FAQ

What is unique about Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
Peru is a mega diverse country, with the coastline being located in the desert, the Andes Mountain range with its snow-capped peaks and the rest of the country being Amazon Rainforest. Due to the various ecological levels (about 80% of all climates existing on the planet can be found in Peru), Peru is the perfect place for nature lovers, wildlife observation and birding. Peru has also plenty of history to offer. Ancient civilizations going back to 3,000 – 5,000 years, culminating in the Inca culture left many archeological sites to explore, with the most famous one being Machu Picchu. With its diverse cuisine, Peru is a unique destination for foodies, diving into local culture on a culinary note during a food tour or a cooking class. For the active traveler, Peru offers great hiking and unique trekking experiences through fantastic nature. In addition, Cusco is the Mountain Bike Capital of South America, making it a paradise for mountain bikers of every level.
When is the best time to visit Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
Dry season in the mountain area (Cusco / Machu Picchu) and the Rainforest is from April till November, with rainy season slowly starting in December. The rainiest time is end of January till mid-March and should be ideally avoided. In April till early May as well as towards the end of dry season, the sky can be cloudy on some days with occasional showers, however not an issue for the smooth course of the trip. Although seasons are not built in stone of course, greatest changes for clear blue sky and sunny days are from end of May till July, which is the best time to visit but also peak season and very crowded. On the coastal area, there are four seasons, summer being from December till March, which is at the same time rainy season in the mountains and the Rainforest. The sky in Lima is generally clouded all year round except during the summer months (January till March), when it clears up.
What temperatures can I expect in Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
Temperatures in the mountains (Andes) vary widely. During the day, you can expect temperatures around 20 - 25 C° (70 - 77 F°) but it feels much hotter since the sun in the mountains is very strong. However, as soon as in the shade, it gets cool. At night, it gets very cold (sometimes below 0 C° / 32 F°). However, climate is very dry, so just dress properly and you'll be fine. The coast has a mild climate with pleasant temperatures all year round. In the Rainforest, it's hot and humid.
What does a luxury Peru trip look like?keyboard_arrow_down
Peru is very well set up and has all the luxury to offer to allow for a memorable high-end trip. At any destination, beautiful and unique luxury accommodation is available – amazing 5 Star hotels to Relais & Châteaux Boutique Hotels and lodges. You could also consider adding the luxury Hiram Bingham Train to reach Machu Picchu, a 5 Star Amazon Cruise – cruising the affluent to the Amazon River in Northern Peru on a 5 Star cruise ship – or even adding the Andean Explorer Train experience, traveling through the Andean Highlands on your luxury Suite train cabin.
Is my Peru trip private?keyboard_arrow_down
All trips are completely private, with your private van, driver and guide only for your travel party. Hence there is much flexibility once on the ground, with your private specialized local guide adapting to your interests and preferences to allow for your perfect experience.
What do I need to know about Machu Picchu?keyboard_arrow_down
Machu Picchu is open all year round. The site is divided into different circuits, corresponding to different tickets issued per entry hour. The best ticket is the Circuit 2 Ticket – Classic Route, which gives access to the upper and lower part of the site and entry to the main citadel. This one sell out first (typically about 3 - 4 months prior to de desired date of visit in high season) and should therefore be secured well in advance. There is also the option to include climbing Huayna Picchu – the mountain located on top of Machu Picchu – or add a visit on the panoramic circuit, allowing for a breathtaking view over the whole site from above. Machu Picchu is reached by train, getting you to Aguas Calientes, which is the village at its foothills and gateway to the site. Shuttle buses take visitors up and down to the site, departing every 10 minutes. Alternatively, Machu Picchu is reached on foot hiking the Inca Trail.
What is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?keyboard_arrow_down
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is part of the trail system build by the Incas, an ancient paved road entering the Sanctuary on foot through the Sun Gate with all the amazing panoramic views from the top as you access the site. The Classic Inca Trail is a multiple day trek (4 days) during which 3 nights are spent at the campsite in the mountains, reaching Machu Picchu in the morning of Day 4. The short Inca Trail (2 days) is a full day hike (5-6 hours), reaching Machu Picchu on foot in the afternoon for a first impression with overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. The next day, you drive back up to the site for your guided visit of the main citadel.
How far in advance should I book a trip to Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
Ideally, a trip should be arranged for 4 – 6 months in advance or even earlier to secure Machu Picchu tickets (tickets are limited per day and hour and sell out fast). Short term bookings can work in low season (rainy season), however quite complicated in high season (depend on luck and what’s available on the given travel dates, but you can always give it a try). Since Machu Picchu ticket sale for the next season starts by the end of each year, to be on the total safe side, ideally, you’d book the prior year to have all the options available (about 6 months in advance).
Is a good physical condition required to visit Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
You should be regularly fit to visit Peru, i.e. being able to comfortably walk for some time since ruins are always visited on foot. If you can comfortably walk for about 20 – 30 minutes up to an hour, there won’t be a problem. Hiking and adventure activities are optional (add-ons) and not mandatory to visit. At Machu Picchu, there are some steps to climb but since visits are always private, the guide adapts to your pace and there is time to rest while admiring the site, learning about its history and taking pictures.
Is Peru a good destination for seniors?keyboard_arrow_down
Yes. As long as you’re in good health and can comfortably walk for moderate periods of time, Peru is totally fine to visit for seniors. Your private guide is there to assist in case you’d experience difficulties walking or require time to rest.
Is Peru a good destination for families?keyboard_arrow_down
There are plenty of family friendly activities which can be incorporated to the trip to make it fun for your children (depending on their age, feeding llamas, horseback riding, ATV riding, chocolate workshop, rafting and much more). The Rainforest is also fun for the kids and very special, since children usually love animals. Children also adapt easily to the altitude for being small, but ideally (for the parent’s comfort), they would be old enough to walk by themselves. This being said, families with toddlers are also welcome, just that you’ll need to carry them for most of the time (more strenuous in the mountains) since sites do have steps and are not accessible with strollers.
What is the food like in Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
Peru is said the best place in the world to eat. Besides the typical local products (excellent seafood on the coast and all the native vegetables and power foods from the mountain area and close to 4,000 different types of potatoes), Peru has received many influences from different immigration waves. You’ll find Japanese fusion, Chinese fusion and even French and Italian fusion restaurants. In addition, Lima hosts several of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for those looking for a high-end dining experience. Vegetarians and also vegans can be easily accommodated as well.
Should I worry about the altitude issues?keyboard_arrow_down
Cusco being located at 10,826 ft. altitude (3,300 m.a.s.l.), some people might experience at their arrival breathlessness, dizziness and light headaches. This is due to the fact that your lungs need to get used to breathing in higher altitudes with lower oxygen levels. That’s why you’ll start your stay in Cusco with some short walks to get softly acclimatized. You might want to take your usual headache pills (also available in Peruvian pharmacies), take in lots of fluids and simply take it easy on your first day. There are also local remedies like coca tea. If needed, hotels, drivers and guides also dispose of oxygen tanks (rarely needed though, but in case of a headache, it helps immediately). All itineraries build up gradually to allow for soft acclimatization and issues are very rare when instructions are followed. On your first day, you should drink lots of water and move around to some extend to widen the lungs but don't overdo it – your experienced guide is there to assist. Then
Is it safe to travel to Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
All areas of interests to visitors are very safe to visit. In Lima (over 11 million habitants), you should apply normal care like in any big city in the world. Cusco is a smaller town (less than half a million citizens) and very safe just like the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu being located in a rural area – small villages. Dangerous areas prone to crime are located at very remote areas (Peru is a huge country), where no visitor will even get close for being of no interest.
What are the highlights of Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
Cusco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire and gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Lima, famous for hosting several of the “50 World Best restaurants” and best place to indulge in a gourmet food tour and leaning more about Peru’s rich culinary history. Arequipa, the “White City” located at the foothills of the volcanoes “Misti” and “Chachani” and gateway to amazing Colca Canyon with breathtaking landscapes. Lake Titicaca, best reached by luxury Titicaca Train and the highest navigable lake of the world, where the famous floating islands of Uros can be visited. The Southern Coast - Paracas with its Natural Reserve and Ballestas Islands. Ica with its wineries and a Dune Buggy Ride through the huge dunes of the desert at Huacachina Oasis. As of this area, you can also fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. The Amazon Rainforest for great opportunities for wildlife spotting.
What is the currency in Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). Credit cards are widely accepted and hotels do accept US Dollars as well for extra services (Spa, restaurant and drinks). You won’t need much cash in Peruvian Soles on the ground, only for small purchases at local shops or in the street (souvenirs) as the case may be.
How do I get cash in Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
Cash machines give you the option to take out US Dollars or directly Peruvian Soles (PEN). However, since the exchange rate Banks offer is very low, best is to take out US Dollars and exchange them afterwards in an Exchange House ("Casa de cambio") - cash machines as well as exchange houses are widely available. Therefore, it's fairly easy to get cash and exchange money in Peru, so you don't need to carry a lot of money around but can take out and exchange money during your trip as you need it. Your local guide will gladly assist you with this. Credit cards are also widely accepted.
What is the tipping policy in Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
Tipping private guides and drivers is customary but also voluntary, so basically you can tip as much as you want depending on how happy you were. You'll tip at the end of your stay when saying bye to the guide, no need to tip everyday if you see the guide and driver again. But all in all, it's supposed to be a gift rewarding special service and attention. They'll be grateful either way, whatever your heart tells you will be fine. And since tips vary widely (it's really a personal matter), therefore no amount is set generally since we don't want you to feel obliged since it's a gratitude. Please don't worry about it, your kindness will be greatly appreciated. In restaurants, it's a nice gesture to leave about 10-15% (which usually corresponds to a few dollars), but no need to calculate an exact amount. Service is included in the price and tipping is an extra.
Do I need any vaccines to travel to Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
There is no mandatory vaccination requirement for the entry to Peru. In Lima and Cusco, private health facilities of good standards are available, which is however not always the case for public health facilities. Therefore, it is essential to take a full comprehensive health insurance. Peruvian pharmacies are well equipped and provide most drugs over the counter. In case you will be visiting the Rainforest, yellow fever vaccination is recommended (but not mandatory for the entry to Peru, so it’s a personal choice of each traveler). The region you will be visiting in the Peruvian Amazon is not a Malaria area.
What is the official language in Peru?keyboard_arrow_down
The official language in Peru is Spanish with the original local languages of Quechua (native communities) and Aymara (Lake Titicaca) still spoken in rural areas. Guides are bilingual (Spanish and English speaking) and English is of course spoken as well at hotels and restaurants.