Qoyllur Riti Pilgrimage 4D

About Your Domestic Flights & Transfers

Trekperu will book your domestic flights at your request.

Luggage

Although luggage sizes are now fairly standard, each airline does have specific requirements based upon the route and aircraft size. Click on links below for Baggage information.
LATAM   https://www.latam.com/en_us/travel-information/baggage/checked-baggage/
Starperu http://www.starperu.com/en/equipaje.html
Avianca http://www.taca.com/eng/syi/bag/bagbagpol.asp?id=14 Report any loss or damage of luggage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form must be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. Any cost to retrieve luggage will be your responsibility and you should retain receipts to submit to your insurance provider.

U.S. Hazardous Materials Restrictions - Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your luggage or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. For more information, visit www.tsa.gov.

Airline Flights

Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time for international flights and two hours prior for domestic flights. Many airlines do not permit check-in less than one hour prior to the scheduled departure time. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA should check their luggage through to their final destination. Although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. When you check your luggage, please verify where your luggage is being sent. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Trekperu has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed.

The Transportation and Safety Administration

The (TSA) has increased security measures drastically since September 11, 2001. Plan to arrive no fewer than two hours prior to a domestic flight and three hours prior to an international flight. Check the TSA website www.tsa.gov. to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing.

Peru Domestic Flights

If we have purchased your domestic flights we will email you the boarding passes.You must check in at least 2 hours before your flight. A passport is required to board all flights in Peru including the Nazca Lines over flight.

Avoiding Jet Lag

In order to minimize fatigue and general restlessness caused by jet lag, there are a few steps you may take including switching to your destination time zone when you board the plane, by sleeping and eating according to the new schedule, avoiding heavy eating, caffeine or alcoholic beverages before or during your flight, and by drinking plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying. Try to sleep on overnight flights and then, upon arrival, avoid the temptation to nap until nighttime.

Frequent Flier Programs

Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares as well as some code-share flights are not eligible for mileage accrual. Some private airfares, such as a “Trekperu Travel Airfare”, are not eligible for mileage or may qualify for reduced mileage, even if the same airline class of service is eligible for full mileage when sold as an “Instant Purchase” published airfare. Not all published airfares are eligible for mileage. Trekperu will record frequent flier numbers when provided by the passenger prior to travel documents being issued. However, the addition of frequent flier numbers to airline records does not guarantee mileage eligibility which is at the sole discretion of each airline. Airline schedule changes may result in flights which were originally eligible for mileage accrual no longer being eligible. We highly recommend passengers to provide their frequent flier account information whenever checking in online and/or at the airport check-in desk. After travel has commenced, it is often not possible to apply for frequent mileage credit. Passengers are also responsible to determine whether previously earned mileage may be applied to flights to secure upgrades.

Arrival Procedures

Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Trekperu sign and/or a sign with your name on it. If for any reason you do not connect with the Trekperu transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Trekperu Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.

What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed

Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Trekperu will contact the airline and find information in order to coordinate the new time of pick up. But if your flight is cancelled then unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.

Departure Procedures

If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.

Transfers

Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, and airport transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, and flight. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Trekperu to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Trekperu or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Trekperu transfer necessarily includes round trip service. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money

Hotels

Trekperu has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, safety and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgraded room category. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Hotel check-in time depends on the hotel.

Hotel Check-in/ Check-out

Check-in time and check-out time are according on your hotel. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their storage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.

Peru Hotels - Some travelers my experience temporary altitude discomfort in areas of Peru at high altitudes. Oxygen is available at the front desk of hotels at an extra cost or administered in case of an emergency. If desired, small disposable portable oxygen pumps can be purchased locally in the pharmacy.

Eco & Sustainable Tourism

We support an eco-friendly environment, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.

About Your Sightseeing

When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations; however Trekperu will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary.

Motor Coaches in Peru - Please note that motor coaches in Peru are not air-conditioned, with the exception of motor coaches in Lima. Air-conditioning is available in case of overly hot sunny days in the highlands region (Cusco, Puno, Urubamba, Machu Picchu) where the temperature ranges between typical highs around 60-75°F/16 - 24C and lows of 30-40°F/2-5C. However, the motor coaches in the highlands do not have air conditioning.

Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours)

Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Trekperu should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.

Currency

We suggest getting a small amount of Peruvian currency Soles before you leave the U.S. or other country. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Peru has many ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will dispense cash in local currency and US$. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange S/100 bills of soles. We suggest to carry S/20 bills in soles or smaller. For gratuities you can use US$5.00 and up.

Peru - The Sol is the currency of Peru. Most tourist areas accept and exchange U.S. dollars. Torn or slightly damaged bills will likely not be accepted by Peruvian stores and restaurants. Exchange houses will give you a lower rate. Be sure to bring crisp and new U.S. dollars. It is recommended to carry a Visa card and MasterCard for use in restaurants and shops.

Credit Cards

While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons. When paying with credit cards you will need to make sure they are not going to charge you an extra fee.
Mostly all credit cards are accepted at the ATM´s but make sure to use the ATM in the bank during business hours only for your safety. The banks charge a fee and your bank will also do so. You can withdraw the Sol or US$ dollars.

Shopping

Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally-crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find alone. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. If you are on a private tour then you can decline the shopping visit. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping
Tax-Free Shopping (TFS) allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their shopping in Peru.
The following items may be imported by visitors over 18 years of age into Peru without incurring customs duty:

• 20 packs of cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 3L of alcoholic beverages.
• Gifts or new articles for personal use up to a value of US$500

Eligible countries and their specific regulations are subject to change at any time including the % of VAT which is reclaimable and the minimum purchase amount restriction. When planning to shop in a country with Tax-Free Shopping and to reclaim VAT/GST taxes, we recommend that you check the current regulations prior to completing your purchase. In many cases, stores will display signage such as “VAT Refunds for Tourists.” Normally, you will need to present your passport and receive a VAT Refund Application form(s) from the store along with an explanation of how to claim your refund. Sometimes this is completed at the airport upon departure or later via mail from your home. Service fees may apply. Alternatively, you may choose to work with a fee-based VAT Refund Service.
U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges
You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

Peru - Peruvians are friendly, serious, honest and traditional people. When shopping for Peruvian handicrafts including pottery, textiles and wood carvings it is not uncommon to negotiate the price down by 20 percent. Although, in high end stores prices are not negotiable.

Your Safety is Very Important

Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:

• Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
• Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)
• Do not leave valuables laying loose in your room. Use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe.
• Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash.
• Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard-to-replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag.
• Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing.
• Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body.
• Always use ATM´s in a bank during banking hours. Do not use in a store etc. or after banking hours because in some occassions your pin number could be stolen.
• Taxis - ask your hotel to call one or use only ones with roof signs. Before entering make sure no one is in the taxi and ask for price before taking off.

If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of Trekperu´s representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Trekperu vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.

Peru - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Peru, there are significant issues with theft in public places. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas.

Tourist Street Scams

Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:

• Remain alert and cautious. Be wary of any unusual contact or commotion in crowded public places, including train stations, markets, subways and tourist sites;
• Be especially careful when traveling independently, or leaving your tour group to explore on your own. Try not to travel alone, especially at night. Avoid narrow alleys and poorly lit streets;
• Use only official taxis and check the change you receive from all taxi drivers and vendors;
• Beware of pickpockets often working with an accomplice who will distract you by spilling something on you, dropping a wallet or other seemingly valuable object, or tripping and falling down in front of you;
• Beware of aggressive street vendors who may approach you offering a demonstration which may end with you being pressured to purchase an item or act as a distraction for another pickpocket;
• Don’t tip beggars;
• Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest;
• Carry modest amounts of cash (US dollars) in small denominations so that you can avoid flashing large bills when paying for small items;
• ATM machines can be a convenient way to carry less currency. However those machines too can be used for robbery. Be wary of anyone who can look over your shoulder when inputting PINs. Another scam involves rigging the machine with a plastic insert which makes your card retrieval difficult; the thief then removes your card after you walk away;
• If you are confronted, do not fight back - give up your valuables. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police and keep a copy of the official report for insurance claims.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Peru

• General Emergency: 011

Languages

Peru - Spanish is the local language. Quechua is spoken in some areas as well. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.

Electricity

Please note: The U.S. uses 110 to 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.

Peru - The voltage used is 220 volts and round plugs.

Code of Conduct

Peru - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. Please demonstrate respect for the cultural artifacts of the indigenous peoples.

Gratuities

Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience.

Suggested Tipping:

Greeting host: $20.
Driver for private tours: $15. per day
Guide in private services: US$30. per day
Driver for Group Tours: $5. per tour
Guide for group tours: $10. per tour
Housekeeping: US $3 per room per day
Hotel porters and wait staff: $3. per day
Baggage carrier in airport: $3.
In fine restaurants: 10% of bill and recommend giving directly to waiter.

Peru - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.

Food and Meals

As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although Trekperu cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Peru - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water.

Holidays - Peru

Holidays 2016

• Oct 8: Battle of Angamos
• Nov 1: All Saints' Day
• Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day
• Dec 25: Christmas Day

Holidays 2017

• Jan 1: New Year's Day
• Apr 13: Holy Thursday
• Apr 14: Good Friday
• Apr 16: Easter Day
• May 1: Labor Day
• Jun 15: Corpus Christi (Cusco Only)
• Jun 24: Inti Raymi Festival
• Jun 29: St. Peter & St. Paul Day
• Jul 28: Independence Day
• Jul 29: Fiestas Patrias (Homeland Celebrations)
• Aug 30: Santa Rosa de Lima Day
• Oct 8: Battle of Angamos
• Nov 1: All Saints' Day
• Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Day
• Dec 25: Christmas

Machu Picchu Trains

Due to very limited storage space, only one small backpack / daypack / handbag up to 5 kilos per passenger is permitted onboard trains to Machu Picchu. This applies for overnight stays as well. Additional luggage will be transported to and held at your hotel in Cusco for no additional charge. Passengers who wish to bring extra luggage on the train will be charged an additional fee directly by the train operator; this extra luggage will follow in a separate train. Passport booked with is needed to board all Machu Picchu trains.

*All prices are per person. Land tour prices apply from the airport or city specified in the Package Highlights. The total price will be clearly displayed prior to any deposit being required.

Trek weather:

On some treks we could experience lower temperatures for example Ausangate trek and others.

For more information please check the additional weather link
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/Peru/Lima.htm
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/world/south-america/peru/lima

What you should bring:

Please, carry up to 7kg/14lbs per person (your personal duffle bag) for 4 days trek, for more days please consult us.

• A light day pack to carry personals to access during acual hike.
• Bring your own duffle bag 70cm x 45cm x 35cm more or less water proof,  to pack a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature. (For all treks except the Inca trail the horses will carry for you.)
• Inca Trail only: If you hired an extra porter we will lend you a duffle bag to pack your belongings to include your sleeping bag not included up to 7 kilos per person.
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. 
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
• Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
• Plastic bag to put inside the duffle bag to protect your clothing.
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
• Toilet paper, pack in & pack out to use while trekking. We will only provide at campsites.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Cash - sufficient for meals, tips and souvenirs.
• Original passport and immigration card given to you upon arrival into Peru. ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if applicable.
• Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
• Binoculars (if you have them).
• Ear plugs.