Peru Inca Trail

Peru Inca Trail

Without a Doubt, Our Most Interesting Summer Vacation! A Mix of Sports & Exploration…

This singles hiking trip to Peru’s Inca Trail is ideal for the active singles looking to explore the world (non-trek option also available) offers a wide range of different adventure activities as well as cultural tours and archeology of the Inca Empire. Our Peru singles tour includes visits to Cusco and Machu Picchu, as well as famous locations in the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. Among other activities- You will have a chance to interact with locals, try local cuisine, explore ancient ruins, learn the history of this unique area, trek the Lares Inca Trail, pursue outdoor activities, see glaciers, jungles and other fantastic scenery in the Andes mountains, sample the fun nightlife, and visit local markets This is a fully guided tour and our guides will take you to the famous sites of Peru as well as off the beaten path destinations.

Please note: We offer a non-trek Peru singles vacation option for those who prefer hotel stays and day tours over hiking and camping. Note the day 3-5 difference in the detailed trip itineraries.  Other than day 3, 4, and 5, The trek and non-trek itineraries are the same.

River Rafting

River Rafting

Sun Temple - Cusco

Sun Temple – Cusco

Cusco Nightlife

Cusco Nightlife

 

Trip Itinerary

Inca Trail

Inca Trail Daily Itinerary Hike & Non Hike Options

LARES TREK ITINERARY

Day 1 Saturday:
BEGIN PERU SINGLES VACATION: ARRIVE LIMA AND TRANSFER TO CUSCO

Arrival in Lima by 7:00 am this morning or earlier on your intl flight.
Proceed through customs and immigrations and check in for your domestic flight to Cusco.
*Please note- If you are already in Lima prior to Saturday morning, please be at Jorge Chavez (LIM) intl airport to check in for your flight 2 hours ahead of your Lima- Cusco flight departure time.

INCLUDED IN PERU SINGLES VACATION: Domestic flight Lima to Cusco departs Saturday morning (exact flight schedule for this segment depends on your intl air and the available flights at time of your booking)

Upon arrival in Cusco- You will be met by your singles Peru trip host and staff and transferred to the hotel in Cusco where you will get checked in. We will have a quick meet and greet with the entire group while we taste a Coca leaf tea (traditional Peruvian drink)
After unwinding from the flight we will have time for a special group lunch to get to know our fellow singles travelers and to be introduced to traditional Peruvian Cuisine. Later that afternoon your local Cusco tour and Peru trekking guide meets you and takes you on a sightseeing tour of the town taking in the colonial churches and visiting Inca ruins outside the city; Sacsayhuaman (temple of the Lightning), Qenqo (ceremonial place) and Tambomachay (Temple of the water).

Welcome Lunch included. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Hotel Residencia del Sol (or similar)
Day 2:
PISAC RUINS AND MARKET

Breakfast. At around 9:00 am depart Cusco for Pisac. This excursion takes you through the Urubamba Valley to the colorful Indian Market of Pisac where natives from the region of Cusco come to trade their products to then visit this magnificent site above this town from where you have a great view of this valley. You will have a chance to stop for lunch in Pisac during the tour. Also visit a Llama farm and local weaving co-op, where learn about these unique animals as well as traditional weaving techniques of Peru. In the later afternoon you will be dropped off at your hotel and the evening will be at your leisure.

Overnight in Cusco. Hotel Residencia del Sol. Lunch and dinner on own.

Day 3:
LARES TREK START: CUSCO – CALCA – QUISHARANI- CUNCANI

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included
Today our hosted Peru singles travel group will leave from Cusco early in the morning by bus and travel through the Sacred Valley. We will then continue onto Quisharani (3,700 mts) where will trek over our first pass at 4200 meters before descending to our first camp at Cuncani (3750 mts) in the later afternoon.

Day 4:
CUNCANI – LAGUNA ARUYACOCHA

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included
After continuing up through the valley, we arrive to the community of Huacawasi. People here produce some of the finest weavings in Peru. Passing this community we begin climbing up to our second and highest pass of the hike (4550 mts), From here, we catch a stunning view of the some of the famous glacial mountain peaks up to 5750m. Descending gently for about one hour, we come to the beautiful Aruyacocha Lake, and just passed the second lake our last campsite.

Day 5:
LAGUNA ARUYACOCHA – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES

Breakfast and Lunch included.
Today our trail leads downhill to an overlook facing a wide valley. Descending into the valley, we eventually arrive to the administrative Yuanahuara and enjoy our guided tour. Lunch. We continue the hike for an hour and half to arrive Ollantaytambo. This Inca fortress is situated in a fertile river valley and sheltered by mammoth mountains, this ancient Inca village is considered one of the most important living museums in the world. This is a perfect place to appreciate the vast archaeological remains and a wide variety of flowers and birds species. We take the afternoon train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and spend the night there in a comfortable hotel. Reunite with the non-trek group this evening.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes Hotel

Please note- All projected times and hike distances are approximate and only estimates. Actual times between campsites may vary. Guides reserve the right to change campsite locations and/or modify the itinerary if needed. Horses are to help carry supplies and gear not to ride. All times for tours, transfers, daily arrival/departure times, etc are approximate and subject to change at the guide’s and or host’s recommendations. Erik’s Adventures reserves the right to alter the itinerary if necessary due to safety concerns, circumstances outside its control (ie worker strikes, weather, government, etc.). During the singles trekking trip, we reserve the right to make changes if needed for safety, scheduling, and other concerns.

Day 6:
MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Breakfast and Dinner included.

After an early breakfast at 5:30 am take the early morning bus up to Machu Picchu. After witnessing sunrise over this majestic place, we will have a guided tour of the complex with our local guides (approx. 3 hours) Afterwards, There will be several hours available to spend as you choose in this unique archaeological site, allowing ample opportunities to explore on your own. Rest of day free in Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. Bus back to Aguas Calientes town included. Early evening train Aguas Calientes- Ollyantaytambo /bus Ollyanta to Cusco returns you to Cusco that evening. Optional visit to Aguas Calientes Hot springs (extra charge 4$ per person) before the train ride back to Cusco at around 7:00 pm. Arrive around 11pm at hotel in Cusco. Lunch on own. Special Group Dinner included in Aguas Calientes before the train ride. Hotel Residencia del Sol

Day 7:
CUSCO

Breakfast. Free day to do another Peru adventure tour (at additional cost) or just relax, shopping and enjoying the exciting nightlife of Cusco. Lunch on own arrangements. That evening meetup in the lobby at 700 pm- There will be a special farewell dinner and cultural show (included) at a famous restaurant in Cusco that we will walk over to from the hotel. Farewell Dinner and Show Included. Rest of evening at leisure. Hotel Residencia del Sol

Day 8: Saturday 
CUSCO- LIMA

Breakfast. Morning transfer to Cusco airport. Fly back to Lima from Cusco.

INCLUDED DOMESTIC FLIGHT: Cusco to Lima departs in morning (exact flight schedule depends on your intl air and available flights at time of your booking) Please book your flight home form Lima for a departure after 1230 PM to ensure you make your connection.

“End of Peru Singles Trip”
If you are staying an extra night in Lima- There are a wide variety of hotel options for all budgets available, we recommend the Marriott Hotel in Miraflores
Please note- All times for tours, transfers, daily arrival/departure times, etc are approximate and subject to change at the guide and or host’s recommendations. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary due to safety concerns, circumstances outside its control (i.e. worker strikes, weather, government, etc.). We may use similar hotels to the ones specified in this itinerary.

MEALS on TREK
We provide all meals during the Trek. Meals consist of a buffet selection of soup or appetizers, main course, dessert, and coffee or tea. Vegetarian and special needs options are available. All fresh fruits and salads are thoroughly cleaned with disinfected water prior to serving. We also provide at all times unlimited amounts of boiled and afterwards cooled drinking water. A sample of the MENU while on the trail. Breakfast: oats, milk, coffee, bread, scrambled eggs, pancakes, yogurt, fruits, tea, chocolate, coffee, coca tea, orange juice. Lunch: fresh vegetables soups, maiz cream, escabeche (Peruvian styled marinated vegetables with chicken), fruit salads, hot drinks Dinner: Chicken soup, vegetables soups, saltado de lomo (chopped meat with french fried and tomato sauce, estofado de pollo (chicken stew), pasta with tomato sauce.

Included in Peru singles LARES TREK tour:
Domestic flights within Peru (Lima /Cusco and Cusco / Lima)
Airport transfers: on arrival and departure to Cusco
04 nights 4 star hotel Cusco, 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes, 2 nights camping while on trek
Buffet breakfast included each morning at all hotels
Professional local tour guides while on the included tours indicated in itinerary
Private transport on all tours.
Excursion in Cusco w/ guided city tour and nearby Inca sites.
Tourist train from Ollant. to Aguas Calientes on day 5
Economic Tourist Train/Private Bus return on Day 6 from Aguas Calientes / Ollant./Cusco
RT Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Extra Luggage storage in Cusco hotel
Entry into Machu Picchu
Welcome lunch on the first day (drinks are extra charge- ie beer, wine, soda)
Group dinner on day 6 and farewell dinner and Cultural Show on day 7 (drinks are extra charge- ie beer, wine, soda)
Services of our professional guides and local hosts for the entire program
Private Bus from Cusco to starting point for the trek – we pick up at your hotel
Entrance to the park, trail permits.
Cook + assistant – Meals while on the trek (2 breakfast, 3 lunch, 2 dinners, tea time every afternoon and wake up tea every morning at your tents)
Equipment: Two-person tent (4 season tent), brands we use REI and Mountain HARDWEAR.
Tent for kitchen, tent for dinning, sleeping pads, camping stools, camping table, cooking gear
Porter for carrying the equipment and food. (Clients carry their personal baggage)
Treated water while on the hike. – First- Aid Kit, Oxygen

We provide all meals during the Trek. Meals consist of a buffet selection of soup or appetizers, main course, dessert, and coffee or tea. Vegetarian and special needs options are available. All fresh fruits and salads are thoroughly cleaned with disinfected water prior to serving. We also provide at all times unlimited amounts of boiled and afterwardS cooled drinking water. A sample of the MENU while on the trail. Breakfast: oats, milk, coffee, bread, scrambled eggs, pancakes, yogurt, fruits, tea, chocolate, coffee, coca tea, orange juice. Lunch: fresh vegetables soups, maiz cream, escabeche (Peruvian styled marinated vegetables with chicken), fruit salads, hot drinks Dinner: Chicken soup, vegetable soups, saltado de lomo (chopped meat with french fries and tomato sauce, estofado de pollo (chicken stew), pasta with tomato sauce.

Not included on Peru singles tour Trek or Non Trek:
Visitors pass for Cusco sites (about $ 62.00 this is also valid for the Sacred Valley)
Intl and Domestic Airport departure tax (almost all airlines include intl departure tax in ticket)
Tips and Gratuities
Extra personal expenses and optional tours
Meals and drinks not mentioned on the program.
Optional ticket to climb Huanyapicchu – must purchase about a month or more in advance
– FOR TREKKERS- Rental sleeping bag $ 30.00 (you can notify the guide in Cusco if you will need to rent one and pay in USD at that time before the start of the trek. (or bring your own)

NON TREK ITINERARY

Day 1 Saturday:
BEGIN PERU SINGLES VACATION: ARRIVE LIMA AND TRANSFER TO CUSCO

Arrival in Lima by 7:00 am this morning or earlier on your intl flight.
Proceed through customs and immigrations and check in for your domestic flight to Cusco.
*Please note- If you are already in Lima prior to Saturday morning, please be at Jorge Chavez (LIM) intl airport to check in for your flight 2 hours ahead of your Lima- Cusco flight departure time.

INCLUDED IN PERU SINGLES VACATION: Domestic flight Lima to Cusco departs Saturday morning (exact flight schedule for this segment depends on your intl air and the available flights at time of your booking)

Upon arrival in Cusco- You will be met by your singles Peru trip host and staff and transferred to the hotel in Cusco where you will get checked in. We will have a quick meet and greet with the entire group while we taste a Coca leaf tea (traditional Peruvian drink)
After unwinding from the flight we will have time for a special group lunch to get to know our fellow singles travelers and to be introduced to traditional Peruvian Cuisine. Later that afternoon your local Cusco tour and Peru trekking guide meets you and takes you on a sightseeing tour of the town taking in the colonial churches and visiting Inca ruins outside the city; Sacsayhuaman (temple of the Lightning), Qenqo (ceremonial place) and Tambomachay (Temple of the water).

Welcome Lunch included. Dinner on your own. Overnight at Hotel Residencia del Sol (or similar)

Day 2:
PISAC RUINS AND MARKET

Breakfast. At around 9:00 am depart Cusco for Pisac. This excursion takes you through the Urubamba Valley to the colorful Indian Market of Pisac where natives from the region of Cusco come to trade their products to then visit this magnificent site above this town from where you have a great view of this valley. You will have a chance to stop for lunch in Pisac during the tour. Also visit a Llama farm and local weaving co-op, where learn about these unique animals as well as traditional weaving techniques of Peru. In the later afternoon you will be dropped off at your hotel and the evening will be at your leisure.

Overnight in Cusco. Hotel Residencia del Sol. Lunch and dinner on own.
Day 3: CUSCO ADVENTURE ACTIVITY

Breakfast at hotel. Today you may choose between one of two exciting outdoor adventure tours that both include lunch.

Peru Tour- MOUNTAIN BIKE MORAY AND SALT MINES IN MARAS.
This exciting adventure tour blends adrenaline pumping mountain biking and breathtaking views with visits to two famous sites near the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. Moray is a series of remarkable innovative agricultural terraces that are built in three deep depressions. We reach Moray with a short hike (around 30 mins) from our drop off point half way between the Cusco and Urubamba valleys and we take a pack lunch. In the afternoon on bike, we descend to Maras an important historical source of salt.
After visiting the workers as they produce the bags of salt we walk down the quebrada (ravine) and reach the Urubamba river as it winds lazily towards Machu Picchu and beyond to the Amazon. Here, our vehicle will take us back to Cusco and your hotel. This is a full day tour!
Adventure Tour Includes: RT transport, Bikes, helmet, biking tour, English speaking guide, Lunch.
Not included: Maras entry fee: approx $ 5.00, tips.

OR

Peru Tour- RIVER RAFTING AT CHUQUICAHUANA URUBAMBA RIVER:
This adventure tour is to one of our most popular rafting sections during the season is the “Cusipata” section of the river on the Upper Urubamba. There are good class IIl rapids and the water is very pure. We pick you up at your hotel, after one and a half hours drive we arrive to the put -in at the shores of the Upper Urubamba River. Our professional Rafting Guides will give you a safety talk and provide you with all the proper equipment for Rafting. We will be floating for approximately two to two and a half hours, running class II and III, introductory type rapids. Afterwards, we arrive to the take-out. Then a lunch will be provided. Our return to Cusco should be around 430- 5 in the afternoon. This is a full day tour!
Adventure Tour Includes:
– Transportation from hotel in Cusco to the put-in at the River
– All the rafting equipment, such as Helmet, Life jacket, paddle, self bailing Raft
– Spray Jacket, wet Suit
– Professional English speaking Rafting guide
– Delicious lunch
– Transportation back from the River to your hotel
Dinner on your own arrangements. Hotel Residencia del Sol

Day 4:
MORAY AND SALT MINES – OLLANTAYTAMBO

Breakfast. After breakfast your non-trekking Peru singles travel group will be picked up at the hotel by your local guide and driver for today’s activities. Moray is located one hour or so from Urubamba City, and provides one of the most spectacular views of the Urubamba Mountain Range. It is also the location of some dramatic conical depressions formed by a unique form of Inca Terraces. This site is thought to have been an experimental natural greenhouse to grow an extraordinary variety of tropical crops beyond their normal altitude. We do a small hike down the Salt mines and we will visit the local salt co-operative, which extracts the mineral by evaporation from a natural spring, thereby demonstrating that early Andean civilizations were not necessarily dependent upon coastal trade for this important mineral. Reaching the valley of Urubamba our transport meets us to take us to Ollantaytambo for a guided tour of this site. After, you will be taken to your hotel for checking in and the rest of the evening is at your leisure in the small, picturesque tourist town of Ollantaytambo. (Most restaurants, cafes, etc are within easy walking distance.) Lunch and dinner on your own.

Overnight at Ollantaytambo Hotel (or similar)

Day 5:
AGUAS CALIENTES

Breakfast. After breakfast, check out and make your way with a short walk or moto taxi down to the Train station in Ollantaytambo.
Board a late morning train to Aguas Calientes arriving in Aguas Calientes. You will be met by a staff member from the hotel you will be staying in to assist with luggage and they will escort you to the hotel. Afternoon on your own to explore the Machu Picchu Museum near Aguas Calientes, day hikes available (such as the jungle ladders on Putu Cusi), markets and shopping, or just relax at the hot springs. Lunch and dinner on own.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes hotel
Day 6: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Breakfast. After an early breakfast at 5:30 am take the early morning bus up to Machu Picchu. After witnessing sunrise over this majestic place, we will have a guided tour of the complex with our local guides (approx. 3 hours) Afterwards, There will be several hours available to spend as you choose in this unique archaeological site, allowing ample opportunities to explore on your own (if you want to climb Huayna Picchu you must now buy a ticket for that in advance). Rest of day free in Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. Bus back to Aguas Calientes town included. Early evening train Aguas Calientes- Ollyantaytambo /bus Ollyanta to Cusco returns you to Cusco that evening. Optional visit to Aguas Calientes Hot springs (extra charge 4$ per person) before the train ride back to Cusco at around 7:00 pm. Arrive around 11pm at hotel in Cusco.

Lunch on own. Special group singles dinner included prior to train departure. Overnight in Cusco- Hotel Residencia del Sol

Day 7:
CUSCO

Breakfast. Free day to do another Peru adventure tour (at additional cost) or just relax, shopping and enjoying the exciting nightlife of Cusco. Lunch on own arrangements. That evening meetup in the lobby at 700 pm- There will be a special farewell dinner and cultural show (included) at a famous restaurant in Cusco that we will walk over to from the hotel. Farewell Dinner and Show Included. Rest of evening at leisure. Hotel Residencia del Sol

Day 8 Saturday:
CUSCO- LIMA

Breakfast. Morning transfer to Cusco airport. Fly back to Lima from Cusco.

INCLUDED DOMESTIC FLIGHT: Cusco to Lima departs in morning (exact flight schedule depends on your intl air and available flights at time of your booking) Please book your flight home form Lima for a departure after 1230 PM to ensure you make your connection.

“End of Peru Singles Trip”
If you are staying an extra night in Lima- There are a wide variety of hotel options for all budgets available, we recommend the Marriott Hotel in Miraflores

Please note- All times for tours, transfers, daily arrival/departure times, etc are approximate and subject to change at the guide and or host’s recommendations. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary due to safety concerns, circumstances outside its control (i.e. worker strikes, weather, government, etc.). We may use similar hotels to the ones specified in this itinerary.

Included in Peru singles NON TREK tour:

Domestic flights within Peru (Lima /Cusco and Cusco / Lima)
Airport transfers: on arrival and departure to Cusco
05 nights 4 star hotel Cusco, 1 night Aguas Calientes, 1 night Ollantaytambo.
Buffet breakfast included each morning at all hotels
Professional local tour guides while on the included tours indicated in itinerary
Private transport on all tours.
Adventure activity (rafting or mnt biking w/ lunch) on day 3
Excursion in Cusco w/ guided city tour and nearby Inca sites.
Tourist train from Ollant. to Aguas Calientes on day 5
Economic Tourist Train/Private Bus return on Day 6 from Aguas Calientes / Ollant./Cusco
RT Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Extra Luggage storage in Cusco hotel
Entry into Machu Picchu
Welcome lunch on the first day (drinks are extra charge- ie beer, wine, soda)
Group dinner on day 6 and farewell dinner and Cultural Show on day 7 (drinks are extra charge- ie beer, wine, soda)
Services of our professional guides and local hosts for the entire program
Experienced guides and trip host to accompany you for entire trip

 

Trip Package Details

Package Inclusions For Each Tour

#1. Non Trek Tour Details
Domestic Flights in Peru
(R/T Lima-Cusco)
5 Nights Hotel Cusco
1 Night Aguas Calientes (AC)
1 Night Ollantaytambo
Professional Local Tour Guides
Rafting or Mt Bike Options
R/T Bus Machu Picchu to AC
Luggage Storage Cusco
Welcome Lunch
Group Dinner day 6
Farewell Dinner
Cultural Show day 7

#2. Lares Trek Tour Details
Domestic Flights in Peru
(R/T Lima-Cusco)
4 Nights Cusco
1 Night AC
2 Nights Camping on Trek
Professional Local Tour Guides
Private Transportation in Peru
R/T Bus Machu Picchu to AC
Entry to Machu Picchu & Park
Luggage Storage in Cusco
Trail Hike Permits
Cook & Assistant
Meals on Trek
2 Breakfast, 3 Lunch & 2 Dinners
Tents, sleeping pads and stools + tables
Porters
Meals on Trek
Full Travel Insurance

Trip Price

Shared Room $2,055.00

Private Room $2,550

Register & Pay

Trip FAQs

Peru Tour FAQ’s

ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS (FOR USA CITIZENS):
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and depart Peru. Tourists must also provide evidence of return or onward travel. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay of 90 days or less. U.S. citizens remaining in Peru more than 90 days must pay a monthly fee to extend their visa for up to three additional months, for a total of six months. Your passport should have 2 or more blank pages and be good until at least six months after the last day of your trip. U.S. citizens, including children, who remain in Peru over six months without obtaining a residence visa, will have to pay a fine in order to depart Peru. Visitors for other than tourist or family visit purposes must obtain a Peruvian visa in advance. Business visitors should ascertain the tax and exit regulations that apply to the specific visa that they are granted. U.S. citizens whose passports are lost or stolen in Peru must obtain a new passport and present it, together with a police report of the loss or theft, to the main immigration office in the capital city of Lima to obtain permission to depart. For further information regarding entry requirements, travelers should contact the Peruvian Embassy at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 605, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 462-1084 or 462-1085; Internet http://www.peruemb.org; or the Peruvian Consulate in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Patterson (NJ), San Francisco, or San Juan

ENTRY REQUIRMENTS FOR CITIZENS OF OTHER COUNTIRES:
Please check with the Peruvian embassy or consulate in your country.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX:
For every domestic flight you should pay $ 5.00 and for International flights $ 31.00. (Subject to change by Peru government, nowadays almost all airlines already include this in their ticket price- please check with your carrier)

TRAVEL BAGGAGE AND ALLOWANCE:
Our host hotel has a secure storage room where you can leave the extra travel luggage
There is no fee to leave your bag.

For most intl flights- two pieces of baggage are allowed up to 50 pounds plus one carry on. Please review your intl carrier’s policy for your flights to and from your home city to Lima

The weight limit for internal flights in Peru is 20kg for checking in a bag without a charge. Heavier bags may incur extra charges at check in for the flights within Peru.

MONEY AND LOCAL CURRENCY:
The unit of currency in Peru is the Nuevo Soles.1$ USD = S/ 2.80 as of 5/21/14- please check for up to date exchange rates. It is advisable to take most of your money in US dollars or Euros for exchange. The bills must be the new issued bills in very good condition (no tears, etc) or they may not accept them for currency exchange. Bills with small tears, lots of folds, generally in bad shape will not be accepted. Only the new series bills will be accepted. In short, try to bring brand new bills for cash money exchange. Travelers checks are harder to cash and don’t have as good of rates, thus are not recommended. You will have plenty of opportunities to exchange money on this trip.

ATM cards also work in Peru cash machines. You tend to get a good exchange rate this way. There are also plenty of ATM’s (some ATM’s charge fees and some do not), banks, and money exchange facilities in the city of Cusco. In both Lima and Cusco- Rates are generally close to the same at all change facilities in town and should not charge you a commission to change foreign cash to soles.

The amount you wish to take out depends on how much you wish to spend on gratuities and meals not included, plus gifts or extras like an optional tour for example.

A cheap local restaurant will run a few dollars; a typical tourist one will cost maybe $15 USD for a meal

Things are generally cheaper there than the US. I encourage you to look at some background on Peru from Lonely Planet or Fodor’s. They provide history, geography, information, costs, etc, and are a good resource to check.

SHOPPING:
Souvenirs are good and varied in Peru. In markets and smaller stores, bargaining is acceptable, indeed expected. Woolen goods are popular and are often made of pleasantly coarse homespun wool, made into weavings, sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves and vests.

Most of the markets are not fixed prices, but you negotiate your price with the vendor. (They will start you very high since you are a tourist, be sure to negotiate). Be aware what you are buying.
Nice shops, grocery stores, restaurants will have fixed prices.

There are plenty of stores in Cusco (and time to shop) if you need to have something you forget or realize you would like to have once on the trip.

PERSONAL SECURITY:
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling. This should contain your passport, international airline tickets, travelers checks, cash and others important items. The consequences of having any of the above lost or stolen are both costly and time consuming. A lock of some kind is also recommended for securing your luggage. It is a good idea to make a list of all-important details relating to passport, travelers checks, credit cards, and tickets. Keep this list separate from the actual item so in the unlikely event of loss, replacement will be made easier.

*Please make 2 photocopies of your passport, leave one at home and keep one in your luggage in a different place than you carry your passport

Be careful walking around alone at night in the cities
Taxis are safe if called from the hotel so that you get a registered taxi for your transport.

PHOTOGRAPHY:
There is a lot of potential for photography in Peru. A good camera with choice of lenses is certainly worth the effort. Buy your film prior to departure and develop on your return. Ask a local person before taking a picture of them; in Cusco they may ask for a 1 sol “tip” for a photo since there are many tourists there.

ELECTRICITY:
It is typically 220 volts. Some places will have outlets that correspond to USA plugs, some will not. Better to bring an adapter for Peru’s plugs just in case. For info on type to bring- http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm

HEALTH MATTERS:
Vaccinations: To take a trip to Peru, there are recommended vaccines and immunizations. None are required for entry if you are not coming directly from a country in the yellow fever zone.

To get the most accurate information for your unique health needs, it is by far best to check with your doctor, a travel clinic, and/or the World Health Organization or CDC for up to date info that would apply to your trip itinerary to Peru. Please show them your itinerary as different parts of the country have different requirements (i.e. Amazon, etc).

This also pertains to possible altitude sickness prevention and treatment medicines. Please check with your doctor.

We cannot send out specific recommendations for you on these types of health issues. You may visit your doctor or a travel clinic a couple of weeks in advance of the trip start!

About the high altitude and tips to make it easier to acclimate to 11,000+ ft.
We recommend you to rest on your first day of your arrival to the highlands and consume light meals to prevent altitude illness drinking mate de coca (coca tea) is recommended
Better not to take alcoholic beverages on the first day.
Sun/ Heat and altitude: drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and heat stroke, keep covered up and wear a high level sunscreen.
When traveling to the mountains, please make sure to take a poncho or raincoat in your day pack.
To obtain medical services contact the staff of your hotel or guide.

First-Aid
Each passenger should carry their own miniature First-Aid-Kit which should contain a supply of any medicine which you use regularly (ie prescriptions, aspirin as well as the following items: band-aids, something to combat pain and headaches, antiseptic cream, lip salve, diarrhea tablets, antihistamine, insect repellent, sunscreen, and something for the relief of the sunburn such as calamine lotion). If you should get a cut or scratch while traveling it is important to clean thoroughly and cover immediately to avoid skin infection.

Water and Sanitation:
Only drink bottled or previous boiled water.
Avoid ice cubes unless made from safe water.
For tooth brushing try to use bottled or treated water.

Food- Be careful with raw vegetables., Eat only fruit that you have washed in safe water and peeled (tomato and fruit), Avoid eating from street vendors.

Weather Conditions:
Peru is a varied and diverse country due to the climatic, natural and cultural diversity of its regions. It is 1,554 miles (2,500 km) long, and has 3 natural regions: Coast, Mountains (sierra) and Jungle.

The Mountains (Machu Picchu, Cusco, Puno, Titicaca Lake)
Mid April – October. This period is the dry season, with hot, dry days (20-25°C) and cold, dry nights, often hovering just above freezing, particularly in June and July. Weather changes with altitude and can change fast. Bring warm clothes and rain gear.

SUGGESTED TRAVEL LIST: (not all inclusive)
* Valid Passport.
* If you have travel insurance, be sure to bring copy of policy details
* Money Belt or Neck Pouch
* MedicAlert bracelet if appropriate
* Cash, credit cards, ATM card. The most widely accepted credit cards are Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Note: There is often an 8 to 12% commission for credit card charges.
* Phone card if you plan on phoning home OR you can use calling centers in towns for about 30 cents a minute

WHAT TO PACK:
You will be on the move a great deal, so our general advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
At the higher altitude in the Andes Mountains the temperature can feel cold, especially at night. You should pack for both a hot climate as well as an autumn type climate. We are traveling during the dry season but there might be some rains in the mountains so you have to include rain gear.
We recommend using a duffel bag or backpack for your main luggage instead of large, bulky suitcases. A small day pack is also essential. The following list is a general guideline (and not all inclusive):

SUGGESTED LIST TO TRAVEL:
– Insect repellent
– Rain jacket
– Small flashlight with batteries
– Small sewing kit
– Toiletries
– Hat for sun
-Battery operated alarm clock or watch
-Water bottle
-Sunscreen

OTHER CLOTHING:
– Light pullover or sweatshirt
– Warmer sweater or polar jacket or polar fleece
– shirts, t-shirts
– pairs of shorts / skirts
– pairs of long pants
– Underwear and sleepwear
– flip-flops
– Walking shoes or hiking shoes
– swim wear (if you want to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

OPTIONAL:
– Camera
– Playing cards or other favorite games
– Reading / writing material
– Sunglasses
– Baseball cap
– Sandals

*TREKKERS PLEASE REFER TO TREK SPECIFIC PACKING SHEET FOR MORE DETAILS

LIMA
Taxi transport in Lima: If you decide to spend anytime in Lima on your own before or after the tour, we highly recommend that you should only use secure taxis while getting around Lima. Taxis flagged down on the street can be dangerous. For example, if going into Lima after the tour, but before your intl flight on your departure day, only use a secure taxi from inside the airport. Best to have a hotel call you a taxi for your return to the airport.