FAQ
If you’re unable to find the answer to your question in our FAQ’s please check the ‘Before you go’ section, or do not hesitate to contact us.
Included in the Price
Arrival and departure airport transfers
All accommodations, family home stays, camping as per itinerary
Domestic flights
Domestic airport taxes (Lima & Cusco)
Guide service on included excursions throughout
All ground transportation as listed in the itinerary
Meals as listed in the itinerary
All breakfasts as per the itinerary
Arrival and departure airport transfers
All accommodations, family home stays, camping as per itinerary
Domestic flights
Domestic airport taxes (Lima & Cusco)
Guide service on included excursions throughout
All ground transportation as listed in the itinerary
Meals as listed in the itinerary
All breakfasts as per the itinerary
Not Included in the Price
Insurance of any kind
Optional activities / tours / excursions
International flights
Visa and passport fees
International Departure taxes, Domestic Departure taxes and excess baggage fees
Meals other than those specified
Alcohol, Drinks
Vaccinations
Items of a personal nature (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
Tips
Insurance of any kind
Optional activities / tours / excursions
International flights
Visa and passport fees
International Departure taxes, Domestic Departure taxes and excess baggage fees
Meals other than those specified
Alcohol, Drinks
Vaccinations
Items of a personal nature (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
Tips
Do you tours include international airfare? Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and as such it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. Go to our flights to Peru section for more information and direct link to popular online agents. You may also book these flights through your preferred travel agent.
The only travel arrangements that passengers on our tours need to make are the international flights to their first destination and home after the tour ends. We make all other airline reservations and coordinate excursions, hotel arrangements and airport transfers.
Yes! Our trips include airport arrival and departure transfers. It’s no fun arriving in a foreign country and having to make your way to your hotel on your own, being hassled and ripped off by the airport taxi drivers. At Adventures to Peru, we’ll have one of our representatives at the airport instead, with a big, bright sign and secure and reliable transport to the joining hotel. And you won’t have to dig around for spare change for taxi fare at the end of your trip, either. Because upon departure from Peru, Adventures to Peru makes sure you get a reliable and safe ride to start your journey home.
We are small, privately owned and operated, and specialize in seeking out the authentic Eco friendly experience in Peru. Being a small private company keeps our overhead and general operating costs extremely low.
We spend your money providing an authentic experience, instead of on lavish hotels and expensive western-style meals. We pass these savings on to you.
Another thing you’ll notice are the included activities. While we don’t include everything, we do incorporate in the major places of interest, the things that everyone goes to see. On every trip ‘quick itinerary’ we show you the ‘Included Highlights’ of your trip, things that many other companies may charge locally for. We leave many other activities as options, to provide you the freedom and flexibility to choose what you want to do on a daily basis.
We keep our group sizes low so you have the freedom to move around and get involved with your environment. This intimate size ensures that your group won’t crowd your experience. Depending on the trip, our scheduled group trips range from a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 12 guests.
For privacy reasons we cannot give details on your traveling companions. Our tours are conducted in English and so they appeal to many travelers from North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
The more rigorous itineraries tend to attract slightly younger travelers than our other trips.
Peru has no age limit, so Adventures to Peru invites travelers of all ages and in good health. For older travelers we stress that adventure travel is naturally more rigorous than conventional vacations and can be physically demanding. All travelers 70 years of age and over are required to provide a medical form signed by a physician. Children accompanied by parents or guardian are also welcome on any tour. If you have children under 14 years of age, consider booking as a family. We cannot accept bookings from unaccompanied minors.
Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Please contact us for price information. If we are unable to provide you with the extra nights we will give you the name of a hotel you can contact directly. Please also note that extra accommodations must be booked outside of 30 days of departure.
It’s extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early.
The local tour host will be the person that welcomes you upon arrival and coordinates your excursions. This person will be your translator and trip planner. Tour hosts are not necessarily native but are chosen for their expert local knowledge, communication skills, friendliness, organizational abilities, understanding of the society, its history and culture, and their ability to entertain a group. Your tour host will coordinate all the little things so you won’t have to. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local contacts. You will more likely end up seeing him as your friend who organizes all the logistics for you and makes your experience hassle free.
We try to balance flexibility and convenience regarding meals. Meals are included on multi-day excursions off the beaten path where restaurant choices are limited. In the main towns with a wide variety of restaurants, meals are generally not included to allow our travelers to make their own dining choices. While in hotels, we will provide breakfast. Our tour host is a wealth of information about great restaurant options and is usually available to accompany groups that wish to eat together.
Our local guides have been carefully selected for their knowledge, professionalism, experience and ability to effectively manage groups. We hire only guides who are native to the destination and are licensed and/or certified in accordance with the government regulations of their country. All are fluent in Spanish and English, and some also speak indigenous languages. Most have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, native culture or other related field. All are trained in mountain/wilderness first-aid. Our team of congenial guides offers priceless insights into the true nature of their homelands, adding immeasurably to the enjoyment of the trip.
Trip specific information on transportation can be found on the trip itinerary page, however in most cases we use the most appropriate and safest transport available. As a rule of thumb, expect to travel by public and private bus, taxi, motorcycle taxi, train, canoe, speedboat, airplane and on foot.
We always recommend packing as light as possible however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Our Tour Dossiers include a suggested packing list.
Click here to see a complete gear list.
Standard airline weigh limits in Peru are 2 checked bags weighing a total of maximum 23 kilograms (50 lbs.) and 1 carry on piece at 8 kilograms (17 lbs.) Please adhere to this policy if you do not wish to pay excess baggage fees.
If you need to be contacted while traveling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road. Under no circumstances rely on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout Peru and have quickly become the favorite way for travelers to stay in touch.
Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality and your destination. Although we are unable to arrange visas on your behalf we have provided links on our page to websites that will help you find out if visas are required. If you do need a visa you can arrange them yourself or use the services of a travel agent or visa processing company.
Before traveling to Peru, it is important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic.
If you plan to travel to the Amazon region, it is recommended to get a Yellow Fever vaccination at least ten days before traveling. Malaria is not a massive problem in Peru, however precautions should be taken if going to remote areas of the Amazon and slopes of the Eastern Andes.
*The Centers for Disease Control provides immunization information for travel in Latin America. www.cdc.gov
The following vaccinations are recommended when visiting any area of Peru:
*Hepatitis B*Tetanus-diphtheria and measles (as needed booster doses)
*Typhoid
*For travelers to the Amazon, a vaccination for Yellow Fever is REQUIRED
*For travelers to certain lower elevations of Peru including the Amazon and rural areas on the coast, the Centers for Disease Control also recommends taking an anti-malarial medication.
Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is a completely optional practice.
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Host will offer to collect the money and tip as a group.Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour host for specific recommendations based on the circumstances.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Tour Host did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per week can be used.No. Peru has unjustly been designated a dangerous country. Like anywhere in the world, pickpockets and non-violent crime are present in big cities but are not devastatingly present. Unfortunately, the negative news tends to spread fast, but fortunately from our experience, thousands of prudent visitors come to Peru annually and encounter no problems. Common sense is the best defense and your tour host will reinforce areas recommended not to visit.
Yes. At present Peru is safe a very safe destination. The political situation is as stable as ever and tourism has become a major component in Peru’s economy.
FAQ’S Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is 43 kms (27 miles) long and depending on which campsites are used the approximate hours hiked per day are: Day 1: 7 hours, Day 2: 8 hours, Day 3: 7 hours, Day 4: 4 hours
The Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike. It’s not a technical hike but there are a lot of Inca staircases to walk up and down, and the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend renting an aluminum hiking pole or purchasing a wooden walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees.
It’s impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cuzco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Inca Trail is 4200 meters. You will sleep at 3600 meters for one or two nights.
Yes! If you do not wish to hike the Inca Trail please advise us at the time of booking (it is very difficult to make these arrangements once you have already confirmed). If you choose not to hike the trail you will spend two nights in Cuzco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes for the third night. At sunrise you will rejoin your group at Machu Picchu. You may also choose to book a trip that includes the slightly higher and scenic Lares’ Trail. This popular 3-day and 2 night trek ends in Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night and catch the early bus to Machu Picchu.
You will reach Machu Picchu at sunrise on Day 4 (the hike begins at approx. 4am). After viewing the sunrise you will be met by a local guide who will take you on an informative 3-hour tour of the ruins. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cuzco.
Yes! In Cuzco you will be provided with a large stuff sac in which you can place up to 7kg of personal items. Our porters will carry these bags while you hike the Inca Trail (please note they will be weighed before we leave Cuzco). Items not required while on the trail can be stored safely at our hotel in Cuzco. All you will be required to carry is a daypack containing items you will need during the day (i.e. Water, camera, sunscreen, rain poncho, etc.).
The altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven wool mitts and gloves in Cuzco.
Three-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travelers. There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent.
Yes. Here at Adventures to Peru we want you to be comfortable and will therefore include a sleeping bag and inflatable Thermarest mattress while camping.
Bottled water can be purchased throughout day 1 and on the evening of day 3 of the Inca Trail however we discourage trekkers from purchasing bottles as it increases the amount of garbage that must be packed out. Boiled water will be provided every morning and evening so that you can refill your water bottle(s). If you wish to add water purification tablets you should bring these with you.
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated. A good rule of thump is anywhere from $2-10 dollars per day for the porters. The cook may receive double what the porters receive and the guide double what the cook receives.
To hike the Inca Trail with Adventures to Peru children may hike if accompanied by a parent. We suggest at least a moderate to good level of fitness. You must hold a passport that is valid for up to 6 months after you return to your home country. We will require your passport at the time of booking, as this is essential to purchase the Inca Trail permits. Bookings should be made 3-6 months in advance to ensure a permit could be obtained. A limited amount of permits are available each day for hikers, in an effort to preserve the trail.
For those booking after Inca Trail spaces have been filled, Cusco accommodation will be included in the tour for the days you are not hiking the Inca Trail. Optional Cusco activities include:
FAQ’S Lares Trek
The Lares Trek is 33 kms (20.5miles) long and depending on which campsites are used the approximate hours hiked per day is: Day 1: 5 hours Day 2: 8 hours Day 3: 4 hours
The Lares Trek is considered a moderate hike. It’s not a technical hike but the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend bringing a hiking stick or purchasing a wooden walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you not use a metal tipped walking stick as it can harm the fragile environment along the trail.
It’s impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cusco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Lares Trek is 4550 meters.
Yes! If you do not wish to hike the Lares Trek please advise us at the time of booking (it is very difficult to make these arrangements once you have already confirmed). If you choose not to hike the trail you will spend two nights in Cusco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes for the third night, where you will rejoin your group.
You will reach Machu Picchu early in the morning on Day 4. Your local guide will take you on an informative 2-3-hour tour of the site. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own, relax, meditate or simply write in your journal before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cusco.
No, llamas, pack mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry any essentials you might want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, rain jacket, etc.
The altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven mitts and gloves in Cusco.
Two-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travelers for the first two nights. The third night will be spent in a simple hotel in Aguas Calientes. There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent.
Yes. Here at Adventures to Peru we want you to be comfortable and will therefore include an appropriate sleeping bag and inflatable Thermarest mattress while camping.
Bottled water can be purchased on day 1 of the Lares Trek however we discourage trekkers from purchasing bottles as it increases the amount of garbage that must be packed out. Boiled water will be provided every evening after dinner so that you can refill your water bottle(s). If you wish to add water purification tablets you should bring these with you.
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods.
FAQ’S Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) Salkantay
The Salkantay trek has many different trails and campsite options. The trail that we follow is approximately 55km. On average you will hike about 8 hours per day.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is better suited for more adventuresome trekkers who are able to handle a little more altitude and distance. It’s not a technical hike but the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend bringing a hiking stick or purchasing a wooden walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you not use a metal tipped walking stick as it can harm the fragile environment along the trail.
It’s impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cusco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Salkantay Trek is 4950 meters.
You will reach Machu Picchu early in the morning on Day 5. Your local guide will take you on an informative 2-3-hour tour of the site. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own, relax, meditate or simply write in your journal before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cusco.
No, pack mules and/or horses will be provided to carry your personal items. You will still need to bring a day backpack to carry any essentials you might want or need, such as water, snacks, camera, sweater, rain poncho jacket, etc.
The altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May – September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven mitts and gloves in Cusco.
Two-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travelers for the first three nights. The fourth night will be spent in a simple hotel in Aguas Calientes. There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent.
There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent.
Yes. Here at Adventures to Peru we want you to be comfortable and will therefore include an appropriate sleeping bag and inflatable Thermarest mattress while camping.
Bottled water can be purchased on day 1 of the Salkantay Trek however we discourage trekkers from purchasing bottles as it increases the amount of garbage that must be packed out. Boiled water will be provided every evening after dinner so that you can refill your water bottle(s). If you wish to add water purification tablets you should bring these with you.
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods.