Visa

Tourist visas are not required for citizens of UK and USA. Visitors are normally given permission to stay for up to 90 days on arrival. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended dates of stay. In case of queries you should consult the Peruvian consular representatives in your country. Note that some flights to Peru transit the USA – you should check latest visa situation with your US Embassy or Consulate.

Logistics

International flights and return flights from Lima to Arequipa are not included. All other surface transportation is included. If you require information regarding airlines and routes please contact us.

Vaccination / Protection

Nothing compulsory, though protection against tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio is recommended. You should consult your doctor or travel clinic for up to date advice. Note that malaria, dengue and yellow fever are present in Peru but normally confined to Amazon and jungle regions.

Personal Expenses

This is mostly a fully inclusive expedition All entrance fees, guiding, logistics, hotels and most drinks are included. Not included are visas, tips, optional excursions and personal expenses. US dollars and Euros can easily be changed into Peruvian Soles. ATMs are available in both Lima and Arequipa and take most common debit/credit cards. Travellers cheques in US Dollars or Euros can be changed in most towns but involve more bureaucracy than cash. Credit cards can be used in more up market places in major towns.

Insurance

Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for everyone who participates in a Pioneer expedition. Please bring a copy of your insurance policy and contact numbers to give to your expedition leader in case of illness or accident.

Experience and Fitness

Although no special experience is required, it is expected that clients will have an above average level of fitness and some mountain walking experience carrying day packs. Most days on the trek will involve 5-7 hours of walking with a couple of longer tougher days (longest day estimated to be 10-12 hours). Terrain will involve rough, rocky, steep loose paths in sections, with a couple of long ascents and descents; short ascents and descents will be commonplace. One section of the trek on the first day will involve a cliff-side trail not recommended for vertigo sufferers.

Environmental

We are committed to maximising the benefits of our trips to the local community and minimising the negative impact associated with tourism. We employ local agents and staff, which means that not only will we have the best and most knowledgeable people for the job, but we are also supporting the local economy. Additionally we can gain a real insight into Peruvian culture by spending time with these guides.

Our expedition leader, James, is passionate about preserving this unique environment and our guide, Marcio, reputably knows this isolated wilderness better than anyone and is happy to share his local knowledge with us on the expedition. Marcio hopes to promote his fascinating region to fellow adventurers, and – with our support and contributions – this is possible.

Much of our time in Peru is spent camping – a practical and low impact way to sleep while in the canyons. Our equipment and supplies are locally produced and sourced where possible, which not only supports local economies but also reduces the environmental impact of the transportation of these goods. We follow a responsible camping policy, whereby we leave minimal evidence of our stays – taking all rubbish with us, burying our natural waste and taking care not to disturb plant life.

While in the towns and villages, we stay in locally run hotels. This enables us to make a positive contribution to the local industry and is also gives us a better sense of life in rural Peru. To greatly reduce our impact on the environment there will be a maximum of eight team members. This helps to minimise the damage associated with large scale tourism.

You will be issued with instructions as to how you can help to reduce your impact on the environment through simple measures such as unwrapping new products before leaving home as Peru has no formal recycling system. We hope that you will follow our advice to help make a difference.

The country’s climate varies and can be dry and hot in the desert, tropical in the east or harsh and cold in the Andes. Although Peru is a visited destination all year round, the cool dryer season from June to August coincides with European and North American summer holidays, and is therefore the most popular time for people to visit Peru.