Travel Guide
What to Carry for the Tour
Your packing should be strategic focusing on versatility and preparedness for different climates. In addition to the essentials listed in the “What to Bring” section consider a portable power bank to keep your devices charged on long travel days. A reusable water bottle is also a good idea to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste. For the homestay on Lake Titicaca a small gift for the host family is a nice gesture.
General Recommendations
Before you travel check the latest travel advisories for Peru. Register your trip with your country’s embassy. This can be helpful in case of an emergency. When it comes to money it’s better to have a mix of cash and cards. While major credit cards are accepted in tourist areas cash is king in local markets and for small purchases. Always negotiate taxi fares before you get in or use a reputable ride-sharing app in cities like Lima.
The Climate in Peru
Peru’s climate varies significantly by region.
- Lima: The coastal capital has a mild desert climate. It’s often overcast from April to December a phenomenon known as the garúa. Summers (January to March) are warmer and sunnier.
- Andean Highlands (Cuzco, Lake Titicaca): This region has two main seasons. The dry season runs from April to October with clear sunny days and cold nights. The wet season is from November to March characterized by heavier rainfall especially in the afternoons.
Best Season to Travel
The dry season from April to October is generally considered the best time to visit the Andean highlands. You’ll have a higher chance of clear skies for your visit to Machu Picchu and other outdoor sites. This is also the peak tourist season so expect larger crowds and higher prices. The shoulder months of April May September and October are excellent as they offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer visitors.
How to Acclimatize to the Altitude
Altitude sickness is a common concern for travelers in Peru. The key to acclimatization is to ascend slowly. Your itinerary is designed to help with this by flying into Cuzco and spending time there before heading to higher elevations.
- Take it easy for the first 24-48 hours after arriving in Cuzco.
- Drink plenty of water and coca tea (mate de coca).
- Avoid heavy meals and alcohol.
- If you experience symptoms like headache nausea or dizziness inform your guide.
Health Recommendations
Consult your doctor before your trip to get any recommended vaccinations. Besides being prepared for altitude sickness it’s important to protect yourself from mosquito bites in lower altitude areas to prevent diseases like Dengue. Use insect repellent especially in the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. A basic medical kit with pain relievers antiseptic wipes and medication for stomach upset is also advisable.
The Local People
Peruvians are a diverse mix of indigenous groups mestizos and descendants of European and Asian immigrants. In the Andean regions many people maintain strong ties to their Inca heritage speaking Quechua and practicing traditional customs. They are generally reserved but friendly. A respectful and open attitude will go a long way in your interactions.
What to Eat in This Place
Peruvian cuisine is celebrated worldwide. Don’t miss the chance to try some local dishes.
- Ceviche: Raw fish cured in citrus juices a coastal specialty best enjoyed in Lima.
- Lomo Saltado: A stir-fry of beef onions tomatoes and french fries a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors.
- Aji de Gallina: Shredded chicken in a creamy yellow chili pepper sauce.
- Cuy: Roasted guinea pig a traditional Andean delicacy for the more adventurous eater.
- Pisco Sour: Peru’s national cocktail made with pisco lime juice egg white and bitters.
Where to Stay
This tour includes accommodation in mid-range hotels that are chosen for their cleanliness safety and convenient locations. In Cuzco and Lima your hotel will likely be close to the main squares and attractions. The highlight is the homestay on Lake Titicaca. Here you will stay with a local family in their home. The facilities will be basic but the experience of sharing in their daily life is a unique cultural opportunity.
Who This Tour Is Recommended For
This tour is recommended for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to the highlights of southern Peru. It is suitable for individuals couples and families with teenagers. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required for the walking tours especially at altitude. It’s perfect for those with an interest in history archaeology and culture who are looking for a structured yet authentic travel experience.
FAQS
Is this trip physically demanding?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking often on uneven surfaces and at high altitudes. While it is not a trekking-focused trip a good level of physical fitness is necessary to comfortably enjoy the activities especially in Cuzco and at Machu Picchu.
What is the accommodation like?
You will be staying in comfortable tourist-class hotels for most of the trip. These hotels are selected for their convenient locations and reliable service. The homestay on Lake Titicaca is a more basic accommodation offering a chance to live with a local family and experience their way of life.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
It is not necessary to be fluent in Spanish as you will have an English-speaking guide for all included activities. However learning a few basic Spanish phrases will certainly enhance your interaction with local people and will be much appreciated.
Is Peru a safe country for tourists?
Peru is generally a safe country for tourists but like anywhere you should take precautions. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas avoid displaying expensive items and use reputable transportation. Your guide will provide specific safety advice for each location.
What currency should I use in Peru?
The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist-oriented businesses it is best to use Soles for most transactions especially for smaller purchases. ATMs are widely available in cities.
Will I have internet access during the trip?
Most hotels on this tour will offer Wi-Fi though the speed and reliability can vary especially outside of major cities like Lima and Cuzco. You will likely have limited or no internet access during your homestay on Lake Titicaca.
What is the food like on the tour?
The tour includes some meals which will give you a taste of Peruvian cuisine. For meals that are not included you will have the freedom to explore a wide variety of food options from street food to high-end restaurants. Peruvian food is known for its diversity and flavor.
What should I know about the Lake Titicaca homestay?
The homestay is a unique cultural experience. You will stay in the home of a local family on one of the islands. Facilities are basic with shared bathrooms and simple rooms. It’s an opportunity to learn about their traditions and daily life firsthand.
Are there any luggage restrictions?
For the train journey to Machu Picchu there are luggage restrictions. You are typically allowed only a small overnight bag or daypack. Your main luggage will be securely stored at your hotel in the Sacred Valley or Cuzco and you will be reunited with it after the excursion.
What happens if I get altitude sickness?
Your itinerary is designed to allow for gradual acclimatization. However if you do experience symptoms of altitude sickness like headache or nausea inform your guide immediately. They are trained to handle the situation and can provide assistance. Resting and drinking coca tea usually helps.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
No it is not recommended to drink tap water in Peru. You should drink only bottled or properly filtered water. Also be cautious with ice in drinks and salads that may have been washed with tap water.
What kind of power outlets are used in Peru?
Peru uses Type A and Type C power outlets with a standard voltage of 220V. If your devices are from a country that uses a different voltage or plug type you will need a voltage converter and/or a plug adapter.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
Citizens of many countries including the USA Canada the UK Australia and most EU nations do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. However you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
What are the passport requirements for booking?
Your full name and passport number are required at the time of booking. This information is needed to purchase your entrance tickets for Machu Picchu and other sites. Any delay in providing this may result in issues with securing your permits.
Is a single supplement available?
A single supplement is available for this trip if you wish to have your own room. However it is not available for the night of the homestay on Lake Titicaca where you will be assigned a room based on the family’s home capacity.
WHY CHOOSE ANDES PATH PERU?
Andes Path Peru is a locally-owned and operated family travel agency and tour operator based in Cusco, built on many years of first-hand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian company with no external shareholders, we are deeply rooted in our community.
Our vision as a local company is to craft small, customized tours and treks that are exclusively operated by our team of local professionals. We are dedicated to providing a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We take great pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. We consider our staff to be our extended family and ensure they receive fair wages for their hard work. We are incredibly proud of our team! Without their dedication, we couldn’t offer the exceptional service and create the lifetime experiences our clients cherish.
Andes Path Peru understands the importance of trusting a reliable and honest operator to plan your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. We invite you to read our outstanding reviews and view our certificates of excellence on TRIPADVISOR! We also come highly recommended by publications such as Conde Nast Travelers and Lonely Planet.
SMALL GROUPS
To provide a more customized experience for our guests, Andes Path Peru has a strict policy of limiting our groups to a maximum of 8 people. This commitment to small group sizes is a key factor that distinguishes us from other companies that operate with much larger tour groups.
OUR TOUR GUIDES
We are incredibly proud of our guides! They are consummate professionals who are fluent in English. They possess a deep knowledge of and a true passion for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are committed to continuous professional and personal growth, constantly researching to ensure you receive accurate and recognized information about Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, engaging, and highly educated. Each guide holds a university degree in a relevant field such as Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
OUR SUPER COOL PORTERS
Trekking with Andes Path Peru is a life-changing journey. We offer a fully portered experience where your comfort and enjoyment are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to making sure you have the best possible holiday in Peru, allowing you to interact with local people, explore breathtaking sites, and rediscover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare delicious meals, set up your tents in quiet locations away from crowded campsites, and take care of you, allowing you to simply sit back and relax.
We provide the following equipment to our porters at no cost: a jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, a canteen, a supportive girdle to protect their backs, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated communities, giving them the opportunity to improve their economic situation and help support their children’s education. We ensure that every one of our porters is treated like family!
OUR EQUIPMENT
The quality of our team (guides, cooks, porters, horsemen) and our top-of-the-line equipment truly makes Andes Path Peru stand out from the competition. For all of our adventure hikes, we include the following:
- OUR TENTS: Enjoy a restful night’s sleep in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4-person models, but we only house 2 people in each, leaving plenty of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a small vestibule, giving you extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks to keep the interior clean.
- OUR FOAM MATS: These are included to insulate and separate you from the cold ground.
- AIR MATTRESSES: These can be rented for $20 USD.
- OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent serves as a communal gathering place for meals. It’s a great time to sit back, relax, and chat with your fellow trekkers.
- OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining tent includes proper tables and chairs, and its design with two doors on opposite sides allows it to adapt to the day’s weather conditions.
- DUFFEL BAGS: These will be provided to you during the briefing the night before the trek begins.
- MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, souvenir t-shirts, and a biochemical portable toilet are all provided on the trek.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
At Andes Path Peru, we have always believed in the importance of giving back to the local, isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we consistently run social projects and prioritize local hiring.
Andes Path Peru is proud to be able to support our local people. We do more than just employ them; we go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. We are delighted to have this holistic and supportive relationship with our highland employees and their families!
