Lares Adventure Hike to Machu Picchu

Itinerary
DAY 1 ARRIVE LIMA
DAY 2 LIMA – CUSCO
DAY 3 CUSCO CITY TOUR
DAY 4 CUSCO – CHINCHERO - LAMAY
DAY 5 LAMAY – PISAC - VIACHA - LAMAY
DAY 6 LAMAY – LARES -HUACAHUASI
DAY 7 HUACAHUASI
DAY 8 HUACAHUASI - OLLANTAYTAMBO
DAY 9 OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
DAY 10 AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO
DAY 11 CUSCO - LIMA - HOME
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Itinerary
DAY 1 ARRIVE LIMA
Arrival and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours to explore the city, including museum visits and other sites of interests. Costa Del Sol Wyndham Hotel Upgrade - $55 Per Person. Many travelers’ flights arrive late night at the Lima International Airport.  For your convenience we highly recommend an upgrade to the hotel Costa Del Sol Wyndham, a comfortable four-star hotel located right in the Lima airport.  This upgrade will save you up to two hours of transfer time between the city of Lima and the airport. 
DAY 2 LIMA – CUSCO

Morning departure for your flight to Cusco, center of the Inca Empire. Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the airport and stop for a quick tour of the colonial Plaza de Armas. From there, you are taken to your hotel. The rest of the day you are free to explore the city and acclimatize to the altitude (10,856 feet). (B)

DAY 3 CUSCO CITY TOUR
This morning, take a guided walking tour through the colorful markets of Cusco, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha and the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of regional cuisine, depart for an afternoon tour of prominent Inca sights in and around Cusco. You'll see the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small Puka Pukara fortress that protected the royal capital from attacks; and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel to relax or further explore the fascinating mix of Cusco cultures. (B)
 
*Briefing at El Mercado at 6pm.
DAY 4 CUSCO – CHINCHERO - LAMAY
Today’s adventure begins at around 7AM with a journey from the urban setting of Cusco into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of lush green fields and surrounded by striking mountain peaks. After exploring the archeological site of Chinchero, where colonial buildings rest atop Inca foundations, you choose between two activities: The cultural excursion takes you back in time to view the natural Inca salt mines of Maras and the astonishing circular terraces of Moray, believed to be an Inca laboratory dedicated to the study of plant species for cultivation purposes. If you prefer a more rigorous adventure, today you may take a six-hour challenging, yet memorable, hike to the Inca complex of Huchuyqosqo with impressive views of the Ausangate mountain range. The site is thought to be the Palace of Viracocha (the eighth Inca ruler), where it is said he enjoyed the ‘fireworks of the gods’ during thunderstorms. You spend the night at Lamay Lodge (elevation 9,705 ft) in the Sacred Valley. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 LAMAY – PISAC - VIACHA - LAMAY
After breakfast, you may choose to check out the Pisac market’s unique array of wares, offering a small taste of the rich culture yet to be explored on your travel to Peru. Later, enjoy exclusive access to the isolated community of Viacha, where you will learn about its artisanal potato farming practices and enjoy a traditional “Pachamanca” meal, cooked under hot stones. Travelers seeking inspiration in nature have two options: an invigorating 2.5-3-mile morning hike from the Amaru community to Viacha, surrounded by stellar views of the Andes; or for an additional fee, you may take a bicycle excursion along the Urubamba River from Lamay to Pisac. After lunch you will visit the archaeological complex at Pisac, an afternoon excursion that offers a unique opportunity to explore the site free of crowds, with the sun setting behind the peaks. You return to your accommodations at Lamay Lodge for another night. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 LAMAY – LARES -HUACAHUASI
Now that you have glimpsed the rich Andean tapestry, today you will have the opportunity to explore these cultural roots more deeply in the heart of the Lares Valley. You start with a brief tour through Lamay before taking a scenic drive into the mountains along the celebrated “Inca Weaver’s Trail” to the unique and little-visited archaeological site of Ancasmarca. After lunch, you may choose between visiting the ancient traditional weavers’ village of Choquecancha, or opt for one of two hikes midst turquoise lakes and towering peaks: a 3-4 hour moderate exertion hike from Cuncani or an easy to moderate exertion hike from Quelqena. Both hikes end at the same destination, the remote village of Huacahuasi in the Lares region where you spend the night. A joint venture with the local community, the Huacahuasi Lodge aims to protect the region’s cultural heritage and environment, providing an interesting insight into the evolving indigenous role in both the culture and commerce of modern-day Cusco. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 HUACAHUASI
If you’re in the mood for a cultural experience today, you may walk through Huacahuasi to learn about its heritage and village life, with a possible visit to a farmer’s home. The expert weavers and farmers will share their stories, each depicted in artful textiles, full of traditional Incan symbols and imagery. Then take a Peruvian cooking class and share your new skills with the group at lunch. If you would prefer a hike, you have two options: Take an easy 1-2 hour jaunt through the community of Huacahuasi to a nearby waterfall; or challenge yourself with an all-day hike deeper into these remote mountains from the community of Quiswarani onto the trail of 1,000 lakes to reach Quelquena. Although a strenuous hike, you will be awed by the beauty of this Eden, in the company of alpaca and llama herds grazing on hillsides, as you make your way over a 14,505 ft mountain pass. You spend a second night at the Huacahuasi Lodge. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 HUACAHUASI - OLLANTAYTAMBO
You will have some time this morning to learn more about the Huacahuasi community. Then choose a visit to an ethnographic museum that features the history of Peru’s rich civilizations or if you prefer to see more of the Sacred Valley, for an additional fee, explore the valley by mountain bike. Either option ends with lunch in the Urubamba River countryside on your way to Ollantaytambo. The day’s more rigorous option is a spectacular 5-6 hour hike from Huacahuasi to Patacancha. The route takes you on varied terrain over a high pass to the adjacent valley leading to the ancient town of Ollantaytambo (elevation 9,284 ft), the oldest living city in Latin America. On arrival, you will have time to meander through Ollantaytambo’s charming maze-like streets. You will spend the night here at the Pakaritampu Hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
From its beginnings as the royal estate of Inca-Emperor Pachacutec to its use as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui against the Spanish conquistadors, the temple at Ollantaytambo was regarded by the Incas as one of their most important ceremonial centers. Today you may opt for a 1-1.5 hour early morning hike to Inca storage structures high above Ollantaytambo on Lower Pinkuylluna Mountain, offering magnificent views of both the town and the main archeological site across the valley or to Higher Pinkuylluna Mountain which is more challenging and takes an hour longer. Afterwards, your guide will lead you through a morning tour of the temple and explain its strategic architectural planning, a perfect introduction to the wonders of Machu Picchu. Around noon you will embark on the scenic train ride that takes you along the famed Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu (7,875 ft). Spend the afternoon exploring the famous ruins, returning in the late afternoon to your Aguas Calientes hotel. You may wish to take a soothing soak in the hot springs before enjoying a tasty dinner before turning in early. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO
After an early breakfast, this morning’s travel to Machu Picchu starts with a short, rollicking uphill bus ride at dawn. As you enter the ‘Sanctuary’ (as locals refer to it), the sun rises over the iconic Sun Gate and washes the structures and terraces with resplendent light. Visitors are awed by the imposing and skillful architecture of the Watchtower, the Temple of the Sun, and the royal Inca residences, among many other ruins. For even more dramatic views that stretch from the Urubamba River Valley to the edge of the Amazon, you may take a 2-2.5 hour hike to Huayna Picchu, the towering, oft-photographed iconic mountain above the Machu Picchu complex. Either way, the experience of Machu Picchu is indelible. You arrive back in Cusco around 6 PM for a final overnight at your Cusco hotel. (B,L)
DAY 11 CUSCO - LIMA - HOME

In the morning you are taken to the airport for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight, marking the end of Southern Explorations' services. If your schedule permits, trip extensions to other regions or extra days in Lima or Cusco can also be arranged. (B) 

Weather

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

JAN68-790.0
FEB69-800.0
MAR69-800.0
APR67-760.0
MAY63-720.0
JUN61-690.1
JUL60-670.2
AUG60-660.1
SEP60-670.1
OCT60-690.1
NOV62-720.0
DEC64-760.0

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
 

CUSCO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN44-656.3
FEB44-655.2
MAR43-664.3
APR41-671.8
MAY39-670.3
JUN33-660.1
JUL32-660.2
AUG35-670.3
SEP39-680.9
OCT42-691.9
NOV43-693.1
DEC44-694.7

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches

PUNO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN38-625.2
FEB38-624.3
MAR38-623.8
APR33-621.5
MAY25-620.4
JUN19-610.1
JUL18-610.1
AUG22-630.2
SEP29-640.8
OCT33-651.5
NOV35-662.0
DEC37-643.6

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
 

PUERTO MALDONADO

Min-Max Air Temp

Avg Rainfall

JAN71-8813.6
FEB70-8712.8
MAR70-8811.9
APR69-876.1
MAY66-864.2
JUN63-842.3
JUL62-852.2
AUG64-882.5
SEP66-903.9
OCT69-906.5
NOV70-899.3
DEC70-8812.1

*Year Round Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches


 

Pricing
Per Person
$4,195
Additional Pricing Information:
$1795    Single Supplement 2018 – Travelling independently and meeting Lodge to Lodge group
$1330    Single Supplement 2018 – Travelling with SE group

$375      Airfare (Lima/Cusco/Lima)


Included in tour cost
  • First aid and oxygen bottle
  • Mountain biking gear
  • Porters
  • Private transportation
  • 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)
Trip Dates
Available
Lares Adventure Lodges
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Aguas Calientes
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Cusco
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Lima
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Sacred Valley
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.

One Day

Multi-Day

  • 4, 5, and 8 days $4,230
    Amazon Jungle
    Luxury small-ship cruising
    Wildlife
    Multi-Day
  • Highlights of Arequipa City
    Colca Canyon
    Condors
    Multi-Day
  • 4, 5 & 8 Days $3,615
    Amazon River and Rainforest
    Pacaya Samiria Reserve
    Exotic Amazon Jungle Wildlife and Fauna
    Multi-Day
  • 4 & 5 Days $4,450
    Amazon River and Rainforest
    Luxury Accommodations
    Indigenous Flora, Fauna and Wildlife
    Jungle Canopy Tower & Walkway
    Multi-Day
  • 4 & 5 Days $3,450
    Amazon River Luxury Cruising
    Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
    Jungle Wildlife
    Multi-Day
  • 4 & 5 Days $3,000
    Amazon River Headwaters
    Wildlife Spotting
    Local Communities
    Jungle Hiking and Canoeing
    Fishing for Piranha
    Multi-Day
  • Hike through Tambopata National Reserve
    Inkaterra Canopy Walkway Interpretation Center
    Multi-Day
  • Ica
    Flight over Nazca Lines
    Multi-Day
  • Flight over Nazca Lines
    Marine wildlife
    Ica
    Multi-Day
  • 3 Days $655
    Lake Titicaca
    Urus Islands
    Visit with locals
    Multi-Day
  • Tambopata National Reserve
    Select from a wide array of activities
    Multi-Day

peru biking

Our trip was amazing! All of our guides were friendly and professional. Our guide’s knowledge and communication skills were exceptional! He was a fabulous tour guide and we really enjoyed hiking the Inca Trail with him. We always had the best campsites – other hikers were often jealous of where our camp was set up and would ask which company was handling our trip.   Our guides were excellent on the rafting trip. We had never been through class V rapids before so I was a little hesitant at first; but, our guides were so skilled, we always felt completely safe. Chef’s cooking was fantastic! I’m not sure what I expected but I did not expect three course meals every night while camping. On the rafting trip, they noticed I don’t eat many grains and mostly eat meat and dairy foods so the chef brought more meat along on the Inca Trail than usual to make sure I was ok. I never mention it in the special requests because I don’t expect it to be accommodated, and I always carry lots of protein bars with me so it’s not an issue – I do appreciate the extra effort they made and the food was excellent!   -Jerri Lipple, Texas (Peru & Amazon)


machu picchu tours

Overall a great experience! Have already started to think about Patagonia!!!!   - Barry Tereshkow, California (Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca)


peru tour

We would highly recommend Southern Explorations for their professional and thorough operation. Our trip was "smooth", well-paced and incredible! Our guides spoke outstanding English, and were informative and friendly - we thoroughly enjoyed each of them as individuals. Drivers were prompt and skilled. The itinerary was packed literally with "the best of Peru", providing enough time to see everything with no wasted time. Thanks it was a great experience. - Alan and Lindy Jones, Canada (Peru)


 

machu picchu travelWe had a wonderful trip, such a journey to Machu Picchu and we enjoyed every single minute of it. Our guide from Cusco onward, Juan, was very informative and interesting and really made the entire trip very exciting. We enjoyed our time alone in each city and then also our excursions during the day with Juan. There was so much to see. Thanks so much for arranging our trip and getting us the best possible of everything. I was happy we did a private tour. I will continue recommending your company to people. - Leslie Williams, California (Machu Picchu)


machu picchu toursI thoroughly enjoyed my travel experience with Southern Explorations! I would recommend you and travel with your tour group again. - Nancy Sing-Bock, New York (Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca)


machu picchu tourOur Luxury Peru trip was wonderful. We had a wonderful guide, Juan who relayed the history and culture to us, was energetic and really made the trip go smoothly. Peru is a fabulous country – we loved our lodging, the food, the sights, everything. This was a trip for my mom who is 83 and always wanted to see Machu Picchu. The guides were so attentive to her and assisted her in seeing every sight we visited. She says it was the best trip of her life. I can’t wait to go back to Peru. - Sue Strater, Oregon (Peru)



peru tourThank you for your services in organizing our trip to Peru/Machu Picchu. The trip went smoothly and we are very satisfied with all aspects of the trip. I appreciate the professional staff we worked with in Peru to ensure our good health and safety. In Lima, Giovanna was a wonderful guide and accommodated our special requests without question. We sincerely thank her for giving us a look at local Peruvian life, not just the tourist view. She is a great asset to your organization. In Cusco, Augusto our guide and Claudio our driver were very professional and I am most appreciative of their concern for our good health and safety. Augusto is very knowledgeable, and we gained a great deal of history and information from him. Claudio was kind enough to allow us our special requests. - Nicole Peterson, California (Peru & Machu Picchu)


machu picchu toursThank you, Southern Explorations, for a wonderful trip. We'd been looking forward to seeing Machu Picchu for years, yet despite all of that anticipation what you delivered somehow still exceeded our expectations. Thank you not only to Chenna – the best guide on the planet – but also to all the people who worked quietly in the background to make this such a memorable trip for us.   - Gordon McConnell (Peru)


peru toursWe travel a great deal. We believe that Southern Explorations stands at the top of our experience in its focus on the customer. In addition to a superb job of organizing a trip and attention to details, were most impressed with the way that the US and Peru-based staffs made extraordinary efforts to work with our family. This included making sure our son was safe to eat the foods (due to his food allergies), to adding on specific excursions to a small village of weavers and arranging a bike tour, to the ability of the local guides to get to know us as people, not just to conduct the guided tour. This made for a rich and worthwhile experience. Keep it up! The ultimate compliment in this world is whether we would call again to arrange a trip to another country. The answer is a definite Yes. - The Gilman Family (Peru)



peru travelSouthern Explorations provides perfectly organized excursions featuring a well-balanced mixture of learning and hiking in very small groups. I enjoyed every moment of my Peru trip; I am fascinated by the Inca Empire and the mind-blowing landscape. I highly recommend Southern Explorations. - Sven Zuehlsdorf (Peru)


peruvian local artisanThe whole trip was perfect. After all of the wedding planning and the wedding itself, it was awesome to have this trip where we did so much but never had to really think or stress about planning, travel, communicating with locals, etc. It was exactly the honeymoon we wanted. Thanks so much to everyone at SE who helped to make it happen!   -John Gaetzi, Colorado (Peru)


machu picchu toursThis was our second trip with Southern Explorations. Again, every element was perfect. Our guides were knowledgeable and attentive. The accomadations were superb. The itinerary was varied and fascinating. You think of every detail. We loved learning about the culture and history of different parts of Peru. We also had a chance to challenge ourselves by hiking to the top of Huayna Picchu and slogging through the mud in the Amazon. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to visit the village of Huilloc and see their beautiful textiles. We were thrilled to give them the books that we had collected for their school. Again, thank you for another amazing trip. - Chris Howard (Peru & Amazon)


peru toursOur guides were all organized, professional, extremely informative and passionate. Most highly recommended. Organization was flawless. Guides exceptionally helpful and informative. - Ronald Shapiro (Best of Peru)


We have never traveled using a travel company before but felt it would be a good idea going to Peru. So glad we did! This was the best trip of our lives! Southern Explorations uses very knowledgeable, friendly, and patient guides. We had to change our itinerary while on the trip and the company handled everything perfectly. I highly recommend them to anyone traveling out of the country. - Laurie Key, Utah (Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca)


Even more impressed with our second SE trip than our first. A minor injury (twisted ankle) precluded the planned arduous hike for the day - instead of just telling us to hang out at the hotel (what we expected), the guide on her own called her boss asking for clearance to change the itinerary to a visit to an equally interesting site which consisted of a drive and just minimal walking. This change represented greater cost for SE but saved the day for us. A wonderful, thoughtful way of proving the goal is to create a memorable trip. - Andre Lucio Denis (Peru Day Hiker)

 


We had a wonderful time!  Absolutely a life memory and highlight! Thank you for ALL your help – of course, we gave Southern Explorations five stars in all categories! Your last minute tips on traveling were especially helpful. Thank you again. Meg and Bruce Cummings (Luxury Peru & Amazon)
 

Our guide was absolutely fantastic. She made this a memorable experience. Billy Chiquito, a National Park guide, was more than we could have imagined for a guide. All accommodations were first class. - Howard Flicker (Private Experience Machu Picchu and Legend)
Southern Explorations did a phenomenal job with our vacation in Peru. The travel arrangements were great, the guides very well informed and an extremely well organized trip overall. They even went above and beyond to help us locate and get our lost baggage from Lima to Arequipa. We sure look forward to another trip with them. - Prashant Bhandare, USA (Amazon, Machu Picchu & Arequipa)

Great trip. Extremely well done. Very interesting, good value, very efficient. All guides were great. Hotels were good and the guides worked with us. I didn’t like some of the steep drop offs on the ledges at the sites and Jose stayed between me and the edge so I could get down. Everyone was great. - Donna Lee, USA (Machu Picchu)

Extremely well organized and informative adventure. Guides and local representatives made us feel very comfortable in a strange land. Would highly recommend this trip and Southern Explorations. - Steve Greenwood, USA (Peru)

Just returned from a 12 day trip to Peru and have to say this was the best vacation ever. I have never arranged travel through a company before so I was a little leery about what to expect. Needless to say I was quite impressed by how comprehensive and well planned every detail of the trip was put together. Southern Explorations did an amazing job especially considering I only booked the trip one month in advance. Our guide in Lima, Natalia was excellent and very knowledgeable. Our guide in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Washington Gibaja Tapia was incredible. He shared a part of his culture and community with us on a deep spiritual level so we were able to leave Peru feeling like we understood the significance and true beauty of the place and people we visited. Thank you Southern Explorations for a trip of a lifetime. - Michelle Barker (Inti Raymi Festival & Machu Picchu & Amazon)

The trip was an amazing once in a life time experience. Juan took us through the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. He was an excellent and very knowledgable guide. The trip was well organized and the Hotel accommodations exceeded my expectations.  - Paul Demarco, USA (Inca Trail, Machu Picchu & Wayna Picchu)


This is our second trip arranged by Southern Explorations. Our first was to the Galapagos, which was exceptional as well.  We’ve pretty much run out of superlatives to describe our adventures!   We have found Southern Exploration – your Seattle staff, the guides you use, the drivers, the tours, the arrangements, etc, all to be wonderful!  Thank you! - Joseph Wright, USA (Short Inca Trail)


All the guides were great. Hotels were all very nice. Great experience all round. We will be back for another tour with your company. - Lisa Gumpel (Peru Highlights)

The guides were wonderful. All guides spent a lot of time explaining the culture and history of this fascinating country. This was the trip of a lifetime. We enjoyed every minute. - Leslie Klaff (Best of Peru)

Trip of a life time; good outfitter and good friends. - Carol Croom (Classic Inca Trail)
Our guide was exceptional!!! She was so knowledgeable and accommodating to our needs. I've traveled around the world, and I don't think I've had a better guide. - Christina Trunz (Experience Machu Picchu)
 

 

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.