You will need a passport which is valid for at least six months beyond the arrival date in Peru. The passport should also have some space available in the internal pages for the entry stamp.

Citizens from most countries do not need a visa to visit Peru as a tourist, these include most major european countries, as well as USA and Canada. But you should consult your local consular services if in doubt or you can find Peruvian government requirements (in Spanish) here.

Yes, definitely. It can help you in case of flight disruption, delayed luggage and loss of belongings. But perhaps most importantly, it can help you in case of serious illness or accident, when high medical costs might cause you considerable distress or could restrict decisions concerning treatment. We recommend you purchase a high quality policy and make sure it covers the geographical areas you plan to visit as well as the activities you will do while on holiday. During your time in Peru, you might go to Arequipa (2340m/7680ft.), Cusco (3400m/11150ft.) or Lake Titicaca (3830m/12550ft.), you should be certain that your are covered up to these altitudes. Also, make the insurance company aware of any pre-existing conditions and your current doctors advice.

Peru is five hours behind Greenwich mean time (GMT) and six hours behind British summertime. The country has only one time zone and does not observe any daylight saving time. Compared with timezones in USA, during its winter (April-Oct) Peruvian time is the same as Central Time, while during the summer (Nov-March) it is akin to Eastern Time.

Peru works on the GSM network techonogy, which is the most common mobile signal internationally. If your phone uses a SIM card, then it will work in Peru. If you use carriers including Sprint, Verizon or Virgen Mobile in the USA, then check which phone format you have. If it is a CDMA phone, then it might not work in Peru.

For cheaper data rates and local calls, you can purchase a local SIM card in any city. Providers such as Claro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel all offer cards with prepaid plans. First you should check that you phone is unlocked and would accept a SIM card which is not from your regular provider. You can buy a SIM card for as little as $2 and immediately buy around $10 of credit, which is a good amount to get started.

Phone call and data roaming coverage is widespread throughout the country. Reliable coverage is found in all towns and cities, but service may be patchy in remote rural areas, therefore your service may be interupted in the following locations ​ a) At a rainforest lodge in the Amazon. b) On the train between Cusco and Machu Picchu. c) During the road journey between Cusco and Lake Titicaca. d) Rural areas around the Colca Canyon. e) Rural areas of Chachapoyas

Peru works on 220V electricity grid with socket types A (flat pins) and C (round pins). The type A sockets works with plugs for the USA and Canada, although you might need a voltage convertor. Whereas the type C accepts plugs from much of Europe. But visitors from the UK will need an adaptor.

There is a luggage storage facility at Lima airport, it is located on the ground floor just outside international arrivals in the main hall. It is open 24-hours and offers safe storage for individual iterms and also locker hire.

Commonly, you have breakfast included in the hotel and then you are free to choose a restaurant to have lunch and dinner. The cost of restaurant food is around $6-$8 for a light meal and juice/water in a modest cafe. You can pay around $40-$60 per person for a nice restaurant with various courses and wine. The cost of meals in hotels tends to come at the upper end of this price range. The cost of bottles of water and soft drinks is around $1-$3, purchasing in hotels works out the more expensive option.

Common medicines can be purchased in local pharmacies, which are commonplace in towns thoughout the country. But for convenience, you might consider bringing the following supplies with you; a) You could consider packing the following medicines and health products, but always seek expert medical advice from your doctor b) Do not forget to bring an adecuate a supply of your own prescription medicines which you might be taking for prexisting conditions. Put them in your hand luggage in case your luggage is delayed on flights. c) Travelers diarrhea medicine (imodium) and/or antibiotic (ciprofoxacin) d) Altitude sickness medicine (Acetazolamide - diamox) e) Malaria prevention prophylactics f) Motion/travel sickness medicine g) Medicine for pain and fever (paracetamol , aspirin, or ibuprofen) h) Sunblock i) Insect repellent.

Peru has a duel currency with both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles used throughout the country. You can make purchases in either currency, although most business owners are much more accostomed to the local currency for small cash transactions. So you need to carry some local currency in cash, although hotels are slightly more likely to accept dollars. For the last couple of years, the exchange rate has been approximately 3.3 Soles to the Dollar, but the exact daily exchance rate is commonly shown at any currency exchange agency or you can ask at the desk. The exchange rate offered in banks is lower than exchange agencies and service can be slow.

You can get local cash at either ATM's or currency exchange agencies. ATM's are commonly found in streets and banks throughout towns in Peru. You can withdraw cash in Soles or Dollars. ​ But be aware that small businesses prefer Soles but often do not have a supply of cash in order to give alot of change. So it is a good idea to obtain plenty of coins and small denomination bank notes whenever possible. One good way is to withdraw dollars from an ATM and then change them into local currency at a currency exchange, asking the teller to provide you with as much small denomination notes as possible.

They are widely accepted in most businesses throughout the country, in all hotels and most restaurants and shops for medium to large purchases. Visa is the most widely accepted card, also American Express and Mastrecard to a lesser degree. Some shops which are more accustomed to use cash, may charge a 5% surcharge for credit card purchases. Do not forget to follow basic security guidelines such as keeping your card in sight and keeping your pin number hidden.

Peru has a culture where tipping is appreciated rather than expected. If you have received good service in a restaurant, then leaving 10% extra is perfectly adecuate. You can tip hotel porters $1-2 per bag for help carrying luggage. Taxi drivers are generally not tipped unless they helped you with heavy cases. If you want to tip our staff, then you can wait until the last day when you leave each destination to give a tip to the driver and guide. It is totally discretional, but common tips are $3-5 per person per day for a driver and $7-10 per person per day for a guide.

Generally speaking, you can haggle prices in markets, where perhaps you can lower the price by 20% to 30%. But in formal formal shops and boutiques, the prices might be fixed, although you could try getting a discount for cash as opposed to using a credit card.

In the majority of domestic flights in Peru, you are allowed one piece of check-in luggage weighing no more than 23kg. The size of your case should not measure more than 158cm/62inches; length + width + height. Your hand luggage should weigh a maximum of 8kg and measure no more than 55cm/21inches x 35cm/13inches x 25cm/9inches (height, depth and width).

All airlines allow for online check in on their respective websites. You will need your airline reservation reference and personal details. You could do it on your personal mobile phone or many hotels have a business center or reception staff can help you. If you have not checked in before going to the airport, then you will find self check in machines at each airport to print boarding cards or you can go straight to the desks.

Airlines recommend you go to the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.

The main airport hub in Peru is in the capital, Lima. Most international flights arrive/depart through Lima airport, where you will encounter the following arrangements. INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL onto a domestic flight: Due to the absence of customs controls at Peruvian provincial airports, it means you ALWAYS have to collect luggage upon arrival in Lima. If you have an onward flight within Peru, then you will have to make you way to the airline desks in the main hall to drop off your luggage before going to the gate area. DOMESTIC CONNECTIONS: If connecting on two domestic flights in Peru, then assuming they are on the same airline, then your luggage should be checked through to the final destination without the need to pick it up in the intermediate airport. Domestic flight onto INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE: If flying out of a provincial airport through Lima and onto an international flight, then luggage will be checked to the final destination only if the flights are on the same airline. If you are changing airlines, then you might have to collect luggage in Lima. You should clarify this issue when you check in.

There are no significant VIP lounges at provincial airports in Peru. There is one lounge close to gate 17 in the international gates area of Lima iaport. It is for departing international passengers only and has a food, drink, WiFi, restrooms and showers. Use of the lounge can be paid upon entry, the cost depends on the time of use required

It is forbidden to take on board any type of fire arms (including replicas and toy guns), aerosols, pepper spray and sharp objects, such as: knifes, nail files, nail clippers, shavers, handheld tools, pliers or camping knives. These can only be carried in the airplane hold and therefore put in your check in luggage. In order to bring liquids on board such as aerosols, perfumes, gels, spirits, creams, stick deodorants, lipsticks or toothpaste, those products must be in containers of not more than 100 ml each, placed in a plastic bag, which allows for visual verification of the contents, no more than 1 liter in volume and containing a system for opening and sealing. Each passenger may bring no more than one bag.

Due to limited storage space inside the carriages, you are allowed to board the train with only hand luggage, similar to that allowed on a flight. It should be no larger than 157cm/61" (height + length + width) and 5.0 kg/11 lb in weight. If you are travelling on an interprovincial train service going to another city, then your main luggage will be transported in the trains baggage carriage and given back to you upon arrival at your destination. In the case of Machu Picchu, you can store your large cases at the hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, depending which is the most convenient for your travel plans.

Your seat locations are automatically assigned by the train company when the tickets are purchased, there is no way we can choose or change seats. Although as you board the train, the onboard staff will listen to any requests to change seats for any reasonable motive.

Train tickets are named and have your personal details on them, so you have to show the tickets and your passport as proof of identification, before you board the train.

There are toilets on both the Machu Picchu and regional train services.

On the trains to Machu Picchu there are small snacks, candies and drinks for sale. On the regional trains you can buy more snacks and drinks at the diner carriage.

The train companies recomend you are at the station 30 minutes before departure.

Let us know and we can reprint the ticket in our office. Alternatively, if you do not have much time before the departure, then you can go to the ticket office in any station. They will give you a copy of the ticket, if you show them your passport.

We do not provide any vouchers because all the hotels are prepaid. But you will have to show youer passport in order for the receptionist to locate the reservation and take a photocopy in accordance with local laws.

We commonly only include breakfast in order to give you the freedom of choosing where to eat lunch and dinner. We might sometimes included additional meals at your hotel, particularly when located in remote areas, where options for other places to eat are limitted.

Almost all our hotels provide WiFi, it is commonly free although some larger hotels might offer a premium high speed connection at additional cost. Some hotels in remote locations, such as the amazon, might only be abler to provide a slow internet service.

All hotels have in-room safety deposit boxes, which you should use to store valuables.

Almost all hotels provide a cable or satelite TV service with common international channels, the exception being at amazon rainforest lodges, where no TV is available.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age going to areas at elevations less than 2,300 m (7,546 ft), including the regions of Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos. The vaccination is generally not recommended for travelers whose itineraries are limited to areas above 2,300 m (7,546 ft) in elevation, which include Cusco, Arequipa, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Lima is also not at risk due to the absense of yellow-fever carrying mosquitos in the city. A hepatitis A vaccine is recommended because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Peru, regardless of where you are eating or staying. You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Peru. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. When traveling in Peru, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans and advice from your doctor. Areas of Peru with risk of malaria are all regions below 2,000m (6,600 ft), which includes Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. No malaria has been reported in Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco and Machu Picchu. Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Peru, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for travelers who have a specific heightened risk of being bitten.

Good quality private clinics are available in large cities such as Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Trujillo and Chiclayo. But in more remote rural areas, then you can only expect basic medical providers before travelling to the nearest large town for further treatment if required. You can buy common over the counter medicines at local pharmacies, which are widespread in all towns in Peru.

Altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a group of general symptoms that are brought on by traveling to an altitude above 2500m (8200ft). It happens because the body doesn’t have enough time to adapt to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen level in the air at high altitudes, which can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting and lightheadedness. The different levels of altitude sickness have different symptoms:​ ​ MILD: Symptoms of mild, short-term altitude sickness include dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, sleep problems and a general loss of energy. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 24 hours of arriving at a high altitude. Symptoms lessen within a day or two as the person gets used to the altitude. For mild altitude sickness, over-the-counter medicines should relieve headache. MODERATE: Symptoms of moderate altitude sickness are more intense and are not relieved by over-the-counter medicines. Fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath worsen instead of improving over time. The affected person may start to show loss of coordination and have difficulty walking, severe headache that is not relieved by medicines, nausea and vomiting, and tightness or congestion in the chest. Normal activity is difficult, although the person may still be able to walk on his or her own. Symptoms of moderate altitude sickness usually improve in 24 hours at an elevation that is at least 1,000 to 2,000 feet lower. Symptoms should go away completely within 3 days. SEVERE: Symptoms of severe altitude sickness include shortness of breath at rest, inability to walk, confusion and fluid buildup in the lungs and/or brain. Other symptoms may include cough and a gray, pale or bluish skin tone. Severe altitude sickness is an emergency situation, and the affected person must be taken to a lower altitude immediately. People who have severe altitude sickness must be taken to a lower elevation (no higher than 4,000 feet) immediately. They must be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Hospital care may be needed.

Prevention can start at home, if you see a doctor before you travel to enquire about medicines to prevent altitude sickness. Acetazolamide (diamox) is a prescription drug that increases a person’s breathing rate so that more oxygen is taken in. It helps the body adjust to higher altitudes more quickly and reduces minor symptoms of altitude sickness. When you arrive at altitude, you should follow the following guidelines ​​ a) Drink at least 3 to 4 litres of water per day. b) Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs, including barbiturates, tranquilizers and sleeping pills. c) While at a high altitude, eat a diet that includes more than 70% carbohydrates. d) Know the early signs and symptoms of altitude sickness and take action to prevent it from worsening. Seek medical assistance if required.

To need to attempt to eat & drink safely, without having a major negative affect on your vacation. But unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases, you can reduce your risk by sticking to the following safe food and water habits. Eat Food that is cooked and served hot Hard-cooked eggs Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself Pasteurized dairy products ​ Don't Eat Food served at room temperature Food from street vendors Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables Unpasteurized dairy products ​ Ceviche is a popular Peruvian dish of raw fish or seafood that is “cooked” in an acidic marinade. CDC recommends that travelers avoid raw seafood, but if you must try the ceviche in Peru, stick to clean, established restaurants. ​ Drink Bottled water that is sealed Water that has been disinfected Ice made with bottled or disinfected water Carbonated drinks Hot coffee or tea Pasteurized milk ​ Don’t Drink Tap or well water Ice made with tap or well water Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice) Unpasteurized milk

If in major discomfort or suffering prolonged symptoms, then you should seek medical advice. Any treatment should probably include the following; FLUID REPLACEMENT: If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. This is especially important for young children or adults with chronic illnesses. In serious cases of travelers’ diarrhea, oral rehydration solution—available online or in pharmacies in developing countries—can be used for fluid replacement. ANTIBIOTICS: Many travelers carry antibiotics with them so they can treat diarrhea early if they start to get sick. The choice of antibiotics varies depending on the destination. Ask your doctor if you should take an antibiotic on your trip. OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS: Several drugs, such as Lomotil or Imodium, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. These drugs decrease the frequency and urgency of needing to use the bathroom, and they may make it easier for you to ride on a bus or airplane while waiting for an antibiotic to take effect.

No, we recommend you buy bottled water or drink purified water provided in hotels, commonly in the lobby or restaurant.

You should try to evaluate the seriousness of your illness and the effect it is having on your holiday. For mild ailments, you can buy many common medicines over the counter at a pharmacy, which are commonplace in all towns. But getting professional medical advice would probably provide a quicker and more effective cure, particularly for more serious ailments. If you are very ill, then do not hesitate in seeking medical assitance. You can contact any one of our guides to help you call a doctor, wehio can commonly go to your hotels for a preliminary examination. Or you can call our 24-hour emergency number (++51 984632121) or if at a hotel, the receptionist can call their doctor.

There is a public shuttle bus services which runs between the village and the ruins starting at 5:30am in the morning and continuing until 5pm in the afternoon. We commonly provide bus tickets as part of our services or they can be bought directly at the bus stops. The journey takes 20 minutes. But long lines of waiting passengers can develop in the morning from 5:30am until 7am, then on the way down between 1pm and 3pm.

The site opens at 6am. In the afternoon, staff start to clear the site at 4:30pm, hoping the close the gates by 5pm. But entrance tickets need to be purchased in advance and have a designated entry time. Visitors are allowed to enter the site and any moment AFTER the time shown on the ticket. But the latest possible entyry time into the ruins is 2pm.

Once inside the ruins, visitors are directed by signs and park rangers around established trails. At a relaxed pace, visitors can complete the circuits in around 3 hours, although the tickets allow a maximum of 4 hours in the ruins.

Food is not allowed into the ruins and water should be in a drinking canteen and not a disposible plastic bottle.

Visitors are allowed in the ruins with a small daysack of no more than 20L. Larger camping rucksacks are not allowed and would have to be left in a secure luggage storage facility at the entrance to the ruins.

People with walking difficulties can enter the ruins with their walking stick but it must have a rubber tip/ferrule. Hiking poles used for convenience only are not allowed, neither are selfie sticks.

All types of stills cameras are allowed, including mobile phones, compact and SLR cameras. You are not allowed to enter with tripods, selfie sticks and large professional type filming equipment.

There are three circuits within the ruins, once you start a circuit, then signs and park rangers usher you around the trail, which at a reasonable pace should take around 3 hours. You can only do one trail each time tyou enter the ruins. As you enter the ruins, if you turn up uphill to the left, then it takes you on the higher trail to the guardians hut and surrounding terraces, where you will ge the best views. If you continue straight into the site, then it takes you to the most important structures in the ruins. It is in this area that guides will conduct tours for first time visitors. Or as you enter the ruins, if you turn down to the right, then it takes you on a circuit leading the lower terraces and water channels.

The start of the ascent departs from the ruins, it covers a vertical distance of 300m/1000ft. and takes walkers approximately one hour to reach the peak. The path is a rough dirt trail, with many steep uneven stone steps; walkers need to be relatively fit and confident on their feet. The path is commonly no more than 2m/6ft wide and has a near vertical drop on one side, therefore people who suffer from vertigo might not be able to complete the hike. The trail down backtracks the same route, commonly taking about 50 minutes to reach the ruins.

The trail starts in the upper sector of the ruins, around the same area as the trail which eventually goes to the Sun Gate. The route slowly zig-zags up a hillside, climbing a total vertical distance of 600m/2000ft. Once at the peak, there are a few vertical drops which people suffering from vertigo might find troubling, although the climb itself is not too bad. It commonly takes 1hr50mins to reach the summit and can be quite tough in higher temperatures; walker need to be in reasonable physical condition. The path down backtracks the same trail and commonly takes just over an hour to get back into the ruins.

The region has a tropical equatorial climate; hot and humid all year round, with frequent rainfall. The southern Amazon around Puerto Maldonado has a relatively dry period in the middle of the year, whereas the northern region around Iquitos suffers rains year round. Nights are hot (20°C/68°F), days are even hotter (33°C/91°F) and the 100% humidity takes a while to get used to.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age going to areas at elevations less than 2,300 m (7,546 ft), including the regions of Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos. Malaria prophylaxis are also recommended, along with with measures to prevent mosquitos bites such as repellent and adecuate clotihng.

Think about comfortable clothing for activities in a hot climate. Dark and bright colours tend to attract insects. Also changes of clothing for relaxing around the lodge. Here are some suggestions: Binoculars especialy for those people particualrly interested in wildlife). Camera gear Tight-weave, light colored, long cotton pants Long sleeved, tight-weave, light colored cotton shirts Ankle-high hiking boots or walking shoes. Flashlight (headlamp) with batteries Sunblock Sunglasses Broad-brimmed hat Rain jacket Insect repellent Small daypack Sandals or confortable trainers for walking around the lodge. Most lodges loan rubber boots after heavy rains.

The lodges are not capable of transporting everyones large luggage to the lodge due to limited space on the boats and the diffulty of carrying cases to the rooms. So they ask you to separate your belongs and leave large cases at their offices near the airports and then travel to the lodge with smaller bags just containing essentai litems. Ideally you would have soft bags weighing no more than 10kg per person. Two people could share one bag weighing 20kg if neccessary, although taking hard cases is problematic.

Rooms tend to be rustic wooden bungalows raised around 1m/3ft off the ground on posts. They will have private toilet facilities and showers. They will also have lighting and electricity sockets, although in some lodges it is limited to only certain times of the night. There is no TV and Wifi can be slow at best. All the lodges provide mosquito nets which cover the beds.

All the lodges provide three meals a day as well as access to drinking water and juices. They will have a bar serving soft drinks, beer and wine at an extra charge. The lodge will include a variety of activities which will keep you busy during your stay, although some specialist activities may come at additional cost. The lodge also provides transfer to and from the airport.