TRAVEL AND WHAT TO BRING
1. Passport
A valid passport is required for entry into Peru. All participants should carry a second form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license, as well as a photocopy of the personal data page of their passport. If they lose their passport, a copy is the easiest way to prove their identity. You can also take a photo of the data page and have in on your phone.As tourist requirements may change, please contact your country’s Peruvian embassy or consulate for visa and passport requirements to enter Peru.
2. Travel Insurance
A Foundation for Creative Dynamics-TOLTECNOLOGY STRONGLY recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in case extenuating circumstances force you to cancel your trip. If, for some unforeseen reason, you must cancel your journey, your deposit is nonrefundable. We suggest you purchase travel insurance within three weeks of your initial trip deposit for the best coverage.
For complete details, please visit: www.travelexinsurance.com
Other options include Squaremouth.com and World Nomads.com
I am not affiliated with any of these or receive any financial incentive from them.
3. Vegetarians
If you are a vegetarian, you will have plenty of food options to choose from. Peruvian cuisine is very pure and natural.
4. Supplements and special dietary products
Please be sure to pack supplements you are taking and any special dietary products such as protein powder mix, tea, or other packaged goods that are absolutely essential to your diet.
5. Prescription medications
If you take prescription medications, be sure to bring enough for your travels. Containers should be clearly labeled with prescription forms to avoid problems at Customs. Packing a standard first aid kit is advisable, as well as bringing your own favorite personal “remedies.” Since we will be hiking, consider bringing moleskin dressing for blisters. Local pharmacies are well stocked with common pharmaceutical products.
6. Health and safety
You can visit the CDC website for information about traveling to Peru, including vaccinations you may need to have:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/peru .
Keep in mind that A Foundation for Creative Dynamic-TOLTECNOLOGY cannot offer medical advice. You should consult with your primary care physician, who knows your medical history and can best advise you. Most illnesses while traveling are caused by contamination of food or water. Drink only bottled water and do not use ice cubes unless you know them to be safe. Freezing does not kill bacteria. Do not drink from the streams. Eat only cooked foods and fruits with peel. Avoid food from sidewalk vendors. Our hotels all have excellent hygiene and food preparation practices.
Hydration is the key to avoiding altitude sickness. We recommend you drink at least two full liters of water per day. Drinking wine or beer will dehydrate you, so limited consumption is strongly advised. Emergen-C Packets (containing vitamins and electrolytes) and simple Electrolyte Packets can be added to bottled water to assist hydration. If you experience sleeplessness, it might be caused by dehydration; drink more water immediately.
Please note: We recommend purchasing Emergency Evacuation Insurance from Travelex or any other Traveling Insurance Company.
7. Money
Consider exchanging US 500 at the airport to be used for tips and other eventualities. When you bring US dollars or Euros into Peru, they must be new bills with no tears or rips. Damaged bills are not accepted in Peru. Should you need more money, you can find ATM machines in Lima, Cusco, and in Urubamba, very close to our hotel.
8. Tips
We collect tips for our guides, bus drivers, and porters. These are collected by a volunteer and given as a group donation at the end of each outing. We ask for US $12 per day.
9. Airport Taxes
All Peruvian airports charge “Exit Taxes.” Most airlines include this tax in the cost of your ticket. Please contact your airline to confirm.
10. Optional healing sessions
Our shamans offer energy medicine sessions. The cost varies per session. This cost is your responsibility.
11. Temperatures and altitude
Sacred Valley: 70° Fahrenheit during the day and 40° to 50° at night;
12. Packing Tips
Plan on bringing a daypack for your carry-on and a main, checked suitcase as your main bag. Save some space in your main bag or bring an extra bag for souvenir purchases. Laundry facilities are available at the hotels.
13. What to pack
Each of us reacts to temperature differently. The following list is meant to provide a guideline, but you may need to adjust based on your temperature, comfort level, and needs.
Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen as the sun can be very strong at high altitudes
Lightweight hiking boots (Gortex or water-resistant w/ankle support are best)
Cotton socks or good hiking socks (extra pairs in case they get wet) • Blue jeans or comfortable hiking pants
Layered clothing for day hiking
Long-sleeved lightweight shirts (the ones that wick away moisture are worth the extra expense)
Fleece jacket
Rain poncho
Daypack or waist pack
Organic and healthy bars or snacks
Electronic charging equipment
Electric plug converter (220v to 110v)
Camera, digital cards and extra batteries
Emergen-C or Electrolyte packets
Water bottle
Personal care items and toiletries: tissues, wet wipes and zip-lock bags for day hikes
FAQ’S
Q: Is airfare included?
No, you are responsible for your own airfare to and from Peru. Most international travelers, especially those from the USA, will want to fly into Lima on a regular carrier such as, Latam, American, Delta, United, or AeroMexico.
Book air travel from Lima to Cusco at https://www.latamairlines.com/us/en. or any other carrier whos flight will have you in Cusco on time. Please try to arrive in Cusco between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. The ride to the hotel in the Sacred Valley is two hours. Some travelers choose to arrive in Cusco the night before (DATE), stay in a nearby hotel, and then take a taxi to the airport on the first morning to meet the group.
Q: Are all meals included?
Most are, yes. Please look at the itinerary by day on our home page to see which meals are included each day.
Q: Is ground transportation included?
Yes. You will be picked up and returned to the airport and transported by bus or train on each day trip. The cost of this is included in your booking fee. We or our hosts arrange all ground transport.
Q: What else will I need to bring?
Please bring money for any gifts, souvenirs, or additional meals and snacks you might want beyond the meals already included.
Q: Is lodging included?
Yes, all hotel stays are included in your booking fee.
Q: If I purchase a shared room, can you place me with another participant?
Yes. If you are traveling alone and purchase a shared room, we will place you in a room with another participant of the same sex. We will create pairs by first registering and paying in full. If you register later and we have an odd number of participants of the same sex, you will be required to pay the single occupancy rate.
If you are traveling with someone, please provide us with their name, and we will ensure you are placed in the same room.
Q: Do I need travel insurance?
We encourage you to obtain travel insurance. This can cover unexpected losses, accidents and illness and delays in your travel plans. See above for recommendations.