Grand Tour of Peru: Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca
14 days | 18 days with Bolivia extension |
Take a full bite out of the cuisine and culture of Peru—one of South America’s most delightful destinations.
The teeming trees of the Amazon Rainforest. The stoic, stepped terraces of Machu Picchu. Though arguably the country’s two biggest draws, Peru contains far more—whether you’re searching for Inca ruins or urban treasures. Traverse the length of the country, from seaside Lima to jungle-bound Iquitos to the rocky shores of Lake Titicaca, drinking up every sight it serves. Then, if you’re up for more adventure, extend your trip into Bolivia to visit La Paz and the ever-entrancing Salar de Uyuni.
Your tour package includes
- 12 nights in handpicked hotels
- 12 breakfasts
- 7 lunches
- 5 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 cooking class
- 2 tastings
- 17 sightseeing tours
- Expert Tour Director & local guides
- Private deluxe motor coach
- 3 on-tour flights
- 2 train rides
Included highlights
- Huaca Pucllana
- Peruvian cooking class
- Amazon rainforest
- Sacsayhuaman
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Chinchero textile lesson
- Misminay village visit
- PeruRail train ride
- Machu Picchu
- Lake Titicaca
Itinerary
Lima2 nights
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Welcome to Peru! After arriving in Lima, make the short transfer to your hotel. You’ll touch down later in the evening, so use the rest of your day to settle into your room, grab a bite to eat, catch up on sleep, and look forward to the rest of your journey.
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Lima & cooking class
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Welcome dinner
With its glimmering skylines and UNESCO-recognized historic quarters, the coastal city of Lima’s more than earned its nickname of the Pearl of the Pacific. Today, set out on a walking tour with your group to take it all in.
- Start at the Plaza de Armas, the historic cradle and modern heart of Lima. Stroll through this manicured plaza, surrounded by gorgeous yolk-yellow buildings, and view a pair of local icons: the Baroque Lima Metropolitan Cathedral and the Neoclassical Municipal Palace.
- Enter the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site. Now surrounded by the buzzing Miraflores district, this adobe-and-clay pyramid was erected in the sixth century—predating the Inca Empire by almost 1,000 years.
- Head toward the coast to the Parque del Amor—Love Park—and gaze at the mighty Pacific Ocean as you amble down its boardwalk.
- Wrap up with a walk through the bohemian Barranco district, where artists, musicians, and other creatives ply their trades. Stop to sample coffees and alfajores—a delectable dessert of rich dulce de leche sandwiched between two shortbread cookies and dusted with powdered sugar.
After spending a free afternoon recharging (or discovering more of Lima’s treasures), come back together with your group for a visit to a local market. Walk among the stalls as you learn about traditional ingredients—then, when your appetite’s at its sharpest, meet up with an expert chef for an interactive cooking class.
Shake up some pisco sours and listen as they teach you how to make ceviche (chunks of fresh fish “cooked” by a citrus-based marinade), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef served with peppers and french fries), and a dessert. Plates prepared, sit down to feast on them for dinner, served with beer or wine.
Please note: The order of today’s events may change. On some departures, the cooking class may take place in the morning, with the sightseeing tour in the afternoon.
Iquitos2 nights
Day 3: Flight to Iquitos & rainforest walks
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Iquitos this morning to begin your adventure in the Amazon. You’ll take a boat to your lodge and catch glimpses of life on the river: stilt homes hovering over the current, locals fishing and running errands by boat, and more.
After arriving, dig into an included lunch before setting out on an invigorating, naturalist-led walk in the rainforest reserve surrounding your lodge. Try and spot colorful frogs and the elusive, slow-moving sloths that live in the thicket.
This evening, rejoin your groupmates for an included buffet-style dinner, served with beer or wine. If the calls of the Amazon’s nocturnal species pique your curiosity, strike out into the rainforest with your naturalist guide once more for an easy, optional wildlife walk before calling it a night.
Please note: Depending on flight schedules, you may instead have a boxed lunch en route to your lodge. Furthermore, today’s activities may change depending on available facilities and the weather.
Day 4: Sunrise bird-watching, Yagua villager visit & rainforest boat ride
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You know what they say about early birds, and today, that adage holds true. Should you choose, wake up at the crack of dawn and join a naturalist for a spot of sunrise bird-watching. Let your guide’s keen eye point you towards toucans, parrots, and more of the 500 species that call the rainforest home.
After eating breakfast, return to the Amazon for a short river cruise. (You’ll even get to fish for piranhas!) Then, dine one an included lunch before meeting with Yagua villagers for a peek into the customs of this Indigenous Amazonian culture.
- Learn about their way of life and watch a blowgun demonstration to see this age-old hunting technique in action.
- Glide along the Amazon’s winding waterways as a guide helps you spot wildlife—a special treat if you’re an avid birder. Let the sights and sounds of the rainforest set the tone for a truly immersive visit.
- Stay on the river for an evening boat cruise. Caimans and other animals rise with the moon—look out as your naturalist guide spots them in the night.
Finally, wrap up your day with an included dinner at your lodge, served with beer or wine.
Please note: Today’s activities may change depending on available facilities and the weather.
Cuzco2 nights
Day 5: Flight to Cuzco
Included meal: Breakfast
Begin today’s travels by cruising back to Iquitos, where you’ll board a connecting flight to Lima. After making your layover, take to the skies once more, descending into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and touching down in Cuzco. Take it easy for the rest of the day: This legendary city is perched some 11,100 feet above sea level, and it’ll take your body some time to acclimate to the thin Andean air.
Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Cuzco
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
As the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco once ruled over a territory that stretched from the southwestern tip of modern Colombia to the central valleys of present-day Chile. Today, you’ll get to know this UNESCO-recognized city, courtesy of a tour led by a local guide.
- Stroll through the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman, a citadel whose stone walls were put in place without the use of mortar. Then, view the 26-foot-tall Cristo Blanco, a statue of Jesus Christ sent to the city as a thank-you gift by Palestinian refugees who sheltered there during World War II.
- Walk through the city center and step inside the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. Established by the invading Spanish in 1534, it stands on the site of—and originally used materials from—Koricancha, the Incas’ most important temple.
- Cross the UNESCO-listed Plaza de Armas to enter Cuzco Cathedral. Standing on the site of the old Inca temple Kiswarkancha, this Catholic church makes excellent use of Renaissance, late-Gothic, and Baroque styling.
- Wrap up with a visit to San Pedro Market, a short walk from the Plaza de Armas, to browse crafts made by local artisans and try fresh fruit.
Sacred Valley2 nights
Day 7: Chinchero textile lesson & Ollantaytambo
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As you journey through the Sacred Valley, make some stops to better understand the Inca culture and present-day life in the Andes. Start your morning in the quaint village of Chinchero, where cobblestone streets and Andean charm set the scene. Nestled high on a plateau, this village is known for its stunning views of the snowcapped Urubamba mountain range and its deep cultural heritage.
- Visit Balcon del Inka, a local textile cooperative run by Quechua women. Here, you’ll step into a world of color and craft as you learn about the centuries-old textile traditions passed through generations.
- Watch as artisans demonstrate traditional weaving, spinning, and dyeing techniques used to transform alpaca and sheep yarns into vibrant, geometric designs.
- Peruse the colorful stalls of the open-air Chinchero Market, where fragrant spices, handmade goods, and vivid textiles create a sensory feast. This is the perfect spot to find a unique keepsake, from soft scarves and ponchos to handwoven tapestries—all made locally.
Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant in Chinchero, then continue to the ancient Ollantaytambo ruins. With your guide, explore the sprawling archaeological site—its towering fortress walls, ceremonial fountains, and temple remnants carved from massive stone blocks. You can choose to make the strenuous climb to the top of the ruins or stay at the base to explore the town ruins at the bottom.
Sit down for an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.
Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Maras, Moray & Misminay
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
To get to the root of the Sacred Valley, you need to search beyond Cuzco. Today, you’ll do just that, beginning in the village of Maras.
- Pop into a small shop and chat with its owners to learn about the village’s agricultural traditions.
- Discover Maras’ salineras—geometric earthen pans used to extract salt from mineral-rich water since pre-Incan times—and marvel at the pastel colors of their contents.
- Hike around Moray, a hypnotizing series of terraced depressions that step deeper and deeper into the ground. Hear how they were once used to grow crops and conduct agricultural experiments.
- Climb higher into the Andes, admiring the sight of peaks perennially clad in snow, to reach Misminay. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a home-cooked lunch, followed by a live performance of traditional music.
Machu Picchu Region1 night
Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Machu Picchu
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
No words can truly do Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, justice. Luckily, you’ll get to see this UNESCO-protected gem with your own eyes. From Aguas Calientes, climb higher into the Andes and spend the first part of your day exploring one of South America’s most spectacular archaeological sites.
- Begin in the heart of the complex, touring its emerald agricultural terraces and the guardhouse—a spartan hut used by soldiers to guard the approach to Machu Picchu.
- Continue to the Funerary Rock, the symbolic entrance to the citadel’s graveyard; the hulking Main Temple and adjacent Chamber of Ornaments, where priests may have lived; and the Temple of the Three Windows, with its perfectly symmetrical openings.
After returning to Aguas Calientes and freshening up at your hotel, reconvene for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Please note: There are several routes through Machu Picchu; the one your group will take may change based on availability. Furthermore, due to ticket scarcity and daily entrance restrictions, you must submit your full passport details no later than 90 days prior to departure, or risk being denied entry to Machu Picchu.
Cuzco1 night
Day 10: Train to Cuzco
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
You’ll spend your afternoon rumbling through the Sacred Valley, taking a train to Urubamba before riding your bus back to Cuzco—but first, you’ll have the morning to yourself in Aguas Calientes. Our recommendation? Tack on the optional excursion to return to Machu Picchu’s mythic heights.
Lake Titicaca2 nights
Day 11: Lake Titicaca via Raqch’i ruins
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Forge across the arid expanse of the Andean highlands, stopping en route at Raqch’i. Part community, part storage depot, this four-square-mile archaeological site contains an array of Inca ruins—granaries, a temple, and more.
- Follow a local guide across the Raqch’i complex, stopping to marvel at the Temple of Wiracocha. Though reduced to ruin, its 60-foot walls still stand, outlining a once-massive structure.
- Join members of the Inka Roots Experiential Tourism Association to dig into local traditions and legends, then share an included family-style lunch with your hosts. (Locally grown potatoes, beans, quinoa, and more are all on the menu.)
From there, pass through La Raya Pass—a stunning cut through the Andes, more than 14,000 feet above sea level—as you continue your trek to Lake Titicaca. A blot of deep blue surrounded by the dry yellows of the Altiplano, it’s the highest navigable body of water in the world, and one of 20 ancient lakes on Earth. Pull into the city of Puno, Peru’s folklore capital, and settle in at your hotel for a free evening.
Please note: You should be prepared for a long transfer to Lake Titicaca. Your motor coach will make several stops to allow you to stretch your legs, use the restroom, stock up on snacks, and enjoy the views.
Day 12: Uros & Taquile islands
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trade your bus for a boat today and take to the waters of Lake Titicaca. Your first port of call: the Uros Islands, just off the coast of Puno.
- Disembark on these artificial islands—created from buoyant, dried totora reeds—and learn about the Uros, an Indigenous group that has lived on the lake for centuries.
- Meet with a community member to discover how Uros craftspeople build their islands, homes, and boats by hand.
Bid farewell to your hosts and climb back aboard your boat to sail further into Lake Titicaca, docking on Taquile Island—an outpost for a UNESCO-recognized style of textile art.
- Link up with some of the island’s inhabitants and listen as they explain the traditions behind their famous textiles. To propose to someone, a man will weave them an intricate hat by hand; if they accept, a woman will craft a bag for their fiance to wear.
- Join your hosts for an included lunch, served in full view of the Bolivian Andes. Afterward, return to your boat and head back to Puno.
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 13: Departure
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Bags packed, make the drive to Juliaca Airport for a daytime flight to Lima. Once you touch down, transfer to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine. Toast your groupmates and the memories you’ve made before returning to the airport for your overnight flight home.
If you’d prefer to head to a different destination, add the optional extension to Bolivia to your trip. The bone-dry Salar de Uyuni, the sky-high city of La Paz—you’ll check out both, and then some.
Arrive Home
Day 14: Arrival at Home
Arrive home today.
Bolivia extension
From the colonial corners of La Paz—the City that Touches the Clouds—to the surreal stretches of the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia combines the natural and the manmade to jaw-dropping effect. And with the waterfront city of Copacabana just across Lake Titicaca from Peru, exploring this country’s Andean highs is, quite literally, just a short drive away.
Copacabana1 night
Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Copacabana
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
While some of your groupmates begin their trek back to Lima, you’ll skirt the shores of Lake Titicaca by bus and cross the Peruvian border. Your first stop in Bolivia: Copacabana, where you’ll dig into an included lunch. Bellies full, you’ll then follow your Tour Director for some guided sightseeing in town.
- Drink in the distant sight of the Isla del Sol, an island peppered with more than 80 archaeological sites.
- Enter the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana. Built by Spanish colonizers in the 17th century, the stark white walls of the shrine contain the image of the Virgen of Copacabana, Bolivia’s patron saint.
- Peruse the stalls of the city’s central markets—and, if you’re looking for souvenirs, pick something up for your loved ones back home.
La Paz1 night
Day 14: Isla del Sol & transfer to La Paz
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After spotting its rocky form rising out of Lake Titicaca yesterday, you’ll make for the shores of the Isla del Sol this morning.
- Dock on the island and set out to explore the ruins of Pilko Kaina, the Temple of the Sun that predates Inca rule.
- Scale a series of steps to the Fuente del Inca—otherwise known as the Fountain of Eternal Youth. Legend has it that each of its springs has a slightly different flavor; drink from all three, and you’ll stay young forever.
- Come together for an apthapi: Rooted in Aymara tradition, this highland meal is all about sharing food and conversation with friends.
Back on the mainland, board your bus and drive across the Altiplano—the second-largest plateau in the world. As night falls, you’ll finish picking your way across the city of El Alto, descending into the valley that cradles La Paz. Take it easy after checking into your hotel: The city’s the highest administrative capital on the planet.
Uyuni2 nights
Day 15: Salar de Uyuni
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kick off your day with a flight to Uyuni, a trading-post-turned-city on the outskirts of the world’s biggest salt flats. Formed by evaporation thousands of years ago, this arid expanse—known as the Salar de Uyuni—mesmerizes visitors, and you’ll count yourself among them today. (Movie lovers might recognize this otherworldly setting from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”)
- Walk the Cementerio de Trenes, or Train Cemetery, where rusted locomotives have stood abandoned for decades. It makes a great photo-op—you can even climb the trains to find the best shot.
- Pause in Colchani—a town of just over 600 people on the edge of the Salar—to learn about salt extraction and processing.
- Drive onto the Salar de Uyuni and search for the perfect spot to have an included picnic lunch. Then, make stops at Isla Incahuasi and Isla del Pescado. Despite their names, these outcrops aren’t true islands: Rather, they surge above the salt flats, drawing eyes with their cactus-covered slopes.
Bus back to Uyuni and get cleaned up in anticipation for tonight’s included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 16: Sightseeing tour of Pukara de Ayque
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the age of the Inca, pukaras served as hilltop redoubts, bastions against invading forces. One—the Pukara de Ayque—stands sentinel over the Salar de Uyuni, looking out from the slopes of the Tunupa volcano. With a local guide in the lead, you’ll strike back out across the salt flats to explore this pre-Columbian ruin. Human fossils, desiccated food, dilapidated walls, and other archaeological finds await: After exploring, head out onto the Salar for an included picnic lunch before returning to Uyuni. (If you’re lucky, you might be joined by some of the flats’ resident flamingos.)
La Paz1 night
Day 17: Sightseeing tour of La Paz
Included meal: Breakfast
This morning, fly back to La Paz and, after shaking off your travels, stretch your legs with a guided sightseeing tour.
- Venture into the heart of the Old Town, passing Plaza Murillo and the Basilica of Saint Francis. The former runs right up to Bolivia’s presidential palace; the latter boasts exquisite designs, carved right into its stone walls.
- Hitch a ride on a cable car—a staple of La Paz’s public transit network—and hop off at Killi Killi. From this viewpoint, you’ll be treated to breathtaking, 360-degree views of the city below.
- Weave between the counters of different street markets, spotting everything from brightly hued handicrafts to items used in esoteric rituals.
- Wrap up in the Valley of the Moon—an otherworldly, spire-studded rockscape forged by erosion over eons.
Flight Home
Day 18: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Please note: Depending on flight schedules, you may leave for the airport late at night on day 17.
Reviews
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Lima - Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores
This modern hotel is located in the Miraflores district of Lima. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool, fitness center, and city views. Nearby, you'll find several beaches, Malecón de Miraflores, and the Huaca Pucllana Site Museum.
The Amazon - Ceiba Tops Lodge
This lodge-style hotel is located in the Amazon rainforest. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi, a pool, and a hammock house. Nearby, you'll find the Amazon River and the Amazon rainforest.
Cuzco - Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
This contemporary hotel is located in Santa Ana. Guests enjoy courtyard yoga, Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour market. Nearby, you'll find Plaza de Armas, Quirikancha, and Sacsayhuaman.
Sacred Valley - Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Yucay
This colonial hotel is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley near the town of Urubamba. Guests enjoy a foreign currency exchange, a business center with internet access, and a restaurant and bar. Nearby, you’ll find the...
Machu Picchu Region - El MaPi by Inkaterra
This contemporary hotel is located in Aguas Calientes. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi, a bar, and laundry service. Nearby, you'll find Machu Picchu, Phuyupatamarca, and the Urubamba River.
Lake Titicaca - GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca
This modern hotel is located on the private island of Esteves. Guests enjoy a restaurant, a meeting area, and a gift shop. Nearby you’ll find Lake Titicaca, Titicaca National Reserve, and downtown Puno.
La Paz - Hotel Europa
This contemporary hotel is located in La Paz, Bolivia. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, sauna and on-site restaurants. Nearby you’ll find the National Museum of Archeology, Calle Jaen, and Mirador Killi Killi.
Uyuni - Palacio de Sal
This unique, modern rustic hotel is located on the eastern edge of Salar de Uyuni. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, and free bikes to borrow. Nearby, you’ll find the Salar de Uyuni salt flat and the town center of...
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare and you’ll get:
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
FAQ
- In order to enter Peru (and Bolivia on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- Entrance tickets into Machu Picchu require full passport information. Travelers must enter these details via your online account, mobile app, or by giving the Traveler Support Team a call no later than 90 days prior to departure, or risk being denied entry into Machu Picchu due to scarcity of tickets and daily entrance restrictions.
- There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter Peru.
- U.S. passport holders must obtain a visa in order to enter Bolivia on the extension. While it is possible to obtain a visa at the border, we strongly recommend purchasing your visa in advance as wait times upon arrival can exceed 2 hours. You may submit a request for a paper visa by visiting your local embassy or consulate. Alternatively, you may use a third-party provider like VisaCentral—however, these services charge a fee in addition to the cost of your visa. You will need to have your visa receipt with you upon arrival in Bolivia. There is no visa required for Canadian citizens to enter Bolivia.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code PEU.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Lima and depart from Lima (or La Paz on the tour extension).
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in Lima, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a very high physical activity-level tour. You can expect vigorous activity throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a very fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Two 1-night stays
- Most days and evenings full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Variety of transportation including motor coach, flights, trains and boats
- Daily drive time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 3-5 miles per day—this includes city streets, cobblestones, dirt paths, stairs, and hills.
- Stone walkways may be slippery even when dry.
- Visit to Machu Picchu requires minimum of 2 miles walking with many stairs, hills and uneven terrain.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.
Climate Considerations
- Travelers can expect a variety of climates on tour, from hot, humid weather in Iquitos to cooler, drier weather in the higher altitudes of Cuzco.
- Travelers should be prepared for days as cool as 60F and hot as 90F.
- Countries visited on this tour are in the Southern hemisphere so their seasons are opposite of those in North America.
- Summer months are considered December- February, while winter is June - August.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 12,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including trains, planes and private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- PeruRail transit and flights from Lima to Iquitos, Iquitos to Cuzco, and Juliaca to Lima are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a round-trip flight between Uyuni and La Paz.)
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
- Travelers must be prepared with an overnight bag/small carry on luggage for the train to Aguas Calientes as larger luggage will be stored in the Sacred Valley for one night.
- Peru’s diverse geography means temperature and climate vary widely across the country. A sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear can help you stay comfortable in all types of weather.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing. Hiking boots are highly recommended, especially in the rainy season, as the terrain can be tough and muddy.
- Binoculars will let you get a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
- A small flashlight is helpful during night walks.
- Insect repellent is recommended for outdoor activities.
- We recommended bringing or purchasing snacks that you can easily bring with you each day to eat in between meals.
- A small bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when other facilities are not readily available while on the road.
- Nasal spray and throat lozenges can help alleviate dry conditions when in high altitudes.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the air conditioning in South American hotels and buildings is often not as strong or cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Peru (and Bolivia on the tour extension) operates on 220 volts and uses Types A or C plugs with two flat pins or two round pins, respectively.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Local governments may require proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as a yellow card ) or a statement of medical exemption from the vaccine. This is only required of travelers arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission (Please note: This does not include the U.S. or Canada). Visit cdc.gov/yellowfever for more information.
- Please be aware that you will be traveling at altitudes as high as 12,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
- Even healthy travelers may sometimes experience altitude sickness, a temporary condition featuring symptoms of headache, fatigue, nausea, and light-headedness. Until your body acclimates to the higher altitudes, we suggest that you drink plenty of fluids and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
- Many hotels on this tour do not keep the electricity running throughout the night. Please contact Go Ahead Tours if you will be traveling with a CPAP machine so we can inform the hotels that the electricity in your room will need to stay running throughout the night.
- Be sure to take proper care for sun exposure, as the sun can be more intense at higher altitudes.
- We recommend drinking bottled water and refraining from drinking tap water, even while brushing teeth. Bringing a backpack that has an interior pocket to hold water will help you stay hydrated.
- Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code PEU.
- This tour includes 7 lunches and 5 dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Peruvian cuisine reflects both the country’s indigenous cultures as well as European colonial and Pacific Rim influences. Staples include grains, like quinoa, maize and rice, as well beans, potatoes, and meat. Ceviche, traditionally raw sea bass marinated with lime and chilies, is a national dish. Adventurous eaters may want to try cuy, or roasted guinea pig, that’s cooked over an open fire. You can also raise a toast with Peru’s famous pisco, the delicious (and sour) white-grape brandy.
- On the tour extension, lunch like a local in Bolivia with the almuerzo, a leisurely afternoon meal featuring courses of soup, rice, and potatoes, a main dish and dessert. Bolivians also enjoy a late-afternoon tea with pastries, much like the British. You’ll find many Bolivian dishes traditionally feature staples of corn, potatoes, and beans, reflecting the influence of indigenous cultures, as well as Spanish and Eastern European styles.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $4USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Peruvian sol in Peru (and the Bolivian bolivano in Bolivia on the tour extension).
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey in Peru.
- You will have a different Tour Director for your tour extension in Bolivia than on your main tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Peru (and Bolivia on the tour extension) is in Eastern Time (ET) but does not observe daylight saving time.
- When it’s 9 am in New York City, it’s 9 am on tour from November through March and 8am from April through October.
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers or potable water is provided on the bus and/or hotel. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from tortoiseshell or meals such as shark fin soup.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.
