Amazon & Inca Trail
Most Popular Inca Trail Camps Trips & Tours
| Trip | Price | Days | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative Inca Trail | $3,995 | 10 Days | Cusco, Ancient Inca Trail , Machu Picchu, Local Perspective , Off the beaten Trek |
| Classic Inca Trail | $3,995 | 10 Days | Lima, Cusco , Inca Trail Trek, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley |
- Day 1 LIMA
Arrive in Lima where you will be transferred to your hotel. If you arrive early, we'd be happy to arrange optional museum visits or tours of the city and surrounding area.
- Day 2 LIMA - PTO MALDONADO - AMAZON JUNGLE LODGE
Accommodations at Posada Amazonas OR Hacienda Concepcion depending on availability. Today your exotic Peru ecotour begins with a flight to the Amazon city of Puerto Maldonado. A one-hour motorized-canoe ride up the Tambopata River brings you to the lodge, where you unpack and unwind. Receive a short welcome orientation and a complete briefing on the lodge and Ecotourism Project before the afternoon activity, climbing the Canopy Tower. The Canopy Tower's 115-ft. scaffolding offers panoramic views of the river and the surrounding forest. (B, L, D)
- Day 3 AMAZON JUNGLE LODGE
Accommodations at Posada Amazonas OR Hacienda Concepcion depending on availability. Amazon & Inca Trail Rise at dawn for a visit to the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake. After an early breakfast, you'll leave from Posada Amazonas by boat followed by a short walk to get to the lake shore. From here you'll take a long, easy canoe ride around the lake, scouting for giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin and wading birds. Return to the lodge trails in time to visit a small parakeet clay lick, a must-see sight on any Peru tour. Dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of parakeets congregate here on clear days to ingest clay, creating an incredible photo opportunity. In the afternoon, visit the ethno-botanical center and hike the trails around the center accompanied by a resident who will explain the everyday uses of forest resources in medicine, construction, food and textiles. Return to the lodge for the evening. (B, L, D)
- Day 4 AMAZON JUNGLE LODGE - PTO MALDONADO - CUSCO
Make an early departure on the river to Pto. Maldonado and then transfer to the airport for the short flight to colonial Cusco, in the heart of the Inca Empire. On the way to your hotel, Southern Explorations guides will take you on a quick tour of picturesque Plaza de Armas. After check-in, you will have the rest of the day free to relax and adjust to the altitude (10,856 ft). (B)
- Day 5 CUSCO
The morning begins with a guided walking tour of the local markets of Cusco and the city's other major sights, the colonial cathedral, and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a break for lunch, your Peru travel continues as you depart for an afternoon tour of nearby temples and visit some distinctive Inca sights, including the fortress of Sacsayhuamán with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small fortress of Puka Pukara that protected the Inca capital from attacks, and the Tambo Machay water temple. An evening briefing session orients you to the upcoming trek. (B)
- Day 6 CUSCO- SACRED VALLEY
Embark upon a day-long guided excursion through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley, as majestic today as it was during the reign of the Incas. Along the way, your Peru ecotour takes you through Inca terracing climbing steep valley walls, coming to jagged granite peaks with the ruined temples of Pisac in the foreground that make dramatic photos. Then explore the tiny village of Pisac, home to one of the best textile markets in the Andes. After lunch, reach Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft), a small town with a commanding Inca fortress where you'll spend the night at a hotel. (B)
- Day 7 SACRED VALLEY – HUAYLLABAMBA Camp
You wake up early this morning for the bus ride to (Km 82), where your Inca Trail trek begins. After meeting our porters you cross the Urubamba River by bridge. Continuing along the winding path between the sloping banks of the river, you have a stunning view of the Vilcanota mountain range and Mt. Veronica (18,745 feet). The route travels through the narrow Cusichaca valley, with slopes that show the clear imprint of an ancient culture and its agriculture practices. Later, you’ll arrive at the small indigenous community of Huayllabamba (9,843 ft.), to camp for the night. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details: 7.46 miles; approximately 5-6 hours hiking
Altitude min/max: from 8,438 ft. to 9,843 ft. (camping at 9,843 ft.)
- Day 8 HUAYLLABAMBA – PACAYMAYO Camp
Along the trail, through the narrow hanging valley, you begin to see a cloud forest where the Quenua tree grows, a rarity of the Andes. From here, your Inca Trail trek ascends steeply to large pampas and continues to Dead Woman’s Pass, the highest pass on the Inca Trail at 13,796 ft. After a short break, you’ll begin the descent to where you will camp overnight at Pacaymayo (11,788 ft.). (B,L,D)
Hiking Details: 6.84 miles; approximately 6-7 hours hiking
Altitude min/max: from 9,843 ft. to 13,796 ft. (camping at 11,788 ft.)
- Day 9 PACAYMAYO – PHUYUPATAMARCA Camp
Today’s Peru tours take you through most of the archaeological ruins seen along the Inca Trail. The first is Runkuracay. At this small resting place, you’ll visit the ruins before reaching a second pass and then gradually climbing towards the second highest pass on the trek (12,960 ft.). Here you’ll have a spectacular view of the Cordillera of Vilcanota. After a break, you’ll descend towards the Inca village of Sayacmarca (11,850 ft.). Along the way, you observe a marvel of Inca engineering, and then come upon the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca (11,975 ft.) where you’ll camp for the night. (B,L,D)
Hiking Details: 6.21 miles; approximately 6 hours hiking
Altitude min/max: from 11,788 ft. to 12,960 ft. (camping at 11,975 ft.)
- Day 10 PHUYUPATAMARCA - MACHU PICCHU
Today’s Peru trekking begins by passing the Phuyupatamarca ruins and then follows the flagstone trail that winds sharply down into the cloud forest leading to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (8,855 feet). Wiñay Wayna is located along the same watercourse as Phuyupatamarca and contains well-restored Inca ruins. After two more hours of trekking the Inca Trail, you pass through a cloud forest and then arrive at your long-awaited destination, Machu Picchu (7,970 feet), entering through Intipunku, the Sun Gate. After a brief tour, you travel to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes (6,690 ft.) to spend the night at a relaxing hotel. (B,L)
Hiking Details: 6.20 miles; approximately 6 hours hiking
Altitude max/min: from 11,975 ft. to 7,970 ft. Machu Picchu
- Day 11 MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHERO MARKET - CUSCO
The morning is dedicated to exploring extraordinary Machu Picchu, where you can decide to adventure on your own with a climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu, a trek to the Sun Gate, or a walk through the lush cloud forest to the Temple of the Moon. The afternoon train takes you back to Ollantaytambo, where you will travel to the Chinchero Artisan Market, home to some of the best textiles in the country. Here the local weavers will provide a brief introduction to their craft and its historic roots before you can stroll the market in search of the perfect last-minute gifts. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon for your last night in the heart of the Inca Empire. (B)
Huayna Picchu
Hiking Details: 1.25 miles; approximately 2-3 hours hiking, the trail is narrow and very steep
Altitude min/max: from 7,970 ft to 8,835 ft.
- Day 12 CUSCO - LIMA - RETURN HOME
Morning transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima and the connecting international flight where your Southern Exploration services end. We offer a variety of trip extensions in Lima and Cusco as well as to other regions. (B)
Weather (Peru)
When to Visit- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Peru is a diverse country. With beaches, mountains, rainforest and desert, there is no off-season. But it does pay to know a bit about where you're going, and what you'll need on your Peru tour:
The Andes - Though officially part of the dry season, April and May are considered the Andean spring, while June through October marks the Andean summer. Mid-day temperatures range from 70 to 80 F in the sun. Nighttime temperatures in Cusco range in the 40s F and can dip into the 30s F. Weather is usually clear in the morning with clouds accumulating in the afternoon. Rain can happen in any season, so quality rain gear is essential.
The Amazon - A rainforest environment, the Peruvian Amazon has varied weather conditions and frequent unpredictable rain showers. It is generally hot and humid during the day with more comfortable temperatures through the night. Daytime high temperatures average between 82° and 93° F, and the average nighttime low is between 62° and 73°. Nevertheless, in some areas cold fronts can sweep into the Amazon and push daytime high temperatures down to 50° F and nighttime lows to 43° F. Any time of year, one should always be prepared for cooler temperatures and rain showers. Around 80% of the annual average 79 inches of rainfall occurs during the rainy season (December through March) when heavy rain may continue for hours or days.
Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
LIMA | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 68-79 | 0.0 |
| FEB | 69-80 | 0.0 |
| MAR | 69-80 | 0.0 |
| APR | 67-76 | 0.0 |
| MAY | 63-72 | 0.0 |
| JUN | 61-69 | 0.1 |
| JUL | 60-67 | 0.2 |
| AUG | 60-66 | 0.1 |
| SEP | 60-67 | 0.1 |
| OCT | 60-69 | 0.1 |
| NOV | 62-72 | 0.0 |
| DEC | 64-76 | 0.0 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
CUSCO | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 44-65 | 6.3 |
| FEB | 44-65 | 5.2 |
| MAR | 43-66 | 4.3 |
| APR | 41-67 | 1.8 |
| MAY | 39-67 | 0.3 |
| JUN | 33-66 | 0.1 |
| JUL | 32-66 | 0.2 |
| AUG | 35-67 | 0.3 |
| SEP | 39-68 | 0.9 |
| OCT | 42-69 | 1.9 |
| NOV | 43-69 | 3.1 |
| DEC | 44-69 | 4.7 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
PUNO | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 38-62 | 5.2 |
| FEB | 38-62 | 4.3 |
| MAR | 38-62 | 3.8 |
| APR | 33-62 | 1.5 |
| MAY | 25-62 | 0.4 |
| JUN | 19-61 | 0.1 |
| JUL | 18-61 | 0.1 |
| AUG | 22-63 | 0.2 |
| SEP | 29-64 | 0.8 |
| OCT | 33-65 | 1.5 |
| NOV | 35-66 | 2.0 |
| DEC | 37-64 | 3.6 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
PUERTO MALDONADO | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 71-88 | 13.6 |
| FEB | 70-87 | 12.8 |
| MAR | 70-88 | 11.9 |
| APR | 69-87 | 6.1 |
| MAY | 66-86 | 4.2 |
| JUN | 63-84 | 2.3 |
| JUL | 62-85 | 2.2 |
| AUG | 64-88 | 2.5 |
| SEP | 66-90 | 3.9 |
| OCT | 69-90 | 6.5 |
| NOV | 70-89 | 9.3 |
| DEC | 70-88 | 12.1 |
*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
Maps
Amazon & Inca Trail
- Pricing
- Per Person$4,295
Domestic Airfare:
$550 (Lima/Puerto Maldonado/Cusco/Lima) – Subject to change
Single Supplement: $750
A single supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy.
- Included in tour cost
- Air mattresses
- Camping accommodations
- First aid and oxygen bottle
- Kitchen and dining tent
- Porters
- Private transportation
- Satellite phone communication
- Three-man tents
- All airport/hotel transfers
- All hotel accommodations
- All listed activities
- English-speaking certified guides
- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
- Meals as indicated
- Southern Explorations pre-departure services
- Excluded from tour cost
- Domestic airfare within South America
- International airfare to and from Central & South America
- Tips and gratuities
- Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Hiking boots and other necessary sports gear
- Sleeping bags
Amazon & Inca Trail
- Trip Dates
- Southern Explorations can arrange a private departure on any date that works with your schedule. Custom tours are also available. Contact us for details.Available
- Aguas Calientes
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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3 Star
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3 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
4 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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- Amazon
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
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- Cusco
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
4 Star
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4 Star
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4 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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- Lima
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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4 Star
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4 Star
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4 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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- Sacred Valley
- Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
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3 Star
Included Hotel (subject to availability) -
4 Star
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4 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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5 Star
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One Day
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1 Day $170Off the beaten track hiking
Ancient Cachicata Quarry
One Day -
1 Day $100Off The Beaten Path Locations
One Day -
1 Day $160Visit local expert weavers
Locals guides
Private transportation
One Day -
4 hours $90Lima City Highlights
One Day -
6-8 Hours $235Culinary Delights of Lima
One Day -
5-6 Hours $90Lima Highlights
Tour Before Your Return Flight Home
One Day -
1 Day $160Sacred Valley
Moray
Maras
One Day -
1 Day $175Top of the line equipment
Trails for any skill level
Friendly expert guides
One Day -
1 Day $165Best Rafting Outside of Cusco
One Day -
One Day $195Off the beaten path hiking
Colorful Mountains
One Day
Multi-Day
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Multi-Day
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4 Days $1395Highlights of Arequipa City
Colca Canyon
Condors
Multi-Day -
4, 5 & 8 Days $3,615Amazon River and Rainforest
Pacaya Samiria Reserve
Exotic Amazon Jungle Wildlife and Fauna
Multi-Day -
Multi-Day
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Multi-Day
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4 & 5 Days $3,000Amazon River Headwaters
Wildlife Spotting
Local Communities
Jungle Hiking and Canoeing
Fishing for Piranha
Multi-Day -
3 Days $420Hike through Tambopata National Reserve
Inkaterra Canopy Walkway Interpretation Center
Multi-Day -
2 Days $795Ica
Flight over Nazca Lines
Multi-Day -
3 Days $1,245Flight over Nazca Lines
Marine wildlife
Ica
Multi-Day -
3 Days $655Lake Titicaca
Urus Islands
Visit with locals
Multi-Day -
4 Days $1,250Highlights of the North
Multi-Day -
3 Days $1110Apurimac River
Top of the line equipment
Experienced guides
Safety kayaker & raft
Pristine beaches for camping
Multi-Day -
3 Days $540Tambopata National Reserve
Select from a wide array of activities
Multi-Day
I can't recommend Southern Explorations highly enough, from the great hotels to a totally awesome guide, Jose, who took care of us from the minute we stepped off the plane in Cusco to the time we flew back to Lima. Jose's knowledge of Cusco, the Incas, the sites we visited, history, plants and wildlife was boundless. Also, if you prefer to get off the beaten path and don't like big groups, Southern Explorations is without any shadow of a doubt the way to go ... we were easily the smallest group on the Inca Trail and thankful for it! The timing on the trail was also excellent, we avoided other groups to such an extent that we felt like we had the trail to ourselves 90% of the time. We were taken care of from start to finish and I'd certainly recommend and use Southern Explorations again for future adventures of this kind. -Julia Relf, California (Inca Trail)
THANK YOU for a phenomenal trip! Krissy and I had an amazing time, both in the Amazon, as well as Cusco, Inca Trail. We could not have asked for a better experience. Everything went smoothly, and was extremely organized. We had a fantastic guide for Cusco and Inca Trail - Fernando Silva. THE BEST. We'd recommend you use him as much as you can! So THANK YOU, THANK YOU for making it all happen for us! We will definitely recommend you guys to our friends/family and anyone who asks. We're now thinking about Ecuador and Galapagos possibly for next year! Cannot wait. Cheers! - Nicole Cassani, California (Inca Trail & Amazon)
This was an amazing experience and our guide, Jose, made a significant impact on the quality of our trip. Jose was an exceptional guide who was attentive to all people in the group. He was extremely detail-oriented, knowledgeable, caring, thoughtful and went out of his way to ensure all needs were met. Jose went beyond what we expected. - Shelly Zavala, California (Inca Trail)
I wanted to let you know how much Joe and I enjoyed our Machu Picchu adventure. From the minute we arrived in Lima to the minute we left, the capable crew at Southern Explorations took great care of us. In particular, our guide, Washington, was truly amazing. He was knowledgeable, helpful, and just plain fun to spend time with. But more than that, Washington seemed to generally care about the porters and people we came across on the trail. He was just wonderful! And another person in need of some kudos was our cook, Walter. Each meal was worthy of a nice restaurant--and this while camping in the middle of the Andes. Every meal was a delight. All in all, the trip was really fantastic. Thank you for providing us with a trip that we will always treasure! - Joe and Katherine Houlehan, Kansas (Inca Trail)
We LOVED this trip. We went to Panama last year and SE exceeded all of our expectations. You did it again this year with our trip to Peru. We loved every minute of it. Every single detail was thought out and executed in a professional manner. We would plan another trip with SE in a second. Thank you for all your hard work. We feel grateful to have found such a wonderful and reliable travel company! - Elissa Bowes, New Jersey (Inca Trail & Amazon)
We can't say enough wonderful things about our guide. He is absolutely amazing and so incredibly knowledgeable. We truly appreciated his ability to explain cultural and historic facts and the pride he has in being Peruvian. I would highly recommend him to my friends. Hacienda Concepcion and Casa Andina (the private collection) far exceeded our expectations. They were lovely! Every meal, whether it be in the jungle or on the trail or in Cusco was OUTSTANDING!!! The jungle excursions were okay, we were hoping to have a bit more exploration activities but the canopy tour was awesome! The trek and the festival were great!!! This was the trip of a lifetime! Both my husband and I were blown away with your organization and quality of everything. Jonathan Borgida put together an outstanding itinerary for us. We are so grateful! - Anne Darga (Inca Trail & Amazon)
I thought this was a great trip! It exceeded my expectations. Machu Picchu was just as amazing in person as I thought it would be. I am so happy we decided to hike the short Inca trail. Although it was a difficult and tiring hike at times it was an amazing experience. The whole trip went very smoothly from the time of booking to the time we got on the plane home. It was nice not having to worry about anything and letting Southern Explorations and their guides handle everything and take care of us. I am definitely planning on looking into taking another trip with Southern Explorations in the future. - Kara Trias, New York (Inca Trail)
Overall this was a great trip, something I have come to expect from Southern Explorations. Everything from the initial planning to the final execution was arranged with care, professionalism, and much sensitivity to our needs. SE is composed by hard-working idealistic people who put much effort in creating itineraries that combine visits to natural wonders, colonial cities, and archaeological sites. I should add something that cannot be expressed by one’s satisfaction with hotels and transportation and that is the possibility of growth young people can gain in such a trip. I saw how much confidence my youngest son, Alexander, had gained through this trip. And Adrian’s charango (along with the coca leaves we purchased on Chema’s advice) provided much opportunity for us to get to know the other workers better and some of the local residents. Thanks for all for their hard work. - Gregory Jusdanis (Inca Trail)
Southern Explorations really knows what they are doing. They provide a top notch guest experience overall and I would highly recommend them and also consider taking another trip with them. -Wanda Vermeer (Inca Trail)
It was a real treat to have a guide and driver devoted solely to us. We went at our pace and were able to have much interaction with the guide. Peru is a terrific destination. - Dave Stevenson (Inca Trail)
I cannot say enough about our guide Washington. He was personable and attentive as well as professional and knowledgeable. As a tour manager and tour guide myself for the past 28 years, I can fully appreciate the outstanding job Washington did in sharing his knowledge and passion for his culture and his country with the group. He truly made the trip. - Niki Sepsas, Alabama (Inca Trail)
- Peru - Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do I choose an itinerary?A: We offer a wide variety of itineraries suitable for all ages, fitness levels and personal interests. Figuring out the total number of days you are available to travel is a good starting point and your Adventure Travel Coordinator can guide you through the options.Q: Can I make changes or additions to these tours?A: Yes! We are happy to modify any tour to meet your needs and also add pre and post-excursion extensions. If you sign up for a group departure we cannot change the group portion, but we can add extensions before and after.Q: When is the best time to go to Peru?A: Many travelers like to visit Peru between the months of April and October, when the chances of rain are much lower. Avoid the height of summer (June through August) and the Christmas holiday season for smaller crowds and the best selection of accommodations.Q: What is the weather like in Peru?A: The most traveled section of Peru, where Cusco and Machu Picchu are located, has a dry season (April – October) and a rainy season (November – March) with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s and lows in the 40s. Rainfall and temperatures vary in other regions depending on season and elevation. Please see the weather tab on your specific trip for more details.Q: What is a typical day like in Peru?A: A typical day in Peru will vary from tour to tour, but generally you can expect to start your excursions right after breakfast with a full day of scheduled activities or sightseeing. Contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the specifics of your tour.Q: How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy a trip to Peru?A: Our trips vary in level of activity, so the requirements differ based on itinerary. It’s important to keep in mind that much of Peru is at or above 8000’ above sea level which can add some difficulty to the activities. Please check our physical ratings for each itinerary to see what may be required of you when assessing your ability to enjoy a trip. If you have any specific questions, please contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator. We have personal experience with these activities and can help you decide whether a trip is right for you.Q: How much time do we need to visit Peru?A: We offer trips as short as 5 days, but recommend 7 days to adequately explore the Andean highlands (Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu). If you wish to visit more than one region, we recommend travelling for at least 12 days.Q: How far in advance should I book?A: Peru is a popular destination and space at the most desirable hotels fills up quickly. As a rule, the further in advance you can plan, the more options you will have. We recommend planning at least six to nine months in advance throughout the year, and a year ahead of time for anything over the Christmas holiday season.Q: What are your booking and cancellation policies?A: Click here to see our booking and cancellation policies.Q: Do you use certified guides?A: Our guides have been carefully selected for their knowledge, professionalism, experience and ability to effectively manage groups with finesse. We hire only guides who are native to the destination and are licensed and/or certified in accordance with the government regulations of their country. All are fluent in Spanish and English, and some also speak indigenous languages. Most have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, native culture or other related field. All guides are experienced in the outdoors and trained in basic first aid.Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?A: We primarily work with 3 and 4-star hotels that meets our standards. We also work with several amazing 5-star properties. All of our hotels are clean, comfortable, well-located, offer en suite bathrooms and have been personally vetted by a Southern Explorations’ staff member.Q: Do tours include airfare?A: We will confirm all airfare within South America and this price will be listed separately from our base tour costs. You are responsible for booking international flights to/from Peru.Q: How many people are on your tours?A: We operate our scheduled group trips with a minimum of two and a maximum of eight guests, except on the Inca Trail trips, which have a maximum of 12 guests. This policy minimizes our environmental impact, allows us to travel to areas less visited, and makes the sightseeing experience more personal. It allows our guides sufficient time to attend to the individual needs of each visitor. Traveling in small groups also increases the likelihood of encountering wildlife in some areas, such as the Amazon. Some all-inclusive lodges and cruises offer excursions with their in-house guides and groups for those days may exceed eight travelers.Q: Will I get more information on packing, vaccines, currency, electricity, etc.?A: After booking you will receive a link to our online trip portal which includes all of the need-to-know information that is specific to your itinerary. This includes packing lists, restaurant recommendations, tipping guides, FAQs, vaccine recommendations and currency information. Your Adventure Travel Coordinator will also be a great resource for any other information you may need.
