Galapagos and Machu Picchu Tour – 12 Days

Important Information

Booking

We need you to fill out a booking form which includes all needed for the trip. Our system will ask you for $??? USD deposit per person for booking (all payments are subject to a 5% transaction fee). If you are more than 2 hikers, you can pay separately. Once we receive your deposit, we go ahead with your permits and will send a formal confirmation to your email

Arrival 

You will be picked up by one of our team members and be driven to your hotel. For this complimentary service ensure you send your international flight details at least two weeks in advance. You have to exit the airport or bus terminal; your driver cannot enter inside.

Acclimatization to the altitude:

High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500m – 2,000m (4921ft – 6561ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen – you breathe faster and deeper and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.

The Cusco region is generally set at very high elevations. The cities of Cusco and Puno stand at a staggering 3 399m/ 11 152ft. However, people react differently to altitude sickness and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness and disturbed sleep and in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.

There are number of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate, by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air; it just needs time. There are a number of day tours you can participate in before your trip, that don’t require much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume, try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light, high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and ask for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.

Luggage.

We offer a free secure luggage store while touring with us.

How do I pay my remaining balance?

You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa but you have to pay 5% service fee charged by VISA and PayPal.

Getting Ready to Go

Passports and Visas

It is each traveler’s responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required.

Passengers must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. If you are reentering the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa.  Passengers requiring visas, should ensure that their passport has blank pages. For the Brazilian section of the tour, please ensure that you check with your consulate before traveling. On booking, please supply a copy of your passport to the staff at Wayna Trekkers.

About Your Luggage on the Train to Machu Picchu

Due to very limited storage space, only one small backpack / daypack / handbag 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 next hotel for no additional charge. Passengers who wish to bring extra luggage on the train will be charged an additional fee payable directly to the train operator; this extra luggage might follow in a separate train car.

Trip Preparation

Preparing for your trip will make all the difference. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver’s license) are in order. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. If possible, consider carry-ons instead of checked bags. If you need to take a larger bag, choose a bag color and identification that stands out.

We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you’ll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage.

Medications

See your doctor and be sure that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and a little extra, and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over-the-counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.

Travel Safety Advice

The safety of our guests is Wayna Trekkers #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Wayna Trekkers will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise.

It is important to remember and consider your fellow Tour Participants

• For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
• Refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes and/or personal products containing excessive fragrance in respect for other guests who may be allergic
• Avoid smoking cigarettes around other tour members, including in outdoor areas where smoking may be permitted.
• Avoid attire with political or religious messages that may offend the local people and other travelers.
• Respect your fellow passengers and their religious and political beliefs.
• Please do not talk or have phone conversations while tours are taking place.
• Make use of the available hand sanitizer on the coach to support a healthy environment.
• Always ask before taking photographs of other tour participants
• Respect tour departures times as advised by your tour leaders.

Climate & Clothing for your tour.

Peru – Peru’s climate varies greatly by the region. Along the coast and in Lima expect mild winters and cloudy skies and in summer the temperatures will be warm and dry. In the Andes places like Cusco and Machu Picchu are cool all year round. There are two seasons the wet and the dry season, with the wet considered summer and the dry winter. In the Amazon regions expect hot, humid and rainy most of the year. Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for the jungle, layers for the mountains with a warm jacket and for the summer on the coast cool casual clothing is best.

Galapagos Islands

For the cruise around the Galapagos Islands the weather will be warm and humid, it is best to take comfortable and practical clothing. The islands have a warm climate. Lightweight, breathable clothing, quick dry shorts, t-shirts and long sleeve shirts and pants are great for sun protection and cooler evenings and help with bug protections. Bring swimsuits for the beaches and for snorkeling and kayaking. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as well as shoes for the water.

Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen and it is recommended a set of more elegant clothing for nighttime in the restaurant.

Remember that South America is in the Southern Hemisphere so the seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere.

Money in South America

In all South American countries, the use of both cash and credit cards are widely used, but it is recommended to carry a mix of both. Each country has its own local currency and while credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and larger stores, smaller shops, markets, taxis and in rural areas operate on a cash only basis. ATMs are plentiful in cities and usually give both local currency and US Dollars. It most areas it is wise to carry small notes as it is sometimes difficult to change larger notes. Check with your bank about transaction fees when using your cards in South America and remember to advise your bank before traveling as your card maybe blocked if using in foreign banks.

Food in South America

The food is one of the highlights of any tour in South America, the diversity and is a reflection of the indigenous traditions, colonial influences and regional ingredients. Discover the fresh ceviche of Peru. Staples across the continent include corn, potatoes, beans and rice and are often paired with seafood and meats. The street food culture is strong with empanadas, tamales and churros often found. Generally, the food is bold, flavorful and connected to local traditions, making food an important part of any journey to South America.

Restaurants

Restaurants in South America are as varied as the continent, offering everything from fine dining experiences to casual family run establishments. In the major cities the restaurant scene is vibrant with famous chefs blending traditional and modern flavors. Experience small neighborhood restaurants that serve authentic local dishes. Restaurants across South America provide a delicious gateway into the continents rich and diverse culture. Ask your tour leaders for advice about the best restaurants on your tour.

Book & Film Recommendations

Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination – either in advance of their trip or while traveling – as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience.

PERU: Books

• Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham (1948)
• Machu Picchu Sacred Center by Johan Reinhard (2007)
• Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams (2011)
• The Peru Readers by Orin Starn, Carlos Ivan DeGregory, and Robin Kirk (2005)
• The Art of Peruvian Cuisine by Tony Custer (2003)
• Eight Feet in the Andes: Travels with a Mule in Unknown Peru by Dervla Murphy (2003)
• The Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming (1970, reprint 2003)
• The Secret of the Incas by William Sullivan (1997)

PERU: Films

• The Secret of the Incas (1957)
• The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
• The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1969)

The Galapagos Islands

• Galapagos: Exploring Darwin’s Tapestry by John Hess
• The Galapagos: A Natural History Guide by Pierre Constant
• Floreana: A Woman’s Pilgrimage to the Galapagos by Marget Wittmer
• My Family and the Galapagos by Monty Halls