7 Days, 6 Nights
Peru, the richest country in the world, invites you to discover that being rich isn’t about having the most; but about experiencing the most unforgettable moments. A place where the diversity, culture, nature and food hold all essence of life, we invite you to join us as we dive headfirst into a adventure of unparalleled proportions.
This trip will give you non-stop adventure. After cycling the smooth dirt roads and rugged single tracks of Sacred Valley, you will embark on your journey to the magnificent Rainbow Mountains and world famous Machu Picchu.
The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is an undiscovered land full of wild desert landscapes, snow capped glaciated peaks, herds of alpaca, and pristine beauty. But it gets better. Once you have concurred one natural wonder, its onto the next.
The spectacular Inca trail is perfect for adventurers who wish to become personally integrated in changing ecosystems from one day to the next. You will walk through sweeping, magical landscapes of a snowy mountain paradise to a tropical jungle where you will find a wide range of animals and medicinal plants and flower varieties.
This is a trip of a lifetime
Documents:
>Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
> Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
> Passport (required) (With photocopies)
> Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
> Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
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CASH:
The official unit of currency in Peru is the Sol.
ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities across Latin America. Credit cards are generally available in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are generally preferred over American Express, Diners, etc. Smaller venues take cash only. Although you will not need large amounts of cash while trekking, we highly recommend you withdraw what you need prior to arrival to the park.
Tipping is expected.
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TIME ZONE:
Peru is 5 hours behind GMT.
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LANGUAGE:
The main language of Peru is Spanish.
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Climate:
INCA TRAIL CLOSURES: The Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works.
SEASONS - The wet season in Peru is from November to April. During this time it can be rainy or even snow heavily in the Andes. There have been occasions of torrential rains and flooding in some parts of the country, including Cusco. During the wet season landslides and inclement weather can cause disruption to road and rail travel as well as trekking and hiking routes. These can include Cusco, the routes to Machu Picchu and the north of Peru.
EARTHQUAKES - Peru is in an active earthquake zone and there are frequent tremors. If in a building when an earthquake strikes keep away from the windows and make your way to the safe zones marked in most buildings with an ‘S’ sign. If you are outside keep away from buildings and other areas where objects, like trees or power lines, could fall.
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1. WIFI: Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in Peru as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to.
2. HEALTH & SAFETY: Please read the Health and Safety section below for an important message on Physical Fitness and Altitude and Acclimatization.
3. CLOSURES: The Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works. If the trek portion of your trip starts in February you will be automatically booked to hike the Quarry Trail.
4. YELLOW FEVER: A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home.
5. Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
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Your health and wellbeing is of great importance to us during your climb. Our guides are trained to recognise and deal with a number of medical conditions. Whilst you do not need to have mountain climbing experience, a reasonable level of fitness is required for successful sumit. We will also climb the mountain in a recommended way, considering the health and fitness of the group. There is no rush to reach the top as the joy is in the climb. Take your time to soak up your surrounding and enjoy every step of the way.
You will need to discuss with a medical professional where you will be travelling to and undertake an appropriate immunisation programme and other medical requirements. Preventative measures as advised by your doctor are very important, such as applying DEET mosquito repellent from dusk to dawn as well. We also recommend that you carry a small personal medical kit.
YELLOW FEVER: A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home.
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Climbing to the Rainbow Mountains or Machu Pichhu doesn’t need any technical mountaineering skills, although a reasonable degree of fitness would help. Please note that being physically fit doesn’t guarantee anyone to overcome problems with altitude although it can reduce the impact of your climb on the body. If anyone wishes to train for their climb we recommend that you take part in daily walks that should include uphill and downhill sections. It is also necessary to increase your endurance and confidence levels, as this will play a big part in your success.
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Person small first aid kit should be carried by each climber:
1. Pain Killers (Ibuprofen).
2. Diamox (Acetazolamide) if you choose to use this.
3. Paracetamol.
4. Zinc oxide tape and small scissors.
5. Compeed Blister Pads.
6. Loperamide Diahorrea Tablets.
7. Any medication you normally use.
8. Dioralyte sachets or similar rehydration packs.
Note; that your guide will carry a more comprehensive medical kit. Where a climber has specific health concerns that they or their doctor anticipate being exacerbated by exposure to high altitude, or if he has a history of heart disease in the family, we would advise that he requests that we carry an additional canister of emergency oxygen.
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Parts of your trip go above feet 5,200m / 17,060 ft where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!
The Definition of Altitude Sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness):
It is an illness that ranges from a mild headache and weariness to a life-threatening build-up of fluid in the lungs or brain at high altitudes. Acute altitude sickness is the mildest and most common form. Because more people are traveling to areas of high elevation like climbing kilimanjaro.
High Altitude: 1500 – 3500 m (5000 – 11500 ft)
Very High Altitude: 3500 – 5500 m (11500 – 18000 ft)
Extreme Altitude: above 5500 m (18000 ft)
Altitude sickness causes:
Altitude sickness symptoms occur when the rate of ascent into higher altitudes is too quickly that the body doesn’t get time to acclimatise. Altitude sickness generally develops at elevations higher than 8,000 feet (about 2,400 meters) above sea level and when the rate of ascent exceeds 1,000 feet (300 meters) per day.
The following actions can trigger altitude sickness:
Ascending too quickly (rapidly)
Overexertion within 24 hours of ascent
Inadequate fluid intake
Hypothermia
Consumption of alcohol or other sedative
One way to avoid altitude sickness is allowing the body to get used to the altitude slowly (Acclimatisation). Acclimatisation is the process by which the body adjusts to high altitudes. The goal of acclimatisation is to increase ventilation (breathing) to compensate for lower oxygen content in the air. To compensate for this extra ventilation, blood needs to have a lower pH. In response, the kidneys excrete bicarbonate into the urine, which in turn lowers the body’s pH to accommodate for this extra respiratory effort.
Altitude sickness symptoms:
Acute altitude sickness may be associated with any combination of the following symptoms:
Fatigue
Headache
Dizziness
Insomnia
Shortness of breath during exertion
Nausea
Decreased appetite
Swelling of extremities
Social withdrawal
People with acute altitude sickness often attribute their symptoms to other causes such as an uncomfortable bed, bad food, or a hangover. However, it is important to recognize that these symptoms may indicate a high altitude illness which are High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and High altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) fluid build up in the lungs. An advanced form of acute altitude sickness causes the following progression of symptoms:
Shortness of breath at rest
Gurgling respirations
Wet cough with frothy sputum
Possible fever
Respiratory failure
Onset of HAPE can be gradual or sudden.
HAPE typically occurs after more than one day spent at high altitude
High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is fluid build up in the brain. It can begin with confusion.
A person developing HACE begins having trouble keeping up with the group.-
Next, walking and coordination become impaired.
As the brain continues to swell, lethargy and then coma will develop.
If left untreated, HACE will ultimately result in death.
Both HAPE and HACE are potentially fatal but are thankfully extremely rare during a well planned Kilimanjaro climb.
Altitude sickness treatment:
Delay further ascent until symptoms improve.
Rest and stay warm.
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for headache. ( Ask your doctor for subscription )
Do not use sleeping pills or other central nervous system depressants to treat insomnia because they can suppress breathing.
NOTE:
If symptoms continue, do not travel any higher.
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While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary, therefore, on occasions there may be some alternations. While we operate successful trips in this region throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary from time to time.
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Weather:
Given the unpredictable nature of weather and travel, we are sometimes forced to make late itinerary changes due to unexpected heavy rain and/or storms and road closures. In the event of this occurring, itinerary changes may need to be implemented after commencement of you trip. In this event, your Tour guides have full authority to change the itinerary and/or order of activities and substitute alternative destinations and activities as necessary. No refunds are available due to itinerary changes and missed activities caused by extreme weather conditions and/or road closures.
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Arrival Complications:
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact GoKo Travels or your Tour leader on the numbers provided in the contact selection of this document (bottom).
If you are unable to get in touch with your with us via the details given on our website, please refer to our emergency contact details.
You do not need to pre-booked an airport transfer, as your tour leader will collect you from outside the airport and will take you to your Starting Point hotel.
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Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.
If you receive an immigration card upon entry, please ensure you keep this safe as it may be requested at point of exit.
PERU:
Citizens of Australia, USA, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and South Africa do not currently require a visa for Peru. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa or entry requirements with the Peruvian consulate in your home country.
For the most up to date information on visa requirements, we recommend you contact the Peruvian embassy in your country or visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/peru/entry-requirements
** IMPORTANT NOTE** : It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country. Please check in with your local consulate and health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
**: Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends.
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Flights:
GoKo Travels doesn't currently have the facilities to book your external/international flights. Therefore, you will have to prearrange your own flights to the required destination. We are always looking to improve our services, therefore, are planning to implement this solution as soon as possible.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Tour leader/ local representative, who will take note of your insurance details and emergency contact number. This insurance must cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of cover
We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability of luggage, cancellation, curtailment and loss and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
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When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. Some prefer to spend all their money on alcohol, whille other prefer souvenirs. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need. Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. This should make budgeting a little easier.
Money Exchange:
The local currency in Peru is Sol (PEN). For the latest exchange rate refer to https://www.xe.com
Money Matters:
ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities across Latin America. Credit cards are generally available in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are generally preferred over American Express, Diners, etc. Smaller venues take cash only.
Check with your bank before departure that your card is accepted in the countries you are travelling to and what their fees and charges are. 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 USD100 / GBP £75-£80 per day.
Contingency Funds:
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you have access to an extra GBP£300 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved.
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How much do i tip my Guides and porters?
Gratuities aren’t compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. We suggest carrying small notes of local currency around as you go. It’ll make tipping easier. The recommended tipping amounts are listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers.
We reccomend that each climber tips a total of between $10 per day, but your leader might raise the idea of a group tip kitty. Each traveller contributes an equal amount to the pool, and your leader can pay the tips as you go.
PERU TREKKING - General Tipping Guide:
Inca Trail: we suggest a total tipping amount of PEN120 to PEN180 per person (approximately USD 37 to USD 55). This is generally the tipping breakdown:
Porters, cook and assistants PEN 80 to PEN 120
Assistant guide: PEN 12 to PEN 20
Guide: PEN 27 to PEN 40
It is against company policy for guides or porters to discuss tips in bad way during your climb. Unless there were extenuating circumstances that justify higher tips, please try to stay close the guidelines above, as gracious tips from customers have raised staff's expectations for ever increasing amounts. Likewise, if staff did not perform well, you should tip less
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Accomdation:
All camping and hostel accommodation is included in the price of this trip
If you wish for a private room/ tent, you must request before booking.
5 nights will be spent in Lodges or Hotels and 1 night will be camping in tents.
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MEALS:
Included in this tour are : 05 Breakfasts, 04 Lunches or Box-Lunches, 01 Dinner
Snacks: While all meals are provided while on the mountain you may want to bring some extra snacks from home. Perhaps some nutritional muesli or protein bars, or your favourite chocolate snack to keep the energy levels up on the harder sections of your trek.
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with GoKo Travels you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally, meals are included in the trip price, therefore, it is your responsibly to let us know if you have any food allergies at time of booking, so we can make arrangements accordingly.
Travellers with special dietary requirements or food allergies are required to advise us at the time of booking. If you do not inform us before departure date, it may be impossible to source special dietary requests.
You may be asked to pay for any additional food if you have not advised us of any special dietary requirements beforehand.
The below dietary can be easily catered for:.
Vegetarian
Gluten Free
Dairy Free (soy available )
Pork Free
Vegan
Please bring your own staples (nuts, bars, snacks) if you require a diet differing from the above.
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ALCOHOL:
You will need to purchase any alcohol and other drinks separately unless otherwise highlighted in the itinerary.
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TRANSPORT:
ALL Transport is included.
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As you may well know, adventures always carry an element of danger. Our GoKo trips are not just package holidays, they are immersive experiences that go off the beaten path and push can you beyond your comfort zone. That’s what makes them awesome, and that’s why we take safety very seriously.
Different countries have their own infrastructures, laws, regulations, transport systems, cultures, political situations, climates and ecosystems so the nature of an adventure means it carries genuine risks. With this is mind, we are dedicated to ensuring all reasonable precautions are made to provide trips that are safe.
We closely monitor all the countries we travel to, keeping in regular contact with our operators and suppliers for their local knowledge and expertise.
If you have any concerns about travelling to a particular country, most governments provide their own travel advice. Here are some useful links regarding foreign travel: UK citizens; US citizens; Canadian citizens; Australian citizens; New Zealand citizens. If you are not from one of the follow countries, please visit your official government advice page.
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. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safekeeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities, have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our guides to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
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All GoKo travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our tour leader / local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, GoKo Travel reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. Information should be gathered round necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure.
For legal reasons, our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
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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 guides or local representatives straight 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 recognise 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 to 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.
If for whatever reasons, you wish to contact GoKo directly regarding changes to your scheduled trip or make a complaint while you are already on your trip, or need to contact us in cases of an emergency, please use the following details below:
Email: info@gokotravels.com
Emergency Contact Number: +44 7305027666
GOKO Travels
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