Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read our general FAQs, where you can find essential information that applies to all of our programs.

Resources to Learn & Teach about Peru

Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.

Terms and Conditions

It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.

GEEO Program Confirmation Process

We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.

• If you cancel 60 days or more prior to the start of your program, all payments will be refunded excluding your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use and never expires. (Exception for participants who receive grants from our university partners: To address disruption caused by cancellation from grant recipients, deposits paid by grant recipients are forfeited upon cancellation.)
• If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
• If you cancel within 30 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive no refund, but your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.

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Trip Notes & Expectations

Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program contained on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that clients who read the trip details in full are happier with their experiences.

1. INCA TRAIL FAQ AND MACHU PICCHU REGULATIONS: To get ready for the Inca trail we recommend reading the FAQ on this webpage. (We also provide a basic FAQ for the Trail below.) The rules and regulations controlling the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are continually changing. Before embarking on your adventure to Peru, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the Inca Trail booking policies and guidelines by visiting this webpage.
2. FITNESS LEVEL & TREKKING OPTIONS: The fitness level required for this trip varies. While everyone will need to handle the high altitude of the Andes, the trip itself includes light walking and hiking. There is also the option of more strenuous multi-day hikes, but if you opt out of those, this trip is suitable for most fitness levels. GEEO participants of all ages and fitness levels have completed the treks, including a woman who was four months pregnant, a man with double hip replacements, and a 58-year-old woman who found it more challenging than childbirth. Hiking can be demanding, even for the fit, so if you choose to hike, be prepared for long days of navigating rough steps. We recommend preparing physically in advance.
3. INCA TRAIL PERMITS AND THE LARES TREK ALTERNATIVE: Inca Trail permits are limited in quantity. If the permits are sold out, participants that book the program and still wish to hike can go on the amazing Lares Trek instead. To get ready for the Lares Trek, we recommend reading the FAQ on this webpage. If you want to hike the Inca Trail, we recommend booking as early as possible for the next year.
4. MACHU PICCHU BY TRAIN - (NON-HIKING OPTION): Roughly 20% of our participants opt not to hike either the Inca Trail or the Lares Trek. The trip is much less physically demanding without a hike. If you prefer not to hike, please let us know at the time of booking. Instead, you’ll spend 2 nights in Cusco, travel by train to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay, and then join the hikers for a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
5. PACKING FOR THE TREKS: In our continued effort to support the rights of the porters on the Inca Trail, we would like to ensure that they never exceed the weight limit for their packs as set out by the Peruvian authorities. Porters are allowed to carry no more than 6 kg of personal belongings per hiker (for all other Peru treks the limit is 7 kg). That means that, including your sleeping bag, toiletries, clothing, etc., you are allowed a total weight of 6 kg for the hike that will be carried in a duffel bag provided by the G Adventures local office. Any additional weight must then be carried by you in your day pack. To help achieve this goal, we recommend that you carry travel sized toiletries, that you bring sport sandals that can be worn with socks (which are lighter than running/walking shoes), and that you limit electronics to those that you are willing to carry. Any additional baggage can be left in Cusco, though it is advised that you bring anything of value (e.g., money, passport, credit cards, camera) with you on the trek.
6. OVERNIGHT BAG: You’ll leave your main suitcase in Cusco for some nights, so bring a smaller backpack or bag for essentials and a change of clothes. This applies whether you hike or choose the non-hiking itinerary.
7. TIPPING ON THE TREKS: If you feel your trekking guide and support team did a great job, tipping is appreciated. We recommend $40 per person for the Inca Trail Trek and $35 for the Lares Trek.
8. ACCOMMODATION: The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury, however, as our priority is keeping our programs as affordable as possible. Sometimes the accommodation is not air-conditioned.
9. HOT WATER: Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru, even in upgraded hotels and private homes. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
10. LIMA TAXIS: Be cautious when taking taxis in Lima. Avoid hailing taxis from the street, as some may be unofficial and unsafe. Always have your hotel or a reliable location, like a museum, call a taxi for you. Before getting in, be aware of your route and ensure the driver avoids side roads in the Callao neighborhood.
11. ALTITUDE: Your adventure will take you to high altitudes, medically defined as over 2,440 m (8,000 ft). While most people experience minimal effects, altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness or age. In rare cases, severe reactions may require returning to lower altitudes. Consult your doctor for advice on how to prepare and ensure any medications you need are safe to use at elevations over 11,000 feet.
12. GROUP LEADER: Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip. All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Single Travelers

Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room. Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all nights except nights 4-6 (if you hike the Inca Trail) or nights 4 and 5 (if you do the Lares trek).

Emergency Contacts

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so that they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Office Lima, Peru During office hours (Weekdays, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Local Time): +51 1 241 1650 or 01 241 1650 (from mobile within Peru) or 241 1650 (from payphone within Peru) After hours Emergency number: +51 99 758 2712 (WhatsApp available) If for any reason you are unable to reach the G Adventures local office, please call the numbers listed below to connect with their Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Packing List

Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person. There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this program. Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.

Suggested (click to expand)

• Windproof/waterproof rain jacket (very important)
• Personal clothing for cool to mild weather – we recommend packing 7 or 8 days of outfits, so you only have to do laundry once
• Fleece or down top – it gets down into the 30s F at night in the Andes!
• Winter hat
• Light hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes
• Daypack
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Water bottle
• Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
• Toiletries
• Camera (or use your phone)
• First-aid kit, including lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking

Inca Trail/Lares Trek (click to expand)

• Inner sheet (for sleeping bag)
• Wool hat, mitts, or gloves (preferably waterproof)
• Rain poncho
• Strong plastic bags to help keep gear dry
• Winter sleeping bag – this can also be rented locally from G Adventures for 45 Peruvian Soles (about $15 USD), inner sheet included
• Mattress – a foam mattress is included as part of the hike; you can upgrade this and rent a self-inflating type mattress locally from G Adventures for 45 Peruvian Soles (about $15 USD)
• Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g., Ibuprofen)
• Thermal underwear
• Packable jacket for low temperatures – I recommend down or synthetic down
• Walking poles – can also be rented locally from G Adventures for 30 soles for a pair (about $10 USD)
• Go-Girl (A product that helps women use squat toilets)
• Gatorade Powder packets
• Hand sanitizer/Baby wipes
• Flashlight – headlamp preferred
All other camping equipment is provided for the Inca Trail excursion. Porters carry the camping gear, food, and a portion of your personal belongings. All you will need to carry is a day-pack, containing a waterproof jacket, warm fleece or down top, camera, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and hat during the hike.

Optional (click to expand)

• Travel pillow
• Money belt
• Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
• Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
• AirTags or Tile trackers
• Packing cubes
• Earplugs
• Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don't go crazy here
• Ziplock bags
• Reading/writing material
• Hand sanitizer/baby wipes

Documents (click to expand)

• Passport (with photocopies)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Travel insurance ID card
• Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
• USD/EUR cash
• Credit/debit card
• G Adventures vouchers
• GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge, or you can ask your tour leader where the nearest laundromat is located. There will be times when you may want to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Passports and Visas

All GEEO programs require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching the U.S. State Department's website. PASSPORT Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Peru. Make sure that your passport has at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. VISA U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Peru. Non-American participants should check with their government to find out if they need a visa.

Money Exchange

The local currency in Peru is the Sol (PEN). As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. We recommend that you obtain cash from ATMs while traveling; they will dispense the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently.

Tipping

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, part of this program. It is a way to show appreciation for the people who assist you during your travels and one of the most direct ways you can have a positive impact on the local community. While tipping may not be customary in your home country, it is of considerable significance to those who provide services to you during your trip. There will be opportunities to tip your local guides, drivers, and trekking support team. You can tip individually or ask your tour leader to collect tips on behalf of the group. If you hike one of the trails, tipping the trekking guide and support team is appreciated. Please bring small bills, as porters may prefer to be tipped individually. Tipping amounts are entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline:

• Waiters/Service providers: 10% of the bill
• Local guides and drivers: $5-10 USD per person per day
• Trekking support team (Inca Trail): $40 USD per person
• Trekking support team (Lares Trek): $35 USD per person
• Tour Guide (CEO): $2-3 USD per person per day

Vaccinations

GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting Passport Health, which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!

Flights

We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90-120 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. This program begins and ends in Lima. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Lima. You may want to arrive in La Lima or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Lima any time on the final day of the program.

Plugs and Converters

There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two to three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. The transformer changes the local voltage to that required by your device. Peru uses 2- and 3-pronged power plugs similar to those found in the United States, as well as a Type C European-style two-prong plug. Peru's voltage is mostly 220V, although some buildings use 110V. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.

Weather

At this time of year, Lima is typically a bit rainy with a mild temperature. The Andes, where you will spend most of your trip, tend to be cold and dry, but it does sometimes rain in the area. You should pack different layers of clothes so you can adjust throughout the day. Make sure you have plenty of warm clothing, as it gets really cold on the Inca Trail at night. Because we are at a high altitude, the sun can be quite strong so sunblock and a hat are essential.

🗣️ Advice From Past Participants

"Most banks were very strict about the condition of the money we wanted to exchange. They wanted money without lines, cracks, tears, even bends in the middle. I would stress that each bill will be inspected and that they will reject money with tears, lines, and/or marks." "It might ice-rain-snow on the Lares Trek. Don't worry about packing snacks, use your 3 kilos for extra socks and gloves!" "Be prepared to buy loads of bottled water. The other option is to bring a water bottle with a filter. CamelBak makes an excellent one for under $100." "The Larco Museum in Lima is a great way to start off your trip if you arrive early. It will provide context for what you learn about the rest of the trip." "The Inca Trail hike will be cold at night. Fill a water bottle with hot water to keep in your sleeping bag." "Walking sticks are almost mandatory – I never hiked before, so I was not prepared. I bought the infamous wooden stick in town but really wish I rented the metal ones at the beginning!" "Do the stairmaster regularly at your local gym if you are going to do the hike." "I think that the Lares trekking was very, very strenuous" "For the Inca Trail - weigh all trekking belongings before leaving home! Additionally bring: -super lightweight clothes with long pants and long sleeves (lots of bugs, dust/dirt) -lightweight slip-ons with socks to wear at night - slides or Crocs (not flip flops!) -calf length hiking socks (again lots of bugs, dust/dirt) -bag scale -lots of hiking snacks -lightweight Nalgene water bottle or water bladder bag (no heavy duty water bottle) -dry towel (I forgot mine!) -moleskin for blister prevention"

Inca Trail FAQ

What is the food like on the trail? Toilets? Tents? The food on the trail is carried on by our porters and cooked by our amazing chefs. Most people in the group thought it was the best food they ate on their entire trip to Peru. As far as toilets go, they are disbursed throughout the Trail and most of the places we stop to eat and all of our campsites have them. Most of them are squat toilets and sometimes the bathrooms aren't in the best of shape. There are no showers until we reach the third camp. The tents for this trip are provided by G Adventures. They are carried, set up, and taken down by our team of porters, so you will not have to stress about them. The tents give plenty of room for two people. What do I have to carry on my back on the trail? While on the trail all you will need to carry with you is your water bottle, sunscreen, camera, and a few layers of clothes, allowing you to adjust to the temperature throughout the day. The porters will carry the rest of the things you need. There is a weight limit of 6 kg for the porters. By the time they get a sleeping bag and the mat, there isn't much room left. It wasn't a problem for anyone, but it is good to be aware of the limit. How cold does it get on the trail? It gets cold at night. The sleeping bags that G Adventures rents are very warm and cleaned after every trip. We recommend bringing long john tops and bottoms, warm socks, and a warm fleece jacket to wear around the camp at night. What do I need to bring and what will be provided on the trail? You should bring the things mentioned in the packing list above. We found the headlamp to be really useful. You can bring your ground pad and sleeping bag if you wish, just make sure the sleeping bag you bring is a winter or fall bag, not a summer bag. Of course, you can rent the ground pad and sleeping bag from G Adventures, which is what most of the participants do. (Most people who bring their own sleeping bags regret not renting the G Adventures sleeping bag because typically people own lighter bags, which aren't warm enough for the trail at night.) What kind of footwear should I use on the trail? Hiking boots are great, but running shoes work pretty well too. How is drinking water handled on the trail? Our porters boil water at all meals and will fill up your water bottles with clean, sanitized water. How do permits work on the trail? Hiking on the trail requires a permit, which is included in the cost of your trip, and G Adventures will take care of the permits. They often sell out and we can only reserve them for you when we have your name, passport number, and deposit. If you want to hike, but the permits have sold out, you have the option to go on the amazing Lares Trek as an alternative. The Lares Trek is a day shorter than the Inca Trail Trek, has fewer Inca ruins, and you do not hike directly into Machu Picchu like the Inca Trail Trek. By and large, however, people tend to love the Lares Trek because it is a lot less touristy, you meet lots of locals, and the hike is just as scenic as the Inca Trail Trek, if not more so. Should I bring hiking poles on the trail? If you have hiking poles, bring them, but they must have rubber covers on the bottom as the Peruvian Government does not allow metal tips on the Trail. One teacher on the trip bought a pair of walking poles at Walmart for $18 and said they were “the best purchase of my life.” You can also purchase simple wooden walking sticks at the trail entrance for next to nothing. Most of our participants end up purchasing one walking stick each. Is it hard to adjust to the high altitude? Most of the people in our groups have some altitude sickness, but it rarely ruins anybody’s trip. You will fly from Lima to Cusco at an altitude of 3,310 m (10,800 ft), which is a pretty big jump for your body to make. You should consider buying coca leaves or drinking coca tea, which is pretty easy to find in Cusco. These will help your body to adjust to the altitude and ease altitude sickness symptoms. On the Inca Trail, they will make it much easier to climb the steep mountains. That said, we had several individuals in our group whose doctor recommended, for one reason or another, that they NOT use coca leaves. Most folks found coca very useful – and a neat part of the Peruvian experience. We recommend you ask your doctor about coca. Another way to avoid altitude sickness is to take it easy. We will have our first day in Cusco free for you to explore. Make sure you don’t push yourself! Within 3 or 4 days, your body will acclimatize. What are the toilets like? All of our hotels have Western sit-down toilets. When we are away from our hotel, you may need to use a squat toilet. These amount to a hole in the ground that you squat over. Again, this is part of the experience and something that you can get used to pretty quickly. You'll probably use a squat toilet several times on your trip. Also of note, many of the toilets you use won’t have septic systems that allow for flushing toilet paper. If there is a little trashcan next to your toilet, please put your used toilet paper in there. Also, it is a good idea to always carry around a roll of toilet paper for use when we are away from our hotels. You can buy toilet paper in Peru and should keep some handy throughout your trip. Is there any advice specifically for the Lares Trek? A past GEEO traveler wrote: "The Lares Trek is a moderate hike but will be challenging for the average day-hiker. Although the hike is only 20 miles, spread out over 3 days, the majority of it is uphill. The combination of altitude, incline, and trail conditions make this Trek feel substantially longer. Trail conditions vary from small dirt footpaths and dirt roads, to rock covered trails and streambeds. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. I recommend mid-height boots for stability. The downhill portions of the trek are covered with loose stones that make it very easy to roll an ankle. It is also very important to bring the right clothing on this Trek. The weather changes frequently, and you need to be prepared. Layers are your best option. In terms of packing for the trip, be prepared to pack light. You will get roughly 20 liters of space on the donkey – think a small backpack. The rest you must carry on your back. I do not recommend taking anything more than a daypack with the essentials. You will regret taking any additional weight. All you really need is an extra shirt, an extra pair of socks, a headlamp, rain gear, and water and snacks. Anything else is extra weight. The gear that G Adventures provides is excellent. There is no reason to bring your own sleeping bag. Also, do your knees a favor and rent two walking poles. I highly recommend completing this trek. It is a wonderful experience. However, I also highly recommend training for this hike. Hike some small mountains locally, or walk beforehand. If you’re not ready to walk 10 miles straight at sea level with a 10-15 pound backpack on, this hike might be more than you can handle."