Highlights
Lima, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Local Andean Cultures, Ollantaytambo Ruins, Home-Hosted Lunches, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Choice on Tour: Sacsayhuamán Fortress or Walking Tour of San Blas, Lake Titicaca, Uros Floating Islands
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 – 2 | Hilton Garden Inn Miraflores, Lima |
Day 3 – 4 | Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley, Sacred Valley |
Day 5 | Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Machu Picchu |
Day 6 – 7 | Hilton Garden Inn Cusco, Cuzco |
Day 8 – 9 | GHL Lago Titicaca, Puno |
Extend Your Vacation With
Day10Lima
Your extension begins with an overnight stay in Lima.
Day11Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Peruvian Amazon Basin
Fly from Lima to the Puerto Maldonado airport where you meet your naturalist guide. Board a boat and transfer up the Madre de Dios River to the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción Lodge. After a welcome lunch, take a walk through the Concepción trails and learn about the rainforest’s composition, its uses, the human impact and its relevance to the world climate. At dusk, once again take to the water on a motorized canoe. Your evening excursion will teach you about the river’s ecosystem, Amazonian creeks, nocturnal animals’ behavior and the southern sky’s constellations. Then, you'll enjoy a delightful dinner in the Casa Grande’s dining room.
Included Meals
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day12Tambopata National Reserve - Lake Sandoval
After an early breakfast, your naturalist guide will lead you on a trek through Tambopata National Reserve. Arrive at pristine Lake Sandoval and board a dug-out wooden canoe. Glide along taking in your peaceful surroundings. Keep an eye out for the endangered giant river otter, blue and yellow macaw, red howler monkey, black caiman, and one of the world’s biggest fresh water scaled fish, the paiche. After lunch, the Inkaterra canopy walkway awaits. Begin at the Interpretation Center to learn about the project. Then ascend 98 feet in the air and cross a series of hanging bridges that connect the treetops, taking in the breathtaking panoramas and discovering the wildlife that surrounds you. This evening, explore the Amazon rainforest by moonlight and listen to the unique nocturnal sounds of the rainforest. Your day concludes with a wonderful dinner.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day13Puerto Maldonado - Lima - Extension Ends
After breakfast, take a scenic boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the airport to await your flight back to Lima. Later, depart Lima for your overnight flight home.
Included Meals
- Breakfast
The overall activity level of this extension is a level 4. This means you can handle longer walking tours (more than 3 hours and 3+ miles), traversing dusty or uneven terrain, standing for periods of time, varying altitudes and temperatures, and don’t mind being on the go with some early starts, late-night experiences, and full days. You can handle altitudes above 9,000 feet/2,743 meters. Unfortunately, this level is not appropriate for individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility assistance devices.
A Hosted Extension is great for travelers who like to spend full days exploring places on their own by foot or public transportation. A dedicated Tour Manager will not be present during this extension.
Extensions are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.
If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability.
We reserve the right to cancel this extension if a minimum of 2 passengers is not met to operate.
For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.
An internal flight is required in order to participate on this extension and is included in the final price, quoted at time of booking.
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. When traveling in the Amazon you will encounter full days of sightseeing, frequently in warm temperatures. The lodge does not have air conditioning. Wi-Fi is free in the main area when electricity is running. Electricity will only be available between 4:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. You will be travelling by small river boats to reach the lodge and by canoe during some excursions and should be reasonably fit in order to board comfortably. In order to most fully experience the wildlife, you will be walking on nature trails which may be muddy and over one mile in length. To experience the Amazon fully, we recommend that all travelers be in reasonably good health and prepare properly. Unfortunately, this tour is not appropriate for individuals who use either walkers or wheelchairs. In addition, guests who require assistance walking or who travel with oxygen tanks will not fully enjoy this trip and we strongly recommend a different tour.
The Hacienda Concepcion has fully screened cabanas, mosquito net protection and private bathrooms in each room. Snacks and beverages are available 24 hours.
This extension is not a Collette exclusive program. There may be non-Collette passengers joining you on included features.
Due to weight limits on the small boats, upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado guests may check their large luggage into a storage facility in the city at no cost before continuing on to the lodge. At the end of the extension, it can be gathered before returning back to the airport.
The order of sights visited on this tour may be altered due to weather.
Available Options
Machu Picchu Sunrise • $120pp
Ascend to Machu Picchu in the early hours of the morning on your own. Be one of the first to enter the sanctuary just as the sun rises over the high mountains encircling it. Spend time exploring the grounds at your leisure or merely pick a spot to sit and enjoy the morning serenity of this magical place. This option needs to be purchased at least 30 days prior to tour departure and is non-refundable after purchase. Duration: Approximately 5 hours. Please note a minimum of 6 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Aqlla Spa Package • $130pp
“What is good for the body is good for the soul.” A well-deserved spa visit provides a complete treatment experience to replenish your mind, body and soul. Indulge in supreme pampering and relaxation with a choice of one of several different, exhilarating spa service packages. Each package includes several spa treatments from exfoliation to massages. Certified therapists will guide you to a state of complete relaxation as you enjoy unforgettable therapeutic body treatments. Your choice of packages include:
“Pamper Your Feet” - Foot massage with cleansing and exfoliation (50 minutes massage, 40 minutes cleaning).
“Complete Relaxation” - Full body massage with body exfoliation (50 minutes massage, 40 minutes cleaning).
“Hot Stone Treatment” - Relaxing sauna and stones massage (30 minutes sauna and 60 minutes massage). This option is available only to those guests who are staying at the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 1 passengers is required. Transportation is not included.
Cancellation Waiver
Worry-Free Cancellation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travellers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.
Click here for complete details.
Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our travel protection plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.
Travel Protection is just $449 per person.
Travel Tips
At the time of booking, you will be asked what type of room you would like.
A double room has either one large bed or two smaller ones. Double rooms are perfect for couples or if you’re travelling with a companion and wish to share a room. There are plenty of double rooms available on our tours.
A single or solo room has only one bed and may be smaller in size. These rooms are first come, first-served, as most properties have only a certain amount of these available.
A triple room usually consists of a standard double room with two beds. A cot or fold-up bed may be added, but it depends on the room size and local fire codes. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Triples are first come, first-served, as they are also very limited. If you booked a triple and only a double and single room is available at a hotel, appropriate charges for the single and double accommodations will be assessed.
We will forward your request to the hotel and do our best to accommodate your needs; however, please know that we cannot make any guarantees. In certain countries, the hotel rooms may not be as large as standard hotel rooms in North America.
Here are a few details to keep in mind:
Check-in times are set by individual hotels and can vary, but most hotels offer afternoon check-ins. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait before you can get into your room. Some hotels may be willing to store your luggage in a secure location until your room is ready. In these instances, the hotel will not be responsible for lost or stolen items and there may be a charge for this service.
Please observe check out times at all properties. Hotels designate these as well.
Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. You will be responsible for all incidental fees occurred during your stay, and these must be paid at time of check out.
Hotel membership programs are not applicable.
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States.
We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of our guests. However, if you require individual assistance you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of our destination partners may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles at any time while on tour. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a guest who has special mobility or other like needs.
Should you have some extra time before your tour begins to explore Lima, you'll find plenty to do; this cosmopolitan city is brimming with cultural stops, shopping opportunities and dining options.
Museums of note include the Anthropology, Archaeology & History Museum; the Gold Museum; the National Museum; and Lima's many art museums.
Perhaps visit popular neighborhoods like Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco where the majority of hotels, shopping, parks and restaurants are located.
Just outside of Lima, you can access beach areas and archaeological sites.
In Miraflores, you'll find the trendy Larco Mar shopping complex which overlooks the ocean.
Barranco, considered the "Bohemian district," is known for its nightlife.
Lima boasts some of the best restaurants in South America, and there are many exceptional dining options.
The Colonial city center is recommended for daytime sightseeing with many historic churches and buildings open to visit.
Due to varied flight schedules and arrival times of our tour guests, there aren't any scheduled activities on your first day of this tour. Should your flight schedule allow for an early arrival, enjoy this opportunity for some independent exploration.
A daypack will be very useful when touring the archaeological sites and on other excursions. Sunscreen and bug spray are highly recommended for this tour.
Peru is a well-known bird-watchers destination. You may wish to bring a small pair of binoculars.
As you prepare to explore South America, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, especially for navigating the ruins.
For this sunny destination, we recommend bringing summer clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a swimsuit and bug spray.
For cooler days or rain, it is a good idea to pack a light jacket and an umbrella.
In Peru, you will experience a variance in climate throughout the tour. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers and can be added or removed as the temperature changes.
For special evenings, ladies may wish to don a dress or pantsuit, while the gentlemen may wear a jacket and tie. Keep in mind, however, that casual clothing is suitable for the entire trip.
Please note that you must bring a small overnight bag for your trip to Machu Picchu. Your standard luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel in Cuzco.
When you’re deciding what to bring on your trip, we have a few suggestions for you.
In regards to clothing, think layers. It’s much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time, especially if you’re traveling to a destination where the temperature can vary widely. So always, bring a light jacket or sweater. Fleece or wool is best. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets as they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.
Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.
Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For cool, rainy weather, pack a light raincoat, travel umbrella, waterproof shoes and a thin pair of gloves.
For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. In addition, you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them.
If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers.
Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage is delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost.
In general, we recommend not packing anything of value in your checked bag.
You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.
It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available.
If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both.
If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed as well.
Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling and to determine if any charges apply for each transaction.
You may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and at most hotels. In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. At the hotel or in the city usually offer a better currency exchange rate than airports.
We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services.
The currency in Peru is the nuevo sol (S/), divided into 100 céntimos. Coins are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 céntimos and bank notes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 soles. Local currency is required for shops, taxis and hotels; USD may not be accepted. It is recommended to have a supply of small denominations for convenience. Please note: bills that are excessively worn or torn will not be accepted.
Machu Picchu Tourist Rules:
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Peru has established very strict rules regarding visits to Machu Picchu. These laws affect all visitors to the Inca citadel, and we have planned the itinerary for your tour to abide by them.
A guide must accompany all guests entering the sanctuary the first time you use your ticket. The maximum time you may remain on the site the first day when we visit as a group is 4 hours; this period starts when we enter. You cannot re-enter if you leave the site.
Each local guide is permitted to take a maximum of 10 people during each entrance into the area, so our groups will be divided into smaller groups of 10 guests or less. We have scheduled the day to allow you to spend 4 full hours at Machu Picchu if you wish.
If you go for a second visit the next day, and you have selected to purchase the Machu Picchu Sunrise optional tour with us, this will allow a second entrance of 4 hours but is self-guided. Please consult with your Tour Manager on the time you need to return to check out of the hotel and make the confirmed train for departure with the group.
Backpacks brought into Machu Picchu cannot exceed 40x35x20cms/16x14x8in or have a capacity larger than 20 liters. Backpacks that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage at an approximate cost of 2 USD.
All single use plastic bottles, plastic bags, plastic straws and Styrofoam containers are forbidden in the Machu Picchu citadel. We recommend bringing environmentally friendly canteens or reusable water bottles as an alternative.
Vaccines may be required for travel to South America. Consult your physician for further information on recommended vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can provide you with the most up-to-date information on current inoculation requirements. This information can be accessed via the international travelers' hotline (404) 332-4559 or via the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/vaccinat.htm.
When traveling to another country, you may need an adaptor and/or electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid. An adaptor changes the plug so it fits into the outlet. A converter changes the voltage coming out of the outlet.
To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.
In Peru, the plug types used are both 2-prong round and flat plugs. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adaptor.
Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual-voltage. For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual-voltage and it differs from the voltage of your destination, you will need a voltage converter.
The voltage in Peru is 220V. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage.
If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adaptor and voltage converter.
The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 12,500 feet/3,810 metres above sea level in Puno.
Several days of this tour are spent at approximately 11,000 feet/3,353 metres above sea level. If you have particular health concerns, we recommend you check with your doctor before departure for recommendations on how to alleviate the possible effects of altitude sickness. For severe cases, most hotels are equipped with oxygen to help with altitude sickness.
Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. But it can be confusing who to tip, when to tip, and how much. For baggage handling and waitstaff gratuities for included meals, the tips are handled by us. For hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, motor coach drivers, and Tour Managers, gratuities are not included in the price of your tour. Here are a few of our suggestions:
Tour Manager: To express appreciation for your Tour Manager's delivery of excellent service, 7-10 US dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day is customary. (When to tip: at the end of the tour.)
Local Guides: For the insights, knowledge, and stories they share with you, 2-3 US dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person is recommended. This tour has both half- and full-day guides. The Tour Manager will advise how often and where they will be guiding. (When to tip: at the end of your day or time with your guide.)
Motor Coach Driver: To express your appreciation for a job well done, 3-5 US dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day. (When to tip: at the end of the tour or time with your driver.)
Here is a list of entities we recommend you contact before you depart on your tour:
1.) Your cell phone/mobile carrier if you are planning on using your device. You will want to confirm you will have access in the area(s) you will visit and inquire about any charges you may incur.
2.) Your credit card company for any card(s) you plan to use. Make sure the card company knows when and where you will be traveling to avoid any charges being declined.
3.) Your bank, so you can use your ATM/debit card worry-free. If you are travelling to another country, your bank will be able to tell you if your card will work at the ATM machines to dispense local currency, including if your PIN will be accepted. Also, indicate if you plan to use your debit card as a credit card if your card has that option. Your bank will advise you of any charges for each transaction as well.
Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel list (included in your tour documents bundle) and a contact number with a designated person in case an emergency comes up while you’re away and someone needs to reach you.
We recommend you leave a copy of your passport at home in a secure location and bring an additional copy with you as a precaution.
During your flight, make sure to stand up and walk around as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. These simple suggestions will help you stay comfortable, particularly during long flights.
As an added measure of confidence while traveling internationally, visit www.travel.state.gov. The U.S. State Department offers a “Smart Travelers Enrollment Program” (STEP), which you may individually choose to enroll in. This allows the U.S. to better assist with lost passports or in the event of any emergency abroad.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for bellmen, door attendants and wait staff.
At the beginning of your tour, your Tour Manager will distribute a personal radio and headset. You should wear them on sightseeing tours to make sure you can hear your guides clearly at all times. Please bring them with you every day. Your Tour Manager will collect them at the very end of your tour, typically on your last evening. You are responsible for returning these devices and will be charged a replacement fee should you fail to do so.
You're in for a treat as you savor the delightful tastes of Peru!
Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the finest in the world, thanks to its diverse blend of native ingredients and traditional indigenous dishes, heavily influenced by Asian, African, Italian and other European culinary styles. Peruvian gastronomy is a combination of culinary traditions from the coast, the Andes and the Amazon. Corn or maize, potatoes and beans are the main staples, along with rice, chili peppers, quinoa and other Andean “super” grains.
There are over 200 types of potatoes native to the Andean region, and numerous well-known crops such as tomatoes, quinoa, peanuts and many varieties of fruit that originate in Peru.
Food is flavorful, and certain types of aji or chili pepper (served usually as an accompaniment with dishes) can be spicy.
Peru offers some wonderful specialties that you simply must try including Peruvian ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice), papas a la huancaína (potatoes in cheese sauce with egg), causa (potato dumpling), pollo a la brasa (grilled or rotisserie chicken), aji de gallina (chicken in yellow chili sauce), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef) and many fresh seafood dishes.
Exotic choices also include cuy (guinea pig) or alpaca.
Peru’s national drink is “Pisco,” a grape brandy, which is often drunk as a “Pisco Sour” mixed with lemon juice and sugar. You’ll have several opportunities to try Pisco, and to perhaps sample one of Peru’s light lager beers, chicha or fermented corn beer, and locally made wines too. Coca tea is widely available and is also considered a remedy for the effects of high altitude.
Fresh fruit juices of papaya, passion fruit, guanabana, cherimoya and other exotic choices are readily available; there is also a very popular beverage called chicha morada, a spiced and fruity purple corn drink, as well as a Peruvian soda called “Inka Kola.”
For travelers with a sweet tooth, there are many unique desserts to sample. Be sure to try the fruit-flavored ice creams (lucuma is a Peruvian favorite), suspira a la limeña (lemon meringue), alfajores (shortbread cookies with dulce de leche), arroz con leche (rice pudding), or mazamorra morada (spiced purple-corn jelly with fruit) for dessert.
In order to enhance your experience on tour, seven local guides will accompany the group in specific locations. These guides come from the region and have a deep understanding of the people and culture. They are joining the tour to share their knowledge with you. Please refer to your Tour Manager for the cities these guides will join your tour and refer to the gratuities section for tipping recommendations.
Guests flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12 oz./ 350 ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders, with the exception of baby formula and medications. For your convenience, please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.
Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination.
Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. We recommend one large bag that will be checked on the plane and onto the touring bus and one carry-on bag. It’s very important you keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures there’s room for everyone’s luggage.
Your larger bag can’t be more than 62 in/157 cm in length, height and width and cannot weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on cannot be bigger than 17 x 12 x 10 inches (43 x 30 x 25 centimeters) so it will fit under the seat or in the overhead racks on the buses. Your carry-on should be a size that you can carry comfortably. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips.
Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check.
The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently.
Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage.
Please note, some attractions do not allow large backpacks into their sites, so you may need a smaller bag for sightseeing.
Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline passenger is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one quart-sized bag or are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.
The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.
For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.
The average price for meals in South America is approximately 5 to 10 US Dollars for breakfast, 10 to 15 US Dollars for lunch and 15 to 30 US Dollars for dinner.
The water is not safe to drink. We strongly recommend that you drink bottled water. You can easily purchase bottled water at hotels and convenience stores. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout each day to stay hydrated.
Also, make sure to eat fruit that can be peeled.
Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning or your tour.
Included in your tour documents bundle is your personalized name tag. We ask that you put this on before your first gathered event and wear it throughout your tour. This helps your fellow travelers get to know you and for your Tour Manager to better identify you in large groups.
As you prepare for your tour, reading is the perfect way to learn about the culture, people and history of your destination.The following is a list of novel and book recommendations that will immerse you into the destination long before your arrival. Let this set the scene for you as you prepare for the tour of a lifetime and get excited about all that is to come!
Lost City of the Incas (Hiram Bingham)
Hiram Bingham’s thrilling firsthand account of his 1911 expedition to Machu Picchu and discovery of the magnificent lost city of the ancient Inca civilization hidden in the mountains of Peru.
Turn Right at Machu Picchu (Mark Adams)
An exciting and humorous adventure memoir following Mark Adams’ trek through Peru as he retraces Hiram Bingham’s journey to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in 1911.
Lost Days of the Incas (Brian S. Bauer)
An archaeological examination of the final decades of the Inca Empire leading up to the Spanish conquest, painting a tragic picture of a mighty civilization plagued by environmental challenges, political unrest, and destructive civil war.
Ruthless River: Love and Survival by Raft on the Amazon's Relentless Madre de Dios
After a devastating flood wipes out her family farm, a young woman hardened by tragedy becomes determined to survive against the ruthless forces of nature and rebuild what she lost.
If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment abroad, check that it is compatible with your PC or other home equipment.
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been.
Peru provides one of the greatest shopping experiences in all of South America with its diversity of products.
You will find many handicraft markets as well as top-end ceramic shops, art galleries, jewelry stores and clothing boutiques, particularly in Lima and Cuzco.
The Andean heritage is still very alive in Peru. Look for colorful Andean textiles in the form of blankets, ponchos, shawls and scarves —some of the most popular items.
Peru is known for its fantastic Alpaca textiles as well.
At stores and in open markets, bargaining — gentle, good-natured haggling over prices — is accepted and even expected. US dollars and credit cards are accepted at most shops in Lima and Cuzco, however in the open air tourist markets it is best to trade in local currency. The local markets in Pisac, Cuzco and Aguas Calientes are especially popular, as well as the artisan crafts available on the Uros Islands.
Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please let your Client Care agent know when you book your tour. Please note we cannot guarantee your request as many hotels prohibit smoking in rooms and on property.
Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Guests are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.
Peru is the same as Eastern Standard Time and 1 hour behind Eastern Daylight Time.
Peace of mind for our guests is our number one priority. When you’re on tour with us, your only thoughts should be to immerse yourself in creating lifelong memories. Your Tour Manager is a destination expert on the people, places, history, and culture and ensures that you will have the best experience with us. Please utilize your Tour Manager’s expertise for any concerns or questions you may have while on tour.
If you have chosen our air-inclusive tour package, you have opted that we take care of all your air travels from your home to the destination and back. This also includes any inter-flights from city to city within the tour package if applicable. We ask that you keep the following in mind:
1) In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, you must provide full name (including middle name or middle initial, if applicable), as it appears on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID that you will show at the airport. The name on your airline ticket must be an exact match to this ID, or you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft.
2) If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, make sure to provide the number when you book your trip and retain the copy of your ticket and boarding pass so you will receive proper credit for your mileage. Please note that some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.
3) Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you during the tour in the local currency.
If you chose to purchase a land-only tour package, you have opted to purchase your own airline tickets to and from home and, if applicable to your tour package, flights from city to city (inter-flights). In this case, we ask that you keep a few important factors in mind when booking your round-trip flights:
1) Please make sure your round-trip flights work with your tour itinerary. There may be scheduled activities on these days.
2) If you choose to book inter-flights on your own, the schedule of these flights must match the schedule for the rest of the group so the tour can run in a timely manner.
3) You must provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour upon final payment. This ensures that we can arrange any other services you may have purchased from us, including hotel transfers, and that your Tour Manager will know when to expect your arrival. This also allows us to maintain contact with you in case of an emergency.
We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour.
If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge.
If you purchased your air ticket on your own (our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for a fee.
Meeting locations and times will be set up to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided to you in your documents packet. If you decide to arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please make sure to check in with your Tour Manager once you arrive.
Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature controlled and have toilet facilities on board. However, in certain countries, coaches with toilet facilities may not be available or they are for emergency use only. If this is the case, please be assured that frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.
Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all guests to change seats. This ensures that every guest has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Pricing
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Double
$4,799pp
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Single
$5,449pp
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Triple
$4,769pp
* Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Minneapolis St Paul Intl, Inter-flights from Lima, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers
* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $449 per person