Travel Insights & FAQs.

Citizens of the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most Western European countries do not currently need a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days. However, requirements can change, so we always recommend double-checking with your local Peruvian consulate before traveling.

This is crucial: your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into Peru. This is a strict requirement enforced by airlines and immigration.

The Andes have two main seasons. The dry season (May to September) is the most popular, offering clear blue skies and sunny days, but it's also the busiest. The wet season (December to March) sees more rain, but the landscapes are lush and green, and there are fewer crowds. We love the shoulder months (April and October), which often offer the best of both worlds.

No vaccinations are currently required for entry into Peru. However, if you plan to visit the Amazon (like Iquitos or Tambopata), a Yellow Fever vaccination is highly recommended. We advise checking the CDC website or consulting your doctor for the most up-to-date recommendations.

The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). It's best to have a mix. You'll need Soles for small purchases, local markets, and tips. ATMs are widely available in cities like Cusco and Lima, and credit cards are commonly accepted in most established businesses.

We totally understand. Cusco is located at 11,152 ft (3,400m), and acclimatization is key. We recommend taking it easy for the first 24-48 hours: drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and try the local remedy, coca tea. We carefully design our itineraries (often suggesting the Sacred Valley first, which is lower than Cusco) to help you adjust gradually.

Your well-being is our top priority. All our guides are trained in first aid and recognizing altitude sickness symptoms. We carry oxygen tanks and first-aid kits on all tours and treks. If you feel unwell, your guide will assist immediately and adjust the itinerary as needed.

We recommend avoiding tap water, even in hotels. Stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking. The reputable hotels and restaurants we partner with use purified water for washing food and making ice.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley are generally very safe and welcoming. As with any travel destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Traveling with a private guide and driver, as you do with us, adds a significant layer of security and comfort.

We can't stress this enough — book as early as possible! Machu Picchu entrance tickets, premium train services (like the Vistadome), and specific hikes are strictly limited and often sell out 4-6 months in advance, especially for travel during the high season (May-September).

We offer flexible and secure payment options. You can book easily using major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), wire transfers, or secure digital payment platforms.

Yes. To secure your booking — which involves purchasing non-refundable tickets for trains and Machu Picchu — we require a deposit. The specific amount will be detailed in your personalized proposal.

We understand that plans can change. However, organizing bespoke travel involves securing non-refundable permits and services in advance. Generally, deposits are non-refundable. Please review our detailed Terms and Conditions for specific timelines.

Yes, absolutely. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies (including altitude-related issues), and lost luggage.

Yes! We specialize in private experiences. When you book with us, the tour is exclusively for you and your group. You'll have your own dedicated guide and private transportation. This allows for total flexibility, personalized attention, and the ability to move entirely at your own pace.

Definitely. That's the core of what we do. Our listed tours are examples designed to inspire you. We are experts at tailoring itineraries to match your specific interests, pace, and preferences. Just let us know what you're dreaming of, and we'll make it happen.

For most day tours in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the entrance fees (Boleto Turístico, Maras Salt Mines, specific churches, etc.) are not included by default. However, for your convenience, you can easily add all necessary tickets to your reservation during the booking process.

Our guides are the heart of our company. They are local hosts who live and breathe Andean culture. They are passionate storytellers, not just guides reciting facts from a script. They are rigorously trained in safety and history, and their insider knowledge allows them to open doors to authentic experiences.

We are committed to making a positive impact. We work directly with local communities, ensuring fair compensation and ethical treatment. We prioritize locally-owned services and are dedicated to preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Peru.

Great question. To manage crowds and preserve the site, Machu Picchu now uses several predefined walking routes (Circuits). Circuit 2 is generally considered the best, offering the classic panoramic views and access to the main areas. We always prioritize securing this circuit for our travelers, but it is subject to availability. Booking early is crucial!

Yes, these optional hikes offer incredible views. They require separate tickets that sell out extremely fast (often 6+ months in advance). These hikes are steep and challenging, and not recommended for those with a fear of heights. Please let us know immediately if you wish to include them.

For our private tours, we typically include the Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory trains. These offer panoramic windows (including the ceiling), comfortable seating, snacks, and cultural entertainment for a premium experience. The Expedition or Voyager trains are more standard, comfortable options used for our shared tours.

Yes, there are strict limits. Passengers are allowed only a small carry-on bag or backpack (max 11 lbs / 5 kg). We arrange for your main luggage to be securely stored at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley while you visit Machu Picchu.

It varies significantly! Easy: Cusco City Tour, Classic Sacred Valley, Sacred Valley + Picnic (minimal demanding walking). Moderate: Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, Sky Lodge experiences (requires some hiking or Via Ferrata ability). Demanding: Humantay Lake, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, 7 Lakes of Ausangate (steep inclines at high altitude). We tailor the pace of all private tours to your fitness level.

If you're concerned about the difficulty or the crowds, we highly recommend the Palccoyo tour. It offers stunning multi-colored landscapes similar to the famous Vinicunca, but the hike is much shorter (about 40 minutes), significantly flatter, and much less crowded.

Yes. These adventures require a moderate level of fitness and are not suitable for those with vertigo (fear of heights). There is also a maximum weight limit of 265 lbs (120 kg) for the Via Ferrata and Zipline activities due to safety regulations.