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Lesbian and Gay Travel to Peru

Active Peru - Machu Picchu & Inca Trail

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Introduction

Welcome to the OUT Adventures Family!

Gay owned OUT Adventures provides a comfortable travel environment for not only for gay and lesbian travellers, but also their friends and family who want to experience the world at the grassroots level with like-minded people. Go on, Get OUT and experience the real world.

 

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A little bit about this trip

Discover the treasures of one of the Americas' most fascinating civilizations. Follow Inca traditions and history from Cuzco, through the fertile Sacred Valley and then hike to the ultimate Peruvian icon, magnificent Machu Picchu. Get a taste for colonial Spain (and modern night life) in Lima and discover colourful traditions that remain to this day during this action-filled adventure.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Bienvenido al Peru! Welcome to Peru.

There will be a pre-trip meeting at around 2:00pm. This will be followed by an orientation walk and an optional group dinner: a great time to try the local specialties. At the joining point hotel, ask reception to direct you to the OUT notice board for your welcome note explaining where to meet (if you aren't informed of these details prior to arriving).

Check-in time at the joining point hotel is at mid day. Early check-in is not guaranteed, however if you arrive early luggage storage is available. For those who arrive early, we recommend you talk a walk around Miraflores. Go from Central Park (Parque Kennedy) to LarcoMar via Larco Avenue. Alternatively, go to Parque del Amor (Love's Park) for a nice view of Lima's beaches. Other things to see and do include a tour to Pachacamac (approx 30 km from downtown Lima), the Museo de la Nacion, Museum of the Inquisition, Gold Museum and Archaeological Museum. Please note that we include an orientation walking tour in downtown Lima so there is no need for you to visit downtown prior to the trip.

While Peru's capital officially began life in 1535, when Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city on the Day of the Three Kings, settlements had been scattered through the valley since before the Incas. The city was in fact built on top of existing palaces and temples belonging to the local chief who had little choice but to move on. Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city's attraction now lies in its well preserved historic centre.

Flanked by streets of ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. Take a walk through the old streets to get a feel for colonial life. On one side of the plaza is the cathedral, which houses the remains of Lima's founder, Francisco Pizarro. Nearby is the 16th century monastery of San Francisco which boasts a canvas of the last supper that has a distinctly Peruvian flavour: the disciples dine on guinea pig and drink from gold Incan cups. But the monastery's catacombs are the real draw, and have been Lima's underground general cemetery for hundreds of years. Another fascinating church is the Iglesia de La Merced, just two blocks from the Plaza. There are many fine museums in and around the city including the Museo del Tribunal de la Santa Inquisicion, which gives a fascinating insight into the Spanish Inquisition and the Museo Nacional de Arqueologia which offers a look at Peru's succession of ancient cultures.

Away from the historic centre, mingle with the locals in Lima's cosmopolitan coastal districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro. Limenos (Lima's residents) are friendly and there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to sample ceviche, a local seafood specialty.

 

Day 2 Cuzco

An early morning flight (approx. 70 min) takes us to Cuzco (also spelled Cusco). As we will arrive around 9am, the hotel rooms in Cuzco will not be ready, however they can store your luggage.

In the afternoon we will take a short orientation walking tour and introduce you to some of the fascinating lesser known sights of this wonderful town. This includes a visit to a coca shop and a taste of a very special coca tea, and also the local San Pedro market.

The Cuzco region truly is the heart and soul of Peru. The city itself is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Incas for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today, Cuzco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Incan foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend, and is a perfect base for outdoor activities and optional explorations into the Incan world.

Take the time to acclimatize to the city's 3,400 m (11,150 feet) altitude and explore the many baroque churches and ancient temples that dot the city. The cathedral, built on top of an Inca palace, dominates the Plaza de Armas, Cuzco's picturesque heart. The cathedral is one of the city's greatest repositories of art and houses an elegantly carved choir stall and a gold-covered Renaissance altar. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compania, La Merced and San Blas.

There are several impressive Inca ruins within the city, the most easily accessed being Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. Once plated in thick gold, the Spaniards built a Dominican Church atop its sturdy walls. The stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman is also worth a visit. Looking over the city from its hilltop position, the fortress is built out of massive stone blocks and is the ultimate example of the Inca's military strength.

 

Day 3 Sacred Valley

Travel by local bus through the Sacred Valley (approx. 60-90 min) on the outskirts of Cuzco. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls.

We will head to a community along the Valley to learn about local lifestyle and activities. If our visit coincides with market day we can spend time browsing the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos and maybe practising some of the local language, Quechua.

After the visit to the community we wait at the bus stop for the next local bus to Ollantaytambo, the most popular town of the Valley. Situated at 2,792m above sea level, where houses have been built over an ancient Incan town, and which still has the remains of an Inca fortress popular in historical Incan stories.

We spend the night in Ollantaytambo at the far end of the valley. This geometrically perfect town is a magnificent example of Incan urban planning. It is especially admired for the huge terraces that guard the great temple-fortress that clings to cliffs. This is one of the few places the Incas defeated the Spanish.

 

Days 4-7 Inca Trail/Machu Picchu

The four day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a demanding but incredibly rewarding trek. We catch a bus (approx. 1.5 hrs) to the 82 km marker and are joined by a crew of local porters, cook and guide. The trail is part of a series of Incan highways that linked the empire all the way from Quito in Ecuador, to Santiago in Chile. As we hike from high plateau to dense forest, you will see the ruins of ancient villages, temples and inns. The first of these is Llactapata, which was burnt to the ground by the last Inca Emperor to discourage Spanish pursuit down the trail.

The starting point of the trek (the 82 km marker) is located at 2,850m above sea level. Day 1 of the trek includes some uphill hiking to the campsite (over 3,000m above sea level). Take advantage during the 4 days of the trek to get to know your porters. You will realize they work the hardest on the team and are gentle people willing to share with you their culture, language and trek experiences.

The second day is the most challenging of the trek as we ascend a long steep path (approx. 4 hrs) to reach the highest point of our trek, Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, at a height of 4,200 m (13,779 ft), before descending to the Pacaymayo Valley (3650m above sea level). Depending upon what has been established by the Government, you might camp here today, or may need to continue further up/down.

We might cross the first and second passes on day 2. From the second pass, Runkuracay (3,980m above sea level/90min uphill) we can enjoy views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending to the ruins of Sayacmarca (90-210min downhill). From here it is only a few more minutes to the Chaquicocha campsite (3,620m above sea level).

On day three we continue over the third pass and soon reach the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the 'Town above the Clouds' (3,850m above sea level/90min uphill). Start descending real Inca Steps (2 hrs) to reach our final night's camp by the Winay Wayna, or 'Forever Young' ruins (2,750m above sea level), with panoramic views of the valley below.

Day four sees a short final hike (90-120min) to Machu Picchu and we climb the steps to the Sun Gate to watch the ruins emerge from the mist below. The feeling as you see the ruins for the first time is indescribable.

While it is thought Machu Picchu was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, there is evidence this had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. There is plenty of time for you to decide for yourself as you wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. You will have a guided visit (1.5-2 hrs) with plenty of free time afterwards. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it is time to return to Cuzco for a well deserved shower and glass of Pisco Sour.

The trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but do come prepared: the trail is 45 km (28 miles) long and often steep. Generally the journey consists of 7 hrs walking daily (both uphill and downhill), plus stops for snacks and lunch. Normally trekking starts at 7am (except for the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 4-5pm. There is always the possibility of rain, even in the dry season, and temperatures may fall below freezing at night. The trail traverses three passes, the highest being 4,200 m (13,779 ft).

For those passengers not interested or unable to hike the trail it is possible to spend an extra 2 extra days in Cuzco then travel by train to Aguas Calientes. The following morning there will be a bus to Machu Picchu so passengers can join the rest of the group for the guided tour. This option must be arranged at the time of booking or local fees will apply.


During the trek the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cuzco.

The evening before you start the Inca Trail, you will receive a small duffle bag to pack clothes for the next 4 days (6 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group.

 

Day 8 Cuzco

Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cuzco's sights. Rest weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head out to see more fascinating ruins at Tambomachay and Puca Pucara. For those who can't get enough active adventure there are plenty of opportunities to go mountain biking, horse riding or white water rafting on the Urubamba River.

For lunch or mid-morning coffee and cake head to Yanapay restaurant on 415 Ruinas St. This restaurant uses all its profits to support children in Cuzco through Aldea Yanapay and its social projects. For more info on Aldea Yanapay visit http://yanapay.facipub.com/

Alternatively a visit to the ruins of Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo or Tambomachay is recommended.

You can depart at any time on day 8. Check out time is 10:00am.

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Itinerary Disclaimer

The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

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Culture Shock Rating - 4

Rated 4/5

Expect to rough it every now and again, whether it's very simple group-share accommodation at a homestay, a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, the odd cold shower or an encounter with a squat toilet.

 

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Physical Rating - 4

Rated 4/5

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. This may be treks of up to 6 hours per day in steep terrain, or extended bike rides of more than one day. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

 

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Gay Rating - 2

This trip travels to a relatively conservative area. We encourage you to experience the destination and culture with the following in mind: 

Accommodation - We do not foresee any problems, however there may be occasions when a same sex couple may be asked to sleep in single beds rather than sharing a double. We appreciate your cooperation. 

Public Display of affection - These are frowned upon in this region among all travellers, not just those on an OUT Adventure. This includes holding hands in public. 

Gay Activities - This trip may not have specific gay hosted events, meals or day tours due to the cultural sensitivity of this region. We will do our best to provide a safe, comfortable environment for you and your fellow travellers to experience this culture.

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Physical Preparation

For the trek on this trip the general rule is you will need to be fit and the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. You will be walking with your day pack, with the possibility of extreme variations in temperature.

On day 2 of the Inca Trail you will be walking uphill from 3000 to 4200 metres above sea level before descending steeply through big steps and difficult terrain. While this challenging walk is the main difficulty our passengers face up on this trip, it is also one of the highlights and worth every minute of it!

This being said, we recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the months before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Doing mountain walks or climbing long staircases with a pack is good preparation. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trek to its fullest.

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Included Activities

This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

  • Lima orientation walking tour
  • Flight from Lima to Cuzco
  • Cuzco orientation walk and coca tea taste
  • Visit to a community in Sacred Valley
  • 4 days Inca Trail hike
  • Machu Picchu 
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Optional Activities

All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following should be used as a guide only (all prices are subject to change):

  • City tour, Lima - US $25
  • San Francisco Church and catacombs, Lima - US $2
  • Pachacamac tour (30 km away from downtown), Lima - US $35 (plus 7 PEN entrance fee)
  • Museo de la Nacion, Lima - 10 PEN
  • Museum of the Inquisition, Lima - Free
  • Gold Museum, Lima - 35 PEN
  • Archaeological Museum, Lima - 11 PEN (guide fee 15 PEN)
  • Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket), Cuzco - 130 PEN
  • City tour, Cuzco - US $10
  • Horse riding around ruins, Cuzco - From US $35
  • White water rafting, Cuzco - US $35
  • Mountain biking, Cuzco - US $35
  • Museo Inka, Cuzco - 10 PEN
  • Coricancha, Cuzco - 10 PEN

 

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Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping.

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Tipping - Peru

If you're happy with the services provided, a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many OUT Adventures destinations. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group as our group leaders are prohibited from collecting cash for tips.

The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:

Restaurants: Tipping is not expected in local markets and basic restaurants. However if you wish to tip, round your bill up to the nearest 5%. More up-scale restaurants we suggest up to 10%-12% of your bill. Some restaurants already include tipping on the final amount, which should be shown on the bill as: propina, servicio or cubiertos. We do not recommend tipping more than the suggested amount at restaurants as it will over time increase the recommended tipping amount and set a new expectation.

Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US $2 per person per day for local guides.

Porters: While on the Inca Trail, we suggest that each OUT Adventures guest budgets approximately PEN 80-120 (US $30-45). Put into a pool by a volunteer within the group, this would then be split between the porters, assistants and cook.

Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of US $1-2 per day is generally appropriate.

Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US $5-10 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

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Important Notes

Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation may be felt while travelling in Peru, particularly when arriving in Cuzco (3300 metres). Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. It is important that you drink plenty of water and don't attempt too much in a day. For more information about altitude sickness prevention please go to http://www.treksafe.com.au/medical/altitude_illness.htm.

Inca Trail permits: In order to secure Inca Trail permits, it is vital that you provide the
correct and most up to date passport information at the time of booking. Any inconsistency between the information provided and the passport you travel with may result in you not being granted access to the Inca Trail. In the event that Inca Trail permits can't be secured, you will be offered the following options:

  • Change to another trip or departure
  • Hike Lares Trek (Machu Picchu included) or Inca Quarry 
  • Stay in Cuzco for 2 nights, travel to Aguas Calientes by train for a 3rd night and visit Machu Picchu before returning to Cuzco.

Should you choose not to hike the Inca Trail, please advise us in writing at the time of booking, so alternative arrangements can be made. Without prior warning, local fees may apply.

Domestic Flights: Please note domestic airlines allow a maximum of 20kg check in luggage and 5kg hand luggage. Any excess luggage expense will be your own responsibility.

Early Check-In: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, however this is not always possible which means we will not be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

Changes to Itineraries: Please note that while we operate successful trips in Latin America throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables.

Arrival and Departure Transfers: Please note that arrival or departures transfers are not included in this trip. Refer to joining point instructions for more information.

Breakfasts Included: There are some simple breakfasts included on this trip which are comprised simply of bread, butter, jam, coffee/tea and juice (or similar).

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Weather in Peru

As a multi-geographical country, Peru can have very diverse weather. The wet season (approx. November to March) is characterised by rain and average temperatures in the highlands; heat and humidity in the central coast; and rain, heat and humidity in the jungle. The dry season (April to September) can be freezing in the highlands, cold in the coastal zone, and could present some cold fronts in the jungle. It is recommended that you bring a good sleeping bag, thermals, scarf, gloves, and a warm jacket for travel in the dry season. Most of our guesthouses do not have heating, as this would be a major financial and environmental strain on our hotels and local towns, and energy supply and timing provisions are limited in some places. Please be prepared for some cold showers.

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Group Size - Active

We allow a maximum of 16 travellers per group on our Active trips.

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Accommodation

Hotels (4 nts), camping (3 nts)

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Meals

While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though.

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Meal Inclusions

6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

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Transportation

Plane, train, local bus, private bus, walking

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Your OUT Adventures Group Leader

All OUT Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our gay or gay friendly group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavor to provide the services of an experienced leader, however due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

Your leader will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. OUT leaders aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit - and who better to hear it from than the locals themselves? If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

If you are happy with the level of service provided by your group leader, we recommend that you reward them with a tip of US $5-10 per person, per day.

On Inca Trail and Machu Picchu you will be accompanied by experienced trekking and local guides in addition to your OUT Adventures Group Leader.

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Joining Point

Hotel El Tambo
La Paz 1276
Miraflores, Lima
Peru

OR

Lima Wasi Hotel
Av. Armendariz 375
Miraflores, Lima
Peru

Instructions:

The best way to get from Lima's International Airport Jorge Chavez into the city is by taxi. As you walk out from the luggage collection area, you will find the official taxi counters. We can recommend you to take Taxi Green services. They will charge you 40-45 soles for a trip to Miraflores.

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Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your Joining Point Hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader. Alternatively, contact our head office at +1-416-531-8795.

If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Joining Point Hotel, following the Instructions in the Joining Point section of these trip notes.

No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.

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Finishing Point

Hostal Inkarri
Collacalle 204 - Cusco
Cuzco
Peru
Phone: +51 84 242692

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Emergency Contact - Peru

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, the OUT Adventures Office can be reached by telephone at +1 416 531 8795.

Alternatively, our operating partners at PEAK Adventure Travel can be contacted at +5 11 99605 5559.

 

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Emergency Funds

Please also make sure you have access to an additional US $400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.

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Visas Peru

Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. The visa requirements for your trip may vary depending on where you are travelling from and where you are going (ie in which order you are visiting countries).

Here are useful links for Canadian, American and British passport holders.

 

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Laundry

Laundry facilities are available in most cities we visit. It's normally charged per kilo (around $3 per kilo). There will be times when you may want or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

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What to Take/Checklist

On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 15 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.

Smaller wheel bags or backpacks are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, etc. for daytrips. You will be on the move a good deal, so again, pack as lightly as possible. It is in your own interest that your bags can be locked, as it may be necessary to store your luggage separately from the group.

During the trek the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cuzco.

The evening before you start the Inca Trail, you will receive a small duffle bag to pack clothes for the next 4 days (6 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group.

The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.

TRAVEL DOCS:

  • Passport
  • Any Visas required for this trip
  • Travel insurance including insurer details, 24 hr emergency contact telephone number and policy number
  • Flight Itinerary/Confirmation numbers
  • OUT Adventures trip confirmation voucher
  • Photocopies of important documents to be kept separately (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well)
  • Yellow International Health Card (specifically if you are travelling from another South American country)
  • Latest trip notes (this information)

MONEY:

  • Money (cash/credit/atm cards)
  • Money belt or pouch

HEALTH:

  • First aid kit
  • Personal Medication/prescriptions
  • High protection sunscreen/lip balm
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses 
  • Insect repellent/bite cream/antihistamine
  • Antibacterial gel/wipes

SLEEPING:

  • Eye mask/Ear plugs
  • Alarm clock 
  • Flashlight and spare batteries 
  • Night clothes/sleepwear/thermals for camping

HIKING:

  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (worn in)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Walking sticks/poles (Can be rented locally)

SIGHTSEEING:

  • Camera, memory cards, spare batteries
  • Comfortable daypack to carry your personal needs during the day 
  • Binoculars

TRAVEL:

  • Local language phrase book
  • MP3 player
  • Raincoat
  • Luggage lock (and keys)

CLOTHING:

  • Casual clothes/shoes for nights out
  • Warm clothes particularly if travelling outside of the summer months
  • Waterproof jacket/bags for rain protection while walking 
  • Thermal underwear/shirts
  • Gloves/warm hat
  • Long sleeved t-shirts for excursions in the jungle 
  • Rain ponchos (Can be purchased locally)
  • Long zip-off pants (are the most recommendable ones for hikes)
  • Bathing suit

PERSONAL:

  • Toiletries
  • Travel plug / international adapter
  • Mobile phone - check you have international roaming access
  • Rubber flip flops for showers
  • Pack of cards/books/guide book/music
  • Towel

RECOMMENDED FOR THE INCA TRAIL:

  • Day pack (30-50 litres of capacity) to carry water, warm jacket, camera
  • Sun screen and snacks while hiking
  • Cotton inner sleep sheet (for sleeping bag)
  • Warm hat and gloves 
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (can be purchased in Cusco for a couple of dollars)
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented in Cusco for approximately US$16)
  • Extra sleeping matt (can be rented in Cusco)
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Money Exchange Peru

Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.

With ATMs being widely available in major towns and cities, credit and debit cards are the best way to access money - note though that charges are made for each transaction. Please check with your bank before departure that your card is accepted in the countries you are travelling to. Also ensure your bank is aware of your travel plans as - suspecting fraud - they may cancel your cards after the first few international transactions. 

Be aware that your withdrawing limit may vary from country to country (regardless of your withdrawing limit in your home country) and it can be as low as the equivalent to US$100 per day.

It is also advisable to carry some cash in small denominations bills, for those times when ATMs may not be available. US dollars are the most readily changeable currency. 

VERY IMPORTANT: US$100 bills with serial number CB or BE and any other USD bills that are old, torn, written or stamped on will not be accepted by local banks. 

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Departure Tax

Please allow approximately US $4 for each domestic departure tax and US $31 for international departure tax from Lima.

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Keeping In Touch

If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.

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Issues on your trip

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner right away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognize that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.

 

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Health

All OUT Adventures travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these Trip Notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.

Yellow Fever: When traveling to Peru, some airlines may require travelers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Card) before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline. Customs officials of some countries may ask you to present a valid Yellow Card on your way back home.

Altitude: If you have a pre existing medical condition, please make sure you discuss it with your doctor and be aware of the way altitude may exacerbate your condition.

We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

Please contact your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling in Latin America.

 

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Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. 

Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips: www.out-adventures.com/safety. 

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. 

While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your OUT Adventures itinerary, and OUT Adventures makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to OUT Adventures' operational safety policy at www.out-adventures.com/safety. 

We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.

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Your Fellow Travellers

On an OUT trip you will be travelling with other gay or gay-friendly passengers. We encourage open minded friends and family to join our trips. As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.

 

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Single Travellers

Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation although a single supplement is often available for an additional charge. For no additional cost, single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes.

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Responsible Travel

We believe strongly in low impact, or rather, positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.out-adventures.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.

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A couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes local laws but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for OUT Adventures travellers. OUT Adventures' philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

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Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.out-adventures.com/feedback

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