KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
In general, hotels outside of Lima are small with one or two levels and do not have elevators, which may require you to climb 10-15 steps to get to/from the room.
During this tour, you will spend 7 days at altitudes over 9000 feet / 2743 meters, with the highest altitudes in Puno at over 12,000 feet / 3657 meters.
The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 12,500 feet/3,810 meters above sea level in Puno. Several days of this tour are spent at approximately 11,000 feet/3,353 meters 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.
Please be advised that 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. Also, please take notice that bringing in single-use plastic bottles, plastic bags, plastic straws, or Styrofoam containers has been forbidden. We suggest bringing reusable water bottles.
To complete your tour, we include round-trip airport-to-hotel transfers.
Please be advised, many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating will be subject to the airline’s terms and conditions.
Internal flights are required in order to participate on this tour and are included in the final price, quoted at time of booking.
Due to tour scheduling, return flights should not be booked prior to 9:00 p.m.
Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your travel. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements. IMPORTANT: We recommend that travelers take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.
Complete passport information is required 60 days prior to departure to book train tickets to Machu Picchu. If passport information is incomplete or inaccurate within 60 days, there is a strong possibility that we will be unable to confirm you. You will be subject to any additional charges incurred from failing to provide passport information within the designated time frame.
The individual travel protection is covered and based on your state of residence that will govern the final interpretation of any provision or claim.
Transfers to and from the host hotel is provided. More instructions will be sent prior to the event.
If you have any questions before or during your trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I’m here to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
For your safety and peace of mind, I also recommend leaving my contact information, along with your travel itinerary, with a trusted family member or friend at home. This ensures that someone can reach you—or me—if needed while you’re away.
Mary DeSpain 907-231-2111
This program includes moderate physical activity with some days that are more active than others. You should feel comfortable walking at a relaxed to steady pace, including uneven stone paths, steps, and some uphill walking. Most touring days include 2–3 hours of walking with breaks, and you are always free to rest or skip any activity if needed.
Because we travel through the Andes, some locations reach high altitudes (Cusco is around 11,000 ft and Machu Picchu around 7,900 ft). Most travelers do well by taking it slow, staying hydrated, and allowing time to acclimate. Altitude symptoms may include mild headache or fatigue, and hotels or local clinics are equipped to assist if needed. Travelers with health concerns should consult their physician before departure—simple precautions usually make a big difference.
This trip is suitable for travelers who:
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Can walk comfortably on uneven ground and stairs
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Can be on their feet for portions of the day
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Enjoy cultural touring and scenic exploration
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Want a rewarding experience at their own pace
Many first-time adventure travelers successfully complete this journey every year.
Hilton Garden Inn Miraflores, Lima
Inspired by the Pacific Ocean, we’re located in Lima’s most popular tourist district. We offer easy access to the city’s top attractions, financial centers, and shopping malls – within three kilometers. Jorge Chavez International Airport is 43 minutes away. Enjoy on-site amenities such as a restaurant, fitness center, rooftop bar, and pool.
Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley
Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Cusco), just 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from the city of Cusco and 20 minutes from Ollantaytambo. Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado stands out for its tranquil atmosphere in the heart of Urubamba and its luxurious facilities. If you are planning to book a hotel in Urubamba with all the necessary amenities, this is perfect. Not only does its location place you close to the main tourist attractions of the valley, but you can also relax to the fullest with its rooms featuring Wi-Fi and stunning natural views. The nutritious and delicious breakfast each morning will start your day energized, and the varied culinary offerings at Alma Restaurant & Bar will delight your palate. We also offer activities such as children’s games, alpaca feeding, evening bonfires, and live pachamanca preparation.
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Machu Picchu
Sumaq Machu PiccShu Hotel invites you to enjoy a purposeful journey where nature, culture and conscious luxury meet. We are a Virtuoso hotel located at the foot of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, inspired by the millenary Peruvian traditions that fuses a contemporary Andean style with a personalized service that celebrates authentic hospitality. Here you will enjoy innovative Peruvian cuisine that reinterprets native flavor with creativity. Every cultural experience is an opportunity for authentic connection to the mystical legacy of the Andes, from an Andean marriage ceremony to an excursion to Machu Picchu accompanied by a local shaman.
Hilton Garden Inn, Cusco
Take in hillside views near iconic Cusco attractions – the Centro Historico de Cusco, Cusco Cathedral, and Plaza de Armas are all within two kilometers. We’re four kilometers from the city center and Sacsayhuaman, with Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport a 15-minute drive away. Enjoy courtyard yoga sessions and our all-day restaurant.
GHL Lago Titicaca, Puno
The Hotel GHL Lake Titicaca is a 5 star hotel. Located on the world’s highest navigable lake. It is located in the middle of the Peruvian Andes, recommended for holidays and business trips.
Some walking tours may last more than 3 hours and cover 3 or more miles at a steady pace.
In general, hotels outside of Lima are small with one or two levels and do not have elevators, which may require you to climb 10-15 steps to get to/from the room.
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.
During this tour you will spend 7 days at altitudes over 9,000 feet/2,743 meters with the highest altitudes in Puno at over 12,000 feet/3,657 meters.
Check with your medical provider if you are unsure about your participation.
- Days 1, 2 Hilton Garden Inn Miraflores, Lima
- Days 3, 4 Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley, Sacred Valley
- Day 5 Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Machu Picchu
- Days 6, 7 Hilton Garden Inn Cusco, Cuzco
- Days 8, 9 GHL Lago Titicaca, Puno
- On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Destination CLEs requires advance notification of food allergies and dietary restrictions to properly prepare for your trip.
- Pack and Use Sun Protection – The sun is stronger at higher elevations. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat daily.
- Wear Proper Footwear – Trails and stone steps can be uneven and slippery. Sturdy, broken-in walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction are essential.
- Dress in Layers – Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring lightweight layers and a waterproof jacket so you can adapt to cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and sudden rain.
Comfortable clothing. TBA
- Currency Name – Peruvian Sol (plural: soles)
- Symbol – S/ or PEN
- Exchange Rate – Varies; check current rates before your trip.
- Cash is King in Many Places – While credit cards are accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and some shops, small vendors, markets, and rural areas often require cash.
- ATMs – Widely available in cities like Cusco, Aguas Calientes, and Lima. Many dispense both soles and U.S. dollars, but paying in local currency avoids poor exchange rates.
- Bringing Cash – It’s best to carry some small bills (S/10, S/20) for taxis, tips, and small purchases. Many places will not accept torn or heavily worn bills.
- Credit Cards – Visa is the most widely accepted, followed by Mastercard. Always carry some cash as backup.
- Tipping – Common in restaurants (around 10%), for guides, and for porters/drivers—usually in soles.
- Currency Exchange – You can exchange U.S. dollars at banks, authorized exchange offices (“casas de cambio”), or hotels, but rates are often best at exchange offices in major cities.
Limited internet and phone service will be unavailable outside of nearby cities.
- Greetings – A friendly handshake is common when meeting someone. Among friends, a light kiss on the right cheek is customary.
- Politeness Matters – Always use “por favor” (please) and “gracias” (thank you). Courtesy goes a long way in Peruvian culture.
- Respect for Traditions – In rural Andean communities, locals may be shy about photos—always ask permission first before photographing people, especially women in traditional dress.
- Sacred Sites – Machu Picchu and other archaeological areas are considered sacred. Do not touch or climb on ruins, and stay on marked paths.
- Punctuality – In social settings, a little lateness is common; for tours, buses, and trains, be on time—they run on strict schedules.
- Dress Modestly in Rural Areas – While casual dress is fine for most tourist spots, rural areas may appreciate more modest clothing.
- Tipping – Not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, 10% is standard if service is not already included. Tip guides, porters, and drivers in soles.
- Haggling – Bargaining is common in markets, but do it politely and with a smile.
- Dining Etiquette – Wait for everyone to be served before eating; “¡Buen provecho!” (enjoy your meal) is a polite phrase to use before starting.
- Environmental Respect – Don’t litter, and avoid single-use plastics where possible—protecting natural and historical sites is a shared responsibility.