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Peru Vacations

A woman enjoys her Peru Adventure Tour with our local guides

Embark on a journey filled with history, natural beauty, and heart-pumping adventure! Hike and bike among Inca history on our Peru adventure vacations.

Peru is a land begging to be explored. Experience ancient history and current culture as you explore Peru’s Land of the Inca by foot, bike, and boat. Ponder how this Incan civilization was built as you admire the ruins of a stone empire made entirely by hand. Peru adventure vacations will fill you with wonder.

Peru Vacation Packages

Central & South America

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

ActiveAdventures

Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures

4.7

  • Duration 13 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

This South America bucket-list adventure features biking, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and cultural exploration. Discover Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu and the dynamic wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. 

Trip Start: Cusco Trip End: Quito

Central & South America

Classic Machu Picchu Adventure

ActiveAdventures

Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures

5

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

Starting in Cusco, you'll cycle into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, hike the Huchuy Qosqo Trail, visit Pisac market, and spend a full morning exploring the famous citadel of Machu Picchu, including a chance to hike to the Sun Gate.

Trip Start: Cusco Trip End: Cusco

Central & South America

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Amazon Adventure

ActiveAdventures

Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures

  • Duration 14 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.

    Read more about the Active Range

The ultimate adventure to explore ancient ruins, dense jungles, and Lake Titicaca. Hike in the footsteps of the Incas to Machu Picchu via the Lares Trail, cycle through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, wander the Amazon jungle, and kayak Lake Titicaca.

Trip Start: Cusco Trip End: Lima

Hear from our Happy Guests
4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

What our guests say about their Peru Vacation Packages

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Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Donna T

"There were so many wonderful things so see. We loved every day of this trip. Our Peru guide, Salvador, was outstanding, and so very kind. It was great to see Peru through his eyes! Our Galapagos guide Pablo was also very knowledgeable.

read more

There were so many wonderful things so see. We loved every day of this trip.…

"There were so many wonderful things so see. We loved every day of this trip. Our Peru guide, Salvador, was outstanding, and so very kind. It was great to see Peru through his eyes! Our Galapagos guide Pablo was also very knowledgeable. read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

D | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Dennis T

"I went on this trip to see Machu Picchu and ended up being amazed by The Sacred Valley, the people (Incas) of the Andes and our Guide Salvador. Our guide brought the people and the land to life!

read more

I went on this trip to see Machu Picchu and ended up being amazed by…

"I went on this trip to see Machu Picchu and ended up being amazed by The Sacred Valley, the people (Incas) of the Andes and our Guide Salvador. Our guide brought the people and the land to life! read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

D | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Marc E

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

read more

Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

M | February 5600

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Shari F

"We had an amazing time in Peru and Ecuador and the experience was enriched by our excellent guides, Salvador and Pepo. Both were very knowledgeable about the history, flora, and fauna of the area.

read more

We had an amazing time in Peru and Ecuador and the experience was enriched by…

"We had an amazing time in Peru and Ecuador and the experience was enriched by our excellent guides, Salvador and Pepo. Both were very knowledgeable about the history, flora, and fauna of the area. read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

S | February 5600

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Samuel A

"My daughter & I had a fabulous trip (Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Adventure). It was a trip of a lifetime. Machu Pichuu was incredible. Our guide Wilson for the Peru portion we exceptional. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. At the end of the Peru portion of our trip, I told Wilson that "he is no longer our guide and that he is now our friend." The driver as well as all of the other people involved we very friendly and helpful as well. The guides on the Galagagos portion of our trip were very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating as well. Snorkeling at Kickers Rock in the Galapagos was amazing! It was almost like being on a dive...we saw beautiful angle fish, star fish, huge barnacles, sea turtles, white & black tipped reef sharks as well as hammerheads and sting rays. It was very interesting to spend a couple days on 3 different islands as each has its own highlights. The highlight of the Galapagos for my daughter was the giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island as well as the snorkeling at Kickers Rock. All of the…

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My daughter & I had a fabulous trip (Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Adventure). …

"My daughter & I had a fabulous trip (Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Adventure). It was a trip of a lifetime. Machu Pichuu was incredible. Our guide Wilson for the Peru portion we exceptional. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. At the end of the Peru portion of our trip, I told Wilson that "he is no longer our guide and that he is now our friend." The driver as well as all of the other people involved we very friendly and helpful as well. The guides on the Galagagos portion of our trip were very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating as well. Snorkeling at Kickers Rock in the Galapagos was amazing! It was almost like being on a dive...we saw beautiful angle fish, star fish, huge barnacles, sea turtles, white & black tipped reef sharks as well as hammerheads and sting rays. It was very interesting to spend a couple days on 3 different islands as each has its own highlights. The highlight of the Galapagos for my daughter was the giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island as well as the snorkeling at Kickers Rock. All of the hotels we stayed in were very nice. The food was excellent as well. All in all, we can't say a bad thing about Active Adventures or our trip. We would be willing to go again (on this trip or another) knowing how awesome this trip was. Thank you Active Adventures and all or wonderful guides. read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

S | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Allen D

"For those who enjoy hiking and adventure it's a fantastic way to see Peru and Ecuador. The guides were truly outstanding, and the hotel accommodations were fantastic. We moved around a lot, and almost every hotel room had a fantastic view. We learned a lot about the history and culture, while also taking in beautiful sites and views. And learned so much about what makes The Galapagos Islands so unique and amazing. And about all the wildlife that inhabits these regions.

read more

For those who enjoy hiking and adventure it's a fantastic way to see Peru and…

"For those who enjoy hiking and adventure it's a fantastic way to see Peru and Ecuador. The guides were truly outstanding, and the hotel accommodations were fantastic. We moved around a lot, and almost every hotel room had a fantastic view. We learned a lot about the history and culture, while also taking in beautiful sites and views. And learned so much about what makes The Galapagos Islands so unique and amazing. And about all the wildlife that inhabits these regions. read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

A | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Michelle B

"Overall this trip was very good, but I could tell it was not an Austin Adventures trip but rather an Active Adventures. My family and I have been on 2 Austin Adventures trips and enjoyed them both, liking the personal, full service and outdoor activities. Active Adventures didn't quite meet the same level of travel as Austin. It could be because we were out of the country and things run differently, but there were some things I wish Active did, like have better communication when it came to changing the iternary. I understand Peru had political issues early this year, and in some cases it is still unstable, but I should not hear from our guide the first day we meet that our 1/2 day in Lima has been cancelled. That information should have come from the main office to me directly through an email/phone call. I can't believe Active waited until the last minute to change plans, if things were that bad, it should have been done before, or at least anticipated. As a result of the last minute changes we ended up hanging out for an extra day in Cusco, which we already spent a lot of time…

read more

Overall this trip was very good, but I could tell it was not an Austin…

"Overall this trip was very good, but I could tell it was not an Austin Adventures trip but rather an Active Adventures. My family and I have been on 2 Austin Adventures trips and enjoyed them both, liking the personal, full service and outdoor activities. Active Adventures didn't quite meet the same level of travel as Austin. It could be because we were out of the country and things run differently, but there were some things I wish Active did, like have better communication when it came to changing the iternary. I understand Peru had political issues early this year, and in some cases it is still unstable, but I should not hear from our guide the first day we meet that our 1/2 day in Lima has been cancelled. That information should have come from the main office to me directly through an email/phone call. I can't believe Active waited until the last minute to change plans, if things were that bad, it should have been done before, or at least anticipated. As a result of the last minute changes we ended up hanging out for an extra day in Cusco, which we already spent a lot of time exploring. Zack did a good job keeping us busy, but you could tell it was done on the fly. This also made flying to Quito much more difficult, my family could not sit with eachother and we had an extra early flight, after an extra early day before. Again Zack was excellent in helping us check in to the airport and making sure we were ok, but it seemed like extra stress on everyone. I also wish Active stressed that when we were flying from Peru to Galagapos, that there were not going to be any guides traveling with us. It would have been nice to have someone with us to help us navagiate changing our luggage, eventhough it was supposed to go through to the next stop, and rechecking in, and just navagating the airport in a foriegn country. I was also not a fan of transfering my clothing from the bag I was give to take to the Galapagos back into my luggage at the airport. It just seemed unprofessional to be like, "ok, I have a random person from Active bring your lugage to the airport, dump your things into it so they can reclaim the old and worn bag and be on your way." For the price that we paid for the trip it would have been nice to have some privacy to repack my luggage after being on vacation for 2 weeks. I'm surprized you don't have a good relationship with one of the hotels near the airport to set up a hospitality room for us to do just that. It also may seem small, but with Austin we got a t-shirt at the end of the trip as a nice way to remember the trip as well as a great way to advertise the company. I have people asking me about Austin everytime I wear one of my shirts. With Active, we got nothing, we couldn't even keep the Active Adventures bag we were give as we traveled outside Cusco ( I wish we did because the Northface bags we got for the Galapagos were very worn)(by the way the GaloKiwi shirts are great looking). Also if you run this trip as is again, you need to make it more seamless. It truly felt as if we were on two separate trips, the transition between the two was very obvious that one trip ended and another began, making those 2 days unpleasant with the disjointed travel/sightseeing. May be in the future, make it a 12 day trip with a more fluid connection between the two countries, with less down time/better travel time between the two trips.
Overall the trip was positive, our guides were fantastic, truly passionate about thier country and culture and shared it in a way that was welcoming and not overbearing. The hiking was great, saw a lot of great things, the beaches were great, seeing all the animals were fantastic. It was an experience my family will never forget. read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

M | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Anna F

"A trip where you fly-take trains- ride bikes- take boats- kayak- snorkel with Hammerhead sharks- hike- travel to places you never imagined you would see. To go to Manchu Picchu with Wilson,our guide was an amazing experience. He helped us touch the culture and appreciate all that it meant then and now. Pepo in the Galapagos did the same with the sea lions. Iguanas, fish and sharks..This was one of the best put together trips I have ever taken and we will travel with Active again!!

read more

A trip where you fly-take trains- ride bikes- take boats- kayak- snorkel with Hammerhead sharks-…

"A trip where you fly-take trains- ride bikes- take boats- kayak- snorkel with Hammerhead sharks- hike- travel to places you never imagined you would see. To go to Manchu Picchu with Wilson,our guide was an amazing experience. He helped us touch the culture and appreciate all that it meant then and now. Pepo in the Galapagos did the same with the sea lions. Iguanas, fish and sharks..This was one of the best put together trips I have ever taken and we will travel with Active again!! read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

A | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Dena P

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

read more

Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

D | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Carole G

"Good, really enjoyed it

read more

Good, really enjoyed it

"Good, really enjoyed it read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

C | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Barbara B

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

read more

Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

B | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Lee B

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

read more

Excellent, the trip of a lifetime!

"Excellent, the trip of a lifetime! read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

L | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Beth L

"This is our second Active Adventures trip and it did not disappoint! Peru is a beautiful country and I loved everything about it. Our guide, Wilson, was very knowledgeable and did a wonderful job providing a good cultural experience. The hikes were perfect and provided a great way to see the countryside. The food throughout Peru was simply amazing. Exploring Machu Picchu was also a highlight. Our time in the Galapagos was unforgettable. Pepo, our guide, was fantastic. He’s from San Cristobal and was able to share his love for the islands which made for a rich experience. We snorkeled, hiked, kayaked & biked so it was my perfect kind of vacation! Thanks to Wilson & Pepo for giving us such a wonderful experience in Peru & the Galapagos!

read more

This is our second Active Adventures trip and it did not disappoint! Peru is a…

"This is our second Active Adventures trip and it did not disappoint! Peru is a beautiful country and I loved everything about it. Our guide, Wilson, was very knowledgeable and did a wonderful job providing a good cultural experience. The hikes were perfect and provided a great way to see the countryside. The food throughout Peru was simply amazing. Exploring Machu Picchu was also a highlight. Our time in the Galapagos was unforgettable. Pepo, our guide, was fantastic. He’s from San Cristobal and was able to share his love for the islands which made for a rich experience. We snorkeled, hiked, kayaked & biked so it was my perfect kind of vacation! Thanks to Wilson & Pepo for giving us such a wonderful experience in Peru & the Galapagos! read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

B | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Henry L

"Good, really enjoyed it

read more

Good, really enjoyed it

"Good, really enjoyed it read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

H | January 1970

Ultimate Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Adventure

Ed T

"This trip was fantastic. We took our two adult children and all of us had a fantastic time. We met another family that we will be friends with forever. We learned a lot about a part of the world we had never visited and got to enjoy so much of the culture and beautiful surroundings. Loved every bit of the trip.

read more

This trip was fantastic. We took our two adult children and all of us…

"This trip was fantastic. We took our two adult children and all of us had a fantastic time. We met another family that we will be friends with forever. We learned a lot about a part of the world we had never visited and got to enjoy so much of the culture and beautiful surroundings. Loved every bit of the trip. read less

4.7 Stars (112 reviews)

E | February 0000

Best time to visit for Peru tours

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Peru?

Basically there are two seasons in Peru; wet and dry. In addition the seasons are divided into three distinct regions. The coastal region; the highlands region and Rainforest region. The high season in Peru coincides with the driest months of the year; making May to October the best time to visit Peru if you're looking for pleasant hiking weather.

PERU BY THE SEASONS

There are two defined seasons in Peru. May to October is dry season with April to November being rainy season. In the highlands the four wettest months of the year are January to early April. Roads are nearly impassable because of the sheer volumes of mud. The climate in the three regions is very different during the same times of the year. For example in February in the mountains you can have rain and on the coast you can have nice summer days.

Seasons of the Coastal Region

In the north of the coastal region its warm all year round. Temperatures can average a high of 95 degrees in the summer months. In the central and southern areas of the coastal region there are two definite seasons, winter from April to October and summer from November to March.

Seasons of the Highlands Region

The highlands region again has two distinct seasons. Summer is dry from April to October. Winter is accompanied by sunshine and rains from November to March.

Seasons of the Rainforest Region

There are two types of rainforest in Peru. High rainforest (elevations greater than 2300 ft.) is temperate, subtropical with little variance of weather patterns in the course of the year and massive amounts of annual rainfall. In the lower rainforest (elevations under 2300 ft.) you will experience a summer season April to October (sunny and hot) and from November to March winter comes to the Amazon with its companion “seasonal downpours.”

Peru Tours

How to Prepare for a Peru Vacation

Combatting altitude challenges.

The altitude on a Machu Picchu trip is significant. Coca tea or mate de coca has long been used in South America for medicinal purposes. Coca tea helps with indigestion and altitude sickness. If you don’t like to drink the tea you can go to the market and purchase it in alternate forms of lozenges, gum, and taffy. You can also ask your physician before you go how they recommend you handle the altitude if you are sensitive to it.

Explore Lima

Lima is comprised of 143 “neighborhoods” most popular with international visitors are Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro.

Local Currency

The official currency of Peru is Soles. It is ok to make purchases using USD, please make sure that the bills are in good condition and not tattered or torn.

 

FAQs about visiting Peru

Will I need a porter on the Inca trail?

Our porters will carry up to 8kg (17 pounds) of your gear included in your trip fare. They will also carry your group gear, like your tents and food, and this is included in your total amount of your trip.

At the beginning of the Inca trail you'll pass through the official start gate where your tickets will be checked against your passports (your guide will take care of this for you) to allow you to access the trail. Going through a different gate, all the porters will weigh in with their luggage, which ensures that the agreed weights are adhered to.

What books could I read to learn more about Peru, the Incas and archaeology?

We recommend researching as much as possible before you go so that you can have the best possible experience. Reading any Peruvian travel guide will give you a good insight into the history, culture and people of the place you are about to visit. There is plenty to read online too. If you would like to study more in depth then we recommend the following:

  • Lost City of the Incas, Hiram Bingham - A first-rate tale of adventure by the man who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. This classic account is a gripping story of exploration, archaeology and natural history -- and still an outstanding overview of the site itself. With original expedition photographs. Originally published in 1952, the book is still an excellent account, not only of the expedition but also of the site itself.
  • Conquest of the Incas, John Hemming - This classic masterful prize-winning history of the Inca struggle against the Spanish invasion brings together wide-ranging scholarly material in the interests of telling a good story.
  • History of the Inca Realm, Maria Rostworowski De Diez Canseco - This scholarly history boasts the most thorough treatment of the pre-Hispanic Incas available in English.
  • The Last Days of the Incas, Kim MacQuarrie - MacQuarrie tackles the personality, aspirations and greed of Francisco Pizarro in this vivid account of the conquest of a continent.
  • Art of the Andes, from Chavin to Inca, Rebecca Stone-Miller - This authoritative and concise illustrated survey of Andean art and architecture covers not only Machu Picchu and additional Inca monuments, but also Chan Chan, Nasca and other archaeological sites and cultures.
  • Fortifications of the Incas, H. W. Kaufmann, J.E. Kaufmann, Adam Hook - With color photographs and reconstructions, site diagrams and 17th-century engravings, this slim guide introduces building techniques and major Inca sites from Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and Vilcabamba.
  • Machu Picchu, Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas, Richard L. Burger, Lucy C. Salazar - Burger and Salazar, both archaeologists at Yale, vividly evoke the art, architecture, culture and society of Machu Picchu in this illustrated, up-to-date survey. With illustrations of 120 gold, silver, ceramic, bone and textile artifacts, Hiram Bingham's original report of the "Discovery of Machu Picchu," published in Harper's Monthly, dozens of archival photographs, and excellent chapters on recent archaeological investigations and insights into life at Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui's royal estate.
  • The Incas and their Ancestors: The Archaeology of Peru, Michael Moseley - An outstanding illustrated survey of the archaeology of the Inca, Moche and Nasca civilizations. With hundreds of color illustrations and line drawings, it's an in-depth look at the ancient cultures and history of Peru. A great general introduction.

What if I need a special diet?

We are accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in our pre-trip questionnaire. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online questionnaire.

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get local currencies?

Your trip fare includes all transportation, guiding, meals and activities (except any optional activities). Most people like to bring a little extra to cover a round of drinks at the pub, take home some souvenirs, book a tour and eat out on their free day, and tip our guides if they've had a great time.

Usually the easiest thing to do is use your credit or debit card to withdraw money directly from your home account, in local currency. There are plenty of ATM's and banks in larger towns in Peru (Cusco and Lima), and ATM's will accept all major credit cards and many debit cards. Cash advances are the most convenient way to get cash.

Where do you fly into Peru?

Many international flights arrive in Lima early in the morning or in the late afternoon/evening, and depart in the late afternoon/evening. We recommend booking your domestic connections within Peru as part of your international fare. It’s more economical that way, and can make life a bit easier if your international flight is delayed. The major domestic carriers in Peru are Latam Peru (www.latam.com or Avianca (www. avianca.com).

What time zone is Peru in?

Peru is in the Peru Standard Time. It is -5 hours behind of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Spanish is the main language of Peru, with Quechua being the main indigenous language. English is spoken in some hotels, airports and tourist areas but not everywhere, particularly not on Amantani Island where they speak largely Quechua. A little would be helpful, especially on arrival and for ordering food in restaurants, but it's certainly not required. Our trip leaders are all fluent Spanish speakers so if you don't have time to learn a little Spanish before arrival you don't have to worry... they will take care of everything.

Will the altitude affect me in Peru?

On some of our Peru trips we get to some higher altitudes (for instance, 15,420ft on the Lares Trail). Over the years we've found that if you take it easy on arrival in higher locations, you'll be just fine. Sure, we get straight into our activities at the start of our trips, so our itinerary takes altitude into account and there is plenty of leeway to relax during the first couple of days. When you're hiking in remote areas, oxygen is carried by your porters as a precaution. If you’re concerned, chat to your doctor about a prescription for Diamox (which can be taken as a preventative measure in the days before arrival) or consider alternative treatments like ginkgo or Oxishot.
If altitude is affecting you, be sure to let your trip leader and team of local guides know so that they can help take care of you.

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get local currencies?

Your trip fare includes all transportation, guiding, meals and activities (except any optional activities). Most people like to bring a little extra to cover a round of drinks at the pub, take home some souvenirs, book a tour and eat out on their free day, and tip our guides if they've had a great time.

Usually the easiest thing to do is use your credit or debit card to withdraw money directly from your home account, in local currency. There are plenty of ATM's and banks in larger towns in Peru (Cusco and Lima), and ATM's will accept all major credit cards and many debit cards. Cash advances are the most convenient way to get cash.

What is the currency in Peru?

The currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).

What is the food like in Peru?

Peruvian cuisine is delicious but quite humble. Its base ingredients are usually potato, quinoa, chicken and seafood, or some kind of combination. If you’re vegetarian or vegan your options may be more limited. Vegetarians should ask for un plato vegetarian (a vegetarian dish). Vegan choices may be limited though we’ll do our best to help find things you may like.

Can I drink the water in Peru?

Peruvian tap water is not safe to drink, or brush your teeth in, so you’ll need to use filtered water instead, which we’ll provide, and treat ice and salads with caution. You can also use hand sanitiser, iodine or water purification tablets if you prefer.
Active Adventures is promoting ‘Travellers Against Plastic’ pledge, so to reduce single use plastic we encourage you to bring a durable water bottle to refill instead of purchasing bottled water.

Will I need a porter on the Inca trail?

Our porters will carry up to 8kg (17 pounds) of your gear included in your trip fare. They will also carry your group gear, like your tents and food, and this is included in your total amount of your trip.

At the beginning of the Inca trail you'll pass through the official start gate where your tickets will be checked against your passports (your guide will take care of this for you) to allow you to access the trail. Going through a different gate, all the porters will weigh in with their luggage, which ensures that the agreed weights are adhered to.

What's included on your Peru trips?

Accommodation
You'll stay in a variety of places depending on the destination and activities. In Peru you'll stay in nice hotels, tents while you're hiking (complete with porters to put them up for you, cook your meals and generally make sure it's the best camping experience ever!), jungle lodges and local homes on Amantani Island (a truly once in a lifetime experience).

Transport
Your transport will be a mixture of bus, plane, boat, bike and your very own two feet on our trips in Peru. All your transport is included from the start of your trip and we'll drop you at the airport at the end. The details are all listed in the trip specific itineraries.

Meals
All your meals are included as described in the itinerary except on your free days. We have found that people enjoy checking out what is on offer by themselves sometimes, so you can go and see what's out there! On every other day and especially after any long hikes, we've chosen places to eat that can cater for our hearty appetites, work well with our small groups (they know we are coming) and provide us with an authentic destination specific culinary experience. There are always options for you, so you can either be brave or choose something more familiar. On the hiking portion of our trips (such as on the Inca Trail) we work with an outstanding team of cooks who will amaze you with what they can produce on a campsite miles from the nearest town. You can be assured that on all our trips we will make sure you are very well fed.

Trip leaders
Our trips are all led by an experienced Trip Leader. Our Trip Leaders are very proud to work with Active Adventures and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. They work closely with our local specialist guides to provide you with a seamless, fun, exciting and memorable trip. They will happily share with you as much or as little as you want to know about the history, culture, social aspects and lifestyle of the country you are visiting. In the Galapagos Islands you will be accompanied by a specialist Nature Guide, qualified to provide you with plenty of information about the species that make their home on the islands.

Can you help me find international flights to Peru?

Our preferred Travel Partner Fuzion Travel can assist with you with flights and other travel arrangements. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service that you’ll want to tell your friends about!

Where do you fly into Peru?

Many international flights arrive in Lima early in the morning or in the late afternoon/evening, and depart in the late afternoon/evening. We recommend booking your domestic connections within Peru as part of your international fare. It’s more economical that way, and can make life a bit easier if your international flight is delayed. The major domestic carriers in Peru are Latam Peru (www.latam.com or Avianca (www. avianca.com).

Do I need vaccinations to visit Peru?

For the most up-to-date recommendations please check with your doctor or travel clinic, and always go with their recommendations, as these can often change. We strongly recommend that you see a doctor, preferably one with experience in travel medicine, at least 8 weeks before your trip starts to discuss appropriate vaccinations.

Do I need a visa for Peru?

It is your responsibility to stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Depending on your country of origin and the type of passport you hold, you may require a visa or other endorsement to enter Peru.

You can find essential travel advice, including passport and visa information, security details and local regulations, on the government website of your home country.

Here are some helpful links:

Entry requirements can change at any time, so it’s important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.

Is Peru safe to visit?

While Peru is a pretty safe place, we recommend taking the same precautions you would anywhere else - just to be on the safe side! Pickpockets occasionally operate in areas where visitors are found so we suggest you leave any valuables you don’t need with you in the hotel safe (e.g. passports and credit cards). A copy of your passport and any valuables you do need with you should be kept in a passport wallet under your clothes and a small amount of money in your pocket/purse. It’s also a good idea to take a taxi after dark rather than walking.

How fit do I need to be to hike in Peru?

Typically, hikes on this trip range between three and six hours to complete, with longer hikes on the Inca trails. So get out there with a daypack on and train so you’ll be ready to join us! While you don’t have to be extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise, ideally involving some up hills and down hills and carrying a pack! With a little preparation before your trip begins, you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip all the more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is the months of May and October. On either side of the main tourist season of June through August, you'll have quieter trails, yet the weather is ideal for trekking the Inca Trail with plenty of clear, beautiful days.

Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?

You will need proper hiking boots - trail shoes are not good enough. We'll be taking you to some awesome places where you'll be hiking over a variety of terrain, therefore your boots should have full ankle support and a stiff sole with a high profile tread. It's also important that whichever footwear you decide to bring that it's well broken-in and waterproofed before you come down. If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

What is the difference between the Inca and Lares Trail?

There are two hikes to choose from on our trip in Peru. There’s the Classic Inca Trail or the Lares Inca Trail, each with unique features and both absolutely incredible! The Classic Inca Trail is a four day hike, which finishes at Machu Picchu on the fourth morning. The last morning is a real highlight - you'll leave your camp at first light and hike for about an hour to the 'sun gate' (or 'inti punku' as it was called by the Incas) to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. It's absolutely spectacular and a fantastic way to wrap up the hike - the moment when you first get to see it can be quite overwhelming!

The other option is the Lares Inca Trail, an amazing Inca track which will provide you with an incredible cultural experience as you make your way to Machu Picchu - you'll pass through a number of native highland villages that have very little contact with the outside world, so it’s always a fantastic experience for everyone involved. You'll find far fewer people on this track than on the Classic Route and we quite often have it virtually to ourselves. There are no crowded campsites or queues of people heading up the path, and you can almost feel the presence of the Incas as you make your way along their mountain trails. If you’d like to discuss the options please get in touch.

"We had no idea that the Lares Trail wouldn't have many more people on it... We were completely thrilled that we had chosen this trail based on the information that we'd see more of the local way of life, etc. The amazing icing on the cake was that we were all by ourselves on that trail. That made our trip very, very special. The solitude might be worth mentioning in the literature. It would have helped me know for sure that this was the trail I wanted to take." Sandra Fields (Portales, New Mexico, United States)

What books could I read to learn more about Peru, the Incas and archaeology?

We recommend researching as much as possible before you go so that you can have the best possible experience. Reading any Peruvian travel guide will give you a good insight into the history, culture and people of the place you are about to visit. There is plenty to read online too. If you would like to study more in depth then we recommend the following:

  • Lost City of the Incas, Hiram Bingham - A first-rate tale of adventure by the man who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. This classic account is a gripping story of exploration, archaeology and natural history -- and still an outstanding overview of the site itself. With original expedition photographs. Originally published in 1952, the book is still an excellent account, not only of the expedition but also of the site itself.
  • Conquest of the Incas, John Hemming - This classic masterful prize-winning history of the Inca struggle against the Spanish invasion brings together wide-ranging scholarly material in the interests of telling a good story.
  • History of the Inca Realm, Maria Rostworowski De Diez Canseco - This scholarly history boasts the most thorough treatment of the pre-Hispanic Incas available in English.
  • The Last Days of the Incas, Kim MacQuarrie - MacQuarrie tackles the personality, aspirations and greed of Francisco Pizarro in this vivid account of the conquest of a continent.
  • Art of the Andes, from Chavin to Inca, Rebecca Stone-Miller - This authoritative and concise illustrated survey of Andean art and architecture covers not only Machu Picchu and additional Inca monuments, but also Chan Chan, Nasca and other archaeological sites and cultures.
  • Fortifications of the Incas, H. W. Kaufmann, J.E. Kaufmann, Adam Hook - With color photographs and reconstructions, site diagrams and 17th-century engravings, this slim guide introduces building techniques and major Inca sites from Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and Vilcabamba.
  • Machu Picchu, Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas, Richard L. Burger, Lucy C. Salazar - Burger and Salazar, both archaeologists at Yale, vividly evoke the art, architecture, culture and society of Machu Picchu in this illustrated, up-to-date survey. With illustrations of 120 gold, silver, ceramic, bone and textile artifacts, Hiram Bingham's original report of the "Discovery of Machu Picchu," published in Harper's Monthly, dozens of archival photographs, and excellent chapters on recent archaeological investigations and insights into life at Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui's royal estate.
  • The Incas and their Ancestors: The Archaeology of Peru, Michael Moseley - An outstanding illustrated survey of the archaeology of the Inca, Moche and Nasca civilizations. With hundreds of color illustrations and line drawings, it's an in-depth look at the ancient cultures and history of Peru. A great general introduction.

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