Itinerary | Trip Details | Machu Picchu Guidelines | Bookmark and Share
Experience
Machu Picchu surrounded by steep valley on all sides, rising mist floating
past stone terraces and grazing llama. Machu Picchu is one place
that always lives up to its mythical status. On this trip you will experience an exciting 2-week adventure, giving
you a panoramic view of this diverse Andean country. You will spot jungle
wildlife, explore ancient ruins and visit colorful markets.
15 days — Lake Titicaca, Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Amazon Rainforest
TRIP PRICE
$1,695 plus 250USD local payment. International flights are not included.
HIGHLIGHTS
Guided
tours to Taquile and the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley.
A 4-day Inca Trail hike with local guide, cook and porters to Machu
Picchu, followed by an Amazon jungle excursion (2 nights).
See the Peru Panorama itinerary to review the day-to-day activities.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Simple hotels (8 nights), camping (3 nights), jungle lodge (2 nights), homestay (1 night).
MEALS
Only meals while in the jungle, on the Inca Trail and during the homestay are included. Please allow USD200 for additional meals. Eating is a big part of traveling. On any BrilliantTrip you will experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in the world. Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, in order to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. The groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions, food is included. It is plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.
TRANSPORT
Public bus, local flight, train, boat, canoe, and hiking. All local flights are included in the cost of your trip unless otherwise noted. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
GROUP SIZE
12 on Average / 15 Maximum
BrilliantTips
This BrilliantTrip includes high altitude hiking of up to 8 hours/day or other activities that require a moderately high level of fitness. Culturally you should expect an occasional cold shower, remote or shared accommodations, and public transportation.
VISAS
All countries require a valid passport (with minimum 6 months validity). The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from; citizens of the U.S. can visit www.travel.state.gov/visa. It is important that you check for yourself. Also see our FAQs and Travel Info. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
IMPORTANT NOTES
1.The rules and regulations controlling the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are continually changing. Before embarking on your adventure to Peru it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the Inca Trail booking policies and guidelines.
2. Those passengers not able to or not interested in the hike can take the train. They will spend two days in Cuzco before travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, where they will overnight and rendezvous with the hikers in the ruins of Machu Picchu. If you decide not to do the hike we need to know upon booking confirmation, prior to your departure in order to obtain the correct train tickets. Please advise BrilliantTrips directly.
3. Portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will hike the Lares Trek.
4. Please note that this tour combines with other G.A.P Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G.A.P Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G.A.P Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
5. BrilliantTrips will contact you after booking confirmation to obtain your passport information to process your local flight tickets. We will also review prepaid airport transfer options.
TOUR LEADERSHIP
There is a G.A.P Group Leader throughout, local guides while on Lake Titicaca, in the Sacred Valley, on the Inca Trail and in the jungle. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Group leaders use local guides where they think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places you are visiting. It's the best of both worlds.
JOINING INSTRUCTIONS
Jorge Chavez International Airport in Callao Lima is approximately a 45-minute drive from the Miraflores district, where the your hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is via taxi. Immediately after the customs and immigration area, as you head to the exits, you will find an official taxi stand. You can pay for the car at set (approximately 27 USD) rates and won't need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities, where the situation tends to get more chaotic, with many drivers vying for few clients. There are exchange facilities in the Arrivals area open 24 hours.
If you are arriving from abroad and have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, someone will be at the airport to meet you. Upon leaving the baggage claim area, you will see a large open area with sign boards all around. Look for a G.A.P sign board with your name. As there are many people and signs in this area, it may be difficult for you to spot the sign immediately. Please take your time in doing so, and if at that stage you do not see a G.A.P sign board with your name, go to the customer service area to wait. In the event that your driver does not arrive within 20 minutes, please ask the information desk to arrange an official taxi for you which should cost approximately $27 USD. This money will be reimbursed by your group leader or another G.A.P. Adventures representative.
FINDING YOUR TRANSFER: As you walk out of the airport there will be many drivers holding signs with agency or passenger names as well as taxi drivers asking you if you require their services. These are NOT our drivers and you should not accept their services. Please wait for our designated transfer person with a G.A.P sign board.
JOINING HOTEL:
Stefano's Hotel
Calle Esperanza 370
Miraflores, Lima
Tel 51-1-243-3332
LOCAL PAYMENT
250USD. This trip requires a Local Payment that is paid to the Group Leader in cash on day 1 of your tour. This Local Payment is put towards local expenses, such as internal transport, entrance fees and guide fees. Local Payments also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become very expensive. This lowers operational costs so the savings can be passed on to you. The local payment is in addition to, and is not included in, the base tour price.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Paid Locally. Approximate prices shown are the USD equivalents. Lima: City tour $25, San Francisco Church and catacombs $2.50, Museum of the Nation $3, Museum of the Inquisition - free, Larco Herrera Museum $8, Pachacamac Archaeological site $2, Villa Wetlands $2 entrance, Paragliding $25. Puno: Sillustani archaeological site $12. Cuzco: Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket) $10, City tour $12, Horse riding around ruins (with guide) $25, White water rafting $30-45, Mountain biking $35, Inka Museum $3 entrance.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Debit cards are very useful for cash advances, but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs.). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY, but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card, a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, traveler's checks and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
HEALTH & MEDICAL
Proof of Yellow Fever inoculation is officially required before you depart for the Amazon. You should be aware that there is a 10 to 15 day period before the inoculation becomes fully effective.
Please note your adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can affect some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are affected on your adventure, please consult your physician.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. It is recommended that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes you are in remote areas and away from medical facilities and, for legal reasons, group leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug, including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip, please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with this style of travel.
It is very important that you are aware, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake the easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travelers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While group leaders work hard to ensure that all travelers are catered to equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to our BrilliantTips for more information.
FINE PRINT
While the intention is to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and, on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as you never know exactly where your journey will take you. Due to the style of travel and the regions you visit, travel can be unpredictable. The itinerary is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.
