What to Take on the Tour

Your packing list should be divided between two distinct environments: the cool, dry highlands and the hot, humid jungle. For the Andes and the Inca Trail, layered clothing is key. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add a fleece for warmth, and top it with a waterproof/windproof jacket. Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are non-negotiable. For the Amazon, you’ll need lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against insects. Light colors are recommended. Bring a reliable insect repellent, a rain poncho, and sandals or a second pair of shoes for the lodge. For both regions, a good daypack, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a reusable water bottle, and a personal first-aid kit are essential.

General Recommendations for Travelers

Before you travel, make copies of your important documents like your passport and flight information, leaving one copy at home and keeping another separate from the originals. Inform your bank about your travel dates to avoid your cards being blocked. While hiking, walk at your own pace. The saying in the Andes is poco a poco (little by little). Listen to your guide’s instructions, especially regarding safety and trail etiquette. When buying souvenirs, feel free to bargain in markets, but do so respectfully.

The Climate in the Andes and Amazon

You will experience two very different climates. The Andes region, including Cuzco and the Inca Trail, has two main seasons: the dry season (April to October) and the wet season (November to March). During the dry season, days are typically sunny and clear, but nights are very cold, often dropping below freezing. The wet season brings frequent rain. The Amazon rainforest has a more consistent climate: hot and humid year-round, with high rainfall. The “drier” season in the Amazon coincides with the Andean dry season but still expect rain showers.

Best Season to Travel

The most popular time to do this tour is during the dry season, from April to October. This period offers the best weather conditions for trekking the Inca Trail, with less rain and clearer skies. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and book your trip well in advance, as Inca Trail permits sell out months ahead. The shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are good options for balancing decent weather with fewer crowds. Note that the Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance.

How to Acclimatize to High Altitude

Acclimatization is the process of your body adjusting to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. The itinerary is designed to help with this by spending two full days in Cuzco and the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. To help the process, drink plenty of water (3-4 liters per day), avoid alcohol and smoking, and eat light meals. Coca tea (mate de coca) is a local remedy that can help alleviate mild symptoms. If you experience severe headaches, nausea, or dizziness, inform your guide immediately.

Health Recommendations for Peru

Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip to discuss vaccinations and general travel health. A Yellow Fever vaccination is often recommended for travel to the Amazon region. It is also wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines like Tetanus. Pack a personal medical kit with any prescription medications you take, along with basics like pain relievers, antihistamines, and medication for stomach issues. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is mandatory.

About the Local People

In the Andean highlands, you will interact with people of Quechua descent, the direct descendants of the Incas. Their culture is a blend of ancient traditions and Catholic influences. Many people in rural areas speak Quechua as their first language. In the Amazon, you will meet indigenous communities whose lifestyle is closely tied to the rainforest. In all interactions, be respectful and open. A friendly ‘hola’ or ‘gracias’ goes a long way.

What to Eat in This Region

Peruvian cuisine is celebrated globally. In the highlands, try dishes like lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), aji de gallina (creamy chicken stew), and various potato and corn dishes. For the adventurous, cuy (roasted guinea pig) is a traditional delicacy. In the Amazon, you’ll find meals based on river fish, yuca, and plantains. Try exotic fruits like aguaje and camu camu. Always prioritize food safety by eating at reputable places.

Where to Stay on This Tour

The accommodation on this tour is varied. In cities like Lima and Cuzco, you will stay in comfortable, mid-range hotels that are centrally located. During the Inca Trail, you will be camping in two-person tents with sleeping mats provided. In the Amazon, you will stay at a jungle lodge, which offers basic but comfortable rooms, often in rustic cabins designed to have a low impact on the environment.

Who Is This Tour Recommended For

This tour is recommended for active travelers with a strong interest in history, culture, and nature. A high level of physical fitness is required to complete the Inca Trail, which involves several days of hiking for long hours at high altitude. You should be comfortable with basic accommodation like camping and jungle lodges. It is ideal for those who want a comprehensive Peruvian experience that covers its most famous landmarks and diverse environments.

How Difficult Is the Inca Trail Portion of the Tour

The Inca Trail is considered a difficult trek. It involves four days of walking, with daily distances ranging from 10 to 16 kilometers. You will be hiking over mountainous terrain with significant changes in elevation, including crossing two high passes, the highest of which is approximately 4,215 meters (13,828 feet). A good level of cardiovascular fitness and pre-trip training is highly recommended.

What Are the Accommodations Like

The accommodations are varied. In Lima and Cuzco, you will stay in tourist-class hotels with standard amenities like private bathrooms and hot water. During the Inca Trail, you’ll be camping in two-person tents. In the Amazon, you’ll stay in a jungle lodge which provides basic, clean rooms, often with shared bathroom facilities, designed to immerse you in the natural environment.

Do I Need a Permit for the Inca Trail

Yes, a permit is required to hike the Inca Trail, and they are strictly limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters). These permits sell out very quickly, often 6-8 months in advance, especially for the high season. The tour operator secures this permit for you once you book and provide your passport details.

What Happens If Inca Trail Permits Are Sold Out

If permits for the Classic Inca Trail are unavailable for your chosen dates, you will be offered an alternative trek, such as the Inca Quarry Trail. This is a scenic and less-crowded trek that also visits Inca ruins and offers a similar level of difficulty. You will still have a guided tour of Machu Picchu at the end.

Is There a Minimum Age for This Trip

Yes, the minimum age for this tour is 15 years old. This is due to the physical demands of the Inca Trail and the remote nature of some locations. All travelers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What Is the Food Like on the Inca Trail

The food provided during the trek is a highlight for many. A dedicated cooking team prepares a variety of fresh, nutritious, and filling meals. You can expect multi-course breakfasts, lunches, and dinners featuring a mix of Peruvian and international dishes. They can also cater to dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free if notified in advance.

What Is the Role of the Porters

Porters are an essential part of the Inca Trail team. They are local men from nearby communities who carry the majority of the equipment, including tents, cooking supplies, food, and your personal duffel bag. You will only need to carry a small daypack with your essentials for the day.

What Kind of Luggage Should I Bring

You should bring a main piece of luggage, like a backpack or duffel bag, which will be stored securely at the hotel in Cuzco while you are on the trek. For the Inca Trail, you will be provided with a separate duffel bag for the porters to carry, with a strict weight limit. You will also need a daypack (25-35 liters) for daily use.

Is Travel Insurance Required

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip. Your policy must cover medical expenses, including emergency repatriation and evacuation. You will be asked to provide proof of your insurance to your tour leader on the first day.

What Is the Best Way to Handle Money in Peru

It is best to use a combination of cash and cards. ATMs are widely available in Lima and Cuzco for withdrawing the local currency, Peruvian Soles (PEN). It is also useful to have some US dollars in small, clean bills. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and larger restaurants in the cities, but you will need cash for markets, smaller shops, and tips.

How Much Should I Budget for Tips

Tipping is customary but not obligatory. For the Inca Trail crew (guide, cook, porters), it is common to tip as a group. Your tour leader will suggest an appropriate collective amount. For local guides and drivers in cities, a small tip is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is standard.

What Vaccinations Do I Need

You should consult a travel medical professional for personalized advice. A Yellow Fever vaccination is strongly recommended for visiting the Amazon rainforest. It’s also a good idea to ensure all your routine vaccinations, like tetanus and diphtheria, are up to date.

Is the Water Safe to Drink

It is not safe to drink tap water in Peru. You should only drink bottled water or water that has been properly filtered or purified. On the Inca Trail, the cooking crew will boil water for you each morning and evening to refill your bottles.

Will I Have Internet Access

You will have access to Wi-Fi in hotels in Lima and Cuzco, though it may be slow or require a fee. Once you leave the cities for the Inca Trail and the Amazon jungle, you should not expect to have any internet access or mobile phone signal. This is a chance to disconnect from technology.

What if I Have Dietary Requirements

Special dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies can be accommodated. You must inform the tour company of your specific requirements at the time of booking so they can make the necessary arrangements with the trek cooks and lodges.