TRIP DETAILS
8 days: US$1850 Currency Converter
Daily departures based on availability.

Is this trip for me?
Active Inca Trail: Econoclass is an eight day tour which includes a four-day, moderate trek, some public transport, and an optional multi-sport activity.  No trekking experience is required, but one should be in average physical shape and not suffer from any heart or respiratory conditions.  As always, a certain patience is required for the inconsistencies and delays of developing-world travel.  
 

Joining the Tour
On all Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the airport by one of our representatives (holding a Southern Crossings placard), who will accompany you to our joining hotel.  No bargaining or being ripped off by airport taxis!

What's included in the trip: 

Airport pickup at the beginning of trip and drop off at end of the trip

Southern Crossings bilingual guide

Accompanied Transport from the Lima airport to your hotel

All other internal transport (excluding transport to optional restaurants, bars, sights and excursions)

Internal flights, Lima-Cuzco, Cuzco-Lima

Four nights of Econoclass hotel accommodation, three nights of camping (while hiking the Inca Trail)

Four day Inca Trail hike, including bilingual guide, cooks, porters, tent and mat.

One of the multisport activities listed on Day 3 of the itinerary above

Three breakfasts, lunches, and dinners while on the Inca Trail

Breakfasts with every hotel stay

The Cuzco Visitor's Ticket, which includes entrance to the ruins in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, and many churches and museums in Cuzco

Machu Picchu excursion, including bilingual guide, return train fare, transportation to/from ruins/Aguas Calientes, and entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary

Lima City Tour

Southern Crossings T-Shirt

 

What's not included
International flight to/from Lima, airport taxes (approx. US$32), pre- & post- tour accommodation, visas, vaccinations, personal insurance, meals except where specified above, drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips while on optional excursions and other items of a personal nature. Medical travel insurance is not included through Southern Crossings though we do require that you have a policy. Check www.travelguard.com to purchase a policy for your trip.
 

Extra Accommodation
We will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you before or after your trip:
In Lima: $85 double/$75 single
In Cuzco: $70 double/$60 single

 

Single Person Supplement $250
Please add this to your total payment if you will be traveling alone or wish to have private accommodation


 

PRE-TRIP PLANNER

 

Required documents

All travelers to Peru are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other nationalities, please consult the nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate.  An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks, currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or printed off the internet, are sufficient for proof of funds.

 

Required immunizations

A yellow fever vaccination and certificate is required to travel to the Amazon. Travelers may wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all other standard vaccinations.  The rainforest area of Peru (approx. 3500 ft. and below, east of the Andes) is a malarial and yellow fever zone.  The yellow fever vaccination with the official certificate is required, and travelers may wish to take malarial prophylaxis.  Please consult your physician or local health department for more information. 

 

Things to bring

One should come well prepared for outdoor activity at temperatures ranging from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and for extremes of sun and the possibility of rain. A list of things to bring would include:

 

Please note: During our trek, mules will accompany us to carry most of our things, including all the camping gear.  Each passenger is allowed 15 pounds of personal items which will also be carried by the mules.  Such items would include warm clothing for camping, toiletries, a book, CD player, or other entertainment, etc.  During the day we’ll be using a daypack and will just need to carry water, snacks, rain gear, and a layer or two for changing weather conditions.  Of course most people also carry a camera.

 

·         Passport and, if necessary, visa

·         Traveler’s checks and/or cash card

·         Airline ticket

·         Photocopies of airline ticket and documents

·         Wearable pouch for documents and money

·         Large, sturdy backpack or suitcase

·         Smaller, comfortable day pack

·         Trekking/walking boots, comfortable and worn-in

·         Sandals or flip-flops 

·         Rain poncho or jacket

·         Waterproof pants

·         Sun hat

·         Hat for cold weather

·         Good, warm clothing for cold weather (think layers!)

·         Scarf and gloves

·         T-shirts

·         Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments

·         Towel and swimsuit for hot springs

·         Camelback or Nalgene bottle (optional)

·         Flashlight (head lamps are very handy)

·         Sunscreen

·         Insect repellent (15% DEET recommended)

·         Lip balm

·         Earplugs

·         Alarm clock or watch

·         Sanitizing hand wipes or gel

·         Camera and film/digital memory cards

·         Camera batteries

·         Playing cards, games, reading material

·         Prescription medications

·         Toiletries
 

Note that common clothing, batteries, film, medications, and such toiletries as toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, deodorant and feminine hygiene items are available in Peru.
It is best to bring from home such items as prescription meds, eyewear and care, extra large clothing, shoes, unusual film and camera batteries. Also note that most digital camera memory cards can be downloaded and burned onto a CD in internet cafes in any large city.

 
 

Climate

Rain is possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud forest, and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will visit is as follows:
 

Cuzco: days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy.  Nights are chilly in Cuzco. 

Lima: warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain.  Often overcast.

Inca Trail: variable depending on altitude, from hot to very cold, with rain always a possibility.

Machu Picchu: lower and warmer than Cuzco, with rain possible all year round.

 

 

Baggage
For your international flights, please check with your  airline.  Within Peru, you are allowed 20 kilos (44 lbs) of checked baggage, as well as one carry-on and another small, purse-like item.  The carry-on size regulations are the same as international carry-on size regulations.

 
 

Money guide

The unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Current currency conversion

Currency Converter
 

Automatic cash points are available in Lima and Cuzco. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler's checks (American Express is best!) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances are also options.  Do not bring MoneyGrams or International Money Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange houses are available in Lima and Cuzco.  For currency, U.S. dollars are recommended and most easily exchanged.  Please note that cash must be untorn.  It can be older-looking, but even the slightest tear on an edge will make it un-changeable.  Acceptable bills come out of the ATMs in country.
 

Expect to spend about US$3-10 on a meal, US$2 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru.  Shopping prices are usually lower than people expect.  Alpaca sweaters, for example, run between $5 and $30.