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Trekking, jungle and indigenous culture - the best Peru has to offer
The group flights are scheduled to arrive this morning. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight as long as you have provided Exodus with your flight details in advance and have requested a transfer. Check-in is in the early afternoon, and the morning is free for you to explore the local area, change money or visit Lima's many museums until the rooms become available. There will be an Exodus noticeboard in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held. *Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)** *
We have an early start today for the flight via Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado, a small jungle town. After a short drive via the lodge office (where we will store our main luggage) to the river, we take a boat to our jungle lodge in the Tambopata Reserve (generally between 1½ and 3 hours depending on the lodge used). On the way we may see caimans (alligators), river turtles and a wide variety of birdlife. Our rainforest lodge is basic but all accommodation has en suite facilities with cold showers. Electricity is by generator and only available for a few hours a day in the dining room area. *Cayman Lodge (or similar)*
The next two days are spent exploring the forest, rivers and lakes surrounding the lodge, on foot and in both motorised and paddle canoes. Although a lot of the wildlife tends to hide in the dense foliage, we should expect to see a wide variety of birds, including herons and egrets, jacanas, macaws and the almost prehistoric-looking hoatzin, as well as several species of monkey, reptiles and insects, and with luck the Giant otters which live in the rivers of the Amazon basin. *Cayman Lodge (or similar)*
A dawn start is required for the boat trip back to Puerto Maldonado, giving memorable views of the sunrise over the river. Look out for the early morning wildlife, which is particularly active at this time; Howler monkeys are frequently heard as they stake out their territories. After our flight to Cuzco, there is usually time for an afternoon orientation tour of the city. At 3400m Cuzco is an extremely high city and you may find yourself short of breath on arrival. *Hotel Warari / Hotel Koyllur (or similar)** *
We have a free day in Cuzco today. The Inca Capital is among the most attractive cities in South America, with many interesting buildings, museums and sites. There are various optional activities that can be arranged through your leader, such as a full day tour of the Sacred Valley (including the fortresses of Pisac and Ollantaytambo) or a visit to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, situated on a hillside above the city. You will have a full trek briefing this afternoon (usually around 6pm). *Hotel Warari / Hotel Koyllur (or similar)*
The Classic Inca Trail is a tangential branch part of a 45,000km road network linking the whole empire to Cuzco. It was built in the 15th Century to reach Machu Picchu but was abandoned soon after the Spanish conquest. American adventurer, Hiram Bingham travelled along the trail when he came across Machu Picchu in 1911. The trail opened to the public in 1970. We leave Cuzco early and drive for roughly two hours to Ollantaytambo; our last chance to buy any items needed for the trek. From here we veer off the road and follow a track beside the river (45 minutes) to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, commonly known as Km82. After greeting our trekking crew, we show our passports at the checkpoint and begin the Inca Trail trek. The trail runs alongside the Vilcanota River beneath the impressive snow-capped Nevado Veronica, passing through cactus gardens and fields of corn until we reach the enormous Inca ruins of Llactapata, where we continue up a side valley to camp near the hamlet of Huayllabamba. *Walk Profile: approx. 11km / 6‐7hrs walking* *Full-service Camping - Huayllabamba Camp* *Inca Trail - Meals Included: /breakfast lunch dinner/*
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 6.8
Activity Hours: 6-7
This is the longest and most strenuous day. A long climb (largely up stone staircases) takes us first through an area of cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then over the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's) pass, at 4215m the highest point on the trek. After quite a long, steep descent we camp in the scenic valley of the Pacamayo River (3600m). *Walk Profile: approx. 10km / 6‐7hrs walking* *Full-service Camping - Pacamayo Camp* *Inca Trail - Meals Included: /breakfast lunch dinner/*
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6.2
Activity Hours: 6-7
We start the day with an easier climb which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (3930m). From now on the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined path made of flat boulders. We pass the ruins of Sayajmarca and suddenly enter rainforest; at one point the trail passes through an Inca tunnel. We camp at a spectacular campsite on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (3680m) to benefit from the views of sunset and sunrise. *Walk Profile: approx. 12km / 5-6hrs walking* *Full-service Camping - Phuyupatamarca Camp* *Inca Trail - Meals Included: /breakfast lunch dinner/*
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7.5
Activity Hours: 5-6
From the ridge, we embark on the infamous Inca steps: a two kilometre stone staircase taking us rapidly downhill amid a panorama of overwhelming immensity, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above and the river thousands of metres below. After visiting the attractive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, we have an undulating walk through cloud forest high above the river to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu itself, with Huayna Picchu rising behind. Traditionally busy with groups of trekkers clamouring for photos, we plan our arrival at Inti Punku later in the day so we can enjoy unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. Passing around the edge of the ruins, we exit the site and descend to Aguas Calientes for a well-earned rest, a shower and a comfortable bed for the night. Our trekking permits allow us one entry into the site, which we use for our tour tomorrow, but anyone wishing to visit the citadel on both days can purchase an additional entry ticket today - your tour leader will assist with this. There is usually time for an optional visit to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, however, in recent years they have become over-crowded and the water quality can suffer as a result. We will be reunited with those who have been on the Moonstone Trek at the hotel this afternoon. *Walk Profile: approx. 9km / 6-7hrs walking* *Hotel Inti Punku El Tambo (or similar)* *Inca Trail - Meals Included: /breakfast lunch/*
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 5.6
Activity Hours: 6-7
In order to beat the day-trippers arriving from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible, a very early start is required to queue for Machu Picchu; only government-registered buses can make the 30-minute drive up the winding road to the site entrance and during high season (May-October) queues can be hours long. Machu Picchu is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world and what makes it all the more dramatic is its mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. New regulations for visiting Machu Picchu are now fully enforced; of the three possible visiting slots, Exodus will purchase the morning slot from 06:00 until 12:00 (unless unavailable), you will be limited to a maximum of four hours within the site and must be accompanied by a guide. There will also be three set routes to follow around Machu Picchu; Exodus selects the most comprehensive route. We catch an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30 mins) and continue by private bus to Cuzco (2hrs 30 mins). *Hotel Warari / Hotel Koyllur (or similar)** *
Today we take a bus ride across the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungles. Although it is quite a long drive (10 hours including stops), the views are spectacular. There are scheduled stops along the route to visit some of the most interesting sites which helps break up the day and we get a feel for the immensity of the Andean landscapes. A packed lunch is included today. We arrive in the evening in Puno, a high, chilly town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. *Casona Plaza Hotel (or similar)** *
We explore Lake Titicaca, visiting the lesser-known Titinos communities who live on islands of floating reeds and produce some fine textiles. Though the altitude here (3850m) is tiring, the air is very clear and the lakeside views can be magnificent, with the snow-capped peaks of the Andes towering in the background. There is the option to go on a walk to the top of the island to watch the sunset. We spend the night on Amantani Island where we experience a homestay with the local villagers - this really allows us to see what life is like for the people in an isolated island community. *Titicaca Homestay (basic accommodation)*
We take a boat to Chifron Bay and spend some time exploring the peninsula before flying back to Lima (from nearby Juliaca airport). Depending on the flight taken, we may have some time free for shopping and sightseeing, including an optional visit to the Gold Museum. Flight times do vary and some groups will not arrive into Lima until late afternoon or early evening. *Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)** *
The trip ends after breakfast today. Those on group flights will be transferred to the airport in the morning for the overnight flight to London. **
* 7 nights hotels and 3 nights rainforest lodge in en suite rooms, 1 night
homestay with basic shared facilities, and 3 nights full-service camping
* 4 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Travel by private bus, train, boat and 3 internal flights
* Altitude maximum 4215m, average 3050m
* 7kg personal weight limit on Inca Trail trek
All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners included in the price of the tour.
Peruvian cuisine has developed a reputation for its flavours and originality
and it’s well worth trying out a few of the local delicacies. Amongst these
are ceviche (a spicy dish of seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo
saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry) and various hearty soups such as
the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig),
alpaca steak, and to drink, the national beverage: Pisco Sour.
Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffet-style affairs, usually including
bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dishes, sometimes
fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee that
wheat/gluten-free products will be available for breakfast in all locations -
if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food.
Lunches in the rainforest are either buffet lunches or picnics, depending on
the day's activities. Dinners in the Amazon are buffet style, taken at the
lodge
During the Inca Trail (or Moonstone Trek) hearty breakfasts are served and
good quality cooked lunches and dinners are provided, and usually consist of
soup or a starter, a main course with meat/fish and some form of
carbohydrates, followed by a dessert. Some snacks between meals are also
provided. Drinking water (boiled and filtered) is provided in the mornings
and at lunch during the trek so that you can refill your bottles. Bed
tea/coffee is brought to your tent each morning and juice or hot drinks are
provided with all meals during the trek.
Where lunch and dinner is not included we'll visit a variety of cafes and
restaurants.
Drinking water is provided. The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink;
boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek and elsewhere your
leader will buy large water containers for you to refill your bottle from.
* 7 nights hotels and 3 nights rainforest lodge in en suite rooms, 1 night
homestay with basic shared facilities, and 3 nights full-service camping
* 4 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Travel by private bus, train, boat and 3 internal flights
* Altitude maximum 4215m, average 3050m
* 7kg personal weight limit on Inca Trail trek
You should be aware that the size of Peru means that this trip involves some
long drives, particularly the one from Cuzco to Puno (around 10hrs), and you
should be prepared for this. The buses used are comfortable and the scenery
is outstanding. There will be several stops along the way to help break up
the journey.
The Inca Trail is a Moderate grade trek (level 3) - please refer to
our activity level guidelines [1]. There are four days point-to-point
walking with full porterage, reaching a maximum altitude of 4215m, average
3050m. Though not without its difficulties (in particular the ascent and
descent of the first pass, known as Dead Woman's Pass!) this trek is
certainly possible for anyone in a good state of health and fitness, but we
would not recommend it as a beginner's trek to anyone with no previous
trekking experience. If you are not a regular walker you should put in some
physical preparation beforehand. The trek is also not particularly suitable
for those with bad knees due to the number of steep and uneven steps,
particularly on the third and fourth days of the trek.
You may find our
https://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf"
target="_blank"Fitness Training Guide a useful reference.
As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the
altitude warning within the Trip Notes. We spend two days in Cuzco (3400m)
acclimatising before starting the trek.
Protest action/strikes are not uncommon in Peru, and whilst these are
generally peaceful, they can involve roadblocks and cause disruption to
travel. Occasionally your leader may have to adapt your itinerary in response
to this.
Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only.
Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the
pace of your group.
*Inca Trail Regulations*
An Inca Trail permit is required for this trip. There are a number of
important regulations regarding the Inca Trail that we would like to make you
aware of:
1) Spaces on the Inca Trail are on a first come, first served basis and we
urge you to book as early as possible.
2) If you cancel your booking more than 8 weeks before departure and wish to
transfer your deposit to another departure or another trip the transfer
fee is £150 as we will lose the permit we have purchased on your behalf.
This is an amendment to our Booking Conditions. No transfers are possible
within 8 weeks of departure.
3) Bookings can only be made if we are supplied with your full name,
passport details, date of birth and nationality, exactly as per the
passport you will be using to travel to Peru (this information is used to
purchase your Inca Trail permit). If your passport details do not match
those on your permit you will be refused entry to the Inca Trail by the
local authorities.
4) Should the passport used to purchase your permit be lost, stolen or
expire before your Inca Trail start date, you must purchase a new
passport and notify Exodus immediately as we will need to apply to amend
your Inca Trail permit. To do so, you must supply copies of both your old
and new passports to Exodus in advance of travel and pay an
administration fee of £25. For this reason, we strongly recommend that
you make a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
5) Please be aware that these regulations may change at any time, and Exodus
is not responsible for the decisions made by Peruvian authorities.
6) There is a possibility that the Peruvian authorities may increase the
entrance fees to the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and other major sights at
any time. If they do so, we will inform you of this increase and the
extra amount will need to be paid locally in cash in Peru.
*Please Note:* Whilst your departure date may be 'Guaranteed', your Inca
Trail permit itself will initially be 'On Request'. If travelling within the
current year we will try to purchase your permit immediately upon receiving
your booking. If travelling next year, we will apply for your permit as soon
as they are released for sale. In either case, in the event that we are
unable to get your permit, we will contact you to discuss your options. */
/*
*Alternative Moonstone Trek*
Once Inca Trail permits have sold out for a given date, we can no longer
accept bookings for the classic Inca Trail trek. However, we can offer an
equally spectacular alternative trek (not requiring a permit) in its place.
The remote high altitude Moonstone Trek takes in a number of recently
discovered Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites and there are practically
no other tourists along the route. (Alternatively, we have a One Day Inca
Trail Option which we can also offer in place of the Inca Trail which
includes the One Day Inca Trail as well as time in the Sacred Valley and
Cuzco).
If selected, the Moonstone Trek will replace days 7 to 10 of the standard
land only itinerary. The maximum altitude on the Moonstone Trek is 4625m
(higher than that of the classic Inca Trail) and the route is slightly more
strenuous. Therefore we class it as a Moderate/Challenging trek (level 4).
Depending on the split of the group between the Inca Trail and Moonstone
Trek, you may find small group sizes on the Moonstone Trek. It is even
possible that the Moonstone trek will be provided for solo travellers. Please
ask your Sales Consultant if you would like to know how many people are
booked on each, and/or have any specific questions or concerns.
Whilst the Moonstone Trek can be selected preferentially when Inca Trail
permits are still available, a small group supplement may apply.
*List of Regulations for visiting Machu Picchu:*
The main points impacting your visit are the following:
1) The tickets are valid only for one entry which means that you cannot
leave the site and re-enter.
2) Once you have done the chosen circuit with your guide, you cannot walk
back to view anything already visited and once you finish the circuit,
you will have to leave the site. You can no longer explore the site
further after the guided tour.
3) The two visit times for visiting the site, either 6am-12pm or 12-16.30pm.
4) The local authorities have restricted the temples which can visited at
Machu Picchu depending on the time of the visit to the site.
These regulations will affect how long you are able to spend at Machu Picchu
and which temples you can visit. In the past, after the guided tour
passengers could stay longer to explore the site, this is not possible
anymore. The alternative that we are implementing on our visits to allow you
further time, is to explore the upper part of Machu Picchu (Sun Gate and Inca
Bridge) before starting the guided tour. The guided tour will be about 2
hrs in duration, and unfortunately at the end of it, you will need to exit
the site. You will be able to visit the Condor’s Temple, but not the Sun
Dial Temple or the Sun Temple on this itinerary.
Schedule of visit to Machu Picchu on this itinerary:
* Early bus to Machu Picchu and explore upper part with the tour leader
* Between 9-10am start the guided tour
* Between 11.30am-12.30pm passengers leave Machu Picchu
[1] node/714
Hotels, Lodges, Camping & Homestay
The hotels normally used are indicated within the itinerary, however,
accommodation may differ from those stated depending on your departure date.
In Cuzco we will stay at small, locally run hotels where possible, all
located in the historical centre of Cuzco, within walking distance of the
beautiful Plaza de Armas and close to restaurants and shops. The hotels
each feature cozy rooms, buffet breakfasts and free WiFi. Most hotels have
a safety deposit box in the room but if not, there will be one at the
reception.
In Aguas Calientes, we stay in a centrally located hotel with comfortable
rooms, buffet breakfasts and free WiFi. Unfortunately, there is a railway
line that runs straight through the centre of Aguas Calientes and whilst we
try to allocate rooms away from it whenever possible, the trains might be
heard from some rooms.
Please note that central heating is very rare in Peru, even in good standard
hotels, however, most hotels provide plug-in heaters and spare blankets which
should keep you warm. While all of the hotels we use do have a hot water
supply, it can be temperamental when there is high demand.
The Inca Trail (and Moonstone trek) is on a full-service camping basis with
full porterage, meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the
tents for you, cook, and do all of the camp chores for you. You need only
carry your daypack. The tents used are 4 season Eureka tents purchased in
2019 and there is a separate dining tent for meal times, as well as a toilet
tent for use both in camp and during lunch stops. On the Inca Trail we stay
in organised campsites which are administered by the Regional Cultural
Directorate, whilst on the Moonstone Trek we use wild campsites.
On Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca, the group will split up overnight to
stay with local families. There will be a few of us in each house and we may
have to share rooms en masse - single supplements do not apply here. The
rooms are basic but clean and your beds will have sheets and plenty of
blankets. There are outside toilets and washbasins. The lack of electricity
or road noise (there are no roads!) and the starlit sky on clear nights makes
for a truly peaceful and serene experience.
In the rainforest we stay in a variety of lodges in the Tambopata Reserve.
All offer a similar standard of accommodation and rainforest experience, and
each has a network of walking trails through the forest. The lodges are
usually located between 1½ and 3½ hours by boat from Puerto Maldonado, and
each has a main building surrounded by lodge/bungalow accommodation. The
rooms are usually based on two people sharing, and all have private bathrooms
with a shower, as well as individual mosquito nets over the beds and, in some
cases, mosquito screens on the windows. There is generally no electricity in
the bedrooms, and lighting is provided by lanterns or candles. The main
buildings each have a dining room and bar, as well as a small library of
books relating to the rainforest and its flora and fauna. These are usually
the only areas of the lodge with an electrical supply (not 24 hour).
*Additional accommodation*
Should you wish to extend your stay in Peru, Exodus can book additional
nights' accommodation prior to or after your tour in Lima. Please enquire at
the time of booking. We recommend the early booking of pre/post tour
accommodation to guarantee availability.
*Single Supplement*
Single rooms can be booked, subject to availability (the supplement excludes
the night in the homestay).
In the Amazon we will be accompanied by local guides from the lodge. On the
Inca Trail (and Moonstone Trek) there will be a full trek crew of porters
(horses and their wranglers on the Moonstone Trek), cooks and assistant
guides.
All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners included in the price of the tour.
Peruvian cuisine has developed a reputation for its flavours and originality
and it’s well worth trying out a few of the local delicacies. Amongst these
are ceviche (a spicy dish of seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo
saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry) and various hearty soups such as
the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig),
alpaca steak, and to drink, the national beverage: Pisco Sour.
Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffet-style affairs, usually including
bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dishes, sometimes
fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee that
wheat/gluten-free products will be available for breakfast in all locations -
if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food.
Lunches in the rainforest are either buffet lunches or picnics, depending on
the day's activities. Dinners in the Amazon are buffet style, taken at the
lodge
During the Inca Trail (or Moonstone Trek) hearty breakfasts are served and
good quality cooked lunches and dinners are provided, and usually consist of
soup or a starter, a main course with meat/fish and some form of
carbohydrates, followed by a dessert. Some snacks between meals are also
provided. Drinking water (boiled and filtered) is provided in the mornings
and at lunch during the trek so that you can refill your bottles. Bed
tea/coffee is brought to your tent each morning and juice or hot drinks are
provided with all meals during the trek.
Where lunch and dinner is not included we'll visit a variety of cafes and
restaurants.
Drinking water is provided. The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink;
boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek and elsewhere your
leader will buy large water containers for you to refill your bottle from.
A variety of transport is used during this tour and vehicle types may vary
depending on group size: travel is by train, boat, bus, and 3 internal
flights.
Airport transfers are by private car or mini-bus. The main road journeys are
by private mini-bus or coach with heating/air-conditioning and may or may not
have a toilet on board.
In the Amazon Rainforest we may share boats with other guests staying at the
lodge.
We travel by train (with Peru Rail/Inca Rail) from Aguas Calientes (the town
below Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo in Expedition/Executive Class. Seating
is four seats to a table and the carriages have panoramic windows and there
is air conditioning/heating.
On Day 11 (for the guided tour of Machu Picchu) we take the public bus for
the short journey between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu - this is the only
transport option available on this route as private vehicles are not
permitted. Queues can be very long first thing in the morning, especially
during the peak summer months.
The boat on Lake Titicaca is private to our group, and there will be a local
guide from one of Lake Titicaca’s island communities. The boat is enclosed
as it can get cold at this altitude but there large windows on all sides and
an outside deck to the rear. Life jackets are provided.
This point to point trekking holiday requires customers to walk between each
overnight stay under their own steam. Other forms of transport may be
available along the route (horses, jeeps etc) but Exodus is not able to take
responsibility for the safety or the cost of any transport that customers
choose to take even if provided with the assistance of our leader or staff.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London:* *17 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of LATAM (depending on availability).
As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of
our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings.
Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until
approximately two weeks before departure.
Internal flights during the trip are normally with Lan Peru.
*Travelling land only: 15 days starting and ending in Lima*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Lima in the afternoon of
Day 1 of the itinerary Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £20 or US$30 should you decide to
make your way independently.
Should you decide to make your way independently there is also an airport
shuttle bus, which runs a direct service from Lima Airport to the Miraflores
District of Lima every 30-60 minutes for US$8 one way or US$15 round trip.
Tickets can be bought online or at the counter in Lima Airport. Visit the
website and select your hotel to find the nearest stop and see a map of where
it is in relation to your hotel:
"https://www.airportexpresslima.com
Peru's diverse geography results in a very varied climate between different
regions.
Lima falls within the coastal desert region of Peru, with a mild climate and
very little rain all year. From April to November the sky is almost always
grey and cloudy and the air humid. Average day time temperatures in Lima
remain between about 18 and 24 degrees Celsius during this period, with July
and August typically being the coolest. Nights are also mild - typically
15-18 degrees Celsius. From December to March the skies in Lima are clear and
temperatures at their warmest but elsewhere in the country this is the rainy
season.
Whilst the Amazon Rainforest is generally warm and humid, it can be subject
to drops in temperature caused by cold fronts pushing in from the south -
this can occur at any time of year, but happens most often in June and July.
This can send temperatures dropping into single figures, and we recommend
that you take some warm clothing with you to the lodge in case of sudden
changes in the weather.
Cuzco and the Andes have a temperate climate. December to March is the rainy
season in Cuzco/the Andes and April to November is the dry season;
characterised by clear skies and strong sunshine in the mornings, sometimes
clouding over as the day progresses. Daytime temperatures are usually
pleasant (approx. 20 degrees C on average) but night times only 5-10 degrees
C, except for May, June, July and August when days are cooler and nights are
often close to, or a few degrees below, freezing. In the Andes, however,
anything is possible at any time of year, including cloud, rain or even snow,
and rapid and unexpected changes!
Lake Titicaca is high, lying at 3,800m above sea level, and at this altitude
the sun is strong but the air can be cold, and nights can be close to
freezing. You will need to bring some warm layers and a waterproof or
wind-stopper.
Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are in the cloud forest and as such attract
large amounts of precipitation all year as clouds move up from the Amazon
Basin. Rain here can be heavy, but is seldom prolonged. Cold fronts sometimes
occur from July-August.
Peru is affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon whereby warming of
Pacific Ocean surface water off South America drives a shift in the
atmospheric circulation resulting in abnormally high levels of rainfall over
parts of South America. These events occur at irregular intervals of two to
seven years, and last nine months to two years. A strong El Niño event
occurred in 2014-16. In El Niño years, temperatures in Lima can be much
warmer than described above but it still rarely rains in Lima.
For full details of what to take, please see our
https://assets.exodus.co.uk/travelink/Inca_Trail_Kitlist.pdf"
rel="nofollow" target="_blank"Inca Trail kit list.
Sleeping bag (3-4 seasons)
Warm jacket
Leather or lightweight walking boots
Hat and gloves
Waterproof jacket and over trousers
Sunglasses
2 x 1 litre water bottles
Sunhat
Sunscreen
Daypack to carry personal items during the daytime
Thermal underwear
Light-weight clothes with long sleeves and trousers
Sandals for wearing in the lodge
Insect repellent
Torch (head torches are ideal)
Small trek towel
On arrival at Puerto Maldonado, a small bag (which can take between 7-8kgs)
is provided in which you must pack only what you need to take into the
jungle. The rest of your luggage will be stored for you until your return. As
well as lightweight clothing, we also recommend you take some warm clothing
since the rainforest can be subject to sudden cold snaps, especially in June
and July.
Exodus provides (in Cuzco) a sleeping mat for the duration of the Inca Trail
trek. The mat is full length and approximately 4cm thick when inflated.
A sleeping bag is not included but is required for the trek - these can be
hired locally through your leader in Cuzco from US$20 (PEN64).
*Inca Trail Baggage & Weight Restriction*
Whilst any type of normal luggage or suitcase can be used for this holiday, a
soft kitbag or duffel bag (measuring approximately 70cms x 30cms) will need
to be used for the trek portion (since porters cannot carry hard suitcases or
bags with wheels etc.).
If you book this trip, we provide an Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in
whilst on trek. Once you have booked you will be sent instructions on how to
claim your free bag (they will not be sent out automatically). There are also
details on how to claim for another item from the Exodus shop should you
already have one of these. If you book via an agent, it is at the agent’s
discretion and you should speak directly to them to arrange delivery. Please
note that if you book less than three weeks before the departure date we
cannot guarantee that your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts, so if
this is the case please contact us on
*datateam"mailto:datateam@exodus.co.uk"*datateam**
@exodus.co.uk to let us know. For full T&Cs see
https://www.exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/our-kitbags"
target="_blank"*
.*
As"www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags.
As the kitbags do not have wheels, you may prefer to pack it inside your own
wheelie case for ease of travelling to, and moving through, the airport. Your
suitcase can then be left in Cuzco with anything not needed for the trek,
whilst the kitbag will be carried by your porter on trek. If however, you
can't fit the Exodus kitbag in your main luggage (or do not receive one in
time) then our local partners will provide a soft duffel bag in Cuzco (this
should be returned to your leader after the trek).
There are strict regulations regarding luggage on the Inca Trail. These
regulations are strictly enforced and were created to reduce environmental
damage to the Inca Trail and to comply with porters work laws.
Porterage for up to 7kg of personal gear is allowed on the Inca Trail trek.
This is inclusive of your sleeping bag, which usually weights approx. 1.8kg.
Your sleeping mat, however, does not count towards your personal weight
limit. If your packed duffel bag exceeds the allowed weight, you will have to
transfer excess items from your duffel bag to your daypack.
The above weight restrictions do not apply to the alternative Moonstone Trek
as porterage is by horses/mules. Nevertheless, on the Moonstone trek please
try to keep your duffel bag to a maximum of about 10kg (give or take a couple
of kg) so as not to overladen the animals.
*Donations for porters*
The porters we work with are mostly from rural farming communities. If you
have any old walking gear you no longer need, or any unwanted warm
children’s clothing, these would be much appreciated by the porters and
their families. Please leave any donations with your leader in Cuzco, or
alternatively, you can give items directly to your porters on the last night
of the trek.
We strongly recommend taking trekking poles for the Inca Trail, as the number
of steps can be hard on the knees, but please note that due to recent
environmental legislation poles must have a plastic tip or protector fitted
on the end. Walking poles with rubber tips can be hired through your leader
in Cuzco from US$8 (PEN26) per pole. Please note that walking poles are not
permitted inside the ruins of Machu Picchu without a medical certificate
detailing their necessity.
We also recommend: A small sewing kit (with safety pins), wet wipes, cold
water detergent or laundry soap (biodegradable, a personal music player/
books / pack of cards, swimwear for hot springs.
We recommend either taking cash with you to change into Sol locally, or using
local ATMs to withdraw money in Peru as you go, so you are not left with
excess at the end of your trip. It is a good idea to change a small amount
into Sol at the counters in the baggage hall upon arrival. Change is often in
short supply, so ask for small denomination banknotes and try to break up any
large notes at the earliest opportunity. It is possible to obtain Peruvian
Sol before you travel but exchange rates can be lower than exchanging money
locally in Peru. Some larger establishments and hotels accept US Dollars but
the vast majority of places will only accept Sol.
Food, drinks and similar incidentals can vary in price enormously in Peru and
are relatively expensive compared to other developing nations. Allow about
US$15-20 per meal not included to eat at tourist class restaurants. Cheaper
food is abundant at small local cafes, although sanitary conditions at these
places cannot be guaranteed. Bottled water and soft drinks are readily
available for around US$1-2 each.
You may want to hire equipment for your trek in Cuzco - please see the
Packing Section for prices.
Peruvian airport taxes are included in the price of your flight ticket and
there will be no need to pay these locally.
Please note that there is a possibility the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism may
increase entrance fees to archaeological sites at any time. If this happens,
we will inform you of the increase and the additional amount will be payable
locally.
*Peruvian passport or identity card holders*
Please note that the cost of Exodus holidays in Peru is based on the
assumption that you do not hold a Peruvian passport or resident's card. If
you are officially resident in Peru or are a Peruvian passport holder, you
will be liable to an additional 18% tax on the majority of services, and this
extra sum will be payable locally to our local partner. Other nationalities
are exempt from this tax. Please notify us at the time of booking if you are
legally resident in Peru or hold a Peruvian passport so that we can advise
you of the total cost of these taxes.
Your tour leader will be able to tell you about the full range of optional
excursions available throughout your holiday however the most popular ones
are as follows:
A Partial Tourist Ticket (BTG) is required for entrance to the sites in and
around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley – this is not included in the excursion
prices below but can be purchased locally From PEN70 (approx. US$21).
*Cuzco city tour and 4 ruins (half day – 5 hours):* From US$48 per person
(based on 4 participants), excludes BTG. This includes visits to the nearby
ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucará as well as a tour
of the city itself, including the Plaza de Armas, where the Cathedral is
located, Qorikancha ‘Sun Temple’ (entrance included) and San Pedro
Market.
*Sacred Valley tour (full day – 8 hours):* From US$58 per person (based on
4 participants), excludes BTG. Drive to the Sacred Valley, stopping at El
Mirador viewpoint en route. Visit Pisac Market and fortress and
Ollantaytambo; return to Cuzco.
*South Valley tour (full day – 7 hours):* From US$66 per person (based on
4 participants), excludes BTG. Visit the little-known valley to the south of
Cuzco, including the terraces at Tipon, the pre- Inca ruins of Pikillaqta and
the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Americas’ in Andahuaylillas (entrance
included); return to Cuzco.
*Lima city tour (half day - 3 hours):* From US$44 per person (based on 4
participants). Visit ‘Pucllana Pyramid’, the colonial centre including
Lima's Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Government Palace, the City Hall, and
other important monuments. Later, visit the Convent of San Francisco with its
catacombs (entrance included) and continue to the modern Miraflores District.
*Cuzco: Stand Up Paddle (half day – 4 hours ):* From US$55 per person
(minimum 2 participants). Fruit, water and hot drinks included.
*Cuzco: Zip-Line (full day – 8-9 hours*): From US $66 per person.
Includes Transport security equipment, specialized guide, box Lunch.
*Cuzco: Via Ferrata (full day – 8-9 hours):* From US$66 per person.
Includes Transport, security equipment, specialized guide, box Lunch.
*Cuzco: Via Ferrata + Zip line( full day – 8-9 hours*): From US$100 per
person. Includes Transport, security equipment, specialized guide, box Lunch.
*Mountain Biking Excursion in the Sacred Valley (full day – 7
hours):* From US$172 per person (based on 2 participants). Includes
private transfer, security equipment, specialized guide, box Lunch.
*White Water Rafting (full day – 8 hours): *From US$130 per person
(minimum of 2 participants). Drive to the Chiquicahuana area of the Southern
Valley to start rafting in Vilcanota river. Spend 2-3 hours rafting and
experiencing rapids level III and III+. Finish your adventure with a picnic
lunch before heading back to Cusco. Activity available from April-December.
Prices of excursions vary depending on the number of people taking part. The
prices given within these Trip Notes are based on 4 participants and are
intended as a guideline only. Actual prices will be more for smaller group
sizes and less for larger group sizes. All tours use private transport and
there will be an English-speaking guide. Please note that cash is the
preferred method of payment for any of the optional activities.
For some activities, a minimum number of participants may be required. Some
activities may not always be possible due to weather, seasonality, national
holidays, or unforeseen circumstances.
Exodus encourages customers to tip local support staff if they would like to.
In Peru, it has become customary for local staff to receive tips and these
tips can be an important source of extra income for hard-working crew.
Whether to tip and how much to tip should be a personal decision. As
customers often ask us for a suggestion of how much is appropriate for
different individuals, we have prepared some guidelines together with our
local partner - your leader will provide a handout which we hope will be
useful to your group. Please note that PEN is the preferred currency for
tips.
*Tipping Kitty:* On this trip we recommend running a tipping kitty. A
tipping kitty means we tip as a group, and individuals don’t need to worry
about giving out small tips to various people who have helped during the trip
(i.e. drivers, local guides, boatmen, hotel staff). The contribution per
person per day we suggest is US$5 (PEN 15).
*Tour Leader: *Leaders are fairly paid for their role but are of course
always grateful for recognition of their skills and hard work. Tips for
your leader should be based on their performance and engagement with the
group, and if you are happy with the leader’s work, we recommend somewhere
around US$5 (PEN 15) per person per day, but customers are encouraged to
contribute what they feel happy giving - either less or more than the amount
suggested above.
Those on the Moonstone Trek should deduct 4 days' worth as the Tour Leader
does not accompany you on the Moonstone Trek.
*Tipping of your trekking crew*
The trekking crew is made up of guides, cooks, kitchen staff, and porters (or
horsemen on the Moonstone Trek). Tips are best arranged on a group basis, and
a volunteer from the group should gather the money and split the total
collected into smaller amounts for each person. This is normally done on the
last night of the trek. Your leader will be happy to assist as needed.
Inca Trail Trek: the recommended contribution per group member is PEN160-210
(or PEN 180-230 pp for small groups of 6 or less).
Moonstone Trek: the recommended contribution per group member is PEN140-190
(or PEN 160-210 pp for small groups of 6 or less). Around PEN200-300 of the
total collection would normally be allocated to the Main Trek Guide.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request), excludes homestay
* Visas or vaccinations
* Sleeping bag (hire locally from US$20)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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