Peru Family Journey: Machu Picchu to the Amazon - 10 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of experience can families expect on this journey?

  This National Geographic Family Journey is designed to introduce families to the wonders of Peru, from the mysteries of the Inca to the amazing creatures of the Amazon. It offers cultural immersion in village markets and Andean traditions, explorations of ancient ruins like Machu Picchu, and wild Amazon adventures including spying monkeys, sloths, butterflies, and toucans.

• What is the age range for children on this family tour?

  This Family Journey is specifically designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• What are the supervision requirements for children on the tour?

  All parents/guardians are required to supervise their children at all times throughout the tour. For Family Adventures, one adult can only accompany up to two minors. If you have over two minors, a second adult will be required to attend.

• What types of accommodation are included in the tour?

  The tour includes seven nights in hotels and two nights at an Amazon Lodge. Rooming is based on double occupancy, and while other configurations are on request, they cannot be guaranteed. Standards may differ from those in your home country, which is part of the adventure.

• What meals are provided during the tour?

  The trip includes 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners. Drinking water is available daily (please bring a refillable bottle), and healthy local snacks will be provided. For non-included meals, our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will make arrangements for the group to eat together, though there is no obligation to join. Special meal requirements or dietary restrictions must be specified at the time of booking.

• What kind of transportation will be used throughout the journey?

  Transportation includes private vans, internal flights, trains (especially for the journey to Machu Picchu), and boats for the Amazon rainforest portion of the trip.

• Will there be guides accompanying our family during the tour?

  Yes, all National Geographic Family Journeys are accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) who provide information, suggestions, and recommendations. We also use local guides where specific knowledge is beneficial, ensuring you get the best of both worlds.

• What is the physical activity level of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3, indicating a moderate activity level. It involves a very fast-paced itinerary with some early starts, covering a lot of ground, including exploring Inca ruins, hiking, and rainforest excursions.

• Are there any high-altitude locations on this tour, and what should we consider?

  Yes, this trip travels to high altitude, medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters), particularly in areas like the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Everyone reacts to altitude differently, so it is important to consult your physician for advice on how to best prepare.

• What are the typical group sizes for this family journey?

  This tour is designed for small groups, with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 20 participants, offering a close-knit and engaging experience for families.

• What currency is used in Peru, and what are the recommendations for spending money?

  The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). Credit cards (especially Visa) and debit cards are useful for cash advances, though their acceptance can vary. A 5-10% fee may apply to credit card purchases. It's recommended to carry a combination of cash (notes in good condition and smaller denominations, preferably under 100 USD equivalent) and cards. You should also have access to an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund. Traveler's cheques are not recommended.

• What is the tipping policy for this tour?

  Local tipping for local guides, drivers, and included meals is covered as part of this Family trip. Tipping your two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) is appreciated if you feel they did an outstanding job, with a guideline of $3-5 USD per person, per day, per CEO. For non-included meals in restaurants, a guideline of 10% of the bill is suggested.

• Are there any optional activities available?

  Yes, there are several optional activities available at an additional cost, such as a Lima Cooking Class or City Tour, a Moray and Maras Salt Mines Excursion, a Mandor Waterfall Hike or Hot Springs Visit in Aguas Calientes, and a Cusco city tour or Chocolate Making Workshop.

• What are the specific regulations for visiting Machu Picchu?

  Current and correct passport details are required at the time of confirmation. New regulations require visitors to follow different circuits within the site to manage crowding. While we will do our best to keep groups together, it's possible that members of the same group might visit Machu Picchu on a different circuit.

• What is the policy regarding solo adult travelers or rooming arrangements?

  This tour is designed for groups traveling with children aged 7-17, and your booking must include a child. For solo adult travelers within a family booking, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, meaning you won't pay a single supplement. If there is an odd number of adults, you will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip. The 'My Own Room' option is available for single rooms on all night stops except during the Amazon Jungle stay (Nights 7 and 8).

• What is the policy regarding domestic flight taxes for international travelers?

  All travelers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Peru. Foreign travelers are exempt from this if they provide their international ticket number (ITN) at least 30 days prior to Day 1 of their tour. Travelers who do not submit an ITN will be required to pay the domestic tax on all included flights.