Usefull Information

1. Responsible Tourism:
We provide our clients with advice and guidelines on how to respect the social, cultural and religious beliefs of local communities. Our practices help in the environmental conservation of the areas we visit. We ensure that local staff and operators receive a fair payment for their services. We believe in putting money directly into the communities we visit by using locally owned and run accommodation and eating locally produced food.

2. Reservations...
To guarantee the services , please send (500.00 dollars) deposit so we can advance hotel reservations , train to Machupicchu and other services that need pre-payments.
3. Cancellations and refunds:
If you must cancel your journey for any unforeseen circumstances, your deposit is non-refundable. No refunds will be given for unused accommodations or services. We recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you want to protect yourself financially if circumstances force you to cancel your trip.


4. Flights:
If you are booking your own international flights, take an international flight to Lima , Peru and then from Lima , Peru fly to Cusco , Peru . For those that are able, we will meet at any USA airport to flight to Lima . It arrives in Lima in the morning, and you will not have to stay in Lima overnight. If you arrive before the starting date of our trip, you will be responsible for your own taxi transfers, hotel accommodations before the trip starts, and transportation to the first meeting of the group. Marco Nuñez from Cusco , Peru , with Frontier Expeditions, is making all of the travel arrangements for our guests. We prefer to use them, as it will be easier to coordinate all of everybody's travel arrangements.

5. Airport Taxes:
All Peruvian airports charge "Exit Taxes" to be paid in cash before entering the departure section of the airport. Please budget $34 each way internationally, and $6 for each internal flight.


6. Passports:
A valid passport is required for entry into Peru , and a ninety-day visa is given to US citizens automatically upon entry. For US Citizens, you can go to the web site at
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.htmlhttp://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

for renewing your passport. We recommend doing this well in advance, e.g. now. All participants will want to carry a second form of photo ID, such as a driver's license, and have a photocopy of the personal data page of your passport. Your copy of your passport is the easiest way to prove your identity if you were to lose your passport.


7. Travel Insurance:
Many travelers will choose to purchase travel insurance, which should refunds lost costs if you need to cancel your trip due to extenuating circumstances. One policy is Travelex Plus and includes excellent emergency medical insurance. You must purchase your Travelex insurance within Three Weeks after you pay your deposit for the trip in order to get the best coverage. Please read the Travelex Brochure carefully for all of the details and conditions so you understand what is offered. Call the Travelex insurance agents for details at 1-800-228-9792, or visit the web site at

http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=2307272&s=73346688www.travelex-insurance.com. Check with your existing health plan to make sure they cover your medical costs in a foreign country, and check with your credit card company, which may include baggage insurance or other features.


8. Food and Water:
Drink only bottled water, and only use bottled water for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is readily available. It does not take much contamination to make you sick, and some diseases can be severe enough to ruin your trip. Do not use ice cubes unless you know them to be safe. Many breakfasts include granola, cereals, yogurt, bananas, oranges, scrambled eggs or omelets, and breads.


9. Food Safety:
Eat only cooked foods, since lettuce and other foods can be washed in non-bottled water. Eat only fruits with peels for the sam e reason. If you want to experiment further with salads and fresh fruits, eat small portions the first day and see how your body responds. All of these foods are safe. Avoid food from sidewalk vendors. Our hotels have excellent hygiene and food preparations.


10. Meals:
Breakfast is included every morning at the hotels. You will want to put aside money for lunches and dinners ranging from $15.00 for lunches up to $20 for reasonable dinners. We usually take a 2-hour break for lunch and rest. If you are a vegetarian, you will have plenty of foods to choose from. Breakfasts are included with the hotels and are usually buffet style so you can choose what you like. Lunches and dinners are not included in the trip costs. There are excellent restaurants in the hotels and nearby to explore. Bring protein bars, trail mixes, and any other of your favorite snacks.

11. Health:
You can visit the CDC web site for US government information about traveling to Peru . Visit the web site at http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=2307273&s=73346688www.cdc.gov/travel/tropsam.htm.
Some people have received the following shots from their doctors: Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus. These vaccinations can take months to complete! Yellow Fever and Malaria are for Amazon areas mainly, and not needed for this trip. We cannot make recommendation as to what each traveler should or should not pursue for preventative medicine. It is best to consult with your own physician, who knows your medical history and can better advise you. Bring proof of your immunizations on the trip.
If you take any prescription medicines, be sure to bring enough for your travels and containers should be clearly labeled with prescription labels to avoid problems at Customs. A standard first aid kit is advisable, as well as bringing your own favorite personal "remedies" for the common possibilities. These might include a remedy for headaches, bacterial infections, stomach, colds, and dehydration. Remember, you are responsible for your own health. The local pharmacies have common pharmaceutical products also.


12. Altitude Sickness Prevention:
Diamox® is a medication your physician can prescribe to prevent altitude sickness. It can make some people drowsy and/or dehydrated. I like to take half a dose the first 2 nights in Cusco to help me adjust to the altitude and to get a good night of sleep. Most people manage without the medication. If you are experiencing sleeplessness, you might be dehydrated and you want to drink more water immediately! Emergen-C Packets (containing vitamins and electrolytes) and simple Electrolyte Packets can be added to bottled water for keeping hydrated and rejuvenated. Hydration is the key to avoiding altitude sickness. We recommend you drink two full liters of water per day. Drinking wine or beer will dehydrate you quickly, so avoid alcohol.


13. Money:
Consider exchanging $200 - $400 dollars at the airport. At that time, also get 20-30 coins (soles). Also bring one and five dollar bills to tip the hotel staff and taxis. There are several types of ATM Machines in Peru . You will want to call your bank ahead of the trip to make sure that you will have access to ATM's in a foreign country and which ATM's will work for your cards. Make sure that your PIN number will work in a foreign ATM. Traveler's checks are accepted in very few places. When you bring dollars into the country of Peru , they must be new dollars with no tears or rips. Damaged dollars are not accepted in Peru .

14. Tips:
We collect tips for our guides and porters. We ask for $5 – $20 per day and this is collected by a volunteer to be given as a group at the end of each trip. If the shamans are available for individual sessions, and you chose to work with them, you will be responsible for the cost, and can pay them directly.

15. Gifts:
Some of you have asked about bringing gifts for Peruvian children you might meet along the way. Peruvian children love pads of paper, pens, pencils, Magic Markers, or crayons. Many travelers bring gifts to the shamans also. Your presence with them in Peru is the best gift you could give them, as their greatest wish is to share their medicine teachings with others. If you like to donate supplies for local children, we can try to arrange for your gifts to be sent directly to a village. We will give you more information as we get it.

16. Luggage:
Please use your daypack as your airplane carry-on. Everything else should fit inside your main, checked suitcase. Leave some space in your main bag (or bring an extra duffle bag) for souvenir purchases.

17. Packing:
Please pack with care. Your trip will be more enjoyable if you're not bogged down by unnecessary packing and luggage. There are laundry facilities available at all the hotels. They are quite good at getting your clothes back to you quickly, and are inexpensive. Pack what you feel you absolutely NEED... but LESS IS MORE!

18. Tour conditions:
Cusco – 11,400 elevation, high 60's day, low 50's night
Sacred Valley – 8,500 elevation, high 60's to 70 day, high 40's to 50's night

19. What to bring:

  • Sunglasses, Sunhat, Sunscreen–the sun is very strong at high altitudes.
  • Lightweight hiking boots
  • Tevas or strapped hiking sandals (optional).
  • Thongs are great for the shower and to walk to and from breakfast.
  • Emergen-C (electrolyte) packets & granola bars, nuts, trail mix, etc.
  • Water Bottles
  • Layered clothing for day hiking. Zip-off pants are great.
  • Blue jean s or comfortable hiking pants. You only need three pants total.
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Three pairs of Good hiking socks
  • Two-three Long-sleeved lightweight shirts (the ones that wick away moisture are worth the extra expense).
  • Daypack and Money belt for cash and passport.
  • Warm jacket for nighttime.
  • Camera, film, digital cards and extra batteries.
  • Items of a personal nature & toiletries. Bring Kleenex, wet wipes and zip-lock bags for day hikes. Ladies, be prepared with feminine hygiene products.
  • Swimsuit
  • Bug Spray/Mosquito Repellent
  • 110 volt electric socket converter for South America
  • Bring one dress, skirt, or nicer clothes for fun.
  • If you must have a blow-dryer, then bring it. However, the hotels usually have one in each room.