Essential Packing and Gear

What to Bring on Tour Packing for this trip requires preparation for multiple climate zones. For the hot and humid Amazon, you need lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against insects, along with a strong insect repellent. For Lima, comfortable casual clothing is fine. For Cusco and the Andes, you need to think in layers. Bring thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and a waterproof shell. A warm hat, gloves, and wool socks are essential for cold nights and early mornings on the trek.

Your Daypack Essentials During daily excursions and the Inca Trail, you will carry a daypack. Inside, you should always have a reusable water bottle, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and your camera. For the trek, also include your personal first-aid kit, snacks like energy bars, a headlamp, and your passport. Keep your rain gear at the top of your pack, as mountain weather can change quickly.

Important Recommendations and Health

Key Pre-Trip Recommendations The single most important recommendation is to book well in advance to secure an Inca Trail permit. Second, you must purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. Finally, start a physical fitness routine before you leave. The better your physical condition, the more you will enjoy the demanding parts of the tour.

How to Acclimatize to High Altitude Altitude sickness is a common concern. The best way to acclimatize is to ascend slowly. Your itinerary is designed for this, with time in Cusco before the trek. When you arrive in Cusco, take it easy for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol. Drink plenty of water and coca tea (mate de coca), a local remedy that helps with altitude symptoms. If you feel symptoms like headache, nausea, or fatigue, rest immediately and inform your guide.

Health and Safety Recommendations Consult your doctor about vaccinations for Peru and Bolivia, including Yellow Fever for the Amazon region. Drink only bottled or boiled water, and be cautious with street food. Peel fruits and vegetables yourself or eat them cooked. In cities, be aware of your surroundings to prevent petty theft. Keep valuables out of sight and do not walk alone in unfamiliar areas late at night.

Climate and Local Culture

Understanding the Climate in Peru and Bolivia The climate you will experience varies greatly. Lima has a mild desert climate and is often overcast. The Amazon is consistently hot and humid, with high rainfall year-round. The Andes region (Cusco, Lake Titicaca, La Paz) has two main seasons: the dry season (April to October) with sunny days and cold nights, and the wet season (November to March) with more rain and cloud cover.

Best Season to Travel The dry season, from April to October, is generally considered the best time for this trip. You will likely have clearer skies for trekking and sightseeing in the Andes. The shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are good because they have fewer crowds than the peak months of June through August. The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance every February.

How Are the Local People People in Peru and Bolivia are generally courteous and reserved, especially in rural and indigenous communities. In tourist centers like Cusco, people are very accustomed to travelers. In the homestay on Lake Titicaca, you will experience genuine local hospitality. Learning a few basic phrases in Spanish (“Hola,” “Gracias,” “Por favor”) will be appreciated.

Food, Lodging, and Traveler Profile

What to Eat in This Region Peruvian cuisine is very diverse. In Lima, you should try ceviche (raw fish cured in citrus juices) and lomo saltado (stir-fried beef). In the Andes, you can try alpaca steak, quinoa soup, and cuy (roasted guinea pig) if you are adventurous. In Bolivia, look for salteñas, a baked savory pastry. Throughout the highlands, corn and potatoes are staples, with hundreds of varieties available.

Where You Will Stay Your accommodation is varied to match the location. In cities, you will stay in standard mid-range hotels with private bathrooms and necessary amenities. In the Amazon, the lodge is more rustic, designed to blend with the environment. During the Inca Trail, you will be in two-person tents at designated campsites with basic toilet facilities. The homestay on Lake Titicaca is in a local family’s home, with simple, clean rooms and shared facilities.

Who Is This Tour Recommended For This tour is recommended for active travelers who are in good physical shape and have a spirit of adventure. It is suitable for those interested in history, culture, and nature. You must be prepared for basic conditions during camping and the homestay. It is also for people who can handle long travel days and significant changes in altitude. This is not a luxury tour; it prioritizes experience over comfort at times.

What is the overall physical difficulty of this trip The trip is rated as challenging. The primary difficulty comes from the 4-day Inca Trail trek, which involves hiking for several hours each day over mountainous terrain with significant ascents and descents at high altitude. Good cardiovascular fitness is required. The rest of the tour involves walking tours and travel days, which are less demanding.

Is the Inca Trail permit included in the price Yes, the cost of the Inca Trail permit is included in the tour package. We handle the booking of the permit for you. However, due to the high demand and limited availability, it is essential to book the tour many months in advance and provide accurate passport details at the time of booking.

What is the alternative if I cannot do the Inca Trail If the Inca Trail permits are sold out or if you prefer a less crowded option, the Quarry Trail is used as the primary alternative. This trek offers a similar level of difficulty and also takes you through high-altitude Andean landscapes, past remote villages and Inca ruins. You will still have a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the final day.

What are the accommodations like on the tour The accommodations are varied. You will stay in standard tourist-class hotels in cities, a rustic but comfortable lodge in the Amazon jungle, two-person tents at campsites during the Inca Trail trek, and in a simple room in a local family’s home during the Lake Titicaca homestay.

How much extra money should I plan to bring This depends on your personal spending habits. You should budget for meals that are not included (most lunches and dinners), tips for your guides and crew, optional activities during free time, souvenirs, and personal expenses like drinks and laundry. A general guideline is to budget between $40-$60 USD per day.

Is travel insurance really mandatory for this tour Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. You will be required to show proof of your policy to the tour leader at the beginning of the trip. Your insurance must cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation, and it is strongly recommended that it also covers trip cancellation and high-altitude trekking up to 4,500 meters.

What is the food like during the Inca Trail trek The food provided on the trek is typically very good and plentiful. A dedicated cook and team prepare a variety of Peruvian and international dishes. You can expect hot breakfasts, multi-course lunches, and dinners, as well as snacks. The team can accommodate most dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, if notified in advance.

What are the toilet and shower facilities like on the Inca Trail The facilities at the campsites along the Inca Trail are basic. Toilets are generally squat-style and managed by the park authorities. There are no shower facilities available at the campsites. Your trekking crew will provide bowls of warm water each morning and evening for basic washing.

What is the homestay experience on Lake Titicaca like The homestay is an opportunity to stay with a local Quechua-speaking family in their home. The conditions are simple and authentic. You will have a private room, but you will likely share basic bathroom facilities with the family. You will share meals with them and get a direct view into their daily routines and culture.

How large will my tour group be The group size for this tour is small, with a minimum of 1 traveler and a maximum of 12. This small group size allows for more personal interaction with the guide and a more flexible and intimate travel experience compared to larger coach tours.

Do I need to be fluent in Spanish to do this tour No, you do not need to be fluent in Spanish. Your tour will be led by an English-speaking guide who will handle all communication and translations. However, learning a few basic Spanish phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “how much” will be very useful and appreciated by the local people you meet.

What is the weather like in the Andes mountains The weather in the Andes can be very unpredictable and can change quickly. During the dry season (April-October), you can expect clear, sunny days with strong sun, but temperatures will drop significantly at night, often close to freezing. During the wet season (November-March), expect more rain and overcast days.

Can I charge my phone and camera batteries during the trip You will be able to charge your electronic devices in your hotels in the cities and at the jungle lodge. However, there are no charging facilities available during the three nights you are camping on the Inca Trail. It is highly recommended to bring a portable power bank to keep your devices charged during the trek.

What are the luggage restrictions for this tour For the flight to the Amazon and Cusco, you will need to adhere to the airline’s checked baggage allowance, which is typically around 23kg (50 lbs). For the Inca Trail, you will be given a duffel bag to be carried by the porters, with a strict weight limit of around 6-7kg (13-15 lbs) per person, which must include your sleeping bag and sleeping mat.

What vaccinations should I get before traveling You should consult with your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. A Yellow Fever vaccination is often recommended for travel to the Amazon region of Peru. You should also ensure that your routine vaccinations, such as Tetanus and Diphtheria, are up to date.