The Peruvian Coast: Seafood, Sandboarding & Dune Buggies - 5 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of The Peruvian Coast tour?

  The main highlights include devouring fresh seafood on the beach, riding dune buggies through the desert before sunset, spending two nights at a desert oasis, and spotting birds and sea lions on a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation will be primarily in multi-share hostels (typically 6-8 people per room), with a choice of mixed gender and female-only dorms, as well as available upgrades to twin-share rooms. Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  This tour includes 4 breakfasts and 1 lunch.

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

  The minimum age for this tour is 18 and the maximum age is 35.

• What is the maximum number of travelers on this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 24 travelers.

• What modes of transportation are used during the trip?

  Transportation on this trip will involve private vehicles and public buses.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  The group will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout the trip, along with local guides.

• Are there any optional activities available on the tour?

  Yes, optional activities include a flight over the Nazca Lines in Paracas, and additional Sunset Sandboarding & Dune Buggies in Huacachina. You can also take a kiteboarding class, visit pisco distilleries, or relax by the pool at the desert oasis.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers at approximately 10%. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day. For the CEO, $20-25 USD per person, per week is a guideline.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It is strongly recommended to also cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What should I know about currency and credit cards in Peru?

  Debit and credit cards are useful for cash advances, but many ATMs only accept 4-digit PINs. Credit cards are not widely accepted as a primary method of payment and may incur a 5%-10% fee. A combination of US dollar cash and cards is recommended. Bring notes in good condition, preferably lower than 100USD denominations.

• Are there laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hostels for a charge. It is suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry.

• Is there an extra cost for traveling solo?

  No, single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, so there is no single supplement.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2, indicating a relatively easy level of activity.

• What is Planeterra, and how does it relate to this tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, meaning 100% of your donation through the Dollar-a-day program goes directly to Planeterra projects.