Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
Checklist:
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash and travellers cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Rechargeable batteries and adapters
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Cover for backpacks
- Pocketknife.
- Fleece top
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swim wear
- shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
- Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
- Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
- Sport sandals
- Sun block
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Purification tablets or filter
- Flashlight
- Money belt
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
RECOMMENDED FOR THE INCA TRAIL
- Inner sheet (for sleeping bag)
- Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
- Rain poncho
- Strong plastic bags to help keep gear dry
- Sleeping bag (this can also be hired locally)
- Mattress (a foam mattress is included as part of the hike; self inflating type mattresses are available for hire)
- Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
- Thermal underwear
Money Exchange: Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit cards or debit cards will actually work in Peru. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best, although you will usually be charged a commission or given a less-favourable exchange rate for travellers cheques. Always take more rather than less.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
The Price Includes:
Tour leader (who is your guide in the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Cusco), cook, tents, foam mattress, equipment (double-, dining- and kitchen-tents, mats, table, chairs etc.) entrance and guided tour of Machu Picchu. English speaking local tour guides at Colca Canyon and Puno. All internal transport connections.
Group Size
4 – 16
Group Leader
Bilingual tour leader from Cusco to the end of the jungle tour.
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nts), camping (3 nts), homestay – basic with the locals (1 nt)
Transport
Train, bus, plane, boat, hiking
Meals Included
All meals while on the Inca Trail. This includes snacks and fresh drinking water. Meals while on the island tour. Breakfasts included when staying in the hotels.
Meal Budget
Allow approx. US$10 /$15 for every meal not included.
Not Included:
*Sleeping bags, blow up mattresses, alcoholic drinks, tickets for the hot springs at Aguas Calientes, tips for the guides, porters and other staff. Lunch and dinner whilst staying at hotels. City tours of Lima and Cusco. All airport departure tax - Lima International Departure tax is approximately $30 USD and Lima Domestic Departure tax is approximately $6 USD. Travel insurance and things of a personal nature – laundry and telephone calls, personal taxis, souvenirs etc.
*Sleeping bags, blow mattresses and hiking poles can be easily rented in Cusco at a price of $4 per day. Just ask your tour leader. |
