Current as of: August 31, 2024 - 14:25
Current as of: August 31, 2024 - 14:25
5 out of 7 - Challenging
The ancient Inca capital of Cuzco is brimming with Spanish churches and Inca fortresses just waiting to be explored. There’s fun to be had in the nearby Sacred Valley, with the chance to go paddleboarding on Lake Piuray or mountain biking around the salt flats of Maras. Having acclimatised, we follow in the footsteps of the Incas along the classic four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate. In contrast to the Andes, we delve into the tropical Amazon Rainforest and spend three days exploring the jungle trails, canopy towers and riverbanks in search of wildlife.
Our classic Inca Trail trip is designed to give you more time to enjoy the trail by arriving to Machu Picchu in the afternoon for iconic photos and overnight in Aguas Calientes. We return the next morning, fresh and well rested, for our in-depth tour of Machu Picchu and train back to Cuzco.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 5 (Challenging) and is designed for 13 to 16-year-olds.
For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. When grading our trips, we consider multiple factors including pace (how busy an itinerary is), level of activity involved and amount of travel time. The weather is an important factor too as is the altitude on this itinerary.
Please note, it is essential you read the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu regulations in the Important Information section of the Trip Notes before you book this trip.
We consider the Inca Trail as ‘challenging’ (for families) and this tour is designed for families with older children. There are four days of point-to-point walking with full porterage, reaching a maximum altitude of 13,830ft (4,215m) and an average of 10,005ft (3,050m). You may walk for up to seven hours a day and the route involves considerable ascent and descent. Though not without its difficulties (in particular the ascent and descent of the first pass, known as Dead Woman’s Pass!) this trek is certainly possible for anyone in good health and fitness, but we would not recommend it to someone with no walking experience. If you are not a regular walker, you should put in physical preparation beforehand. The trek is also not particularly suitable for those with bad knees due to the number of steep and uneven steps, particularly on the third and fourth days of the trek. If you have any concerns about the difficulty of the walking or your/your family’s capabilities, please feel free to speak to us before booking.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference.
The climate in the Amazon is hot and humid, which can make activities tiring.
There is a degree of flexibility within the itinerary, with an array of optional activities in Cuzco.
Protest action/strikes are not uncommon in Peru and, while these are generally peaceful, they can involve roadblocks and cause travel disruption. Occasionally, your leader may have to adapt your itinerary in response to this.
As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes. We spend three days in Cuzco (11,155ft/3,400m) acclimatising before starting the trek.
Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group’s pace.
In the Amazon, we are accompanied by local guides from the lodge.
On the Inca Trail or Lares Trek, there is a full trek crew of porters (on the Inca Trail), cooks and assistant guides.
Adult min age: 13
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
The group flights are scheduled to depart London this evening.
Welcome to Cuzco, set high amid the altiplano! As the imperial city of the Incas, it was the centre of a vast empire which, at its peak, stretched from Colombia to Chile. After Spanish conquistadors invaded, they built on top of Inca structures, resulting in unique architecture, a fusion of the Spanish colonial and Inca styles.
Take it easy on arrival in Cuzco and drink plenty of water to help your body adjust to the altitude (11,155ft/3,400m). There is a noticeboard in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held. After, we have a walking orientation tour to preview some of the historic sites in Cuzco.
Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
Welcome to Cuzco! Set high amid the altiplano, Cuzco, the Imperial City of the Incas, was the centre of a vast empire which, at its peak, stretched from Colombia to Chile. After the Spanish conquistadors invaded the city, they started building on top of the Inca structures, resulting in unique architecture, a fusion of the Spanish colonial and Inca styles. There will be a notice board in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held. Afterwards we have a walking orientation tour to preview some of Cuzco’s historical sites.
Remember to take it easy on arrival in Cuzco (and drink plenty of water) to help your body adjust to the altitude (11,155ft/3,400m).
Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
The next two days have been left free for exploring Cuzco, one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people watching and the Qorikancha Sun Temple, in the Santo Domingo church and monastery, is worth a visit. The Mercado San Pedro is the place to try local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs, such as alpaca jumpers and scarves.
Outside the town are more Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where the Inca armies made their last stand against the Conquistadores. Cuzco is also the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and, if you wish to visit the sites, your leader can organise an excursion, which includes Pisac Market (optional).
If you would like something more active, there is an array of other optional activities available. These include a cookery lesson, paddleboarding on Lake Piuray, mountain biking in the Sacred Valley between Maras and Moray, or a combination of via ferrata and zip-lining in the Sacred Valley. For some activities, a minimum number of participants is required.
On your last evening in Cuzco, there is a trek briefing. You also need to pack and weigh your kitbag ready for the Inca Trail the following day (the weight limit is 15lb/7kg per person for your kitbag) – remember to keep your passport somewhere accessible.
Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
The classic Inca Trail is a tangential branch part of a 27,960mi (45,000km) road network linking the whole empire to Cuzco. It was built in the 15th century to reach Machu Picchu but was abandoned soon after the Spanish conquest.
Early this morning, we transfer (1hr 30min) from Cuzco into the Sacred Valley. Reaching the town of Ollantaytambo, we drive for one hour along the final stretch of road to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, recognized among adventurers as Km82. After greeting our trekking crew, we show our passports at the checkpoint and begin the fabled Inca Trail trek. Our route today runs alongside the Vilcanota River, beneath the snow-capped peak of Nevado Veronica, passing through cactus gardens and settlements, until we reach the terraced Inca ruins of Llactapata, where we continue up the Cusichaca Valley to camp near the village of Huayllabamba (9,186ft/2,800m).
Walk profile: Approximately 7mi (11km), six to seven hours
Accommodation: Huayllabamba Camp (full-service camping)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave Cuzco in the morning and drive up to the Lares Pass at 14,435ft (4,400m), stopping to purchase snacks en route and to visit the Inca site of Totora. From the pass, it is another 1hr 30min drive to the Lares hot springs where we stop for lunch. After food, our trek begins. We walk up through the valley to Cuncani, where we spend the night.
Walk profile: Approximately 7mi (11km), four to five hours
Accommodation: Cuncani Camp (full-service camping)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The hills above Cuzco are dotted with interesting Inca ruins. We drive to the highest, Tambomachay, and return on foot to Cuzco via Puca Pucara, Qenco and Sacsayhuaman: an easy acclimatisation walk to get used to the altitude. An open-air picnic lunch is included during the hike near the spectacular ruins.
Walk profile: Approximately 4mi (6.5km), five to six hours (inclusive of the time visiting sites)
Accommodation: Koyllur Inn (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
The morning begins, as all do on our Inca Trail trek, with a hot drink delivered to your tent. Today’s journey is both challenging and rewarding, marking the most demanding and best-known stretch of the trail. A slow and steady climb takes us through a cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then we summit Dead Woman’s (Warmihuañusca) Pass, the highest point on the trek at 13,829ft (4,215m). After a well-deserved round of high fives and photos at the summit, we begin our steep descent on original Inca steps to reach our campsite in the scenic valley of the Pacaymayu River (11,811ft/3,600m). Warm up in the dining tent with a hot, fresh meal followed by a well-deserved sleep under the Andean night sky.
Walk profile: Approximately 6mi (10km), six to seven hours
Accommodation: Pacaymayu Camp (full-service camping)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we start our walk through a small valley, passing waterfalls and incredible blue lagoons until we reach the Wilkiqhasa Pass at 13,780ft (4,200m). The climb to the pass is quite steep and goes up in a zig-zag pattern. Reaching the top, we are rewarded with views of the snow-capped Qolqe Cruz, Sawasiray and Pitusiray mountains, some of the highest mountains in the Urubamba range. Our trek continues down through the Kisawarani Collana conservation area to lake Queunacocha, where we stop for lunch. It is then only another hour until we reach our campsite at Kiswarani.
Walk profile: Approximately 7mi (11km), seven hours
Accommodation: Kiswarani Camp (full-service camping)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we spend two hours in a musician’s home in San Blas. He plays local instruments for us and explains their history – some of the instruments were played before Inca times and others were influenced by the Conquistadors and now form part of a blended culture. Play your favourites and get the chance to play (and make!) the emblematic Andean pipes called zampoña.
Accommodation: Koyllur Inn (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
After a hearty breakfast, we start the day with a climb, which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (12,894ft/3,930m), our second and final pass. From here, the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined rolling path of flat boulders, providing access to sites only available to those on foot. One of the standout archeological sites we visit is Sayacmarca (11,893/3,625m), perched high above the green cloud forest. From here, we enjoy views of Salkantay mountain as we hike to our spectacular campsite on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (12,073ft/3,680m), where we can enjoy the sunset and sunrise.
Walk profile: Approximately 7.5mi (12km), five to six hours
Accommodation: Phuyupatamarca Camp (full-service camping)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start early today, walking uphill for approximately four hours with views of the Kiswarany Valley and several lakes below, to reach the highest point of the Lares Trek, the Pachakuteq Pass at 15,090ft (4,600m). From this high point, we again have views of the snow-capped Qolqe Cruz, Sawasiray and Pitusiray mountains. From the summit, we walk mostly downhill for approximately an hour to reach Acopata, where we stop for lunch. After, we walk for around two hours, mostly downhill, to reach our campsite in Cancha Cancha.
Walk profile: Approximately 9mi (14km), seven to eight hours
Accommodation: Full‐service camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we head out of Cuzco to the colourful handicraft market at Pisac, at the entrance to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After free time to browse the stalls, we take a walking tour of the huge Inca ruins above the village. We enjoy a local meal in a community along the valley and learn about local lifestyles and activities. After lunch, we drive down the valley to Ollantaytambo, where we visit the immense Inca fortress and explore the unique village whose streets still follow the pre-conquest grid plan.
Accommodation: Tunupa Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Classic Inca Trail: Walk down Inca steps to Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate
From Phuyupatamarca, we take the famous Inca steps: a 1.2mi (2km) stone staircase that rapidly descends into an immense panorama, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above and the Vilcanota River far below.
Reaching Wiñay Wayna, we have plenty of time to explore these beautiful ruins and eat lunch before continuing along a relatively flat section of the trail (by Inca standards, through cloud forest and wild orchids to finally reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate).
From here, we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu, with the Huayna Picchu mountain rising behind… congratulations, you made it!
Inti Punku is traditionally busy with photo-taking trekkers in the morning, so our late afternoon arrival affords us unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. We also get a chance to snap some classic photos of Machu Picchu before we take the 30-minute bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes for a shower and comfortable bed for the night.
We are reunited with those who have been on the Lares Trek or One-Day Inca Trail Option at the hotel this afternoon.
Walk profile: Approximately 5.5mi (9km), six to seven hours
Accommodation: Terraza de Luna (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
It’s an early start this morning as we walk downhill for approximately four hours to reach the Sacred Valley at Huaran town. Along the way, we pass farms and have the chance to see llamas and alpacas. We stop for lunch at the end of the trek and then say goodbye to our trekking staff before the drive to Ollantaytambo town (approximately one hour). We have a short walking tour and the chance to explore the ancient town of Ollantaytambo before making the scenic train journey (approximately 1hr 30min) through the Urubamba River valley to Aguas Calientes, arriving in the late afternoon. We are reunited with those who have been on the Inca Trail or One-Day Inca Trail Option at the hotel when we arrive.
Walk profile: Approximately 6mi (10km), four hours
Accommodation: Terraza de Luna (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we travel to Ollantaytambo and take the train to Km104 where we embark on the infamous Inca steps: a 1.2mi (2km) stone staircase taking us rapidly downhill amid a panorama of overwhelming immensity, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above, and the river thousands of metres below. After visiting the attractive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, we have an undulating walk through cloud forest high above the river to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From here, we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu, with Huayna Picchu rising behind.
The Inti Punku is traditionally busy with photo-taking trekkers in the morning, so our late afternoon arrival affords us unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. We also get a chance to snap classic photos of Machu Picchu before we take the 30-minute bus down to Aguas Calientes for a shower and a comfortable bed for the night. Tomorrow morning, we return well rested for our guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Walk profile: Approximately 5.5mi (9km), six to seven hours
Accommodation: Terraza de Luna (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Well-rested and refreshed, we return to Machu Picchu this morning for our guided tour. Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel, the staggering mountain backdrop making it even more dramatic. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained an enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Your guided tour highlights the history, culture, architecture and mysteries that Machu Picchu still holds today.
This afternoon, we catch the train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) and continue by private bus to Cuzco (1hr 30min).
Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
Today has been left free to relax after the trek or explore Cuzco further. Your leader can help to arrange optional excursions and activities – please see the Optional Activities section of the Trip Notes for more details.
Accommodation: MamaSara Hotel (or similar)
We leave Cuzco early today as we take a short flight to Puerto Maldonado (due to poor flight availability, on some departures, this flight connects through Lima and is considerably longer), a small town in the rainforest. On arrival, we transfer to the dock for a boat trip (approximately 45 minutes) to our lodge in the Tambopata Reserve. On the way, we may see river turtles and a wide variety of birdlife.
The order of activities in the rainforest may change depending on the weather and other factors. However, there is a briefing upon arrival at the lodge followed by the chance to learn about the traditional use of bow and arrows – and even have a go!
After dinner, we travel by boat in search of river alligators, using torches (flashlights) to look for the red reflections of their eyes on the riverbank, as well as looking for other nocturnal animals.
Accommodation: Nape Lodge (or similar)
The next two days are spent exploring the forest, rivers and lakes surrounding the lodge, on foot and by boat. Although a lot of the wildlife tends to hide in the dense foliage, we can expect to see a wide variety of birds, including herons and egrets, jacanas, macaws and the prehistoric-looking hoatzin, as well as several species of monkey, reptiles and insects, and (with luck) the giant otters that live in the rivers of the Amazon Basin.
We visit Tres Chimbadas Lake, where we hope to see a great variety of wild fauna such as monkeys, macaws, black alligators, flying parrots and, if we are lucky, river otters. We also visit a parrot clay lick where, at dawn, different types of parrots and other bird species meet. We go on a night walk in search of insects, amphibians, tarantulas, bats, nocturnal birds and large nocturnal mammals.
Accommodation: Nape Lodge (or similar)
A dawn start is required for the boat transfer back to Puerto Maldonado, giving memorable views of sunrise over the river. Look out for the early morning wildlife, which is particularly active at this time. Howler monkeys are frequently heard as they stake out their territories. The adventure ends at Puerto Maldonado airport, where we say goodbye to our leader and take a short flight to Lima. A local representative transfers us to our hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)
You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to London.
Our adventure ends after breakfast this morning. If you’d like more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
The group flights arrive back into London this afternoon.
Altitude warning
This trip includes one or more nights over 11,480ft (3,500m) above sea level, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness (AMS). If left untreated, AMS can be life-threatening. We expect most clients to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, shortness of breath while walking or sleeplessness. Our leaders are trained to identify symptoms of severe AMS and if a client requires extra care, arrangements such as rapid descent, will be made immediately.
On some days, this trip climbs faster than commonly published ascent-rate recommendations. Based upon an assessment by our external safety and medical advisors and our risk-assessment process, we consider the ascent rate acceptable due to the additional safety measures in place for our customers. All our trips operating at high altitude meet our internal altitude-safety standards, which minimise the risk of serious incidents occurring while travelling at altitude.
Several medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise. This may affect your performance and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing conditions, such as heart conditions, or your overall physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. The drug Diamox (also known as acetazolamide and normally only available on prescription) has been shown to aid acclimatisation in some individuals, and therefore may reduce the risk of AMS. Clients considering using Diamox should speak to their doctor about the drug, its side-effects and a prescription. While we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
Please note, while we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip (if trekking in the Himalaya your policy should also cover the use of a helicopter for emergency medical evacuation).
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Our family Inca Trail and Amazon itinerary combines three-star hotels, full-service camping, and a rainforest lodge experience. Our Cuzco hotel is centrally located in the historic centre, while our Lima hotel resides in upscale Miraflores district. The Inca Trail (or Lares Trek option) are offered on a full-service camping basis with full porterage, meaning our camp staff put up and take down the tents for you, cook, and do all the camp chores. Families need only carry backpacks for the day essentials and enjoy your time on the trek. In the Amazon, our rainforest lodge blends local styling and ecological harmony with all-inclusive meals convenience.
Cuzco: MamaSara Hotel (nights 1-3, 8 and 9)
Just a few blocks from the historic centre, MamaSara is well located for our adventures in the one-time Inca capital of Cuzco. The design of the rooms pays homage to the city with locally sourced furniture and artwork, while the restaurant serves Peruvian Andean cuisine.
Inca Trail: Camping (full service: nights 4-6)
We sleep and dine in good-quality four-season tents. We also have a toilet tent set up both in camp and during lunch stops. On the Inca Trail, we stay in official campsites where additional bathroom facilities are available. Boiled and filtered drinking water is provided to guests in the mornings, at lunch and dinner times so we can refill our water bottles. While on the trek, a bowl of warm water for washing is provided each morning and evening. On the Lares Trek, we use wild campsites.
Aguas Calientes: Terraza de Luna (night 7)
Terraza de Luna hotel is conveniently located in Aguas Calientes near the train station and buses to Machu Picchu. In addition to the standard comforts and warm service, Terraza de Luna has a wonderful rooftop terrace with a bar and lounge area to enjoy a drink and take in the views of the surrounding mountains and Urubamba River.
Amazon: Nape Lodge (nights 10-12)
Nape Lodge is located inside a + 9500 hectares communal reserve. The lodge is owned and operated by the Native Community of Infierno in Tambopata who are committed to conservation through tourism. The all-inclusive lodge offers independent bungalows for families with private bathrooms. The main lodge is built with a traditional thatched roof and the communities rainforest canopy tower invites guests to see the jungle from above.
Lima: El Tambo 1 (night 13)
El Tambo 1 (uno) is our three-star Lima hotel in the lively tourist district of Miraflores. It has a restaurant and lovely small bar near the courtyard garden, where you can enjoy a drink. El Tambo has easy access to local sites, such as Kennedy Park, the Larcomar Shopping Center and the Miraflores clifftop promenade where you can enjoy great views of the Pacific Ocean.
Worth knowing
While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you will be put.
All breakfasts, seven lunches and six dinners are included in the tour price.
Peruvian cuisine is loved for its flavours and originality; it’s well worth digging into the local delicacies. Among these are ceviche (seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry), and various hearty soups including the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca steak. To drink, there’s pisco sour, the national beverage.
Drinking water is provided as tap water in Peru is not safe to drink; boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek and elsewhere your leader buys large water containers from which you can refill your bottle.
Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffets, usually including bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dish, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. We cannot guarantee that wheat-/gluten-free products are available for breakfast in all locations – if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food.
Where lunch and dinner are not included in Cuzco/Aguas Calientes, we visit a variety of cafes and restaurants.
During the Inca Trail or Lares Trek, hearty breakfasts are served and good quality cooked lunches and dinners are provided. These usually consist of soup or a starter, a main course with meat/fish and some form of carbohydrates, followed by a dessert. Snacks are also provided. Tea/coffee is brought to your tent each morning and juice or hot drinks are provided with all meals during the trek.
While in the Amazon, all meals are included at the lodge.
A variety of transport is used during this tour and vehicle types may vary depending on group size: travel is by train, boat, bus and two internal flights.
Airport transfers are by private car or minibus. The main road journeys are by private minibus or coach with heating/air-conditioning.
In the Amazon Rainforest, we may share boats with other guests staying at the lodge.
We travel by train (with Peru Rail/Inca Rail) between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu) in expedition/executive class. Seating is four seats to a table and the carriages have panoramic windows and there is air conditioning/heating.
On Day 8 (for the guided tour of Machu Picchu), we take the public bus for the short journey between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu – this is the only transport option available on this route as private vehicles are not permitted. The wait can be very long first thing in the morning, especially during the peak summer months.
The diverse geography of Peru results in a very varied climate between different regions.
The coastal desert, including Lima, is generally dry but cloudy through most of the year. The exception is January to March when the skies are clear and the temperatures rise.
Cuzco and the Andes have a temperate climate. December to March is the rainy season in Cuzco/the Andes and April to November is the dry season, characterised by clear skies and strong sunshine in the mornings, sometimes clouding over as the day progresses. Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant (approximately 20C/68F on average) but night times are only 5C-10C (41F-50F), except for May, June, July and August when days are cooler and nights on trek are often below freezing, particularly at the highest camps where it may be around -10C (14F). In the Andes, anything is possible at any time of year, including cloud, rain or even snow, and rapid and unexpected changes!
Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are in the cloud forest and, as such, attract large amounts of precipitation all year as clouds move up from the Amazon Basin. Rain here can be heavy but is seldom prolonged. Cold fronts sometimes occur from July to August.
While the Amazon Rainforest is generally warm and humid, it can be subject to drops in temperature caused by cold fronts pushing in from the south. This can occur at any time of year but happens most often in June and July. Temperatures can get low so we recommend you take some warm clothing with you to the lodge in case of sudden changes in the weather.
Peru is affected by El Niño, a weather phenomenon whereby warming of Pacific Ocean surface water off South America drives a shift in the atmospheric circulation resulting in abnormally high levels of rainfall over parts of South America. These events occur at irregular intervals of two to seven years, and last nine months to two years. In El Niño years, temperatures in Lima can be much warmer than described above but it still rarely rains in Lima.
Start hotel: Koyllur Inn, Pumapaccha 243, Cuzco 08003
Phone: +51 84 245118
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the afternoon/evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
Our Cuzco hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
Collecting baggage in Lima
If you are flying via Lima, you need to collect your baggage in Lima, even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Cuzco. After collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight. If you do not pick up your bag, there is a chance it may not reach Cuzco for the start of the trek. This is a requirement of Lima airport and also applies to your return flight.
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Lima Airport (LIM) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Cuzco
Location end: Lima
For full details of what to take, please see our Inca Trail kit list.
On arrival at Puerto Maldonado, a small bag (which can take 17lb/8kg) is provided in which you must pack only what you need to take into the jungle. The rest of your luggage is stored for you until your return. As well as lightweight clothing, we also recommend you take some warm clothing since the rainforest can be subject to sudden cold snaps, especially in June and July.
In Cuzco, you receive a sleeping mat for the duration of the trek. The mat is full length and approximately 1.5in (4cm) thick when inflated.
A sleeping bag is not included but is required for the trek – these can be hired locally through your leader in Cuzco from 112 soles (US$35).
Inca Trail baggage
While any type of normal luggage or suitcase can be used for this trip, a soft kitbag (measuring approximately 27in x 12in/70cm x 30cm) is needed for the trek portion, since porters cannot carry hard suitcases or bags with wheels.
Exodus kitbag: If you book the Inca Trail option, we provide an Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in while on trek. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to claim your free bag (they are not sent automatically). There are also details on how to claim for another item from the Exodus shop should you already have one of these. Please note, if you book less than three weeks before the departure date, we cannot guarantee your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts. If this is the case, please contact us on customerops@exodus.co.uk (or customeroperations@exodustravels.com if you’re based in the US or Canada). See www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags for full T&Cs.
As the kitbags do not have wheels, you may prefer to pack it inside your own wheelie case for ease of travelling to and moving through the airport. Your suitcase can then be left in Cuzco with anything not needed for the trek, while the kitbag is carried by your porter on trek. If, however, you can’t fit the Exodus kitbag in your main luggage (or do not receive one in time) then our local partners will provide a soft kitbag in Cuzco (this should be returned to your leader after the trek).
Inca Trail luggage weight restriction: There are strict regulations regarding luggage on the Inca Trail. These regulations are strictly enforced and were created to reduce environmental damage to the Inca Trail and to comply with porters work laws.
Porterage for up to 15lb (7kg) of personal gear is allowed on the Inca Trail trek. This is inclusive of your sleeping bag, which usually weighs approximately 4lb (1.8kg). Your sleeping mat, however, does not count towards your personal weight limit. If your packed kitbag exceeds the allowed weight, you must transfer excess items from your kitbag to your backpack.
Donations for porters: The porters we work with are mostly from rural farming communities. If you have any old walking gear you no longer need, or any unwanted warm children’s clothing, these would be much appreciated by the porters and their families. Please leave any donations with your leader in Cuzco, or alternatively, you can give items directly to your porters on the last night of the trek.
Environmental considerations: We believe in reducing our negative environmental impact wherever possible, even when nature calls. If no facilities are available, you may need to go behind a tree, bush or rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind, we recommend taking biodegradable bags with you. Once you have done your business, put the used paper in the bag and dispose when appropriate facilities are available.
Equipment Hire
Duvet jackets and sleeping bags are available for hire from Trek Hire UK. Trek Hire UK can also provide a range of trekking essentials and accessories, from rucksacks to trekking poles. Please note that supplies are limited, and it is advisable to reserve any equipment as early as possible. For trips to Kilimanjaro, Nepal and Peru, certain items such as duvet jackets, sleeping bags and thick mattresses (mattresses not available in Nepal) can be hired through our local agents. For Kilimanjaro and Nepal trips these must be pre-booked through the Exodus office to ensure availability. For trips to Peru there is no need to pre-book these as they can be arranged locally through your tour leader in Cuzco. Please call for details.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
We strongly recommend taking trekking poles for the Inca Trail, as the number of steps can be hard on the knees. Please note, due to environmental legislation, poles must have a plastic tip or protector fitted on the end. Walking poles with rubber tips can be hired through your leader in Cuzco from 57 soles (US$14) per pole. Please note, walking poles are not permitted inside Machu Picchu without a medical certificate detailing their necessity.
We also recommend:
We strongly recommend storing electronics (cameras etc) in a sealed waterproof bag to prevent damage during rain.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Peru. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.
Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, tuberculosis and yellow fever. Additionally, Zika fever, a mosquito‐borne viral disease, is a known risk in Peru. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so you should take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Amazon: If you are travelling to the Tambopata reserve in the Amazon rainforest, the risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice. We also strongly recommend that you obtain a yellow fever vaccination. Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in the Amazon region. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Peru's time zone: America/Lima (UTC -05:00)
Peru’s electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins), B (three pins: two flat, one round) and C (two round pins) – 220V, 60Hz.
There are no charging facilities available on the Inca Trail or other camping treks, so we recommend you take spare batteries or a solar charger with you.
At our Amazon lodge, there is no mains electricity. A generator provides power for a few hours a day only in the main lodge/dining area, while lanterns, torches (flashlights) or candles are provided in the bedrooms.
Peru's currency: Peruvian nuevo sol (PEN)
ATMs are available in the larger cities and towns and are particularly recommended since they often allow you to withdraw either US dollars or Peruvian soles and exchange rates are generally good. Most international credit and debit cards are accepted, but you should inform your bank you are travelling to Peru and check if your card works in the local ATMs. There are some ATMs in Aguas Calientes, but they sometimes run out of cash so it is a good idea to take your spending money for Machu Picchu with you on the trek itself. Credit card acceptance is increasing, but generally they can be used only at the large (and more expensive) restaurants and shops. Check with your card provider to ensure your card can be used in Peru.
We recommend either taking cash with you to change into sol locally or using ATMs to withdraw money in Peru as you go, so you are not left with excess at the end of your trip. It is a good idea to change a small amount into sol at the counters in the baggage hall upon arrival. Change is often in short supply, so ask for small denomination banknotes and try to break up any large notes at the earliest opportunity.
It is possible to obtain Peruvian sol before you travel but exchange rates can be lower than exchanging money locally in Peru. Some larger establishments and hotels accept US dollars, but the vast majority of places only accept sol.
Food, drinks and similar incidentals can vary in price enormously in Peru and are relatively expensive compared to other developing nations. Allow about 55-75 soles (US$15-US$20) per meal to eat at tourist-class restaurants. Cheaper food is abundant at small local cafes, although sanitary conditions at these places cannot be guaranteed. Bottled water and soft drinks are readily available for around 4-8 soles (US$1‐US$2) each.
You may want to hire equipment for your trek in Cuzco – please see the Packing Section for prices.
Please note, there is a possibility the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism may increase entrance fees to archaeological sites at any time. If this happens, we will inform you of the increase and the additional amount is payable locally.
Peruvian passport or identity card holders
The cost of Exodus trips in Peru is based on the assumption you do not hold a Peruvian passport or residents card. If you are officially resident in Peru or a Peruvian passport holder, you are liable to an additional 18 percent tax on most services. This extra sum is payable locally to our local partner. Other nationalities are exempt from this tax. Please notify us at the time of booking if you are legally resident in Peru or hold a Peruvian passport so we can advise you of the total cost of these taxes.
Optional excursions
Your tour leader can tell you about the full range of optional excursions available throughout your trip; however, we have listed the most popular below.
A Partial Tourist Ticket (BTG) is required for entrance to the sites in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley – this is not included in the excursion prices below but can be purchased locally from 70 soles (approximately US$21).
Other optional activities include stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, via ferrata and ziplining in the Sacred Valley, or a cookery course at Marcelo Batata in Cuzco. Please ask your tour leader for prices and further information.
Prices of excursions vary depending on the number of people taking part. The prices given within these Trip Notes are based on four participants and are intended as a guideline only. All tours use private transport and there will be an English-speaking guide. Please note, cash is the preferred method of payment for any of the optional activities.
For some activities, a minimum number of participants may be required. Some activities may not always be possible due to weather, seasonality, national holidays, or unforeseen circumstances.
It is customary in Peru for local staff to receive tips, which can be an important source of extra income for hard-working crew. Whether and how much to tip is a personal decision; however, we have included some guidelines below. Please note, Peruvian sol is the preferred currency for tips.
Tipping kitty: We recommend running a tipping kitty on this trip. A tipping kitty means we tip as a group, and individuals don’t need to worry about giving out small tips to various people (ie drivers, local guides, boatmen, hotel staff). The contribution per person per day we suggest is 25 soles (US$6.70).
Tour leader: Leaders are fairly paid for their role but are always grateful for recognition of their skills and hard work. Tips for your leader should be based on their performance and engagement with the group. If you’re happy with the leader’s work, we recommend somewhere around 25 soles (US$6.70) per person per day, but customers are encouraged to contribute what they feel happy giving – either less or more than the amount suggested above.
Those on the Lares Trek should deduct four days’ worth as the tour leader does not accompany you on the Lares Trek.
Tipping of your trekking crew
The trekking crew is made of guides, cooks, kitchen staff and porters. Tips are best arranged on a group basis, and a volunteer from the group should gather the money and split the total collected into smaller amounts for each person. This is normally done on the last night of the trek. Your leader is happy to assist as needed.
Inca Trail Trek: The recommended contribution per group member is 160-210 soles (or 180-230 soles per person for groups of six or fewer).
Lares Trek: The recommended contribution per group member is 140-190 soles (or 160-210 soles per person for groups of six or fewer). Around 200-300 soles of the total collection is normally allocated to the main trek guide.
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Family trips
Our staff and leaders are there to ensure the trip runs as smoothly as possible. However, company policy states they cannot take care of children; it is your responsibility to look after your young ones throughout the trip. During free time or if you decide to opt out of part of the itinerary, you are responsible for your family and any arrangements that need to be made, though your leader will be happy to make recommendations.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Machu Picchu regulations
Please note, we visit Machu Picchu in the morning or afternoon to avoid the peak entry time (10am to midday).
Inca Trail regulations
There are several important Inca Trail regulations we would like to make you aware of:
Please note: While your departure date may be ‘Guaranteed’, your Inca Trail permit itself will initially be ‘On Request’. If you’re travelling within the current year, we try to purchase your permit immediately upon receiving your booking. If travelling next year, we will apply for your permit as soon as they are released for sale. If we are unable to get your permit, we will contact you to discuss your options.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.