TOUR INFORMATION

ON THIS TOUR YOU GET VISIT THE FOLLOWING PLACES:

• LIMA
• AREQUIPA
• COLCA VALLEY AND COLCA CANYON IN AREQUIPA
• SACRED VALLEY IN CUSCO
• MACHU PICCHU

WHAT TO BRING

• ATM/ Debit card : In every major and most minor cities in Peru and South America, I've found ATM machines that accept my debit card. Arrange for a fee waiver before leaving and save receipts in case there are errors.
• Teva Sandals: Durable and comfortable boots, and hiking socks. Hiking boots are flexible and can be worn to a show and tough enough for walking through mud. Your feet will thank you when you wear the sandals.
• Money belt for important documents, passport, and money: It is best to use a waist belt.
• Camera: All types of film can be purchased in most major cities.
• Convertible pants : Light, fast drying, and the legs zip off to form shorts.
• Travel vest: hasmany pockets for money, passport, even a small camera.
• Fleece sweater and light rain jacket .
• Hat to block the sun: The Peruvian sun is strong. Consider buying a straw hat when you arrive. It makes a great memory.
• Towel or a Shammy: Shammies dry faster.
• Deodorant : When you can't shower, you can always roll on the Speed Stick!
• Headlamp: It's better than a flashlight because it frees up your hands.
• Extra pair of eye glasses, contact lenses and medications: Peruvian pharmacies sell many of the most common medications without a prescription (including malaria pills).
• Miscellaneous: small pocket dictionary, journal, guide book, and a small backpack.

PERU EXPEDITIONERS 8D/7N

Day 01: LIMA

Arrival to Lima, reception and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation.

Day 02: LIMA - AREQUIPA (B)

Breakfast and, at indicated time, transfer to the airport to aboard your flight to Arequipa.
Upon your arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon you will have a City tour, visiting the historical center declared as a World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO and Santa Catalina Monastery, closing convent for more than two centuries, it was built as a small citadel.
Accommodation.

Day 03: AREQUIPA -COLCA VALLEY (B)

Breakfast at your hotel.
Early departure to the Colca Canyon, you will pass by Pampa Cañahua in Aguada Blanca’s Natural Reserve were you can appreciate spectacular landscapes, snowed peaks, wild life and flora. You will visit colonial populations, were the architecture and the cultural miscegenation is still conserved. You will appreciate hundreds of terraces nailed in the hills like steps.
Accommodation.

Day 04: COLCA VALLEY / AREQUIPA (B)

Breakfast and departure, early in the morning, to the Condor Cross were you will be able to see this beautiful bird flying over cliffs in a moving place of the nature.
After this experience, you will continue crossing the Colca Valley, making some stops in more beautiful places just to complete the journey back to Arequipa.
Accommodation.

Day 05: AREQUIPA - CUSCO (B)

Breakfast and at indicated time transfer to the airport, were you will aboard your flight to Cuzco.
Upon your arrival reception and transfer to your hotel.
Free time for acclimatization.
In the afternoon, you will visit Cuzco city and surrounding monuments such as the Main square, the Cathedral, Koricancha (Sun temple), Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman.
Accommodation.

Day 06: CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS - CUSCO (B-L)

Breakfast.

You will depart in the morning, at indicated time, to the Sacred Valley Tour. We will visit the ancient village of Pisac, where the traditional activity of the barter is celebrated (this is a market where agricultural products are exchanged), you will also appreciate their handcraft and will be able to visit the bakery, where the traditional Guaguas are prepared.
After having lunch in the Valley, you will continue with this excursion visiting the Ollantaytambo Complex, the fortress-city with gigantic carved rocks.
Return to Cuzco.
Accommodation.

Day 07: CUSCO - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO (B-L)

Breakfast and transfer, at indicated time, to the train station in order to depart to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) (3:25 hours approximately). Upon your arrival you will take a bus to the ruins, guided visit.
At an appropriate time you will go back to Machu Picchu Town were you will have lunch and then, you will take the train back to Cuzco city.
Arrival to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation.

Day 08: CUSCO - HOME

Breakfast , Transfer to the airport and assistance for your check in.

Price: Starting at US$ 1400.00 (doesnt include domestic flights in Peru ,with a minimum of 4 persons).

Notes:

The Tour Operator reserves the right to replace the hotel for a similar one, in case availability can not be confirmed.
The Sacred Valley tour is confirmed in group service, departing just on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, otherwise, a supplement for private service will be charged

FAQs ABOUT THIS TOUR

Peru has one of the most diversified geographical make-ups in South America. It shares borders with Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. There are three geographical zones in the Peruvian territory: the coastal desert, the highlands made up by the Andes, and the Amazon Jungle. For more info, click here.

WHAT TYPE OF FOOD IS TYPICAL OF PERU?

Staple foods in the highlands include potatoes, corn, rice, and meat dishes, often with a spicy sauce. In jungle areas, fresh fruits, fried plantains, and other vegetables are also common. Though vegetarians can be easily accommodated in all areas, options typically leave out the meat rather than adding vegetarian mainstays such as tofu, beans, or nuts.

HOW DO I GET AROUND PERU ONCE I'M THERE?

With the exception of Nazca, you fly to all the major destinations even if you go between some of them by surface travel.

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN PERU?

Overall Peru is a safe country. Pickpockets and crazy Lima traffic are typically the biggest problems travellers will encounter. For a detailed list of precautions, click here.

IS GOOD QUALITY MEDICAL CARE AVAILABLE?

Medical care is generally quite good in private health care facilities in urban areas, but less so in the rural parts of the country. Urban facilities usually have modern equipment and someone on staff that speaks English. It is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before you leave home. However, hospitals and clinics often ask for cash payment up front. Make sure that you keep all receipts so that you can be reimbursed once you return home. Also, make sure that your travel insurance includes medical evacuation. If you plan on doing any "dangerous sports" such as riding motorcycles, scuba diving or even trekking, ask if those activities are covered. They usually aren't, but you can buy supplemental insurance to cover you. For more detailed information about health, vaccinations, insurance and medical facilities in Peru.

HOW CAN I FIND A REASONABLY PRICED AIRLINE TICKET TO PERU?

No matter where you are in the world, the staff in our travel agency can help you find the best airfares and schedules to Peru. They can also assist you with hotel accommodations, tours, plane, train or bus reservations within the country, and much more.

ARE THE TRAINS AND BUSES SAFE, COMFORTABLE AND AFFORDABLE?

Yes, the trains and buses are safe and the service is quite good. In our transport area, we have an extensive list of schedules and fares. By European or North American standards, the prices are very affordable. They are usually 3 different levels of service and the prices vary according to the amenities offered. Some buses even have waitress service and onboard movies. However, a word of caution: keep a close eye on your hand luggage and camera onboard buses, trains, and in the terminals. Pickpockets and thieves often target weary travelers in these places. For more information about transportation,

CAN I RENT A CAR IN PERU?

Yes, you can rent a car in Peru but it is not recommended. Aggressive drivers, poor road conditions, and long distances between tour destinations make taking public transportation a better (and usually more affordable) alternative. However, if you do want to rent a car we have a list of the most popular rental car companies including Hertz, Budget and Avis. Make sure you look closely for hidden charges for items such as mileage and insurance. You may want to make your reservations from your home country. Click here for a list of phone numbers. You should also get an international driver's license in your home country.

HOW CAN I FIND THE PERUVIAN EMBASSY IN MY COUNTRY?

For a list of Peruvian embassies in your country, click here.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CONTACT MY COUNTRY'S EMBASSY IN PERU?

For a list of embassies in Peru, click here.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT I CAN BRING IN OR TAKE OUT OF PERU?

You may bring 2 liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes into Peru duty free. Items for personal use including cameras, laptops, and travel gear can be brought in for personal use. It is illegal to take any pre-Columbian art out of Peru and it is usually illegal to enter into most countries with these artifacts. If you are going to buy reproductions, do so from a reputable dealer and obtain documentation from the National Institute of Culture Vendors to show to customs officials. In the jungle vendors also sell live exotic birds and animals. It is illegal to take these endangered species outside of the country. Bags of cocoa leaves are sold in Peru and are legal, but they are not legal in most other countries. Although it would be impossible to produce any significant amount of cocaine from one of these bags, it's not worth the risk in bringing them back home.

DO I NEED SPECIAL VACCINATIONS?

There are no vaccinations that are required by law to enter Peru. However, there are some that are recommended: Cholera, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Diptheria, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. Many of these vaccinations are recommended if you are spending any time in the jungle. Malaria is also common in the Amazon region and you can ask your doctor for malaria tablets. Check with your doctor at least six weeks prior to traveling because some shots take time to become effective. Ask them what they recommend and the possible side effects of each vaccination. For further details regarding vaccinations for Peru, visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control's website at:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/regionTropicalSouthAmerica.aspx 

IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?

The tap water is generally not safe to drink in Peru. Bottled water is readily available at tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants. Don't forget to use bottled water when brushing your teeth as well! Ice is not always made with boiled/ bottled water. Order your beverages without ice ("sin hielo") or ask your tour leader if the ice is safe in a particular restaurant.

DO I NEED TO GET A VISA BEFORE I VISIT PERU?

All persons visiting Peru on business are required to have a visa. For those visiting as tourists, citizens of the US, Canada, most of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand only need a valid passport. Most visitors are given a tourist card that allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. However, for a fee you can extend your stay.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PERU WEATHER WISE?

That depends on where you plan on visiting. There are three main zones of Peru: the coast (La Costa), the mountains (La Sierra) and the jungle (La Selva). If you are visiting the coastal desert area, which includes Lima, then it is better to come during Peru's summer months, December-March. Once you enter the mountains or the jungle there are two seasons: wet and dry. If you are planning on visiting La Sierra which includes such tourist spots as: Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail you should come during the dry season which runs from May-September. The best time to visit the jungle is also during the dry months of May-October.

WILL MY CREDIT CARDS, ATM CARD, AND TRAVELER'S CHECKS WORK IN PERU?

The most widely accepted credit card in Peru is Visa. Mastercard is also popular, but American Express and Diner's Club are not that widely accepted. I find ATMs the best way to get money. Most of them work on the Plus system, although you can find ATMs that accept Star, Cirrus and Interlink. The downside of credit and debit cards is that stores, hotels and restaurants will sometimes add an 8% commission to the final bill. Your best bet is to take money from the ATM and pay for your purchases in cash. Traveler's checks are usually good to take as "insurance", but they are often difficult to change and the exchange rate is not as favorable as if you used cash. For a more detailed description regarding money and to see a list of banks and exchange locations (casas de cambio).

CAN I USE MY CELL PHONE?

Check with your cell phone provider. Each company is different and they can give you the most up-to-date information.

DO I NEED A CONVERTER/ ADAPTOR FOR THE ELECTRICITY?

Peru uses 220 volt, 60 cycle electricity. Travelers will require a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type found in the US, though some facilities have been noted to use the 2 rounded prongs instead.

WHAT TIME ZONE IS PERU?

Peru is five hours behind GMT (same as EST). They do not observe daylight-savings time so during these months (April-October), Peru is on CST.

TOUR INCLUDES

Transfers in / out Lima
Transfers in / out Arequipa
Accommodation in selected hotels
All tours mentioned in the program
Full day tour to Machu Picchu including transfer hotel / train station / hotel, Machu Picchu entrance fee (only for one day), Bus tickets round trip (only for one day), train ticket in selected category, buffet lunch and professional guide
Meals indicated in the program

Not Include:

Air tickets: International flight and national flights.
Airport taxes.
Meals or beverages not indicated, laundry, or any extra