Current as of: May 2, 2024 - 22:26
Current as of: May 2, 2024 - 22:26
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
Prepare to be captivated by the dramatic scenery of Peru. Discover the incredible mountaintop setting of Machu Picchu, the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca and the colossal Colca Canyon. Our itinerary takes in the absolute best of Peru, discovering the culture, people, history and diverse landscapes of the Andes from the comfort of handpicked, premium accommodation. A highlight is the One-Day Inca Trail trek, which takes us into cloud forest to link up with the final section of Inca Trail that brings trekkers to Machu Picchu. Our adventure also includes two nights deep in the Amazon Rainforest. Discover the amazing variety of life here with an expert naturalist who can interpret the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Highlights
This is a busy itinerary encompassing the main highlights of southern Peru. The size of Peru means this trip involves some long drives and early starts. The private buses used are comfortable and the scenery is outstanding. There will be several stops along the way to help break up the long journeys.
Although graded Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate), the altitude can make physical activity feel more tiring than at sea level, especially on the 1 Day Inca Trail Trek (Moderate). As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for more information and advice on how to limit the effects of altitude sickness.
Please note, it is essential you read the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu regulations in the Important Information section of the Trip Notes before you book this trip.
It can be cold at these altitudes, particularly from May to August (although these months benefit from lower rainfall), and you will need to bring appropriate clothing.
Cuzco, Arequipa and many of the Inca sites (including Machu Picchu) are built on hillsides and sightseeing often involves walking up and down steep streets or on uneven steps or terraces. As such, you should have a good level of mobility and a reasonable level of fitness.
This program includes the 1 Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu – a permit is required for this trek. We will need your full passport details at the time of booking in order to purchase and process your permit.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 16
Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling into the hotel. You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. There will be a notice board in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held.
Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Select Miraflores (four-star)
Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling into the hotel. You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. There will be a notice board in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held.
Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Select Miraflores (four-star)
We have an early start today for our flight to Arequipa, known as the White City due to the pale volcanic stone used to construct many of the fine colonial buildings. This picturesque city is surrounded by 19,685ft (6,000m) tall volcanoes, including the near-perfect cone of El Misti. Lunch will be at an Arequipa picanteria (a traditional lunchtime restaurant). Our afternoon tour has us exploring the historic city centre, including the Plaza de Armas (main square), and finishes at the colourful, serene Santa Catalina convent, which was built in 1580 and is still cared for by the nuns who reside within.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Mint, Arequipa (four-star)
A spectacular drive over the Andean high plains, known as the Altiplano, brings us to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. On the way, we pass volcanoes and will almost certainly see vicuñas (relatives of the lama) in the highlands, before we cross the Patapampa Pass (16,110ft/4,910m), which marks the descent into the canyon itself. As we take the winding road to the town of Chivay for a short stop, the sight of the green, fertile canyon terraces is a contrast to the barren yet beautiful Altiplano landscapes. This is the first day we may feel the effects of altitude. We don’t linger at the top of the pass, but spend the night around 11,810ft (3,600m), so take it easy on arrival and enjoy the natural hot springs at Colca Lodge. Overlooking the Colca River, the Colca Lodge is a jaw-dropping location to spend the next two nights.
Premium accommodation: Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs, Colca Valley (four-star)
We spend a full day exploring the Colca Canyon, starting with a visit to the Cruz del Condor, the best place to see mighty Andean condors as they glide on the morning thermals. We also see ancient tombs that line the cliffs on one side of the canyon and make stops in the villages along the way, which house several interesting colonial churches. In the afternoon, we set off on foot from Colca Lodge to visit the nearby pre-Incan ruins of Uyo Uyo. After, we return for another rejuvenating soak in the natural thermal pools before dinner.
Premium accommodation: Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs, Colca Valley (four-star)
Today, we drive through the high mountain plains to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. En route, we can spot vicuña herds before making a short visit to the pre-Inca burial towers (chullpas) of Sillustani. Our hotel tonight is ideally situated on the Lake Titicaca shores – the perfect place to watch sunset over the lake.
Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Puno, Puno (four-star)
Enjoy a full day on Lake Titicaca as we visit the floating islands of Uros and Taquile. First, we take a boat to Uros where the community has been living on rafts made of reeds for centuries; though many have now moved to the mainland, there are still a couple of thousand who remain on the islands anchored close to Puno. A reasonable amount of their income is now provided by strictly regulated tourism, but they still fish the lake and barter with mainland communities to obtain daily essentials.
Afterwards, we visit Taquile, home to a community known for their male-only weavers and traditional lifestyle. The panoramic views of the lake from the island are incredible, and it is often possible to see the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the distance.
Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Puno, Puno (four-star)
In the morning, we take a relaxing journey across the stark yet beautiful Altiplano, which separates the Andes from the jungle. On the way to Cuzco, we make stops to stretch our legs, visit some of the most interesting sites and have lunch. We arrive in Cuzco this afternoon with time for an introductory walking tour of this historic city, which features both Inca and colonial architecture.
Premium accommodation: Xima Hotel, Cuzco (four-star)
This morning, we explore the heart of the Inca Empire, seeing the highlights of Cuzco both in and above the city. In the centre, Cuzco Cathedral and Qoricancha (Sun Temple of the Incas) feature arguably the finest example of Inca stone craft. On the hill overlooking Cuzco, we visit the monolithic stone fortress site of Sacsayhuaman, where the Incan armies made their last stand against the Conquistadores. As we head into the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, we visit the immense Inca fortress and explore this unique village, where many streets and facades remain unchanged and continuously inhabited since Inca times.
Premium accommodation: Del Pilar Ollantaytambo, Ollantaytambo (four-star)
We wake early for a scenic train journey through the Urubamba River Valley (approximately 1hr 20min) to the trail checkpoint at Km104, where we disembark and start our full-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. We begin by climbing 3600ft (1097m) to the beautiful ruins complex of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). We’ll take it nice and easy on this part of the trail, with plenty of stops to catch our breath and take in the spectacular views. At Wiñay Wayna we will relax and enjoy our box lunch. From there we head off along one of the most beautiful (and relatively flat) sections of the Inca Trail, winding past wild orchids to finally arrive at the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu. Our afternoon arrival offers great photo opportunities as we descend into the ruins complex for classic photos. With our full tour tomorrow, we exit the site and board the bus to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a well-earned meal, shower and a comfortable bed for the night in preparation for our early return to Machu Picchu.
Premium accommodation: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu Hotel, Aguas Calientes (four-star)
To beat the daytrippers from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible, we book early morning buses and entry tickets to Machu Picchu.
The Inca citadel is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, enhanced by a 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 American historian Hiram Bingham.
After our tour, we catch our afternoon train to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) with a short drive to our hotel in the Sacred Valley to relax and celebrate our Machu Picchu adventure.
Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas, Ollantaytambo (five-star)
This morning, we depart the scenic Sacred Valley as we head up to the traditional weaving community of Chincheros. Along with amazing views of the valley and Vilcabamba mountain range, Chincheros also offers the unique cultural opportunity to enjoy a traditional Andean pachamanca lunch, which is hosted by and supports the local community. This is a real culinary treat, in which the food is wrapped, then buried underground with hot stones to cook it slowly. After, we return to Cuzco with free time to explore solo.
Premium accommodation: Xima Hotel, Cuzco (four-star)
Today has been left free for exploring Cuzco, one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people-watching. The Mercado San Pedro is the place to try local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs such as alpaca jumpers and scarves. If you fancy something more active, there is an array of other optional activities available from Cuzco including paddleboarding on a lake, mountain biking, or a combination of via ferrata and zip-lining in the Sacred Valley.
Premium accommodation: Xima Hotel, Cuzco (four-star)
We leave Cuzco early today and take a short flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, we transfer to the riverfront for a 25-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to reach our jungle accommodation at the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion lodge, next to the protected Tambopata National Reserve. The reserve is home to a vast number of animal species, plus a variety of plant life greater than almost anywhere in the world. After lunch, we have the option to hike into the rainforest with our expert guide, who will introduce us to the amazing variety of Amazonian flora and fauna. We continue the exploration and take a twilight river cruise, viewing nocturnal creatures as they wake.
Premium accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, Puerto Maldonado (four-star)
The varied activities today will generally include a mixture of expertly guided walks along the forest trails, or time spent in canoes to explore Lake Sandoval. This serene lake is home to thousands of bird species, endangered giant river otters, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles and black caimans. We can also go high into the canopy for a completely different view of the forest via a network of canopy walkways. An evening walk is also offered to observe the wildlife and the rainforest by night.
Premium accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, Puerto Maldonado (four-star)
Enjoy your last morning waking to a cacophony of jungle sounds before we set off by boat from the lodge, visiting the Butterfly House before our departure flight from Puerto Maldonado back to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, we transfer to our Miraflores hotel and the city bustle. Tonight, we have a special farewell dinner in Lima at a fantastic restaurant at the base of the pre-Incan site of Huaca Pucllana.
Premium accommodation:Casa Andina Select Miraflores, Lima (four-star)
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it’s time to bid Peru and the rest of the group goodbye. If you want more time to explore solo, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Lima.
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it’s time to bid Peru and the rest of the group goodbye. Transfers to Lima Airport are available for all flight inclusive clients in time for the group flight today.
Altitude warning
This trip includes one or more nights over 11,480ft (3,500m) above sea level, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness (AMS). If left untreated, AMS can be life-threatening. We expect most clients to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, shortness of breath while walking or sleeplessness. Our leaders are trained to identify symptoms of severe AMS and if a client requires extra care, arrangements such as rapid descent, will be made immediately.
On some days, this trip climbs faster than commonly published ascent-rate recommendations. Based upon an assessment by our external safety and medical advisors and our risk-assessment process, we consider the ascent rate acceptable due to the additional safety measures in place for our customers. All our trips operating at high altitude meet our internal altitude-safety standards, which minimise the risk of serious incidents occurring while travelling at altitude.
Several medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise. This may affect your performance and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing conditions, such as heart conditions, or your overall physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. The drug Diamox (also known as acetazolamide and normally only available on prescription) has been shown to aid acclimatisation in some individuals, and therefore may reduce the risk of AMS. Clients considering using Diamox should speak to their doctor about the drug, its side-effects and a prescription. While we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip (if trekking in the Himalaya your policy should also cover the use of a helicopter for emergency medical evacuation).
Unwind at the end of each day in our expertly curated, handpicked accommodation on this Premium Adventure. Each property has been chosen for its excellent location, comfort, style and unique characteristics befitting their unique setting, from deep canyon hot springs to wilds of the Amazon rainforest. Below is a selection of the accommodation typically used on this trip.
Colca Valley: Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs (nights 3-4)
Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs is an oasis of relaxation and natural beauty in the heart of the Colca Canyon. Four hot springs provide a rejuvenating retreat, allowing you to soak in the healing waters while admiring the Andean landscapes. With a focus on sustainable tourism and traditional Peruvian hospitality, the lodge has blends comfort and tranquility.
Puno: Casa Andina Premium Puno (nights 5-6)
Sitting on the shore of Lake Titicaca, Casa Andina Premium Puno hotel has a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching stay in Puno. The restaurant serves a delectable selection of local and international cuisine, while the convenient location allows for easy access to the main Puno attractions and tours on the lake. You can also indulge in the wellness centre and spa, which provides rejuvenating treatments and relaxation after a day of exploration.
Aguas Calientes: Tierra Viva Hotel (night 9)
Tierra Viva is situated in the quieter area of town, facing the Urubamba River and mountains. With artful touches throughout, the hotel offers a delicious Andean buffet breakfast, and a relaxing spa service. SUNO restaurant and bar serves a variety of drinks and dishes, from local specialties, such as quinoa and alpaca, to international cuisine.
Cuzco: Xima Hotel (nights 11-12)
Xima has modern rooms with an eye towards local art and a focus on environmental sustainability. There’s a spa, restaurant and bar to enjoy, plus it’s conveniently located near the main plaza and Korikancha Temple (Sun Temple), as well as the largest craft market in Cuzco.
Puerto Maldonado: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción (nights 13-14)
Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción has a range of amenities to ensure memorable stay deep in the Tambopata National Reserve rainforest. Enjoy well-appointed and spacious rooms that blend traditional Peruvian design with modern comforts. There’s also a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, a bar for refreshing drinks, and guided excursions to explore the rich biodiversity of the surrounding rainforest.
Work knowing
Single supplement from £ 1,100
All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included.
The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. Free drinking water will be provided in large containers; please bring a refillable bottle with you.
Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffet-style affairs, usually including bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dish, 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 from home.
Where lunch and dinner are not included, we’ll visit a variety of local cafes and restaurants.
Peruvian cuisine has developed a reputation for exceptional flavours and originality and it’s well worth trying a few of the local delicacies. Among 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) and Alpaca steak. To drink, there’s pisco sour, the national beverage.
A variety of transport is used during this tour and vehicle types may vary depending on group size: travel is by train, boat, minibus/coach and internal flights.
Airport transfers are by private car or minibus. The main road journeys are by private minibus or coach with heating/air-conditioning and may or may not have a toilet on board.
We travel by train (with Peru Rail/Inca Rail) from Ollantaytambo to the start of the one-day Inca Trail in expedition/executive class and from Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu) back to Ollantaytambo in the 360-degree service. Seating is four seats to a table and the carriages have panoramic windows and there is air conditioning/heating.
The boat on Lake Titicaca is private to our group, and there will be a local guide from one of the Lake Titicaca island communities. The boat is enclosed as it can get cold at this altitude but there are large windows on all sides and an outside deck to the rear. Life jackets are provided.
The diverse geography of Peru results in a very varied climate between regions.
Lima and Paracas fall 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 the air humid. Average daytime temperatures in Lima are about 18C and 24C (64F and 75F) during this period, with July and August typically being the coolest. Nights are also mild – typically 15C-18C (59F-64F). From December to March, the skies in Lima are clear and temperatures at their warmest but elsewhere in the country this is rainy season.
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 (approximately 20C/68F on average) but nights only 5C-10C (41F-50F), except for May, June, July and August when days are cooler and nights are often close to, or just 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 and the Colca Canyon are high (at 12,470ft/3,800m and 11,810ft/3,600m above sea level respectively), so the sun is strong but the air can be cold, and nights can be close to freezing. You should bring 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 to August.
Peru is affected by the weather phenomenon known as El Niño, where 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. In El Niño years, temperatures in Lima can be much warmer than described above but it still rarely rains in Lima.
Start hotel: Casa Andina Select Miraflores
Phone: +51 1 4167500
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Lima Airport (LIM)
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Lima
Location end: Lima
Luggage Restrictions:
Machu Picchu Train – due to luggage/weight restrictions on the train to Aguas Calientes, your main luggage will be securely stored in our Cuzco hotel and you will need to re-pack items for the next two nights. This will be in two small bags – one daypack you will carry with you on the one-day Inca Trail (sunscreen, rain jacket, water, snacks, etc.) and one small duffel bag provided by your Tour Leader with your personal belongings/clothes for the following two nights/days (weight limit 05kg / 11lbs). In Aguas Calientes, we coordinate the pickup and transport of duffle bags to our hotel from the train with the hotel staff.
Amazon boat – on arrival to Puerto Maldonado – due to luggage/weight restrictions on the boat to the Amazon lodge, we will need to make quick stop to re-pack items needed for the next two nights while your main luggage will be securely stored at the Amazon lodge office. Item for the jungle will be in two small bags – one daypack you will carry with you (sunscreen, insect repellant, rain jacket, water, snacks, etc.) and one small duffel bag provided by your Tour Leader with your personal belongings/clothes for the following two nights/days (weight limit 10kg / 22lbs). In addition to lightweight clothing, we also recommend you take some warm clothing items since the rainforest can be subject to sudden cold snaps, especially in June and July.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Please note, walking poles are not permitted inside the Machu Picchu ruins without a medical certificate detailing their necessity.
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Peru. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.
Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, tuberculosis and yellow fever. Additionally, Zika fever, a mosquito‐borne viral disease, is a known risk in Peru. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so you should take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Amazon: If you are travelling to the Tambopata reserve in the Amazon rainforest, the risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice. We also strongly recommend that you obtain a yellow fever vaccination. Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in the Amazon region. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Peru's time zone: America/Lima (UTC -05:00)
Peru's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins), B (three pins: two flat, one round) and C (two round pins)– 220V, 60Hz. There are no charging facilities available on the Inca Trail, our other camping treks or Amantani Island, so we recommend you take spare batteries or a solar charger with you. If staying in an Amazon lodge, there is no mains electricity; a generator will provide power for a few hours a day only in the main lodge/dining area, while lanterns, torches or candles will be provided in the bedrooms. Additionally, if you stay at the Inkaterra Hacienda Conception Amazon Lodge, there is limited electricity in the cabanas; however, all cabanas have reading lights and a ceiling ventilator.
Peru's currency: Peruvian nuevo sol (PEN)
ATMs are available in the larger cities and towns and often allow you to withdraw either US dollars or Peruvian soles at good exchange rates. Most international credit and debit cards are accepted, but you should inform your bank you are travelling to Peru and check if your card will work in the local ATMs. There are some ATMs in Aguas Calientes, but they do sometimes run out of cash, so it is a good idea to take your spending money for Machu Picchu out prior.
Credit card acceptance is increasing, but generally they can be used only at the large (and more expensive) restaurants, shops and hotels. Check with your card provider to ensure your card can be used in Peru.
We do not recommend taking travellers cheques as these are becoming increasingly difficult to exchange.
It is a good idea to take enough money with you to last the first few days because you set off early on Day 2. However, the bus can stop at an ATM en route if needed.
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‐US$20 per meal (where meals are not included) to eat at good restaurants, price noted does not include alcohol. 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‐US$2 each.
Please note, 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 airport taxes are included in the price of your flight ticket, and there will be no need to pay these locally.
Peruvian Passport or Identity Card Holders
Please note, the cost of Exodus holidays in Peru is based on the assumption 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 percent tax on most 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 we can advise you of the total cost of these taxes.
Optional Excursions
Your tour leader can tell you about the full range of optional excursions available throughout your holiday; however, the most popular are:
Cuzco: City tour and four ruins (five hours): From US$48 per person (based on four participants), excludes BTG. This includes visits to the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucará plus a city tour, which includes the Plaza de Armas, where the cathedral is located; Koricancha ‘Sun Temple’ (entrance included); and San Pedro Market.
Cuzco: Sacred Valley tour (eight hours): From US$58 per person (based on four 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.
Stand-up paddleboarding (four hours): From US$82 per person (based on two participants). Includes private transfer, specialised guide, fruit, water and hot drinks. Price can vary if there are more participants.
Zip-line (eight to nine hours): From US$60 per person. Includes transport, security equipment, specialised guide, and box lunch.
Via ferrata (eight to nine hours): From US$60 per person. Includes transport, security equipment, specialised guide, and box lunch.
Via ferrata and zip line (eight to nine hours): From US$100 per person. Includes transport, security equipment, specialised guide, and box lunch.
Mountain biking excursion in the Sacred Valley (seven hours): From US$130 per person (based on two participants). Includes private transfer, security equipment, specialised guide, and box lunch.
White-water rafting (eight hours): From US$140 per person (minimum of two participants). Drive to the Chiquicahuana area of the Southern Valley to start rafting in Vilcanota river. Spend two to three hours rafting and experiencing rapids level III and III+. Finish your adventure with a picnic lunch before heading back to Cuzco. Activity available from April to December.
Excursion prices vary depending on the number of people taking part. The prices given within these Trip Notes are based on four participants (unless otherwise stated) and are intended as a guideline only. Actual prices will differ depending on group sizes. All tours use private transport and there will be an English-speaking guide. Please note, cash is the preferred method of payment for 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.
On this Premium Adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included and will normally be taken care of by your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So no need for any tipping kitty contributions, or to make your own tips during the trip.
Our ‘included tips’ will normally cover drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff, and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so.
Tips for the tour leader are not included. Whether to tip at all and the amount is entirely at your own discretion, but as a starting point we suggest around US$6 (25 Peruvian soles) per person for the duration of the trip.
We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Machu Picchu regulations
Please note, we visit Machu Picchu in the morning or afternoon to avoid the peak entry time (10am to midday).
Inca Trail regulations
There are several important Inca Trail regulations we would like to make you aware of:
Please note: While your departure date may be ‘Guaranteed’, your Inca Trail permit itself will initially be ‘On Request’. If you’re travelling within the current year, we 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. If we are unable to get your permit, we will contact you to discuss your options.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.