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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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Custom regulations in Peru mean that you may be charged up to 30USD for bringing a second (or third or fourth etc) camera into the country. You are currently allowed to bring in one camera, and one video camera, without paying any duty. If you declare a second camera or if the customs authorities see a second camera on you, then you may be charged.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Accordingly, you should allow at least US$40 for tipping.
Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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It is customary to tip our Porters, Cooks and Trail Guide at the end of the Trek, although this is entirely at your discretion.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Currency: Nuevo Sol.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Carry all your funds in U.S. dollars cash or a debit/credit card (Sterling is very difficult to change). It is advisable to take some US$300-400 of your total spending money in cash, mixed denominations. Old, dirty or marked notes are not accepted locally, it is best to travel with brand new notes. Note: US $100 bills with the series CB-B2, year 2001, will not be accepted for exchange.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: ATMs are available in all cities visited.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers cheques are not always easy to exchange.
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| UK | Peru | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $2.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $2.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $1.60 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $13.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | $13.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Peru: No visa is required for citizens of UK, CAN, USA, AUS and NZ. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Please note: Please note that flights on the tour may transit through the USA. According to US law, passengers will have to disembark, collect luggage and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight.
Holders of the UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and several EU country passports can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they hold a machine readable passport. They must also be entering the country by sea or air on a carrier participating in the visa waiver scheme, holding a return/onward ticket. As well as being machine readable, if your passport was issued on or after 26 October 2005, it must contain both a digital photograph of the holder and also an integrated circuit chip that stores biographic information.
All passengers travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme must provide their details online no later than 72 hours prior to travel. British travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely to be detained and sent home. In addition to passport information, you must also supply the full address of your first night’s accommodation in the USA. This information can be obtained from your joining instructions which are sent out approximately 3 weeks before travel.
Anyone applying for ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to travel under the Visa Waiver system will be charged a fee of 14USD (9GBP).
For more information, and to apply online, please visit the following website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Once obtained, the application will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of your passport (whichever is shorter).
For more information about who is eligible for the VWP, or any other questions you may have regarding your eligibility, or machine readable passports, please contact your local consular office, or visit www.usembassy.org.uk
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topWe recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio, infectious hepatitis and malaria. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topSingle parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topTo enjoy any trek such as the exciting Inca Trail it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard a trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a programme of conditioning well before departure – in fact as soon as you book – and be aware that short walks on the flat do little to prepare you for the gradients of the Andes. Running, hill walking and other more active sports are suitable. The Inca Trail has a great many steps, therfore, step exercises are particularly suitable for preperation fitness.
Back to topThe trip may be taken by almost anyone who enjoys good health and a good level of fitness, and appreciates that walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is fairly rugged and involves trekking over rough pathways. The highest point on the route is 4200m – the realm of thin, cold, dry air. We acclimatise slowly.
Insurance: Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the altitude indicated before you come on tour. If you have Explore insurance, you will be covered to this altitude.
Medical Examination: You should visit your GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trek reaches, i.e. 4200m/13,779’.
Back to topGradient Chart
Weather conditions vary from region to region. (1) COAST: June to October, damp & misty, but temps never drop below 10°C. It rarely rains on the coast. (2) HIGHLANDS: All year: Sunny days, very cold nights. Rainy from December to March. Mainly dry weather rest of year, and best time for walking in the mountains, although cooler than the rainy season.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to topSee notes regarding trek/kit bag for Inca Trail.
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topMain Baggage: Your main piece of baggage – suitcase or rucksack – must be lockable as this becomes the receptacle for anything you don't want on the trek and this is stored at the hotel in Cusco while you are trekking.
Trek Kit Bag: Before leaving Cusco there is plenty of time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left in Cusco (see above). Your trek luggage, including sleeping bag, needs to be packed into a kit bag, soft holdall, frameless rucksack or similar to be carried by the porters. The weight limit for this is 7kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much. Advice on how to pack will be given at the trek briefing. For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Small Rucksack/Daysac: During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage which is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac should, therefore, be large enough to carry the following: Waterproofs, sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sunhat, sun cream, water bottle (at least 2 litre or 2 1litre bottles), tissues and your packed lunch. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 6kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Other optional items in a day pack might be a diary or a book to read at lunch time.
Back to topPack as for 'All Tours' plus 'Mountain Treks'. In the highlands, conditions are generally dry and sunny during the day. Nights can be very cold at altitude so it is essential to bring adequate warm clothing for the trek especially between May and August. It can drop as low as -10°C at night. Be prepared for rain. Take your swimming costume for the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes. A sunhat is essential.
Back to topWalking Boots Probably the trickiest part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, tennis shoes etc simply do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Goretex or leather boots sold under the brand names ‘Karrimor’, ‘Berghaus’ or similar and these are usually satisfactory. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Avoid the types often found in high street shoe shops which are simply cheap trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on – they give little support and will probably not last the trek. Above all, your boots must be well broken–in and comfortable. We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken–in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable.
Trainers or Trekking sandals Useful around camp, in towns and when travelling. Sandals are ideal for rafting as they protect the soles of your feet and also keep them cool.
Thermals Comfortable around camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas.
Socks It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.
T-shirts We recommend polyester/polypropylene fabrics which keep you warm even when wet.
Waterproofs Breathable waterproofs not only protect against rain and wind but also stop you from overheating. They ‘breathe’ and avoid condensation which you will experience from nylon waterproofs.
Thick sweater/fleece jacket A thick sweater or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude, especially in July. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece.
Shorts Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold! Please remember we shall be passing through the occasional remote areas and villages and short shorts (especially on ladies) can give offence to the local inhabitants. Longer, looser fitting shorts are, in any case, more comfortable to walk in.
Gloves & Hat Especially useful around camp in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes.
Back to topComfortable shoes and sandals. Please see notes regarding trekking boots for Inca Trail. If participating in rafting old trainers (as they get wet) are useful.
Back to topYou will need a good insect repellent, suncream, a small torch and a personal water bottle. See notes regarding sleeping bags for the Inca Trail.
Back to topThe following equipment list is provided by Explore once you are on the trek:
2-person tents.
Dining tent.
Thermarest.
Stools, table.
All cooking and kitchen gear.
Back to topTrekking poles Trekking poles are recommended. NB. Metal tipped trekking poles are NOT permitted in order to reduce erosion – please ensure they have rubber/plastic tips. Wooden poles are readily available locally.
Sleeping Bag As you do not carry it yourself this may be down or synthetic, but it must be 4-season (temperature –10°C to –5°C). A cotton liner helps to keep your bag clean. You do not need a foam mat as thermarests are provided. Note: it is possible to hire a down sleeping bag locally for US$20 for the whole trek. Let your tour leader know at the beginning of the tour.
Water Bottle Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. The camp staff provide purified water each day with which to fill your own bottle. 1 litre is the minimum size suitable as disposable plastic bottles are not allowed on the trail. It is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice for flavouring. Note: Metal bottles can also double up as hot water bottles.
Torch/Batteries/Bulb A small torch is essential for finding things in your tent, visiting the 'toilet' in the night etc. Often a head torch is the most practical option as it allows you to have both hands free. Remember that in most developing countries only a limited selection of batteries is available. The most common are pen cells (or AA size) and SP/HP2 (D size).
Plastic Bags If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your kit bag they will stay dry in case of rain and it will be easier for you to sort through in camp. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A binliner to pack inside your daysac is also a good idea.
Toiletries Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, soap and a small towel. ‘Wet Wipes’ are great for a quick clean up in your tent, so bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes!).
Personal First Aid Kit On each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin etc. (Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader.)
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topPlease note that to purchase Inca Trail passes, we require full passport details at the time of booking. Failure to provide this information at this time may prevent you from getting a place on the tour. Any changes to the passport details after booking must be notified immediately with a photocopy of the changes/new passport. Details cannot be changed on Inca passes, so if your passport details change, then a new one must be purchased - this cost will be charged to you. In the event that there are no passes left, it will not be possible for you to take part in the Inca trek. Explore does not accept any responsibility for any extra costs incurred by clients who do not heed this information.
Back to topStrikes, rallies and road-blocks are common forms of protest in Peru. While we have good resources in place to minimise any disruption to the tour, occasionally we have to make changes to our planned route and/or itinerary.
Please note that rail strikes are common in Peru and so there is the possibility that the trains may not always be running.
Back to topDue to a change in the rules governing the amount of walkers on the Inca Trail at any one time, please note that once our agent has confirmed the Inca Trail Pass, any transfer of reservation up to 56 days prior to departure will incur additional costs in addition to a £25.00 administration fee.
Back to topPlease note: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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