travelers, with an average group size of 14.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation will be varied, including stays in simple hotels (7 nights), overnight buses (2 nights), a homestay with the Ccaccaccollo community (1 night), and camping (3 nights). Some hotel nights may involve multi-share rooms with shared bathroom facilities, and specific rooming requests for these cannot be guaranteed.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 4 out of 5. It requires an average level of fitness and mobility, meaning travelers should be able to walk without assistance, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. It also involves travel to high altitudes.

• What modes of transportation are used during the trip?

  Transportation on this trip includes hiking, local buses, and trains.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. On some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights may be included, but this is not the general rule.

• Are local flights included in the tour price?

  Yes, all local flights within Peru are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important to provide your passport information at the time of booking to process these tickets.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. It is strongly recommended that your policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Peru?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. It is your responsibility to consult with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements based on your nationality well before departure.

• What should I know about health considerations and high altitude on this trip?

  Inoculations may be required, so consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information. Your adventure travels to high altitude (defined as anything over 8,000 feet or 2,440 meters). While most people experience minimal effects, everyone reacts differently, and altitude sickness can occur regardless of fitness or age. Consult your physician on how to prepare.

• Are there any specific safety considerations in Lima?

  Care should be taken when exploring central Lima on your own, as some areas can be dangerous and pickpockets may be active. While cities are generally safe during the day, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis for night-time excursions.

• What are the guidelines for handling 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 it's best not to rely on them as your sole source of money. A combination of PEN cash and cards is recommended. Be aware that a 5-10% fee usually applies when purchasing with a credit card. It's advisable to bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100 USD for easier exchange, as torn, heavily marked, or faded notes may be difficult to exchange. Travelers cheques are not recommended as they are difficult to change.

• What is the tipping etiquette in Peru?

  Tipping service providers like waiters (approximately 10%) is customary. For drivers and local guides, a recommendation of $5-10 USD per day is suggested. For the Inca Trail, suggested contributions to a collective pool are: Head guide: $15-30 USD, Assistant guide: $10-20 USD, and Trekking crew: $40 USD. For your Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a guideline of $20-25 USD per person per week is appreciated.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  Optional activities include: Lima (Cooking Class, City Tour), Nazca (Desert Cemetery and Potter's Studio Tour, Sandboarding at Cerro Blanco, Flight over Nazca Lines), Arequipa (City Tour, Juanita Museum, AlaSeña Meal Experience), Chivay (Hot Springs), Cusco (Cooking Class, Inka Museum, City Tour, Rainbow Mountain Hike, Cusco Tourist Ticket), Lamay (Parwa Community Restaurant), and Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley Tour, Sacred Valley Brewery, Ollantaytambo Ruins Visit).

• What happens if I choose not to hike the Inca Trail?

  If you prefer not to hike the Inca Trail, you will have 2 nights in Cusco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and then join the hikers for the guided tour of Machu Picchu.

• Are there specific regulations for visiting Machu Picchu?

  Yes, all visitors to Machu Picchu are required to follow a pre-determined circuit within the site to manage crowds. Travelers completing the Inca Trail will be assigned Circuit 3, but will also have access to the panoramic viewpoint upon arrival via the Sun Gate. Current and correct passport details are required at the time of confirmation for these regulations.

• What are the weight limits for personal belongings carried by porters on the Inca Trail?

  For the Inca Trail, porters are permitted to carry no more than 6kg (13 lbs) of personal belongings per hiker. This limit includes your sleeping bag, toiletries, and clothing, which will be carried in a duffel bag provided by the local office. Any additional weight must be carried in your daypack.

• Will there be Wi-Fi or cellular service during the Inca Trail trek?

  During much of the Inca Trail trek, there will be no Wi-Fi and limited cellular service available.

• How does rooming work for solo travelers, and is there an extra cost for a private room?

  Solo travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, and generally, there is no single supplement. However, certain nights, such as overnight buses, the Ccaccaccollo homestay, and camping on the Inca Trail, are exceptions where a private room is not applicable or may involve additional costs if available.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of the hotels for a charge. It's advisable to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for times when you may need to do your own laundry.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  The group will be led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip. Additionally, a specialist Inca Trail CEO will guide the hike, and local guides will be utilized for specific sites and activities to provide in-depth knowledge.

• What rules and conduct are expected from travelers on this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, as possessing or using them contravenes local laws and puts the group at risk. The exploitation of prostitutes is also strictly against the tour's philosophy of respect towards local people. CEOs have the right to remove any group member found violating these rules.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and to use tools like Equaldex for specific information about the destinations to ensure you feel safe and comfortable.

• What if there are issues upon arrival or during the trip?

  Should you need assistance, contact the starting point hotel to speak with or leave a message for your CEO. If immediate contact is not possible, use the emergency contact details provided. If a pre-booked airport transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes of clearing customs, proceed to the hotel by taxi and request a refund later. Your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel parts of the itinerary due to safety concerns.