What should I pack?

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible. Laundry will be available at many hotels and towns. Airlines generally allow a maximum of 20kg weight for check in luggage. You'll also need a day pack for activities and day trips to carry essentials such as water, camera, etc.

Check out our comprehensive, recommended packing lists.

If you are hiking, a lot of equipment is provided (tents, sleeping mats, duffle bag), and you can rent other helpful equipment such as walking sticks and sleeping bags from us in Cusco before your trek for the days you need it, but you can of course bring your own as well.

Are ATMS available? Are credit cards accepted? How much money should I bring in cash?

There are many ATMs available in Peru and all over South America. However in rural areas and small towns, it is a good idea to carry enough cash with you for your time there. Exchange rates are generally good, and you can withdraw in local currency PEN or US Dollars. Be aware that there are withdrawal limits per transaction and per day/week in Peru (regardless of your withdrawing limit in your home country) and it can be as low as the equivalent to USD100 per day.

Credit card acceptance is increasing, but generally they can only be used at upscale restaurants, shops, hotels, hostels and attractions. A 5% credit card fee is usually added. However the majority of small or rural establishments only accept cash. You should check with your card provider, and inform them of your intended travel, to ensure your card can be used in Peru. VISA tends to be preferred, followed by Mastercard.

Bring a limited amount of Peruvian PEN (Soles) with you from home or the airport, as exchange rates are usually much better once you arrive in Peru. Most major currencies including GBP, EUR and USD can easily be changed into local currency (Sol) at all bureau de change in Peru, although US Dollars usually attract the best exchange rates. Torn, damaged or marked foreign bills are often refused in Peru.

Please note that cash is the preferred method of payment for any optional activities.

What should my daily budget be?

You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need.

We generally recommend a budget of $25 - $50USD/day plus an emergency budget of $500 for the trip in case anything unexpected happens. Food, drinks and similar incidentals can vary in price enormously in Peru and are relatively expensive compared to other developing nations. Allow about PEN50‐70 (US$15‐20) per meal not included in the itinerary to eat at good restaurants. Cheaper food is abundant at small local cafes, although sanitary conditions at these places cannot be guaranteed. Bottled water and soft drinks are readily available for around PEN3‐5 (US$1‐2) each.

If you like to eat at high end restaurants and buy lots of souvenirs you will need more money and if you plan to eat market food you can certainly spend less. Make sure to check out what is included in the tour descriptions to help you budget.

Having an emergency budget is important in case of unforeseen circomstances including severe weather, civil unrest or natural disasters. For your safety or lack of transportation these events may change the itinerary of your tour and additional costs may arise.

Is it customary to tip in Peru?

Tipping is not compulsory, however it is customary and makes a big difference to your local, hard-working servers, drivers, crew and guides. Whether and how much to tip is a personal decision and can also depend on your opinion of the level of service.

Below you can find our suggestions, based on staff and past travellers feedback. We've listed the amounts in USD, but be aware that PEN will be the preferred currency. Try to carry smaller notes to make tipping easier.

• Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - round your bill up to the nearest 1 USD. For more upscale restaurants we suggest 10% - 15% of your total bill.

• Local guides: Sometimes a local specialist guide will join the trip. We suggest tipping these guides about 2 – 3 USD per day, per person.

• Drivers: Some will be with you for shorter journeys or you may have a driver with you for several days. We suggest a tip of 1 - 2 USD per day, per person.

• Your Tour Leader: In recognition of their skills and hard work, based on your perceived quality of service and engagement with the group, you may consider tipping your tour leader. We recommend around 5 USD per day, per person. Remember that this is a suggestion, contribute what you are happy to give - either less or more than the amount specified above.

• During your trek: There will be many people working hard to make your trek an amazing experience for you. We recommend tipping an average of 65 USD per person, to be split amongst the chefs, porters, guides. Carry this with you, preferably in small bills, to be able to make it easier on the last day to distribute. Your leader will brief you too on how tips should be divided.
  Inca Trail: Suggested total tipping amount: 190-225 PEN per person (approx. 55-65 USD). Breakdown: 150 PEN for porters, chef and assistants; 25 PEN for the assistant guide and 50 PEN for the main guide.
  Quarry Trail: Suggested total tipping amount: 145 PEN (approx. USD 42). Breakdown: 95 PEN for porters, chef and assistants; 15 PEN for the assistant guide and 35 PEN for the main guide.

• Tip kitty: Your tour leader/guide might suggest having a group tip kitty. Everyone in the group contributes a certain agreed upon amount equally, and your leader can simply cover all the small tips for the group as you go, so you don't have to worry about it. The contribution per person per day we suggest is 5 USD (approx. 15 PEN). Any trekking tips as outlined above would be separate from this.

Electricity: Do I need an adapter?

Peru's Electricity: 220 Volts/60hz. Most sockets will take both European round pin plugs and flat U.S. plugs.

On camping treks, spare batteries or a solar charger may come in handy.

If staying in an Amazon lodge there is no mains electricity; a generator will provide power for a few hours a day only in the main lodge/dining area, whilst lanterns, torches or candles will be provided in the bedrooms.