Walk Peru's Inca Trail and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain

Peru - Trip code PM Walking and Trekking
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552Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Discover the diversity of Peru on this fascinating active journey through the country's highlights. Explore the floating reeds of Lake Titicaca, travel through the Andes Mountains to Cusco and head into the Sacred Valley to trek the spectacular Inca Trail.

Why we love this trip
  • Lake Titicaca - Explore the floating islands of the magnificent high-altitude lake
  • The Inca Trail - Follow in the footsteps of the Incas to Machu Picchu on this bucket list-worthy trek.
  • Alternative Rainbow Mountain - Take the spectacular Palccoyo trek through a landscape of multi-coloured mountains.
  • Quarry Trail - When Inca permits have sold out, we offer the Quarry Trek, a quieter route with fewer crowds and spectacular views, joining the final day of the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 13

    Lunch: 7

    Dinner: 3

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Boat Crew

    Cook

    Local Guide(s)

    Porter(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Flight

    Train

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    Accommodation

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    Walking grade:

    Moderate and Challenging

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Trip information

Climate and country information

Peru

Climate

There is a rainy season from Dec - Mar however on the coast it rarely rains. Jun-Oct is damp and misty, but temperatures never drop below 10°C. At high altitudes although there are sunny days temperatures can drop dramatically, and conditions can change suddenly.

Time difference to GMT

-5

Plugs

2 Pin Flat

Religion

Catholicism

Language

Spanish

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

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 tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Puno - Titicaca Train £270, subject to availability and cost may fluctuate depending on demand. This must be requested and pre-paid no later than one month prior to departure and is non-refundable. If you change your passport between your time of booking and prior to travel please take your original passport with you to avoid being fined.

Machu Picchu - Huayna Picchu Mountain £69; Machu Picchu Mountain £69. Subject to availability - these must be pre-paid at time of booking and is non-refundable. If you change your passport between your time of booking and prior to travel please take your original passport with you to avoid being fined

Aguas Calientes - Hot springs US$ 6(cash)

Quarry Trail - There is the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Pachamanca meal with a local farmer if you are booked onto the Quarry Trail. $129pp for 2

Clothing

In the highlands conditions can be dry and sunny during the day but bring warm clothing such as a warm fleece, thermal underwear, warm hat and gloves. These will be needed when the temperatures drop, especially at night when temperatures can drop dramatically. Lightweight waterproofs are also essential. You may also wish to bring your swimsuit.

Thermals: Useful for walking when cold, around camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas.

Trainers or Trekking sandals: Useful around camp, in towns and when travelling. Waterproof sandals are ideal for rafting.

Socks: Use good quality socks that you are used to walking in, plus liner socks if you are used to these.

Waterproofs: Breathable waterproofs not only protect against rain and wind, but also stop you from overheating.

Thick jumper/fleece jacket: A thick jumper or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude, especially in the summer months. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece.

T-shirts: We recommend t-shirts made from wicking materials as these keep you drier and warmer.

Shorts: Shorts can be comfortable to walk in but carry long trousers with you in case of strong sun or you feel cold. Remember we shall be passing through the occasional remote village and short shorts (especially on women) can give offence to the local inhabitants.

Gloves and Hat: Essential around camp in the morning, and in the evening, at higher altitudes.

Footwear

We recommend you bring well broken in and comfortable walking boots with ankle support. 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 boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable.


Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

For your trek bring one main piece of baggage and a daypack.

Main luggage:
Your main bag should be lockable as this will be left in storage in Cusco whilst on the trek.

Trek Kit Bag (provided):
Before leaving Cusco there is time to re-organise your luggage. Your trek luggage, including sleeping bag, should be packed into a kit bag, 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.

Small Rucksack/Daypack:
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 daypack should be large enough to carry your day things including: waterproofs, sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, suncream, water bottle, tissues and your packed lunch. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. A rucksack with 20 or 25 litres capacity is usually sufficient.

Equipment


Remember to bring: torch, water bottle, insect repellent, suncream (at least factor 30), lip salve, good quality sunglasses and sunhat. Please note drones are prohibited in most tourist areas in Peru.
You may also wish to bring binoculars and your own sleeping bag.

Sleeping Bag: This may be down or synthetic, but should be 4-season. A cotton liner helps to keep your bag clean. You do not need a foam mat as thermarests are provided. It is possible to hire an appropriate down sleeping bag for the trek locally (US$ 20).

Personal Equipment On Trek
Trekking poles: Trekking poles are recommended. Please note metal tipped trekking poles are NOT permitted so please ensure they have rubber/plastic tips

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 bottle or camelback. Your bottle should hold at least two litre and be resuable as disposable plastic bottles are not allowed on the trail. Metal bottles can also double up as hot water bottles when hot water is available.

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 to bring spare batteries.

Toiletries: Only bring essential toiletries such as toothbrush/paste, soap, toilet roll, face cloth and a trek/quick dry towel.

Personal First Aid Kit: On each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, pain relief etc. for you own use.

Cloth bags: Single use plastic bags are not allowed on the trail.

Personal First Aid Kit: On each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have a blister kit, supply of plasters, pain relief etc. for you own use.

The following equipment list is provided by Explore for the trek:
2-person tents
Dining tent
Thermarest sleeping mat
Stools and table
Toilet tent

Equipment Hire and Trek Training Days - Trek Hire UK hire out a wide range of kit including quality sleeping bags, down jackets, therm-a-rest sleeping mats and walking poles http://www.trekhireuk.com. They also run regular trek training and preparation days from their base in the Surrey Hills, ideal for getting an indication of your overall fitness level and also covering advice on kit and altitude.


Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline
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, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Accordingly, you should allow US$ 75, approx. 250 Soles per person for group tipping
For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

Peru

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£5.00-8.00
Dinner price
£15.00
Beer price
£2.00 - 4.00
Water price
£1
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Recommended Currency For Exchange
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the PEN is approximately PEN 4.3 to the British Pound. We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange rate isn’t very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they might be difficult to exchange. Please check on line for up to date information
Where To Exchange
Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in Nuevos Soles. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Flight, Train

Accommodation notes

During this trekking tour, we'll spend several nights camping. We set up camp in sites away from the main trail, avoiding the crowds and giving us peace after long days of hiking.

We'll stay in spacious two-man tents. A team of porters support us throughout our trek - they'll be responsible for setting up and breaking camp, including putting up and taking down tents and preparing meals. They also carry water and all of our luggage except for our daysacks.

Single tents can be requested prior to departure. These are of limited availability and are not included in the single-room supplement. You can request one for £90 extra.

At Llactapata camp, we'll camp opposite the ruins in a field to ourselves. There are no permanent facilities here but our crew will set up a toilet tent for the group.
We'll also stay at Llulluchapampa camp, a high camping ground with views down the valley. This site has a well-maintained facilities block with sinks and three toilets flushing, squat-style for women and three for men.

Phuyupatamarca camp is set above the clouds, offering the best views of the trail. It's worth noting that due to the terrain of the campsite, some tents will be pitched on an incline. There is a toilet block here but it's not kept in the best condition.


Peru

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Peru: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.

Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.

You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.

Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html

Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

4980

Altitude information

This trip goes to an altitude where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a common and usually harmless condition caused by reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen. Whilst the itinerary has been specifically designed to allow your body to acclimatise gradually, the speed of onset and severity - as well as the height at which AMS develops can vary greatly between individuals; being physically fit affords no special protection. If symptoms occur while on your trip you must let your Explore Leader know immediately. For further advice when travelling at altitude we recommend visiting the medical advice website of "Medex" and downloading their information booklet: http://medex.org.uk/medex_book/english_version.php

Travellers with heart or lung conditions, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure, or taking the contraceptive pill must seek the advice of their GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trip reaches (please refer to Tour Essentials box on front page of your Trip Notes). Please take the trip notes to your medical appointment so that your doctor has the full details of your trip.

You must have adequate travel insurance for your trip. Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the maximum altitude indicated above. If you have Explore insurance you will be covered to this altitude.

Included activities


Additional notes for trips that include the Inca Trail
1. In order to regulate the number of people walking on the Inca Trail it is necessary to buy an Inca Trail Pass specific to the days that you wish to travel. There are 200 passes per day for tourists, the remainder are for guides and porters.
2. If you are travelling on an Explore trip, Explore buy the necessary permit on your behalf. This is non-refundable and can't be refunded or transferred after you have confirmed your booking.
3. Passes sell out quickly, so we would urge that you book your tour well ahead of your intended travel date. New Inca Passes are released in early October of each year, so ideally we would recommend that you book your trip at least 6 months ahead and by December for the following year where possible.
4. Please note that due to the way the passes are distributed in October although a tour departure may be 'Guaranteed' we are unable to guarantee individual Inca Trail passes until we have confirmation that the passes have been purchased. On booking we will be able to tell you the date that your pass should be confirmed, and will contact you immediately in the (unusual) event that it is not. Because of this we would recommend that you either book your flights through Explore or ensure that your tickets are flexible / refundable.
5. In order to buy your pass we will need to take an additional £125 per person non refundable deposit and require your: name as per passport, passport number, date of birth and nationality. If you change passport before travelling it will be necessary to provide a copy of both passports in advance of travelling and to carry a copy of your previous passport with you.
6. The Peruvian authorities may change the regulations for the Inca Trail Pass at any time. In the event of this we will inform you as soon as possible.

Non refundable permits

Additional notes for trips that include the Inca Trail 1. In order to regulate the number of people walking on the Inca Trail it is necessary to buy an Inca Trail Pass specific to the days that you wish to travel. There are 200 passes per day for tourists, the remainder are for guides and porters. 2. If you are travelling on an Explore trip, Explore buy the necessary permit on your behalf. This is non-refundable and can't be refunded or transferred after you have confirmed your booking. 3. Passes sell out quickly, so we would urge that you book your tour well ahead of your intended travel date. New Inca Passes are released in early October of each year, so ideally we would recommend that you book your trip at least 6 months ahead and by December for the following year where possible. 4. Please note that due to the way the passes are distributed in October although a tour departure may be 'Guaranteed' we are unable to guarantee individual Inca Trail passes until we have confirmation that the passes have been purchased. On booking we will be able to tell you the date that your pass should be confirmed, and will contact you immediately in the (unusual) event that it is not. Because of this we would recommend that you either book your flights through Explore or ensure that your tickets are flexible / refundable. 5. In order to buy your pass we will need to take an additional £125 per person non refundable deposit and require your: name as per passport, passport number, date of birth and nationality. If you change passport before travelling it will be necessary to provide a copy of both passports in advance of travelling and to carry a copy of your previous passport with you. 6. The Peruvian authorities may change the regulations for the Inca Trail Pass at any time. In the event of this we will inform you as soon as possible.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Peru

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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