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mail info@cuscojourneys.com

phone (+51) 966405778 | (+51) 980811833
phone USA Rep: +1 8017126860

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GENERAL FAQ´s

Getting Prepared

Where do I get more information about the tour?

There is a button at the end of each online itinerary that allows you to download detailed trip notes. These provide a more comprehensive itinerary, inclusions and other useful information. Once you’ve confirmed your booking we will send out pre-departure information for your specific trip, which will give you the lowdown about visas, vaccinations and other vital information.

What should I pack?

Once you’ve confirmed your booking we will send out a detailed pre-departure information pack covering all sorts of practical information, including a general packing list and any other special items you may need to bring.

What immunisations do I need?

Immunisations vary from country to country and we strongly recommend you visit your local doctor to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations. In some places anti-malaria especially for the Amazon, medication may also be required. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure, so allow plenty of time. It is also important that you obtain a certificate of vaccination to bring on your trip. Please note that in some cases a certificate of vaccination is compulsory in order to obtain a visa.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

Your pre-departure information pack will contain a suggested list of items to bring, but it doesn’t cover medications. We recommend you carry personal medical items for managing common minor ailments such as colds, diarrhoea, blisters and sore throats etc. Travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply. Asthma sufferers should ensure that they have an adequate supply of their routine medicine as some major cities have high levels of smog.

How much luggage can I take?

As a general rule you should pack light but bring all the essentials. Leave space in your luggage for souvenirs. You will be required to carry your own bags, and sometimes you will need to lift it on and off public transport, so you should consider using a backpack or soft duffel bag. Suitcases are okay on some of our trips, but not always practical (particularly on the cobbled streets of Cusco, Arequipa, Puno y otras ciudades). Each airline has specific rules about luggage allowances – check directly with them or ask your travel consultant to confirm for you.

Will I be able to do laundry?

Some places we stay have laundry facilities, and those that don’t may have laundry facilities nearby. It is a good idea to bring some travel wash and a travel clothesline to cut down on packing space. It is particularly useful if you are on a multi-day activity adventure, such as trekking in remote areas.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

It depends on the trip. We will let you know in the pre-departure information pack that is sent out to you on confirmation of your booking.

Do I need to get a visa for my trip?

Many countries require you to have a visa before arrival. After you’ve booked your trip we will send you a pre-departure information pack containing all the visa information. It’s best to get visas sorted in advance because the processing time can be quite long.

Do I need to take Travel Insurance?

Yes. Travel insurance is compulsory. Domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Peregrine has a policy designed to cover participants in our programs; please ask your consultant for full details. You may take other cover, of course, but you must be adequately insured before participating in our tours. Please check the terms of the policy carefully, particularly the limits of cover (eg. for replacement of photographic equipment, baggage loss etc) and the procedure for making claims (most policies stipulate that claims must be made within a certain time after completion of your journey). Your policy MUST cover medical costs in case of hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation. If you are going on one of our activity holidays, make sure your insurance covers you for this activity. Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you cancel. Therefore we recommend taking insurance at the time of booking to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances. Your Cusco Journeys & Adventure leader will need two copies of your policy – the Tour Leader and our Ground Operator will keep one copy each in the unlikely event of an emergency. The copies must show the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.

Can I get online while travelling?

You’ll be able to access the internet in most cities, and unless you’re on Trekking or in the desert your tour leader can point you in the direction of an internet cafe. Be aware that the connectivity can be slow, unreliable and expensive in some citys.

Will my mobile phone work overseas?

Your mobile will probably work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with the countries you are travelling to and make sure you get international roaming turned on.

I am going on an activity holiday (trekking, rafting, etc). Do I need to pack differently?

Probably. Once you’ve confirmed your booking with us, we send you an information pack that is specific to the trip you’re going on. So if you’re doing the inca trail, salkantay trek, Vilcabamba trek, or Rafting through Apurimac River, we’ll send you all the relevant information before your departure date. If you still have questions or want more information you can always contact us via email, phone or pop in for a chat.

Families, Private Groups and shared groups

What about my family? I want to travel with my children.

We offer family trips to fantastic destinations, with each itinerary planned with children in mind. From checking out Peru’s Machupicchu to coming face-to-face with sea lions in the Paracas, our family trips offer a great variety of culture, wildlife, exotic sights and are brilliant for both learning and fun. Each trip is packed with exciting things for kids and lots for adults as well. We give a minimum age for each trip. None of our family trips are strenuous, which aren’t difficult by trekking standards but do require fitness and an enjoyment of walking.

I’m worried about long travelling days

For our family trips we try to minimise long travelling times, and we don’t do any disruptive travelling at night. We tailor our family trips so that the travelling is broken up with fun activities and interesting sights.

What activities can I do on a family trip?

Our family trips are like all our other trips – varied activities featuring lots of encounters with locals. You could be discovering Peru’s ancient Incas history before visiting Sacred Valley, or riding an Horses in Sacsayhuaman. We often include fun physical activities like example kayaking, cooking, fishing and snorkelling, but we know that it’s important your family has time to relax as well. Where possible we choose hotels. Any activities always finish relatively early so you’re comfortably settled at your hotel by evening.

Can we go as a private group?

Of course! If there’s a minimum of two people, pick an existing itinerary and contact us and we can arrange the trip as a private tour. Or if you’re after something a bit different, if you have a minimum of seven people for a trip, contact us and we can put together a tailored and personally designed itinerary for you. We have a Privates Group team that works with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip for them. Our team can help you decide on a country or destination that best suits your needs, provide specialist advice on your chosen destination such as the best time to visit, cultural expectations and so on, and provide support while you make decisions on which itinerary works best for your group.

Booking The Trip

Do I have to book online?

Yes, our site is designed to make the booking as easy as possible and simple for you.

How do I know which trips are available?

We provide the booking status details for each trip, ie. whether the trip is closed, if places are still available and how many spotsare remaining. Check the ‘guaranteed’ column – if a trip is listed as guaranteed, that means we’ve reached the minimum number for the trip to go ahead but that there may still be limited places remaining. Alternatively, you can call or send a message our travel experts to find out.

Can I just do part of the tour?

Unfortunately it is not possible to do sections of our tours. However, some of our longer tours are made up of smaller tours completed back-to-back, so it might be possible to book a shorter trip separately.

Does the tour price include international flights?

The prices quoted on the site do not include international flights. But our partnerships with the major airlines means we can get you the best price on flights for your intended travel dates. Just ask.

How far in advance do I need to book?

This is a tricky one. We don’t know when other people will book, so it’s hard to know if and when the tour will fill up. Our advice is to book as soon as you’ve made the decision to travel, that way you won’t be disappointed. However, we can usually take bookings right up until the departure date if there are spaces left so take a look at the availability.

When is the final payment due?

The final payment is due in full 30 days before the departure of your trip . If you’ve booked your trip within 56 days of the departure date, full payment is needed at the time of booking. Last minute bookings require payment up front before confirmation. Please note that long programs travel with more than 8 days more Up.

Now for the trekking as Inca trail, Vilcabamba trek, Salkantay trek, etc. recommended booking 6-3 months in advance and making a deposit of 50% of the total price, the final payment can be made 2 days before the departure they can do so at the office of Cusco

Can I book through a travel agent?

Yes. Cusco Journeys & Adventure offers a full travel agency service – for example, we can handle your booking.

You and your Travelling Companions

Is this a typical group tour?

Cusco Journeys & Adventure doesn’t offer typical group tours, and our customers aren’t typical group travellers. Cusco Journeys & Adventure travellers are looking to see a side of a destination they wouldn’t see on their own. They want to immerse themselves in the cultures they visit. It’s all about authentic experiences with highly experienced leaders who are local to the region. Many meals are included, you will mostly travel in private transport and you will stay in comfortable accommodation with private amenities.

I am a single traveller, is that a problem?

Not at all. Every year we take thousands of single travellers around the world. And because all our trips are twin-share (single ladies share with ladies, chaps with chaps), there’s no single supplement to pay. Of course if you’d prefer to have your own room (at a little extra cost) we can arrange this on most trips. Let us know when you book.

Who will I be travelling with?

While every group is different, Cusco Journeys & Adventure tours are generally an international crowd with people often coming from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and North America. Most Cusco Journeys & Adventure, Our groups often experience a good mix of ages, everything from travellers in their early-20s to those aged 60 and over. We sort all of our trips into Travel Styles, which guarantee that you’ll be travelling with people who share the same interests you do. Over the years, we’ve found that a good range of ages within a group often adds to the experience.

Are there any age limits?

There is no specific age limit on our tours, but the majority of Cusco Journeys & Adventure travellers are in their 20s and 65s. Some of our trips involve walking on rocky terrain, cycling and climbing stairs so check the trip notes to see if a trip is right for you.

How many people will be on the trip?

The maximum group size on all trips is 16, and groups usually consist of about 2 travellers.

Is Cusco Journeys & Adventure group style travel for me?

If you’re inquisitive and adventurous, want to travel in small groups and see a culture through the eyes of a local, then the answer is ‘yes’! Cusco Journeys & Adventure tours take you to the must-see sites and some out of the way gems, our leaders are local to the region and we always look for comfortable accommodation. We take care of the transport, accommodation, transfers and entrance fees you so that you can spend more time getting to know and enjoy the country you’re in.

Money Matters

What’s included in the trip cost?

An experienced English-speaking Guide local to the region, airport arrival transfer, all transport (mostly private), all accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees, many meals as indicated, 24 hour local emergency support, local and specialist guides where needed, quality equipment where needed (including trek packs and bikes)

How much spending money do I need?

Our trip notes give you an idea of some typical prices in the places you’re visiting, and your pre-departure pack will have more details. Remember that with Cusco Journeys & Adventure some of your meals, your transport, accommodation and entrance fees to major sites are paid in advance so you don’t need to factor these into your budget.

What is the best way to take money with me?

We recommend a combination of cash, an ATM card and perhaps a credit card as back-up. Traveller’s cheques are a safe way to carry money; however in some places it can be difficult to cash them. As a general rule, American dollars are accepted throughout the world but make sure you have small denomination bills, and that they are not ripped or marked, as this may affect your ability to change them. And remember to check with your bank about using your cards overseas.

Do I need to tip the local guide?

Your tour leader or Guide works hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. You can choose to tip them individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour.

Can I bring gifts for people?

If you want to bring gifts for local people please ensure they are useful, like pens or school books and not lollies. We urge you to distribute gifts in an organised and responsible manner – either through the headmaster of a school or the director of a charity. You could even ask your tour leader for advice on the most beneficial approach, and they might have ideas of what you could buy locally that would be useful. Some children, and even adults, might ask for things as you pass them on the street or in villages. Handing them something might bring you each a moment of joy but it only encourages begging and is destructive in the long term.

On Tour

Why do you use local tour guides?

One of the main reasons travellers choose Cusco Journeys & Adventure is because we use tour leaders who were born and raised in the region. They are highly qualified, speak excellent English and boast intimate knowledge of their homeland. Travelling with a local leader means you will enjoy a local perspective, meeting their friends along the way, eating where the locals eat and seeing sights you won’t find in guidebooks. Aside from the benefit to you we are providing income and training to local people. We work to ensure our staff and local partners are the best in the business. Throughout the regions we visit, our operators possess a wealth of knowledge and experience so you can be confident you’re in safe hands. They are out in the field, continually monitoring and refining our adventures to ensure we offer the most innovative trips, as well as the best value for money.

How much free time is there?

All our trips are a combination of organised activities and free time. Our detailed itineraries give you an idea of how much free time to expect. It also depends on the trip, eg. some of our long travel tours may have less free time than other trips. Many of your most memorable experiences will occur when you branch out and do your own thing, so we know it’s important that you have time to yourself. The framework is in place and the details are taken care of, but on many days you decide what you want to see and do.

Will there be time to explore the start and finish cities or should I allow extra time?

Despite designing balanced itineraries that allow you to explore the places you are visiting, we know there is always more to discover. So if you want to arrive early or extend your visit after the trip has finished we can help arrange additional accommodation. We also have trip extensions around some of the start and end cities, for example many people add a Titicaca Lake extension of their doing Vilcabamba trek to the end trip!

What standard of hotels should I expect?

You’ll stay in centrally located, comfortable accommodation with private amenities. We generally choose smaller hotels to avoid large chains, and some itineraries even offer authentic homestays. The trip notes will tell you if accommodation differs from the regular style.

What will the food be like?

We love introducing you to the flavours of the world. Our leaders are local to the regions you visit, meaning they can take you to out of the way places for the most interesting cuisine. Their local knowledge comes in handy for deciphering menus and you can get tips on local delicacies and the most interesting markets to visit.

I’m a vegetarian or have special dietary needs, is that a problem?

No problem. Just let us know in advance so we can inform our local leaders. That way they can make sure you are looked after in the local restaurants. Keep in mind that in some places your diet might be slightly limited, as meat often forms an integral part of the local diet.

How do I get to the start of the tour?

normally we collect from one arrives at a destination, there Will our car with our company logo are usually included in the price of Cusco Journeys & Adventure tours – just check online or with our travel consultants. Tours always start in a specified hotel and we let you know exactly when you need to be at that hotel.

Can I book extra accommodation for the start or end of the tour?

Yes. In all cases, we can organise extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour. Just let us know and we’ll get a quote for you. We also have trip extensions in many of the destinations we travel to, meaning you can take a short break after the main event.

What happens if I arrive at Machu Picchu and then decide to stay an extra night, can I change my train ticket?

It is still possible to make changes to your return train ticket if you decide to stay an extra night at Aguas Calientes. You will have to take your train ticket personally to the train station in Aguas Calientes and ask them to change the return date of your ticket. You will probably be asked to pay an extra administrative fee and changing the ticket will be subject to availability of spaces the following day. If you change your ticket for a cheaper service then you will not be refunded the difference!.

What form of transport do we use?

We mostly use private vehicles, and sometimes local transport where it adds to the experience. but there are some tourists requesting service shared in this case we use vehicles in tourist groups. The trip notes can give you more information. In certain areas, whether it’s the old quarter of a city or a remote rural valley, the best way to explore is on foot, so we try to incorporate some walking.

Are there any long travelling days?

Our itineraries indicate travelling time and mode of transport. Although there are some days where we travel relatively long distances, our trips are organised to make travelling as convenient and efficient as possible. We occasionally take domestic flights. Travelling by land between different parts of a country or region is sometimes a highlight of a trip, with interesting communities and spectacular landscapes encountered en route.

What will the weather be like?

You’re best to contact one of our travel consultants or visit ours country of our website for an indication. More information on climate and seasonal weather is contained in the trip-specific information pack, which you will be sent on confirmation of your booking.

Altitude Sickness (AMS)

Parts of your trip go above 3,300 metres / 11.200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude – regardless of your age, gender and fitness.

Before your trip:

Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip:

While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.

What is it?

Altitude sickness is the reaction of the body adjusting to decreasing amounts of oxygen. Normally, the higher the altitude, the less oxygen available for the body to carry on normal functions. Altitude sickness most commonly occurs from above 3,330 metres (11,200 ft) but this is different for everyone – there is simply no way of knowing your own susceptibility prior to being at altitude thus it is vital you monitor your own health. Symptoms may be mild and subside/go away after a day’s rest.

Symptoms of altitude sickness…

Symptoms can appear within 1-2 hours although most often appear 6-10 hours after ascent and generally subside in 1-2 days as the body adjusts to altitude. They may reappear as you continue to go higher. Symptoms usually occur gradually & can be one or a combination of the following: • Headache • Loss of appetite • Disturbed sleep or drowsiness • Irritability • Fatigue • Nausea/vomiting • Dizziness • Swelling of hands, feet & face

Symptoms of HAPE (fluid on the lungs):

  • Breathlessness
  • A dry cough, developing to a wet one with blood-tinged discharge or saliva.
  • Tightness in the chest & blueness/darkness of face, lips & tongue
  • Low fever up to 38°C/100°F
  • Severe fatigue, progressing to coma
  • HAPE can occasionally develop without the usual symptoms of AMS – a telltale sign is breathing does not return to normal when at rest, it remains shallow, rapid and panting even after an extended period of inactivity, often accompanied by a cough.
  • Symptoms of HACE (fluid on the brain):
  • Severe headache symptoms not relieved by painkillers or lying down
  • Confusion, disorientation & drowsiness
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Loss of balance or coordination
  • Blurred or double vision/retinal haemorrhage

How to avoid altitude sickness?

Certain medical conditions (such as respiratory disease) or medications (such as sleeping pills) can increase the risk of altitude sickness – it is important that you inform your leader of any medical conditions or medications before ascending to altitude. You can help your body to acclimatise and avoid altitude sickness by:

  • Drinking plenty of water – at least 4 litres per day on top of other forms of fluids such as tea or soups
  • Avoiding alcohol, tobacco and substances that can interfere with good delivery of oxygen to the body or cause dehydration.
  • Eating small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates.
  • Taking it easy or have a regular break. Walk at a slower pace than you would at sea level and avoid over-exertion.

Treatment.

Most travelers are able to successfully acclimatize by following the previously mentioned guidelines. However, there are instances where medical treatment is required. Ultimately, the best treatment for acute altitude sickness is to descend to a lower altitude. There may be times when your leader makes the decision that you or a member of your group is at risk of serious altitude sickness and for safety insists that you cannot ascend further – please respect that they are within their rights to do so and are making that decision in the best interests of your health and well-being

We recommend you to keep track of altitude related symptoms you may experience by completing the below chart from the first day you experience any altitude sickness symptoms. If you are experiencing any altitude sickness symptoms, we encourage you to discuss them with your leader straight away so you both can follow your acclimatization progress. However, should you rate the severity of any symptoms at 7 or more, or the symptoms continue/worsen after the initial 1-2 days, please inform your leader without delay, so that we can seek the advice of a trained medical professional if necessary. Everyone will have a different perception of the severity of their symptoms, the key is to personally assess whether your symptoms are improving or worsening. A rough guide would be:

  • 1.-Very minor symptoms that are causing no discomfort
  • 5.-Moderate discomfort
  • 10. – Extreme discomfort