Premium Walking & Hiking in Peru Itinerary

Starting in

Cusco, Peru

Physical Difficulty

3 / 5

Breakfasts included

6

Lunches included

3

Dinners included

2

Ending in

Cusco, Peru

Accommodation

Comfortable hotels (5 nights), Feature Stay hotel (1 night)

Transport

Train , Private vehicle , On foot

Journey through Peru on a seven-day Premium hiking adventure through ancient Inca sites and mountain trails, with an experienced and knowledgeable local leader by your side. Hike the ‘best part’ of the legendary Inca Trail in a single day – once used by Inca messengers and travellers to reach Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas – and visit the Poc Poc Waterfall. Pass through the Sacred Valley and visit the Kinsa Qocha Lagoon – a stunning and unexpected sight in the surrounding landscape of Peru. Take a stunningly scenic train along the Urubamba River and spend a night in your Feature Stay in Aguas Calientes. Explore Chachabamba and Winay Wayna – a sacred site with terraces, temples and water channels, discover Machu Picchu (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) on a guided tour of the archaeological site and learn about Peru’s ancient cities and ruins.

Day 1: Cusco

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and taken to your hotel. Your adventure starts in Cusco with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Cusco is the historic heartland and former capital of the Incan Empire. If you arrive early, maybe visit Q'orikancha (Temple of the Sun), an Inca temple later incorporated into the Church of Santo Domingo, or wander through San Blas – a neighborhood of narrow streets, artisan workshops and art galleries. You could even drop into Casa Intrepid and refill your drink bottle or enjoy a coffee within the historic walls of House Casanova Lastarria, featuring Inca interiors, and take some time to acclimatize to the city's 3450-metre high (11,150 ft) altitude. After your meeting, you’ll head to the renowned Cicciolina (a farm-to-table sustainable restaurant that works with local organic farms) for a welcome dinner with your group and leader.

Day 2: Cusco

Today, you’ll explore the Inca’s two most well-known archaeological sites an an ‘acclimatization walk’. First, visit Qenqo – a fascinating place with underground tunnels and carved stone channels that twist and zigzag. Inside, there’s a stone table where it’s believed the Incas once mummified their dead. After visiting Qenqo, enjoy an easy downhill walk back to Cusco. On the way, stop at Sacsayhuaman – a huge ceremonial site built by the Incas. It’s said that over 10,000 workers spent 50 years building it and to this day, no one knows exactly how it was made. Continue your walk to Cristo Blanco – a tall white statue that looks over Cusco (locals call it the protector of the city). Then, head to 7 Borreguitos Street. This picturesque lane is great for photos, so have your camera ready. Continue through San Blas, a traditional area known for its art studios, craft shops and cafes, before continuing to L’atelier (a small cafe near the main square), to enjoy a homemade desert and coffee. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind at the hotel or maybe join your leader for an orientation walk around the rest of town. See iconic sites like the Stone of Twelve Angles at the Inca Roca Palace on Hatun Rumilloc Street and admire Qoricancha – the most sacred Inca temple. Explore the vibrant heart of Cusco at the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by arcades and four historic churches, including the Cusco Cathedral, built in the 16th century.

Day 3: Cusco & Kinsa Cocha Lagoon

After breakfast, you’ll travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Pisac. On the way you’ll stop at El Mirador for stunning views over the entire Sacred Valley – a key area of settlement to the Inca. Known for its fertile plains and the high Andes (mountain ranges), the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation channels. Start your hike outside Pisac, making your way to Kinsa Cocha – a peaceful lagoon tucked high in the Andes, near the local community of Paru Paru. This hike is a perfect alternative if you’re looking for unique trails in Peru. Along the way, you’ll pass two beautiful lagoons – Azul Qocha (the blue lagoon) and Puma Qocha – surrounded by mountain views and Andean plants and wildlife. When you reach the lagoons, watch the local women from Paru Paru perform a traditional Andean ceremony called the ‘payment to the Mamacocha (‘the Mother Water’). This ancient ritual is a way to honour nature and show gratitude for the land. Your hike finishes back in Pisac where you’ll have lunch at a traditional restaurant, before exploring Pisac’s market at your own pace. Wander through the stalls of handmade textiles, local food and traditional clothing before returning to Cusco for the evening.

Day 4: Chincheros & Ollantaytambo

Today, you’ll continue exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Starting with a drive to the small mountain town of Chinchero (3750m), you’ll see Inca ruins, large carved stones and the beautiful adobe church in the town’s main plaza. It is also home to the famous Peruvian weaving you will see throughout your journey. Next, visit a nearby Andean community, where you’ll meet a few friendly llamas before enjoying a mostly downhill hike along an old section of the Inca Trail to Urquillos, stopping at the Poc Poc Waterfall along the way. This section of trail sees very few tourists and is a great way to experience hiking in the valley without the crowds. Then, depending on timing, you’ll have lunch either at a traditional restaurant or at a picnic in a scenic spot with views of the mountains. At the end of the hike, drive to Ollantaytambo (2790m) – a town built over original Inca foundations. When you arrive, take your time to explore on a short orientation walk around town and, if you’re still feeling energetic, perhaps visit the archaeological site, located just next to the main square - the upper terraces offer great views of the town below. Then, head back to your hotel later today and unwind with a well-earned Pisco sour with your fellow travellers.

Day 5: Inca Trail Trek & Aguas Calientes

Today, you’ll walk what is considered the best section of the famous Inca Trail – the same path once used by Inca messengers and travellers to reach the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Early this morning you’ll ride the train through the Sacred Valley. This train ride is a highlight in itself and one of the most beautiful journeys that visitors can experience as you travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and alongside the Urubamba River to Kilometer 104 – the starting point of today’s hike. After checking in at the control point you'll set off, walking along the stone paths originally used by the ancient Incas to move people and goods . Along the way, you’ll explore Chachabamba and then Winay Wayna (2650 m) – one of the most impressive sites on the whole Inca Trail with its carved terraces, temples and water channels. Then, continue for an hour to Intipunku – the Sun Gate. If the weather is clear, you’ll catch your first view of ‘Lost City of the Incas’, Machu Picchu, from above – the perfect vantage point to take in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Later today, take a short bus ride down to the town of Aguas Calientes (2040m), where you’ll spend the night in your 4 star feature stay hotel

Day 6: Machu Picchu & Cusco

This morning, you’ll take the bus back up the winding road to Machu Picchu. When you arrive, set off on today’s guided tour of this archaeological site. As you walk, take in the surrounding views of the Andes, cloud forest and the Urubamba River flowing through the valley below. As you walk through the site, your leader will share the story behind its the 200 stone houses, temples and terraces. Later, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have some free time to wander the town at your own pace – maybe visit the local market or relax with a coffee. This afternoon, relax on the scenic train back to Ollantaytambo, then continue by private vehicle to your beautiful hotel in Cusco. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at Nuna Raymi – a sustainable restaurant in Cusco that supports local farmers and uses organic ingredients. Here you'll try dishes inspired by different regions of Peru and taste the classic drink of staple of Peruvian street culture, emoliente (a traditional warm herbal drink made with barley, herbs and spices).

Day 7: Cusco

Your trip comes to an end today. As there are no activities planned, you are welcome to leave at any time. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel, C. San Juan de Dios 255 , Cusco, 08000, PERU, Phone: 51 84 604444

Finish point

Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel, C. San Juan de Dios 255 , Cusco, 08000, PERU, Phone: 51 84 604444

Important information

1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. These details must match the passport you will travel on. Mismatched details can lead to refusal of entry by the Inca authorities. Delays in providing this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
2. We will request an Inca Trail permit for you unless, at time of booking. Fees may apply to changes made after the time of booking, and availability on other options cannot be guaranteed.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4.The Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works. If the trek portion of your trip starts in February, you will be automatically booked to hike the Pumamarca Ruins Trail.
5. 1-day Inca Trail permits are highly limited and regulated, and very difficult to secure within 90 days from departure. If we are unable to secure a permit then we will trek to the remote Pumamarca Ruins near Ollantaytambo, then take the train to Aguas Calientes on Day 5 instead.
6. According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations all visitors must follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. Regardless of the circuit you will enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the site.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:





Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +51 996 055559 Lima, +51 940 512701 Cusco

Is this trip right for you

This active hiking trip requires a good level of fitness, due to the varied terrain and potentially hot temperatures. Many of the hiking days involve steep hills and lots of steps that you'll need to be able to walk up and down. Walking times vary between three and six hours a day, but the rewards are worth every step.

Some trails will require unexpected maintenance throughout the year, requiring closure of the trail. If that is the case, we will take an alternative trail with similar features, distances and elevation where possible.

Due to the high altitude of the places we visit, some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. The maximum elevation visited on the trip is 4030 m at Kinsa Qocha Lake), and the maximum sleeping elevation is 3399 m in Cusco). Please see the 'medical and health information' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Visitors are not permitted to explore Machu Picchu without a Machu Picchu guide (not our trip leaders) and must follow set routes within the site. As per visiting regulations all visitors to Machu Picchu must follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. We will do all that is possible to get everyone traveling in a group on the same route, but be aware that it is possible that members of the same group might be visiting Machu Picchu on a different circuit and not be together during this visit. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.

Why we love it

Spend one day hiking the Inca Trail – once used by Inca travellers to reach the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu and explore Winay Wayna and the Sun Gate along the way., Indulge in sumptuous meals at Nuna Raymi and Cicciolina – Cusco's renowned farm-to-table sustainable restaurant., Enjoy the most scenic train ride in peru alongside the Urubamba River and through the Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo, passing maize crops and fertile terraces carved into the valley walls., Watch the local women from Paru Paru community perform a traditional Andean ceremony – an ancient ritual called the ‘payment to the Mother Water’, made to honour nature and show gratitude for the land., Experience beautiful panoramic views from your room during your Feature Stay in Aguas Calientes, nestled in the mountains of Machu Picchu.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime.

Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines, PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing., SEAT BELTS:
Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts., FIRE PRECAUTIONS:
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

It is a requirement of the Peruvian Tax Authority for our trip leaders to show proof that all travellers on our groups are foreign tourists and are thus exempt from the 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) charged to locals. This may require your trip leader to take a photograph of your main passport page and the page showing the immigration stamp you receive upon entry to Peru.

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2027

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


ALTITUDE SICKNESS:
Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!

Before your trip:
Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip.
While our group leader or local representative have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.

Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/altitude-sickness

YELLOW FEVER
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.







MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES:
Some regions of Central & South America can experience outbreaks of dengue fever. There is no vaccination against it, but there are preventative measures that you can take such as wearing long clothing, using repellent, and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn. If you have a fever or feel unwell, please let your group leader or local representative know right away. Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria by taking measures to avoid insect bites.

ZIKA VIRUS:
There have been reports of transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in this region and we advise all travellers to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Given possible transmission of the disease to unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, we recommend all women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to consult with their doctors before booking their trip.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

CREDIT CARDS, ATMS AND EXCHANGING MONEY
ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities across South America. Credit cards are generally accepted in tourist shops and some restaurants across South America. Visa and Mastercard are preferred. Smaller shops and restaurants only accept cash.

USD cash is the easiest to exchange. We recommend bringing large bills in good condition, 2013 series onwards only. Any old or damaged notes may not be accepted.

TIPPING
Tips are included on all Intrepid Premium trips, covering hotel staff, local guides and the people who will take care of you during your travels. This amount does not include a tip for your group leader, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this.

Tipping your group leader is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 8 – 10 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader on your trip.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Help will be on hand in most locations, but there may be times you need to handle your own luggage, for example in airports and train stations.

A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this trip. It is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option.

You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, jacket, etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

Below is a link to our ultimate packing list, a guide to get you started:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, AMAZON JUNGLE PACKING LIST

- Long, light-coloured, tight-weave cotton shirts and pants
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for wearing on boardwalks or around the lodge
- Long, thick socks to wear with the rubber boots provided by the lodge
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Tropical strength insect repellant
- Small-denomination bills for incidental purchases (eg drinks)
- Head torch or flashlight (optional, smartphone torch sufficient)
- Binoculars (optional)
, 1-DAY INCA TRAIL PACKING LIST

Passport:
You MUST take your passport, a photocopy is not sufficient. It's important the passport matches the details your provided us when booking this trip. Keep it in a plastic bag in case of rain.

Water Bottle:
You should be carrying at least 2 litres of water for the day.

Day Pack:
This bag only needs to be large enough to hold the few things you need during the day (hat, water, camera, snacks, rain jacket, sunscreen etc).

Boots:
It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended, but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well-worn in pair!

Clothing:
Items that can be layered are important (zip off trousers, fleece tops, T-shirts, etc).

Climate and seasonal

WEATHER IN PERU
Peru is a fascinating country with four distinct geographical regions. June, July and August are considered the driest months in the highlands and Amazon basin and are optimal for hiking and river journeys. However, even during the rainy season in the Amazon, the rains only fall for a few hours at a time. In the Andes, the rainy season can sometimes just mean a bit of overcast weather. The advantage to travelling in these areas at this time is that many other travellers make the mistake of postponing their plans until the dry season, leaving you with more of Peru to yourself. The best time to visit the infamous Nazca Lines or the coastal areas is from December to April, although the other months of the year are perfectly good times to visit also. Remember that the Inca Trail is closed for cleaning during February, although there are other treks to Machu Picchu which are available at this time.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Transport notes

Information not available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

DEMONSTRATIONS & STRIKES:
Demonstrations and protests, often in response to local labour or social issues, occur regularly in Peru. National strikes can be called at short notice and can cause disruption to road networks leading to inevitable itinerary changes. We will do everything possible for these changes to be at little or no extra cost; however in such circumstances we find that travellers may need to use their contingency funds to cover the costs of itinerary changes.