Prices Private Service

Prices Group Service

What to Bring

• A backpack
• A beanie hat or ear warmer
• Sun hat
• Scarf
• Gloves
• A mid weight sweater
• A longsleeve t-shirt
• 1 – 2 t-shirts
• A lightweight suater or vest
• A pair of long pants
• Hiking shoes
• An extra pair of shoe
• 2 – 3 pairs wool socks
• A jacket
• A small towel
• Rain gear
• 1 – 2 pair shorts
• Sunglasses
• A small headlamp
• Waterbottle
• A toothbrust and other personal toiletries
• Toilet paiper
• Sun cream
• Insect repelent

Travel Guide

Visa for Peru: Generally if you are Latin American, North American or European you will not need it. If you are a Mercosur citizen, all members can enter Peru with only a valid passport or identity card. If you are from a non-Mercosur country, you will need a valid passport and in some exceptional cases, depending on your country of origin, a visa. Here is the complete list.

If you are a minor, you must be accompanied by your parents. If you are a parent traveling with your child(ren), you will need the child’s marriage certificate and birth certificate.

Vaccinations: No vaccinations are mandatory but the Peruvian Ministry of Health “recommends” vaccination against Yellow Fever to go to certain jungle regions. Normally no one does, so it is up to you whether it is worth the risk or not. In many countries this vaccine is free and when it costs, it is not expensive.

Climate and environment in Cusco: If you are Argentinean, Ecuadorian, Chilean, Colombian or come from a place where it is hot in summer, it is likely to be the opposite in Cusco. Do not think that your summer is replicated in this region. The periods of intense rain and cold are between December and April, while in the capital it is very hot. Whether it is summer or winter, it gets cold in Cusco at some point during the day. Always carry a coat. It is typical to feel hot in sunny places and cold in shady places. The sun is radiant, and with the climate of the place it can damage your skin. Bring sunscreen and/or buy in pharmacies cocoa paste tablets that are very cheap and useful.

Machu Picchu, unlike the city of Cusco, is located in the jungle, that is, in a hybrid point where the highlands meet the jungle and the vegetation changes at times showing characteristics of both regions. The best time to visit is usually between July and October (high season), when it does not rain so much and there are always blue skies, however this place is visited all year round and never disappoints.

Altitude sickness: Perhaps you have never experienced the lack of oxygen. This is commonly felt in Cusco due to the altitude and makes everything cost you triple the effort so don’t count on your usual physical stamina which will be diminished. Your digestion will be a little slower and your sleep dense and deep. The ideal is to be calm the first day to acclimatize. It is very common that all pharmacies sell pills for altitude sickness. Coca tea also helps, as well as candies.

Health and safety: The city of Cusco is safe in the places where you will be surrounded by tourists, the center, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu. Avoid walking alone in the markets at night or too far from the center with valuables and looking like a tourist. Be mindful of your pockets at fairs or areas where you are in close proximity to people. In one of the most touristy cities in the world, petty theft and scams are to be expected. To avoid them, simply don’t leave your valuables unattended and don’t rely on free stuff. Don’t rely on unwarranted excesses of kindness from strangers, who will usually always want something from you.

Hygiene is very important to maintain your health. Try, whenever possible, to see how the food you are served is treated. It is common for tourists to get sick to their stomachs from tasting everything. To avoid this, be cautious and avoid things sold on buses and by street vendors, especially fried foods and artisanal cheeses that can carry dangerous bacteria. Boiled, freshly made or well-washed foods will almost always be fine. Long hikes over rocky terrain can make you easy prey for dislocations or similar injuries. Wear good footwear. Cuzco has good restrooms that cater specifically to tourists. To access them do not forget to have traveler’s insurance. Compare them all here so you can choose the cheapest travel insurance.

Discounts: If you are a student it is convenient to get the ISIC card (International Student Identity Card) that allows you to have discounts in hostels, besides getting the ticket to climb Machu Picchu (costs 128 soles) at half price as well as the tourist ticket in Cusco and other advantages (costs about $18).

Accommodation: Peru is one of the cheapest countries in South America, so you can get rooms at ridiculous prices. However, what you get is in direct relation to what you pay. You can check the accommodations, see photos and compare all accommodations at http://hospedaje.mochileros.org to get a clearer idea.