rainbow mountain, montaña de colores, vinicunca

Peru Southern Packages 14 Days / 13 Nights

Trip Overview

This Peru tour package operates year-round and is guaranteed to depart with a minimum of just two travelers, making it ideal for couples, friends, or small groups who want certainty in their travel plans—without needing to wait for large groups to form.

Once in Peru, you will join well-organized group tours in each destination, allowing you to share experiences with other travelers while enjoying the support of professional local guides and seamless logistics.

In order to book this tour, you must provide your passport and flight information. We recommend booking two to three months in advance for maximum ease and flexibility.

New Regulations for Visiting Machu Picchu

In June 1st 2024, a new regulation has been implemented with the aim of protecting and preserving the Machu Picchu citadel. Access to Machu Picchu has been reorganized into three distinct circuits, which are further divided into ten types of tickets.

To explore the entire citadel of Machu Picchu, visitors must purchase two different tickets, each allowing entry to a separate circuit. Additionally, each circuit has specific schedules and a limited number of available spots, making it essential to plan your visit to Machu Picchu 3 to 4 months in advance. If you wish to combine different tickets for a more comprehensive experience, it is recommended to check the compatibility of the schedules. A minimum interval of two hours between entries is suggested, and at least four hours if choosing the Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu routes.

With this new entry system, visitors must board the bus to Machu Picchu 40 minutes to 1 hour before the visit time printed on their ticket. This measure helps prevent unnecessary lines in Machu Picchu Pueblo and avoids crowding at the entrance gates to the Inca city.

For detailed information regarding the circuits and schedules, you can refer to our “Schedules and New Circuits for Visiting Machu Picchu” link or contact us for further assistance. We are here to ensure you have an unforgettable experience at Machu Picchu.

Included in your  Southern Peru Packages 

  • Day 1: Arrival at Lima Airport – Transfer to the hotel – Free afternoon.
  • Day 2: Lima Half-Day City Tour – Transportation, professional guide, admission to archaeological sites (Huaca Pucllana, San Francisco Monastery, Lima Cathedral, Main Square).
  • Day 3: Paracas – Ballestas Islands Tour – Ica – Huacachina Oasis Sandboarding – Transfer from your hotel/hostel, tourist transportation, professional guide, boat tour to Ballestas Islands with entrance tickets included, tubular or buggy ride on the sand dunes of Huacachina Oasis, Transportation to return  to Limas
  • Day 4: Flight Lima – Cusco – Airport transfer – Free afternoon for acclimatization.
  • Day 5: Cusco City Tour – Transportation, guide, and admission to Cusco Cathedral, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay.
  • Day 6: Sacred Valley Tour – Visit Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo – Buffet lunch included – Train to Aguas Calientes, hotel transfer included.
  • Day 7: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes – Return train to Cusco.
  • Day 8: Free morning in Cusco – Afternoon Peruvian Cooking Class (ingredients, instruction, and tasting included).
  • Day 9: Humantay Lake Full-Day Trek – Private transportation, breakfast and lunch included.
  • Day 10: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour – Private transportation, guide, breakfast, and buffet lunch included.
  • Day 11: Bus from Cusco to Puno via Route of the Sun – Stops at Andahuaylillas Church, Raqchi, La Raya Pass, Pukara Archaeological Complex – Transfer to hotel in Puno.
  • Day 12: Puno – Tour to Uros Floating Islands – Stay in Homestay on Amantani Island – Local dinner included.
  • Day 13: Visit Taquile Island – Transfer back to Puno  
  • Day 14: Transfer from your  hotel in Puno to Julica Airport – End of tour.

Accommodation included:

  • 3 nights in Lima Hotel
  • 6 nights in Cusco Hotel
  • 1 night in Aguas Calientes Hotel
  • 2 nights in Puno Hotel
  • 1 night on Amantani Island Homestay (Puno)

Not Included in Southern Peru Packages :

    • All breakfast, lunchs  and dinners that are not mentioned in the tour itinerary
    • Flights (Lima – Cusco – Lima)
    • Entrance to the mountain of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Peak


Starting at

$per person

Get in touch with our travel advisor to use this itinerary as a base to design together your perfect Machupicchu adventure!

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Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrival in Lima

Upon your arrival in Lima, you will be transferred to the hotel of your choice. After checking in, you will have free time to rest and refresh after your flight.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Miraflores boardwalk (Malecón) or simply unwind at the hotel. You may also opt to explore nearby cafes or restaurants and get your first taste of Peruvian cuisine

Day 2: Lima – Half-Day City Tour

We will enjoy a tour exploring Lima in its three stages: Ancestral, Colonial, and Modern Lima. The tour begins with a panoramic view of the “Puccllana Pyramid”, an ancient ceremonial and archaeological center built in the 4th century A.D. and considered a Sacred Town of the Incas.

Next, we will head to the Historic Center of Lima, where we will see what was once the old “Cuadrada” Lima and admire more than fifty monuments and colonial buildings, including the Paseo de la República, San Martín Square, Main Square, Government Palace, Municipal Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, Basilica Cathedral, among others.

Continuing the tour, we will visit the Central Reserve Bank Museum, where we will see the Treasures of Peru Collection, which includes objects made of ceramics, gold, and textiles from various pre-Columbian cultures.

We will also visit the San Francisco Monumental Complex, which is the largest example of colonial religious art in the Americas. Its main attraction is the visit to its underground crypts, known as The Catacombs.

Finally, we will head to the Contemporary Area of Lima, where we will admire the main buildings and residential areas of Lima, including El Olivar in San Isidro, Miraflores, Larcomar, and the Park of Love.

Note: The Central Reserve Bank Museum is closed to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, and closed all day on Mondays.

Day 3:Lima – Ballestas Islands tour –Ica – Huacachina – Sandboarding – Lima

  • 4:30 to 5:00 AM: Pickup from your hotel, then transfer to Paracas.
  • 9:30 AM: Arrival in Paracas. Head to the El Chaco pier to board modern speedboats for a tour of the Ballestas Islands, located in Paracas Bay. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty and diverse marine wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingos, parihuanas, and various seabirds. Sea lions may approach the boat, and penguins are often seen in the water. Thousands of seabirds fly between the islands, and their nests are visible on the rocks. We will also view the Candelabro, with the guide explaining various theories about its formation (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes).
  • 12:00 PM: Departure for Ica.
  • 1:00 PM: Arrival in Ica. Lunch (Not included in the tour price).
  • Visit to Noelia Chocolate Factory, where we will taste traditional chocotejas, alfajores, jams, artisanal cookies, filled mousse, and more.
  • 3:00 PM: Excursion to the Huacachina Oasis, located just 5 km from the center of Ica. Enjoy the tranquility of the lagoon and take a walk around for great photo opportunities.
  • 6:00 PM: Visitors will have the opportunity to sample the main products made at the winery, including wines, piscos, pisco creams, macerates, and mistelas, accompanied by lively phrases typical of Chincha
  • 7:00 PM: Bus from Ica  to Lima

Day 4: Lima – Cusco – Free day for acclimation

We will pick you up from your hotel in Lima at the specified time and transfer you to the airport to take your flight to Cusco.

Upon your arrival in Cusco, our staff will welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel or hostel. After check-in, you will have time to rest and explore the central part of the city on your own, such as the Plaza de Armas de Cusco.

Day 5: Cusco City tour

At 1 p.m., we will meet you at your hotel lobby to begin your tour. From here, you will head to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where you will visit the famous cathedral. Following, you will continue on foot through an ancient Inca-built street from the Plaza de Armas to the Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. At the Q’oricancha you will be able to compare and contrast the building methods of the Incan culture and Catholicism. This was the key spiritual center of the Incas, which leads to all four quarters of the Inca Empire. There is also a bronze, high altar to be seen.

From Q’oricancha, your group will walk down Avenida El Sol, where you will take your bus 25 minutes outside of the city. You will be taken to the majestic Inca site, Sacsayhuaman, with its enigmatic, 200 ton monoliths, You will be able to hear from your guide and then, explore on your own.

From Sacsayhuaman, you will take a five minute bus ride to the Q’enqo Inca site to see its fascinating Incan altars. Following, you will take another five minute drive to Puca Pucara, a small, circular Inca site. The final stop on our tour is Tambomachay, a water temple with impressive water fountains, thought to be used by the Inca for bathing. We’ll then drive back down to Cusco where the tour ends in the main square, unless you are taking a private tour, in which case, we will return you to your hotel.

Day 6: Sacred Valley tour  with Salt Mines, Moray- An Nigh in Aguas Calientes

We will pick up you from your hotel in Cusco at 6:30 a.m. and travel for one hour by tourist van to Chinchero, a small village with beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. In this charming village, you will see adobe homes, narrow cobbled streets, and people in traditional Peruvian dress. Here, the villagers still practice many Incan traditions and crafts. If you wish, you will see a demonstration of how wool is washed and dyed using native plants and minerals Also the beautiful INKA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIDE AND COLONIAL TEMPLE OF CHENCHERO.

We will then continue our journey to MORAY in order to see the fascinating site used by the Incas for agricultural experiments and cultivating seeds. There, you will learn how they cleverly designed a drainage system at the bottom of the terraces in order to avoid flooding during the rainy season.

After the tour of Moray, you will take a 20 minute bus ride to THE SALT MINES OF MARAS. At this amazing site, you can see the pans fed by saline spring water that were built on steep terraces along one side of a narrow valley. The water is sent throughout the pans by a network of channels where the water slowly evaporates leaving the salt behind. Salt has been collected from Maras since Pre-Incan times and it is thought that a collective of salt ‘miners’ has maintained the terraces and channels for hundreds of years. Then we will follow the beautiful route to Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley, where we will stop for a BUFFET LUNCH.

We will continue our scenic journey to the amazing town of OLLANTAYTAMBO. Ollantaytambo is a classic Incan city which conserved the traditional Incan urban construction of narrow streets adjacent to flowing streams. As you walk through the stone streets, the gentle sound of flowing water will make it easy for you to imagine the city as it was in the time of the Incas. In the upper part of the town, there is an impressive ceremonial center that was used for water worship and also a mighty fortress that protected the access point to the lower part of the valley

Finally, you will board the 4:30 p.m train to Aguas Calientes, After an hour and forty minute journey through the Andes, you will arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station, where you will be greeted by our staff and escorted to your hotel and hostel. Here you can relax and rest before your day at Machu Picchu. At dinner, you will be briefed on the next day´s tour.

  • Tour Start Time: Approximately 6:30 a.m to 7:00.a.m
  • Arrival in Aguas Calientes: Approximately 6:15 pm or 9:00.p.m depending on train availability
  • Difficulty: Light
  • Weather : Warm and sunny, with cooler temperatures at night.

Day 7: Machu Picchu tour and Return to Cusco

Visiting Machu Picchu
There are two ways to reach Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes:

Hike: For a more active experience, you can hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Bus: The fastest and easiest option. Buses take you directly to the entrance of the site. Each journey lasts 25 minutes, and the ticket is included in the tour package

New Entry Regulations
Your entry time will depend on how early you booked the tour and the circuit you’re assigned

Inside Machu Picchu
Once inside the Inca citadel, you’ll enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately two hours. You’ll explore the most important sectors of this ancient wonder, including temples, houses, terraces, and agricultural areas. The ingenuity of Inca engineering—far ahead of its time—continues to inspire awe and curiosity to this day.

After the Tour
Once your visit to Machu Picchu is over, you’ll take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes. In town, you’ll find plenty of great spots to relax and enjoy lunch. After your meal, make your way to the train station in time for your return departure

Can I Still Climb Huayna Picchu?
Yes, you may still have the chance to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, but please note:

The climb is only allowed in the morning and is split into two entry groups:

Group 1: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Group 2: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

You can choose to climb either before or after your scheduled visit to Machu Picchu, depending on availability and your ticket.

Note: Machu Picchu Inca site is different from Machu Picchu Mountain. When most people refer to Machu Picchu, they are referring to the archeological site. Machu Picchu Mountain requires a separate permit to climb. Please notify us if you are interested and we can book this for you. It must be done in advance and is a part of your entry into the site

Day 8: Cusco free moornig and Afternoon Cooking Class at 15:15 to 18:15

  • 1) You will start in the cooking class checking the recipe and making a shopping list for the market.
  • 2) You will try some exotic fruits of the season.
  • 3) You will walk with the Chef to the central local market nearby to get the missing ingredient for the menu.
  • 4) You will be back to the kitchen to cook your menu. Cook drink + starter + main dish, enjoy our local dessert from chocolate. Enjoy having the food you made like dining in a restaurant.
  • 5)Finally, you’ll enjoy the menu you prepared, just like dining in a restaurant. To celebrate your great effort, we’ll also give you a glass of Pisco Sour as a prize.
  • Vegetarian options are available, please advise if you have any specific dietary requirements at the time of reservation

Day 9: Humantay Lake Full day

We will pick you up between 4:30 a.m.and 5:00.a.m from your accommodation in Cusco. We will then travel by private van to the village of Mollepata in the rich countryside of the Apurimac valley. The scenic trip lasts for 2 and a half hours before we arrive at Mollepata, where we  normally stop for 30 minutes to have breakfast. Then, we will continue our journey towards Soraypampa, where we will start our trek (4000m/12,750ft). We will start hiking up a moderate slope for one and a half hours until we reach Humantay lake (4,300M, 14,107Ft). From this point, we can soak in the spectacular views of the turquoise waters of Humantay Lake that lays peacefully at the base of the picturesque Humantay Glacier and is one of the most stunning places in the Cusco Region. We will continue our downhill trek for one and half hours to Soraypampa located at (4000m/12,750ft), and have lunch. Finally, after an amazing journey, you will travel for 2 1/2 hours in a van before you arrive back at your accommodation. Your arrival time in Cusco will be approximately 6:00 p.m..

Day 10: Rainbow Mountain  Full day

Your day will begin with an early pickup from your accommodation in Cusco, between 4:30 and 5:00 am. Our private transportation will take you from the south of Cusco to the town of Cusipata. The transfer lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival in Cusipata, we will have breakfast. After breakfast, we will continue our trip to the Rainbow Mountain for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. On the way to the mountain, you will have the chance to enjoy beautiful landscapes and to see the wildlife.

We will start our adventure with a walk uphill for about 1 hour and a half, appreciating in the background snowy mountains and wonderful landscapes. Then, we will finally reach the point to which we will be able to appreciate the colors of the Rainbow Mountain and the stunning view it offers.

After visiting and taking pictures, we will return the same way we came with a 1.5-hours hike, have lunch, and start the drive back to Cusco, arriving between 5:00 and 5:30 pm.

Day 11: Cusco – Puno via the Route of the Sun

Today we will travel from Cusco to Puno along the famous Route of the Sun. During the journey, we will visit several interesting cultural and historical sites.

Along the way, we will stop at places such as Andahuaylillas Church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” Raqchi, an important Inca archaeological site dedicated to the god Wiracocha, and La Raya Pass, the highest point of the route where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Andes. We will also visit the Pukara Archaeological Complex before continuing to Puno.

Upon arrival in Puno, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 12: Puno -Tour Uros Floating Islands & stay in a Homestay on Amantani Island.

You will be picked up from your hotel or the bus station in Puno early in the morning and transferred to our office in Puno. Then, by 7:45am, we will take you to the pier to take a motor boat towards the Uros Floating Islands. Upon arrival, we will walk on the reed islands and interact with the native people. Later, you will have the opportunity to ride a handmade reed boat (for extra charge of US $3.00). We will then continue our journey towards “Amantani Island”, where we will spend the rest of the day and the night. Upon arrival, a group of native families will meet us at the pier, and take us to their homes for lodging. In the afternoon we will walk up to the highest point of the island to explore the ancient ruins the locals call Pachatata. From these ruins, we will have beautiful views of the landscape in time to witness the sunset over the lake. Soon after nightfall, we will descend to the main plaza to meet our local family and return to their home for dinner. (Remember to watch your head when entering their small doorways). After dinner, our visitors are invited to a local party which takes place at the main folklore saloon and it is accompanied by one of the local bands. After enjoying the festivities, you will go back to your homestay to sleep.

Day 13: Puno – Taquile Island – Flight back to Lima.

You will wake up around 8:00 a.m. and have breakfast. Afterwards, we will walk down to the harbor to take the boat to Taquile Island. The boat trip will take approximately one hour.

Taquile Island is a traditional Quechua-speaking community known for its ancient agricultural terraces. The weaving tradition is an important part of the local culture and dates back to early pre-Inca civilizations. All textiles are handmade and represent one of the most important cultural traditions of the island.

Once we arrive on the island, we will walk up along a narrow path while enjoying impressive views of Lake Titicaca and Amantani Island. When we reach the village, you will have free time to explore the island on your own and have lunch at one of the local restaurants (optional and at an additional cost).

Later, we will walk down to the pier to take our motorboat back to Puno. We will arrive around 4:00 p.m.

Day 14: Return to Lima

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and be transferred to Juliaca Airport for your onward journey. If your flight is later in the day, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or exploring nearby attractions. Upon your arrival in Lima, you will connect with your international flight back to your country.

Price

Price: $ .00 USD per person




Additional Upgrades for Cusco Sacred Valley Machu Picchu Rainbow Mountain 5D/4N

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain: $70 USD (subject to availability)
  • Machu Picchu Mountain: $70 USD (subject to availability)
  • Upgrade to Vistadome Train – Panoramic Train (if you choose the train return option)

Train schedule

The schedule for the return train at the end of the Tour/Trek is the Expedition Train, departing at 6:20 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., depending on availability.

If you prefer an earlier train for the return journey, we can arrange it for an additional cost of $35 per person. The available times are 2:55 p.m. or 4:35 p.m. We also offer the option to book the Vistadome train at 3:40 p.m. for an additional cost of $65 per person. Please let us know in advance which train schedule you prefer. Please note that none of the reserved trains go directly to Cusco; they only go to the Ollantaytambo or Poroy stations. In any case, we will ensure that transportation will be arranged to pick you up and bring you back to Cusco.

Can I change my return train ticket to an earlier one at the Aguas Calientes station?

Yes, you can make this change in person at the Aguas Calientes train station. However, they will ask you to pay an additional fee for changing the ticket, and the change will be subject to availability of space and train schedules.

How long does the return trip to Cusco take?

The return journey to Cusco takes approximately 3 hours. First, you will board a train in Aguas Calientes, which will take you to the Ollantaytambo train station for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then, a transfer from our office will be waiting for you at the train station exit with a sign bearing your name to drive you back to Cusco in a car or van for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Finally, they will drop you off at your hotel or hostel. You will receive your train tickets once your Machu Picchu tour has concluded.

What to bring

What you need to bring:

Travel Essentials

  • Original Passport and copies
  • Flight tickets and travel documents
  • Travel insurance information
  • Credit/debit cards and some cash (Peruvian soles and USD)

Clothing

  • Lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts)
  • Warm layers for high-altitude destinations (fleece or sweater, thermal underwear)
  • Waterproof/windproof jacket or poncho
  • Comfortable pants for trekking/hiking
  • Shorts or light pants for lower-altitude areas like Lima or Ica
  • Hat or cap for sun protection
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Swimwear (for hot springs in Chivay or hotel pools)
  • Sleepwear
  • Footwear
  • Comfortable walking shoes for city tours and museums
  • Sturdy shoes for Rainbow Mountain, Colca Canyon, and Machu Picchu
  • Sandals or flip-flops for hotel or relaxing

Accessories

  • Small daypack/backpack for daily excursions
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Travel towel (optional, some hotels provide them)
  • Camera, smartphone, and chargers

Health & Hygiene

  • Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm
  • Mosquito repellent (especially for Machupicchu)
  • Personal medications and first-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, altitude sickness medication)
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant)

Altitude Preparation

  • Diamox (consult your doctor) or other remedies for altitude sickness
  • Energy snacks (nuts, chocolate, granola bars)
  • Hydration tablets or electrolyte powder

Optional Items

  • Travel pillow for overnight bus rides
  • Waterproof phone case or dry bag for Lake Titicaca and desert activities
  • Lightweight scarf or buff for dust protection in desert areas

Tips:

  • Pack light but in layers; temperatures can vary from warm coastal areas to freezing highlands.
  • Avoid cotton for high-altitude trekking—it doesn’t keep you warm when wet.
  • Always have a small daypack with essentials during excursions.

Why Us

Why does Inka Trail Backpacker charge less than other Inca Trail operators?

At Inka Trail Backpacker, we offer you the basic and essential version of the popular treks in the region and because we are a 100% local company we know the real cost of operations and everything you will need. That is why our slogan is “Fun. Not Fancy Trip.”

Are you a certified company?

Inka Trail Backpacker has been a Licensed Inca Trail Tour Operator since 2014. All companies managing the Inca Trail must be certified and have an Inca Trail operators license. This license is issued annually each December; Inka Trail Backpacker is licensed through the year of  2030.

Our license as an Official Travel Agency is under the name Inka Trail Backpacker E.I.R.L. Our License as an Inca Trail Operator is under the name of INKA TRAIL BACKPACKER E.I.R.L

Trek with like-minded travellers

As a traveller, you know that one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of going to new places is meeting people along the way. When you book a tour with us, you can be confident that your group will be filled with similar travellers looking for adventure in the Peruvian Andes. Our groups provide a great opportunity to meet new people and bond with them in an exciting environment. You never know who you will meet!

Community

We are really proud of the work we do for our community. This is a main focus for our company. We have worked with villages directly to help supply them with needs, buy all our food from local farmers and markets, and serve the freshest ingredients.

Office Location

Our office is located close to Main Square at 392 Calle Triunfo (the street is also called Sunturwasi), inside the Centro Artesenal Arte Inka Building, which is on the corner across the street from the Museo Arzobispal and the Twelve-Angled Stone, by a small fountain. We are on the second floor, in Suite 209.

Travel Info

When is the best time to visit Peru?

The best time to visit Peru depends on which regions you plan to explore, because Peru has very different climates in the coast, mountains, and jungle. Here’s a clear breakdown:

1. Andes / Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley

Best time: May to September (dry season)
Skies are mostly clear, ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
Cooler temperatures, especially at night.
November to March (rainy season)

2. Lima & Peruvian Coast

Best time: December to April
Warm and sunny; perfect for beaches and coastal activities.
Avoid: June to September
Coastal fog and drizzle (locally called garúa).

3. Amazon / Jungle Regions

Best time: May to September (dry season)
Easier trekking, fewer mosquitoes, rivers lower but navigable.
Wet season: November to March
Rain can flood some areas and make jungle trails harder.

Special Notes

High season: June to August → most tourists, especially in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Book flights and tickets early.

Shoulder season: April, May, September → good weather and fewer crowds.

Pro tip: If your goal is trekking the Inca Trail, the dry season (May–September) is essential, because the trail closes in February for maintenance.

Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?

Most tourists from North America, Europe, Australia, and many countries in Latin America do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Check your country’s requirements before traveling.

What currency is used in Peru?

The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it’s recommended to have local currency for small purchases, markets, and transport.

Do I need vaccinations before traveling to Peru?

Routine vaccines (tetanus, hepatitis A/B, typhoid) are recommended. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if visiting the Amazon. Always check with your doctor before traveling.

Will I experience altitude sickness?

Yes, some destinations like Cusco (3,400 m), Puno (3,800 m), and Rainbow Mountain (5,200 m) are high-altitude areas. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol on arrival, eat light meals, and walk slowly. Medication like Diamox can help if recommended by a doctor.

What should I do if I feel sick at high altitudes?

Pack in layers: light clothing for coastal areas (Lima, Ica), warm layers for highlands (Cusco, Puno, Colca Canyon), waterproof jackets for rainy areas, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).

How do we travel between cities?

  • Tourist Van or buses: comfortable for Ica, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco.

  • Domestic flights: convenient for longer distances (Lima ↔ Cusco).

  • Trains: used for Aguas Calientes (base town for Machu Picchu).

Are buses safe and comfortable for overnight trips?

Yes. Peru has modern tourist buses with reclining seats, blankets, and snacks. Recommended for Nazca → Arequipa or Puno → Cusco.

Faqs

What types of hotels are included in the tour?

Hotels are usually 3-4 star, centrally located, with private bathrooms and basic amenities. Some smaller towns may have cozy boutique hotels.

Are meals included?

Typically, breakfast is included at hotels. Some tours include lunch, especially on day trips. Dinner is usually on your own.

Can I try local food safely?

Yes, popular dishes include ceviche, lomo saltado, alpaca steak, cuy (guinea pig), and Peruvian desserts. Drink bottled water and avoid street food if unsure.

Are all activities on the tour mandatory? How flexible are itineraries?

At Inka Trail Backpacker, we are committed to providing your ideal experience in Peru. Therefore, if there are any adjustments you would like to make to reflect your fitness level, lifestyle, or personal interests, we are happy to help! Our itineraries are reasonably flexible and activities can be removed or substituted as necessary.

Should I tip the guides? How much is appropriate?

A tip is customary, but the amount is at your discretion and whatever you feel is appropriate based on the service you have received; please remember to always be courteous and respectful with our guides.

Are all excursions suitable for children or elderly travelers?

Most city tours, cultural sites, and boat trips are suitable. High-altitude hikes like Rainbow Mountain may not be recommended for very young children, elderly travelers, or those with health issues.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

All of our guides are bilingual and speak both Spanish and English.

Other trips you might like

This trip comes in different shapes and sizes. For more options, check out these itineraries

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