Discounted

Simply Peru

Peru - Trip code QPS Discovery
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
450Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Discover the highlights of Peru on this two-week tour from Lima to Cusco. Tick a giant off your bucket list with a visit to Machu Picchu, witness the astounding beauty of the Colca Canyon, see the mysterious Nazca Lines and stay overnight on Lake Titicaca. From sipping pisco sours in Arequipa to soaking in hot springs in Aguas Calientes, this tour proves that Peru's magic runs much deeper than its majestic Incan ruins.

Why we love this trip
  • Why we love this trip
  • Machu Picchu - Board a mountain train to the ancient citadel, one of the most astonishing sites in the world
  • Lake Titicaca - Visit the floating islands of Uros and spend the night in a local guesthouse on Taquile Island
  • Colca Canyon - Watch enormous condors soaring over this jaw-dropping canyon
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 8

    Lunch: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Boat Crew

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

    Public Bus

    Train

  • i

    Accommodation

    1 nights simple bus

    2 nights simple guesthouse

    10 nights comfortable hotel

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Lima

Our trip starts today in Lima, Peru's capital, which was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The modern cosmopolitan city is littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre. Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, you can easily escape the busy traffic of the city for a little calm on nearby coastal walking paths.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7.30pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there'll be the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Lima at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) which is approximately a one-hour drive from our hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to take an independent stroll along the coastal path to Miraflores and through the bohemian district of Barranco. Alternatively, you could visit the Larco Museum for an introduction to Peru's ancient history. The city is also gaining a reputation as a culinary centre, so why not try some ceviche (fish marinated in citrus juices) or sip on a pisco sour?

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Public bus to Nazca

Departing Lima early this morning, we'll board a modern public coach south, following the Pacific coastline before turning towards the fertile mountain valleys that lie around the town of Nazca. The journey is around seven hours and takes us through some of the driest desert regions on earth. We'll pass through the winegrowing landscapes of the Ica Valley, a region that produces some excellent vintage, as well as Peru's distinctive local tipple, pisco, a particularly potent mix made from the white grape.

Our final destination for today is the oasis town of Nazca, lying in the shadow of Cerro Blanco, which, at over 2,000 metres, is the highest dune on earth. We'll arrive in the early afternoon and the rest of the day is free to relax or explore Nazca.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - In Nazca; optional view of Nazca Lines from viewing platform or Chauchilla pre-Inca cemetery, overnight bus to Arequipa

We'll spend today getting to know Nazca. Some specialists have speculated that the Nazca Lines represent the world's largest astrological calendar. Huge birds, spiders, whales, other creatures and geometrical figures are represented in outline.

There are several options for you today. You have the opportunity to climb nearby viewing platforms to look out over the lines etched into the desert. Or you could visit the nearby Antonini Archaeological Museum, the Chauchilla pre-Inca cemetery or the Nazca aqueduct. Alternatively, you could do a full-day tour of the area with a local guide, including all of the above, along with the historical Acueductus de Cantalloc, the Inca ruin of Los Paradones and a local pottery workshop.

Please note that for safety reasons, neither we nor our tour leader can assist with booking any flights over the Nazca Lines.

After dinner today, we'll board the coach for our overnight journey, continuing south through the night towards the city of Arequipa and the volcanic landscapes of the Andean Mountains. Our coach is modern, with good-sized reclining seats and TVs on board, as well as a well-maintained toilet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Bus

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: None

Day 4 - Arrive in Arequipa, free afternoon for sightseeing

We'll arrive in Arequipa this morning at around 9am. This beautiful city is located at the foot of the volcanic slopes of El Misti, a perfect conical peak that rises to 5,822 metres above this grand colonial city. The city itself was founded by the Spanish in 1540, on the site of an old Inca settlement, and today is famed for its colonial architecture, including what is arguably one of the finest city squares anywhere in the Americas.

We'll transfer to our hotel before having the day free to explore at our own pace. You could take in the elegance of the Plaza de Armas and its immense twin-towered cathedral, or you might like to visit the striking 17th-century churches of La Compania and San Agustin and the colonial grandeur of Casa de Moras. You can also pay a visit to the extraordinary Santa Catalina Convent, a miniature walled town in the heart of the city, which once housed 450 nuns and serving ladies in total seclusion for nearly four centuries. Riddled with a network of cobbled streets and lavishly restored with period furnishings and beautifully ornate touches, the convent is, without doubt, one of the highlights of any visit to the city.

Other recommended sights are the old university and the archaeological museum, which has a collection of ceramics and mummies dating back to Inca and pre-Inca civilisations. Otherwise, you may choose to take a seat at one of the cafes overlooking the main square and watch the comings and goings.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 5 - Travel to Chivay, optional hot springs

After breakfast today we'll travel to Chivay by private bus. The journey takes around six hours and brings us into the world of the Altiplano, passing behind the volcanoes that ring Arequipa and on to Chivay. There are herds of llamas and alpacas en route, and if we're lucky, we might even spot the elusive vicuna. We'll cross the Patapampa Pass with a brief stop at the trip's highest point (4,910 metres/16,108 feet) before beginning our descent to the town of Chivay. On arrival, we'll have a late lunch and the afternoon is free - you might like to indulge with a dip in the hot springs.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Visit the Colca Canyon, continue to Puno

We'll have an early start this morning as we head to the Colca Canyon. A spectacular river gorge, the Colca Canyon measures twice the depth of the more famous Grand Canyon and at one time it was believed to be the deepest gorge on earth (until it was eclipsed by the deeper Cotahuasi Canyon). Today it allows us to discover a world of Andean villages and Inca terraces that make up one of the most outstanding natural settings in the Americas. We'll spend some time here at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, searching for a sighting of the majestic birds flying over the canyon.

This afternoon, we'll drive east, via the Patapampa Pass again at 4,910 metres/16,108 feet, heading towards the beautiful landscapes that surround the unique waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Our destination is the town of Puno, a centre of Incan folklore nestling in a bay at the northwestern tip of the lake and the perfect base from which to explore the cultural and historical significance of the lake itself.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Boat trip on Lake Titicaca, visit Uros Islands and overnight on Taquile Island

From Puno, we'll take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to explore the floating reed islands, home to the Uros people who live on the lake itself. Their islands are made from totura, a reed-like papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in most aspects of their life, including the construction of their boats and homes. We'll then continue to the lesser-visited island of Taquile which has preserved much of its Inca and pre-Inca heritage. Here, the islanders still speak the language of the Inca - Runa Simi or Quechua. We'll have approximately a twenty minute walk to our guesthouse from the dock, and this evening there will be the option to take a longer walk on the island for those who wish.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 8 - Morning on Taquile Island, afternoon return to Puno

This morning is free on Taquile Island. You might like to take a walk up to the Inca ruins, or visit the market and buy some of the locally-made embroidery. Later this afternoon, we'll return to Puno with a three hour boat journey, where the afternoon is free to take a stroll through the markets in search of llama and alpaca wool items.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 9 - Public bus to Cusco

Today we'll follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler, Manco Capac, on his way to find Cusco.

Rising early, we'll head to the public bus terminal where our coach awaits us. During the ten-hour bus trip, we'll make several stops including at the small market town of La Raya, and the Inca ruin of the Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi. The landscape is desolate and magnificent, and we might even pass flocks of llamas and alpacas grazing among the windswept meadows. Traversing the northern extremes of the Altiplano, we'll cross the La Raya pass (4,321 metres) and the continental divide, before beginning the descent towards Cusco along the Rio Vilcanota. We'll arrive into the city in the late afternoon and check into our hotel.

There's also the possibility today to take the classic rail journey from Puno to Cusco (optional). One of the great railway journeys of the world, this full-day trip traverses spectacular landscapes over the high altiplano. It includes a meal aboard the train, with the chance to try local delicacies, make use of the outside viewing platform and enjoy some traditional entertainment before arriving into Cusco.

Please note that rail strikes are common in Peru so there's a chance that the train may not always be running. In the event that you've chosen to take the train and it's not operating, we'll make the journey from Puno to Cusco by bus, with the rest of the group. Refunds for trains cancelled due to strike action are at the discretion of the train line.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Lunch

Day 10 - Orientation tour of Cusco, rest of the day free

This charming half-day walking tour of Cusco offers history, culture and art. The Main Square is a must, where we will see the colonial architecture that remains intact to this day, standing on the foundation stones of old Inca walls. Entering Cusco's main Plaza de Armas, the focal point of the city, we're welcomed by the baristas of Three Monkeys Coffee who serve us the finest Peruvian beans. Once revived, we'll continue walking, gazing upon the Qoricancha complex, once the Inca's most sacred site dedicated to the Sun God. The route will take us uphill through beautiful narrow streets to San Blas, the city's bohemian neighborhood, known for being home to local artists' craft workshops. It's the perfect place to shop and take something special of this magical city with us! Our final destination is Mercado de Wanchaq, a local hot spot jammed with rows of colourful stalls and filled with the aromas of seasonal fruit. Slurping freshly pressed juice, we'll watch the sellers hawking their wares before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 11 - Train to Aguas Calientes, visit Machu Picchu

This morning we'll transfer to the railway station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, our gateway to one of the greatest of all archaeological sites. The train slowly meanders down the valley, following the tumultuous waters of the Urubamba River through a series of rock-cut tunnels before emerging at the small town of Aguas Calientes, serenely nestled amidst a lush landscape of cloud forests.

From here, we'll take a public bus up to the mountain complex of Machu Picchu, the fabled lost city of the Incas and probably the most spectacular feat of engineering in ancient America. We'll have approximately a three-hour guided visit of this magnificent city with our tour leader and a licenced and experienced guide. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders.

After our visit, we'll head to our simple hotel in Aguas Calientes. This evening, we'll have the opportunity to relax in the local thermal pools.

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 12 - More time to discover Machu Picchu (optional), train back to Cusco

This morning is free for you to either relax in Aguas Calientes, or to explore Machu Picchu more. There are several optional ways that you might like to choose from - each one requires an additional permit that should be pre-paid at the time of booking.

The first option is to revisit the site, giving you another chance to explore (unguided) at your own pace. There are one-way circuits in place in the site, and if you choose to revisit we would aim to buy you a permit that allows you to choose which circuit you wish to take on the day.

Alternatively, there are two optional hikes available within the site, each one unguided. These climb to the summits of either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain to look down on the citadel. Machu Picchu Mountain is a 700-metre hike from the top of the citadel. There are cobbled stairs all the way up with a few exposed sections in some parts, but predominantly very enclosed and with a fairly steady, but not too strenuous, gradient. The round-trip takes around two-and-a-half to three hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is only 350 metres, half the size of Machu Picchu Mountain, but much steeper. There are many more sheer drops, and it is not suitable for someone with a fear of heights. For those who fancy doing the one-hour climb, you'll be rewarded with unbeatable views of Machu Picchu and the feeling that you're standing on a precipice at the top of the world.

These three options must be pre-paid at the time of booking, and if you change your passport between your time of booking and prior to travel please bring your original passport with you.

A final option is to simply relax in Aguas Calientes - it's a fantastic little town with a great market, excellent cafes and a laidback vibe. Later, we'll take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, from where we'll get the bus to Cusco.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 13 - Free day in Cusco; optional trips into the Sacred Valley

Today we'll have a full free day to explore Cusco, with optional excursions into the Sacred Valley. For water lovers there is the opportunity to go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the Piuray Lagoon in the heart of the area's spectacular scenery. No previous experience of is necessary - full instruction and safety equipment are provided.

Alternatively, you can take a trip to Maras and Moray, two of the Sacred Valley's most impressive sights; first, visit the huge concentric Inca terraces of Moray, a sort of botanical laboratory that the Incas used to test their crops. Then, visit the weirdly beautiful Maras salt mines, laid out across the mountainside like a chess board, before making a final 45-minute descent to the small salt-producing town of Pichingoto.

If you'd prefer a less demanding activity, there's the chance to visit a craft beer brewery, including a tasting of the various beers. Craft beer is relatively new in Peru but is growing quickly. The range of local ingredients used in the brewing process is fascinating.

Alternatively, simply remain in Cusco - visit the fortress-citadel of Saqsayhuaman, the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) or the incredible cathedral, or head to the markets for an atmospheric wander.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 14 - Trip ends in Cusco

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in Cusco.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Cusco at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which is around a 15-minute drive from our hotel.

Depending on the schedule of your flights, you may have some additional time to visit a museum or do some souvenir shopping in the winding streets and alleys of the city.

If you're travelling on to the Amazon, you'll be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport this morning for your flight to Puerto Maldonado.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

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.


Nazca - Antonini archaeological museum entrance fee US$ 8 (US$ 38 for guided tour - includes entrance fee); Chachilla pre-Inca cemetry US$ 40 (includes guide, transport and entrance fee); Nazca aqueduct US$ 37 (includes guide, transport and entrance fee); transport and guide to Nazca viewing platforms US$ 40 (dependent on number of people).

Arequipa - Visit to Santa Catalina Convent US$ 15

Puno - Titicaca Train £270, subject to availability and cost may fluctuate depending on demand. This 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.

Taquile Island - Evening folklore show US$44

Aguas Calientes - Thermal Springs US$ 6.

Machu Picchu - Second visit £81; Huayna Picchu Mountain £95; Machu Picchu Mountain £95 (all including transport) - All 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.

Cusco - Half day Maras and Moray - US$54 (min 3 pers); Kayak and Paddle Board - 3-5 pers US$107, 5-7 pers US$90, 8 pers US$87.50 (min 3 pers) Craft beer tasting - US$58 (min 3 pers); White water rafting 2-5 pers US$186-$111 (min 2 pers)

Cash is the main accepted payment among the suppliers.

Clothing

The highlands enjoy dry sunny days but extremely cold nights so thermal underwear, a well insulated fleece/jacket and a thick jumper are essential. Bring something warm to sleep in. A light raincoat is recommended. A sun hat and sunglasses are advisable as is high factor sunscreen, due to the thinness of the atmosphere. Bring a swimming costume for the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes.

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes, trainers and sandals.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

There are two points on the tour where you will leave your main bags in storage and will require a small overnight bag:

For your stay on Taquile Island, your main bag will be left in Puno and you'll only need to bring an overnight bag onto the island with you.
Similarly in Aguas Calientes (for Machu Picchu), your main bags will be left in storage in your hotel in the Sacred Valley for the two nights and will meet you when you arrive in Cusco.

With that in mind, we recommend bringing a piece of main luggage, a daypack, and a small overnight bag on the tour with you. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage (i.e. on and off transport etc.) so don't overload yourself. It is recommended you bring lockable bags.

Equipment

A good insect repellent is essential. Also bring a water bottle, small torch, sun hat, sunscreen and a swimsuit and a small towel (for rafting and thermal baths). As there are no blankets provided on the overnight bus, you may wish to pack a lightweight throw, or wear thick socks and warm clothes during this journey.

Please note drones are prohibited in most tourist areas in Peru.

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$ 55, approx. 180 Peruvian 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, Boat, Public Bus, Train

Accommodation notes

During this tour, we'll stay in a selection of comfortable and simple hotels. We choose our accommodation based on location, comfort and authenticity, while we're guaranteed a warm, local welcome, there might not always be the comforts of home.

We'll spend one night at a family-run guesthouse on the island of Taquile on Lake Titicaca. Our stay will give us a unique insight into island life, but it's worth noting the facilities will be simple. Rooms are basic but comfortable and there are several toilets for communal use. It's a serene spot and for many is the highlight of the trip.

This tour also includes one overnight bus journey. The coach is modern with good-sized reclining seats and TVs onboard. There's a well-maintained toilet available. No blankets are provided, so you may wish to pack a shawl, throw or lightweight sleeping bag. Alternatively, you can wear your warm clothes for the journey. It's a comfortable and economical way to travel long distances whilst seeing as much as possible.


Elsewhere in Nazca and Chivay, we use simple hotels that have basic amenities. Hot water can be erratic, however, these hotels are otherwise clean, comfortable and well-located.


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.

Altitude information

We have specifically designed this itinerary to allow you to acclimatise gradually against the symptoms of altitude sickness, a common and usually harmless condition caused by reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen. At altitudes of over 3000m, minor symptoms such as headaches and shortness of breath are commonly experienced for a day or two, and there is no preparation that you can do for this. Symptoms aren't related to general fitness. The best remedy is to rest, not ascend any further and ensure that you're well hydrated. If the symptoms persevere or get worse, then the main course of action is immediate descent.

If any symptoms do occur - whether minor or more severe - then you should let your Explore Leader know immediately.

As this tour reaches altitudes of over 4000 metres, we strongly recommend that travellers with heart or lung conditions, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure or on the pill should seek the advice of their GP.

Please also ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the maximum altitude of 4910m.

Ability to swim

A good insect repellent is essential. Also bring a water bottle, small torch, sun hat, sunscreen and a swimsuit and a small towel (for rafting and thermal baths). Please note drones are prohibited in most tourist areas in Peru.

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.

Discovery information
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Airport Transfers
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