Details
Important
Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the program information on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that travelers who review the full trip details are happier with their experiences.
Trip Notes & Expectations
FITNESS LEVEL & TREKKING OPTIONS
The fitness level required varies by route. Everyone will need to handle the high altitude of the Andes, and at its base, the trip includes light walking and hiking. If you choose the Inca Trail or Lares Trek, the hiking can be demanding—even for the fit—so train beforehand for long days navigating rough steps.
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.
PERMITS & BOOKING REQUIREMENTS
Inca Trail permits are limited in quantity and sell out months in advance. If you want to hike the Inca Trail, book as early as possible for the next year.
Passport requirements: Inca Trail permit data must exactly match your passport data (including middle names, hyphens, and spacing). Any name corrections after permit submission incur a $125 fee. Late submissions may result in inability to secure permits.
Inca Trail permits are included in your program fee. You will be chared a non-refundable $125 Inca Trail fee only if you select the Inca Trail itinerary and then cancel your trip (see Terms & Conditions), switch to the Lares Trek or train option after permits are issued, change your departure dates, or require name corrections on permits.
If Inca Trail permits are sold out, participants who still wish to hike can take the amazing Lares Trek instead. No permits are required for the Lares Trek.
For the Cusco stay/train option, please let us know at the time of booking so we can arrange the non-hiking itinerary.
For complete terms, see our Inca Trail Terms & Conditions.
TREK RESOURCES
To get ready for your chosen route, review:
— G Adventures' Inca Trail FAQ | GEEO Inca Trail Advice
— G Adventures' Lares Trek FAQ | GEEO Lares Trek Advice
— Current booking policies and guidelines controlling the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (which are continually changing).
ACCOMMODATION
Our program fees are based on double-occupancy accommodation (see "Single Travelers" below if you do not have a travel companion and would be interested in a private room). Our accommodations are chosen to provide a safe, conveniently located place to sleep. While you may be pleasantly surprised, please don't expect luxury, as we prioritize keeping our programs affordable. Sometimes the accommodation is not air-conditioned.
Hot Water: 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.
PACKING FOR THE TREKS
Weight Limits: 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). This includes your sleeping bag, toiletries, clothing, etc., carried in a duffel bag provided by G Adventures.
Any additional weight must be carried by you in your day pack.
Packing Tips: Bring travel-sized toiletries, sport sandals that work with socks (lighter than hiking shoes), and limit electronics to essentials you're willing to carry. Additional baggage can be left in Cusco, but bring valuables (money, passport, credit cards, camera) on the trek.
Overnight Bag: You'll leave your main suitcase in Cusco for some nights, so bring a smaller backpack with essentials and change of clothes. This applies to all travelers, whether you are hiking or not.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Yellow Fever: As of May 2025, the CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for travelers visiting Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas. Vaccination is not required for entry into Peru, but if you choose to receive the vaccine, be aware that it takes 10 days to become effective.
Altitude: Our adventure takes 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, and in rare cases, severe reactions may require returning to lower altitudes. Consult your doctor about preparation and ensure medications are safe at elevations over 11,000 feet.
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 call a taxi for you. Be aware of your route and ensure the driver avoids side roads in the Callao neighborhood.
GROUP LEADER
This program is run differently from our typical programs. Instead of one tour leader throughout, there are different support staff in the different locations. The first G Adventures staff member will lead your introduction meeting in Lima and take you to the airport the next morning. The second support staff member will handle all activities in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. There will be separate specialist guides for the trekkers. At all times on the ground, there will be someone supporting you.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Single Travelers
Traveling solo? You’re in good company—about half of our participants do the same.
Shared room by default. The program fee covers one person in a twin room. We’ll pair you with a roommate of the same gender if you don’t have a travel companion.
Want a private room? Most trips offer a
“My Own Room” (single-supplement) upgrade. Check the price in the
Extra Services section, then email travel@geeo.org to reserve it. You pay the single-supplement only if you request it.
My Own Room Exception: Receive private accommodation every night except nights 4-6 (if you hike the Inca Trail) or nights 4 and 5 (if you do the Lares trek).
Emergency Contacts
If you need urgent help during your trip,
call the local G Adventures office first. If no one answers, leave a detailed message with your name and contact information so they can return your call 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
See our blog post of
staff recommended gear to help you pack for your upcoming travels. You must be able to carry your own luggage—up stairs, on and off of transport, and during 15 to 20 minute walks. Bring
one small or medium backpack or rolling bag (22-30lb) and
one daypack for daily items. Space is limited on transportation, so oversized bags cannot travel.
Weight Restrictions: 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.
As you prepare your packing list, we recommend checking average weather conditions for your destination on a site like
Weather Spark for the time of year you will be traveling.
SuggestedInca Trail/Lares TrekOptionalDocuments
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge, or you can ask your tour leader where the nearest laundromat is located.
Passports and Visas
Travelers are responsible for securing all required travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including applicable transit/layover countries.
PASSPORT
All travelers must have a passport valid for
at least 6 months beyond your trip dates with enough blank pages for stamps.
Need to apply or renew? Start here.
ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visa rules change frequently—always verify the latest requirements on the
U.S. State Department Country Information Pages. Non-U.S. passport holders should verify requirements with your country's official government resources. Use the tool below to see entry requirements for your specific itinerary.
Entry information below is provided by Sherpa, a third-party service and trusted G Adventures partner. You must search each of your destination countries separately; “Add connection” solely searches transit visa requirements. Additional fees apply if you choose to purchase any services through Sherpa.
Money Exchange
Currency: The local currency in Peru is the
Sol (PEN). For current exchange rates, visit
www.xe.com.
Credit/Debit Cards: Credit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at many hotels, shops, and restaurants, but not everywhere. Some vendors may also charge an international transaction fee, so check with your bank before you travel.
Cash: For small purchases, tipping, or places that don’t take cards, we recommend using ATMs to withdraw local currency while traveling. If you bring U.S. dollars to exchange, the bills must be new, unmarked, and in excellent condition—damaged or older notes are often rejected.
Emergency Funds: Bring
at least $200 USD (or the equivalent in local currency) in cash for emergencies in case of ATM or card issues. Always carry more rather than less to avoid feeling short of funds while traveling.
See the Estimated Trip Costs section at the bottom of this page for budgeting guidance.
For more advice, see our post,
Smart Travel Finances: Your Guide to Money, ATMs, Fees, and Safety Abroad
Tipping
Tipping is optional but appreciated and goes a long way for the people who look after you on the trip. If you are happy with the service, use these ballpark amounts and adjust as you see fit:
- Service providers/Waiters:
10% of the bill.
- Local guides and drivers:
$5-10 USD per person per day.
- Trekking support team:
$40 USD(Inca Trail) or
$35 (Lares Trek), per person.
Please bring small bills, as porters may prefer to be tipped individually.
- G Adventures tour leader (CEO):
$2-3 USD per person per day.
(We suggest pooling contributions in an envelope and presenting it as a group)
Tipping Kitty: On some trips, your CEO may suggest a
“tipping kitty” where everyone contributes at the start of the tour, and the CEO uses that pooled amount to tip service providers for the group as a whole (not including your CEO). If your CEO doesn’t mention it and you’d like to use a kitty, we recommend asking about it early in the trip. Your CEO will advise the suggested amount and preferred currency for the kitty.
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!
Yellow Fever Note: Some countries on GEEO programs may require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from or transiting through countries with
risk of Yellow Fever transmission. This includes long layovers (typically over 12 hours) in affected countries. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before entry to be considered valid. Always check with your health provider and the official entry requirements of each country to determine if you need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
Flights
Wait for official trip confirmation via email from GEEO before booking your flights. Prices tend to be lowest 90–120 days out, but that window varies by route and year. Neither GEEO nor G Adventures bear 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
Peru uses
Type A, Type B, and Type C outlets, and the voltage is typically
220V. To use your electronics safely, you’ll need to consider:
1.
Adapter (plug shape)
Adapts your U.S. plug to fit another type of socket. See our recommended
all-in-one travel adapter in our Gear Recommendations post.
2.
Converter / transformer (voltage)
Steps the outlet voltage down to 120V for U.S. appliances that can’t handle higher voltage.
How to know which you need: Look at the fine print on the plug or power brick. An
“Input 100-240 V” means the device is dual-voltage and works worldwide with only an adapter—phones, laptops, and most camera chargers fall into this category. If the label shows
“Input 120 V” (hair dryers, curling irons, some shavers), it could be damaged on high voltage. Pack both an adapter and a travel voltage converter. Converters are inexpensive and sold online or in the travel aisle of many stores.
Weather
In December, Lima experiences warm and humid summer weather, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s°F. Skies are typically clearer compared to other seasons. In the Andes, where most of your trip will take place, December falls within the rainy season. Expect sporadic showers, especially in the afternoons, and temperatures that can vary widely from warm days to chilly nights. Pack layers to adapt to the changing weather, and ensure you have warm clothing for colder nights on the Inca Trail. UV radiation remains strong at high altitudes, 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 and Lares Trek FAQs and Guides
Use the guides below to prepare for your trek. Click each section to expand detailed information about trail conditions, what to expect, how to pack, and insider tips from past participants.
Expand for Inca Trail Details and FAQs
What is the food like on the trail? Toilets? Tents? The food is carried by our porters and cooked by our chefs. Most participants think it’s the best food they eat on their entire Peru trip.
Toilets are disbursed throughout the Trail at eating stops and all campsites. Most are squat toilets and sometimes aren’t in the best shape. There are no showers until the third camp.
Tents are provided by G Adventures and handled completely by our porter team – carried, set up, and taken down. The tents give plenty of room for two people.
What do I have to carry on my back on the trail? Only your water bottle, sunscreen, camera, and a few clothing layers to adjust to temperature changes throughout the day. Porters carry everything else within the 6 kg weight limit per person.
How cold does it get on the trail?
It gets cold at night. The sleeping bags G Adventures rents are very warm and cleaned after every trip. Bring long john tops and bottoms, warm socks, and a warm fleece jacket for camp.
What do I need to bring and what will be provided on the trail?
Bring items from the packing list above. Headlamps are really useful. You can bring your own ground pad and sleeping bag, but make sure it’s a winter or fall bag, not summer. Most participants rent from G Adventures – people who bring their own sleeping bags often regret it because personal bags are typically too light for the cold nights.
What kind of footwear should I use on the trail? Hiking boots are ideal, but trail running shoes work well too.
How is drinking water handled on the trail?
Our porters boil water at all meals and fill your water bottles with clean, sanitized water.
How do permits work on the trail?
Hiking requires a permit, included in your trip cost. G Adventures handles permits but they often sell out. We can only reserve them with your name, passport number, and deposit. If permits are sold out, you can take the Lares Trek alternative, which is a day shorter, has fewer Inca ruins, and doesn’t hike directly into Machu Picchu. However, people love the Lares Trek because it’s less touristy, you meet locals, and the scenery is equally spectacular.
Should I bring hiking poles on the trail?
If you have them, bring them, but they must have rubber covers – no metal tips allowed by Peruvian Government. Many participants buy walking poles at Walmart for around $18 or purchase simple wooden walking sticks at the trail entrance for very little cost.
Is it hard to adjust to the high altitude?
Most people experience some altitude sickness, but it rarely ruins the trip. Flying from Lima to Cusco (3,310 m/10,800 ft) is a big jump. Consider buying coca leaves or drinking coca tea in Cusco to help adjust and ease symptoms. Ask your doctor about coca use first. Take it easy your first day in Cusco – your body will acclimatize within 3-4 days.
What are the toilets like?
Hotels have Western sit-down toilets. Away from hotels, you’ll use squat toilets (holes in the ground). Many toilets don’t have septic systems for toilet paper – if there’s a trashcan next to the toilet, put used paper there. Always carry toilet paper with you.
Expand for Lares Trek Details & FAQs
The Lares Trek is a moderate hike that will be challenging for the average day-hiker. Although only 20 miles over 3 days, the majority is uphill. The combination of altitude, incline, and trail conditions makes 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 – mid-height boots for stability. Downhill portions are covered with loose stones that make it easy to roll an ankle.
Weather & Clothing
Weather changes frequently, so be prepared with layers. It might ice-rain-snow on the Lares Trek – use your weight allowance for extra socks and gloves rather than snacks.
Packing Strategy
You get roughly 20 liters of space on the donkey (think small backpack). Everything else you must carry on your back. Don’t take more than a daypack with essentials: extra shirt, extra socks, headlamp, rain gear, water and snacks. You’ll regret any additional weight.
The gear G Adventures provides is excellent – no reason to bring your own sleeping bag. Rent two walking poles to help your knees.
Training Recommendation
Train for this hike by hiking small mountains locally or walking beforehand. If you’re not ready to walk 10 miles straight at sea level with a 10-15 pound backpack, this hike might be more than you can handle.
