All You Need To Know About Peru Tour Packages

A Complete Guide For Peru Travel Packages

History and Facts of Machu Picchu On Your Peru Tour Packages

There is a reason why so many people visit this remarkable country on their Peru Vacation Packages. Probably the best-known and most jaw-dropping attraction is Peru´s signature sight the iconic Machu Picchu. Carefully situated within dramatic landscapes, where the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin meet, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is one of the greatest architectural, astonishing, and constructive achievements in the world and the most significant legacies of the Inca Civilization in Peru. Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m (7972 ft.) above sea level, in the middle of a tropical mountain cloud forest, in a mesmerizing setting. It was probably the most amazing urban construction during the height of The Inca Empire and its enormous walls, expansive terraces, and steep staircases seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock faces. This natural setting, is on the eastern slopes of the Andes,  on the upper Amazon basin with its rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spanish in the sixteenth century, although the Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu, due to its incredibly remote location. You will see on your Peru Travel packages that the many structures that form this impressive religious, agricultural, ceremonial, and astronomical center are built into a steep cliff face and traversed by huge stone terraces. The Inca Citadel is divided into a lower and upper section, separating the farming from residential areas, with a large plaza between the two. Today, many of Machu Picchu’s mysteries perplex historians and archaeologists, including the exact purpose it may have had in the Incas’ understanding of astronomy and the domestication of wild flora. Despite its relatively small size, Machu Picchu contributes to conserving a very rich habitat and biodiversity with remarkable endemic flora and fauna. Find out more about  Machu Picchu tours here.

 

Machu Picchu - The Highlight of Any Peru Travel Package!

 

Machu Picchu Tours - Specific Information

 

For more specific background details about Machu Picchu on your Peru Vacation Packages click on the following links:

 

Machu Picchu History and Facts

 

History of Machu Picchu

 

How to get to Get To Machu Picchu

 

How to Get to Machu Picchu

 

Optional Cusco Add-Ons to your Peru Vacation Packages

 

Cusco Add-Ons

 

The Nature and Ecology of Machu Picchu

 

Nature and Ecology at Machu Picchu

 

Machu Picchu Tickets and Permits

Machu Picchu permits cannot be purchased at the Machu Picchu entrance gate. They should be purchased from an authorized tour operator such as Valencia Travel or directly from the Ministry of Culture's government website. There are only 2,500 permits available for Machu Picchu each day. Remember that if you book Peru Travel Packages with Valencia Travel, we ALWAYS include The Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket!

There are 3 main ways to purchase your Machu Picchu Ticket: 

1. In person at an authorized office in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
2. Online through the official website of Machu Picchu Tickets.
3. From an authorized travel agency such as Valencia Travel.

     

Option 1.
Go to the ‘Direccion Regional de Cultura’ office with your passport at Street Garcilaso s/n Cusco – The Garcilaso House is only 2 blocks away from the Plaza de Armas (main square).
Or travel to Aguas Calientes and purchase your Machu Picchu from the Ministry of Culture office the day before you want to visit the Inca Citadel and expect to queue for a few hours to secure your Machu Picchu Entrance ticket.

Option 2.
Online. The Ministry of Culture’s website.  Click on the UK flag at the top right to change the site in English. Bear in mind that the site is often down/not working which makes it tricky to buy your Machu Picchu permit online.

Option 3.
Book your Machu Picchu ticket with a tour operator.
The easiest and safest way to secure Machu Picchu permits is through an authorized tour operator who will buy the entrance ticket for you. You just need to send a copy of your passport and the date of the visit. Remember that once purchased, these entrance tickets cannot be changed or transferred to another person. Of course, we include the Machu Picchu entrance ticket on all of our Peru Travel Packages that include Machu Picchu!

 

Tips on Physical Preparation For Peru Tour Packages

Traveling to any destination anywhere in the world can be hard both emotionally and physically. Peru and South America are no exception; you need to take care of your health to fully enjoy your Peru Vacation packages to the full! Here, we will offer some useful tips for healthy travel and some advice on staying healthy during your Package Trips To Peru.

 

Travelers and Locals on Lake Titicaca!

 

Before you leave home for Your Peru Travel Packages

Visit your Doctor or a travel clinic before you visit Peru, your doctor will be able to give you the injections you need for the locations you wish to visit during your Peru vacation packages. Vaccines and medications are one of the best ways to protect yourself while traveling. Vaccines for Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Tetanus, and a rabies vaccine are our recommendations for traveling to Peru. There are also other illnesses you could encounter, such as the famous Travelers' Diarrhoea, and colds (there are different cold viruses in Peru) are the most common things you may encounter when you travel on your Peru Holiday Packages.

 

First Aid Kit

Pack a good first aid kit, you may think that you don´t need this but this is an essential part of any preparation for Peru Travel Packages. Take the essentials like anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamine, anti-motion sickness medication, pain relievers, laxatives, antacids, anti-bacterial ointment, hand sanitizer, band-aids, cream for sunburn, and rehydration salts.  If you don’t need them then great, but it is better to have a fully equipped first aid kit on your Peru Trip Packages than not! Remember, your  Peru Tour Package generally involves visiting remote regions of Peru where medical facilities are scarce or non-existent.

 

Essential Kit on Your Peru Tour Packages

 

Travel Insurance. We all know when traveling this is an extra expense that you might not be thinking about for your Peru Vacation Package. However, a basic travel insurance policy is essential for your Peru Tour packages as you never know what could be around the next corner! Obviously, we hope that all will run smoothly, but, if something should happen, you can at least rely on your insurance policy for emergency treatment and to help get you home if necessary. Without it, you may be in serious trouble during your Peru Vacation Packages!

Fitness Levels

Build up your fitness level with aerobic training, or cardiovascular training before your Peru Tour Packages. This refers to exercise or activities that use oxygen to adequately meet the demands of exercise through aerobic metabolism and should be the focus of your preparation. swimming, running, and hiking, are all excellent ways to prepare for your Peru Travel Packages.

Mental Preparation

Training for Peru Holiday Packages is as much about your physical endurance as it is about your mental stamina. There will be points along your Peru Travel Package that are particularly tricky but there is nothing too difficult and no long hikes are necessary. Make sure you have a positive attitude before arriving at altitude. That means preparing yourself mentally for the Peru Tour Packages ahead.

 

 

A Happy Group on a Lima City Tour

 

During your Peru Travel Packages

Water:

Anywhere you travel in the world you need to be careful with the drinking water. Normally what most people do is buy bottled water, this is the best idea but make sure that the seal is intact. For Peru travel packages, it is important to take a refillable water bottle as purified water is provided at your hotel. This is also a good way to protect the environment and avoid the use of unnecessary plastics on your visit to this South American country. Make sure you keep your fluid levels up during your Peru Tour Packages to avoid dehydration on this once-in-a-lifetime Peru Holiday Package!

Food: 

Eat healthy and in reputable restaurants during your Peru Vacation Packages to avoid illness. Getting sick before your Peru Travel Packages is not a good way to prepare for a dream vacation in South America! Remember that your body is dealing with many things on a Peru tour package, and getting sick could take away valuable travel time on your Peru Travel Packages. Wait until the final evening of Peru Holiday Packages to sample or experiment with the local cuisine and try all of the delicious Peruvian dishes (and pisco sours) on offer during your Peru tour package! Of course, on your Peru Travel Packages, we will only take you to reputable restaurants where hygiene standards are met :)

 

Cusco Cuisine!

 

The Altitude:

Take it easy when you first arrive in Cusco or any other high-elevation city in Peru and drink plenty of water. Do not take the altitude lightly this can make you feel sick and you do not want to spoil the rest of your Peru Vacation Package. For the first few days at altitude, do nothing more than stroll around until you feel your breathing is normal and your body gets used to the thinner air. After a couple of days do some visits around the local archaeological sites or maybe a Sacred Valley Tour for example, which is at a lower elevation than Cusco city.

 

Alcohol:

Save the parties and drinking until the end of your Peru Travel packages, your body will thank you for it. Alcohol can cause terrible hangovers at altitude and should be avoided, at least while you are acclimatizing 😊 You will probably want to celebrate your epic Peru Vacation Packages so save the Pisco Sours until after you visit high altitudes on your Peru Travel Packages!

Hotels:

The top-end hotels throughout Peru usually have decent gyms and excellent spa facilities to help you keep fit and well during your stay. There are a number of wellness options for those who are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle during their Peru Tour Packages, ask us at Valencia Travel for more information on wellness options either before or after your Peru Tour Packages.

You can also sign up for a local gym if you want to maintain your fitness regime from back home before your Peru Travel Package. Explain to the trainer how long you have been traveling on Peru Tour Packages, or at high altitudes, and that you want to prepare for the high elevation. They will make sure you are not over-exerting yourself, especially in Cusco or other high-altitude cities such as on your Puno Tours, when you arrive for your Peru Holiday Package.

 

 

Arequipa´s Colca Canyon on your Peru Holiday Packages

 

Train Travel on Your Peru Travel Packages 

 

Of course, one of many highlights on your Peru Tour packages is Machu Picchu. Unless you decide to Hike to Machu Picchu on one of the many fantastic Machu Picchu Hikes, your only other option to get to the Inca Citadel is to take the train to Machu Picchu. The train to Machu Picchu is a beautiful journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu Archaeological Site), at the foot of  Machu Picchu.  Machu Picchu is located between the Andes mountains and the Amazon Rainforest making access to the Inca site somewhat difficult. Fortunately, if you want to reach Machu Picchu on your Peru Travel Packages, without trekking for days, you can enjoy the train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu.  See more about the different train options for Machu Picchu and other opportunities for train travel on your Peru Tour Packages in our blog.

 

Machu Picchu Trains on Your Peru Tour Packages
 

 

High Altitude and Acclimatization Tips for Your Peru Vacation Packages

If you are planning to book a Peru Travel Package you will be booking an experience through an incredibly diverse range of landscapes and habitats where you can take part in all types of adventurous and cultural activities. One of the main attractions on Peru tour packages of course is Machu Picchu. While Machu Picchu is at a lower elevation than Cusco, your body still needs to be adjusted to the high elevation so you can climb the steep staircases and terraces on your Machu Picchu tour. Machu Picchu altitude sickness is a thing!  Acclimatization is just as important as drinking plenty of water on your Peru Tour Packages!  Remember, acclimatization is a lot more complex than simply popping a few tablets. Here are some top tips to avoid altitude sickness on your Peru Travel packages.

 

High Altitude Rainbow Mountain on Your Peru Tour Packages!

 

Take it Easy When You Arrive For Your Peru Holiday Packages

On arrival at high altitude on your Peru Travel Packages,  first thing´s first, there should be no rushing around. The best thing to do is take it easy for the first 24 hours. The remarkable Andean scenery will still be there the following day! Taking it easy for the first day will help you get the most out of your Peru Vacation Packages. This gives your body time to adjust, rather than just heading off into the mountains and to Machu Picchu, after leaving your bags at your Cusco hotel.

 

Relax as You Acclimatize For Your Peru Travel Packages

There are plenty of amazing things to do on your Peru Tavel Packages and if you can allow yourself as much time as possible to relax and take things easy then you will be in much better shape for when you head on the activities included on your Peru Holiday packages. Coffee shops, reading material, and getting to know the area, are all excellent ways to relax in high-elevation cities and there are some impressive examples of Inca architecture or museums to be visited before you set off on your Peru vacation packages. It is definitely worth taking a look around the areas as part of your acclimatization to the high altitude in the Andean region of Peru.

 

Relaxation Before and After Your Peru Tour Packages

 

Pack Light On Your Machu Picchu Tour

Make sure you only take the absolute necessities on your Peru Tour Packages. Carrying an overweight backpack will not only slow you down but will over-exert you in areas where there is less oxygen at higher elevations on the way to Machu Picchu. You can store your main luggage at your Cusco hotel or at our office so just take the essential items you will need for your Machu Picchu Tour.  Remember to pack light!

 

 Eat Well In Preparation for Machu Picchu Tours

This refers to eating the correct way and the right meals on your arrival to Peru… not eating everything in sight! Salads (washed in purified water), sandwiches, and plenty of water are excellent in order to prepare your body for any potential altitude issues. Don´t forget, your digestive system slows down at high altitudes so smaller more frequent meals are the way to go instead of massive plates of food. Try and stick to carbs instead of greasy food to keep your energy levels up. This is the best preparation for Peru Travel packages.

 

Eat Light Meals Before your Machu Picchu Vacation Package!

 

Avoid Alcohol at Altitude on your Peru Tour Packages

Although all that sitting around as you acclimatize for yourPeru Travel Packages can often lead to the more sociable side of life in Peru, it is worth avoiding alcohol until your body has acclimatized to the altitude. Feeling nauseous, dizzy, and suffering severe headaches can really take their toll even without a few drinks and when altitude is combined with alcohol the effects can be seriously nasty. Save the pisco sours until after you visit the high elevations on your Peru Tour Packages!

 

The Magical Coca Leaf On Your Peru Holiday Packages

For centuries, the humble coca leaf has been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes in the Andes. This magical leaf helps to combat altitude symptoms, acts as a diuretic, and is downright tasty! Whether you make a herbal brew or chew them directly, this incredible natural remedy will help with the headaches and other side effects of high altitude, immediately.  Your hotel will have a regular supply of coca tea for those who are feeling altitude symptoms and they will definitely help on your Peru Travel Packages.

 

Coca Tea is Excellent for Acclimatization on Peru Travel Packages!

 

Time is a great healer as they say, and it certainly is when it comes to adequate acclimatization before your Peru Vacation Packages. Allow in general 2 to 3 days of acclimatization before even thinking about venturing on any high-elevation tours. Your body will thank you for it and you will have a much Peru tour package if you are feeling at your best. Find out more about Peru Travel packages with Valencia Travel here.

 

Starting and Ending Points for Your Peru Travel Packages

Our Peru Vacation Packages begin in Lima and finish in Lima for your international flight back home. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a novice traveler on your Peru Tour Packages it will be an experience that will leave you awestruck. To fully enjoy the magic of Peru it's crucial to understand the starting and ending points of your Peru Vacation Packages.

Starting Point: Lima

Our Peru Vacation Packages will begin when we collect you from the Lima Airport hotel at the pre-arranged time. We will travel in our private car to your hotel. This could be in Miraflores or Barranco depending on where you have chosen. The first day is usually arrival day and a rest day in preparation for the rest of your Peru Tour Package.

Ending Point: Lima

The culmination of your Peru Travel Package is your return to the capital, Lima. This gigantic city is renowned for its incredible gastronomy and stunning coastline. The perfect place to end your Peru vacation package. You are also close to the airport for for your return flight home

 

What a Wonderful Day for A Lima City Tour!

 

Best Time to Visit on Peru Vacation Packages

What Weather to Expect on Peru Travel Packages

The weather on your Peru Vacation Packages generally depends on the season you are traveling to Peru and the regions you will be visiting. Generally speaking, April to September is the dry season in  The Andes and Winter on the Coast and in The jungle., November to February is the rainy season in the Andes and The Amazon, and summer on the coast.  March and October are considered the shoulder seasons, which means the climate can be more unpredictable, wherever you are traveling on your Peru Holiday Package. Peru is in the southern hemisphere, so when it's summer in The USA and Europe, it is winter in Peru. June to August are the peak winter months in Peru, and November to February is summer. However, the rainy season in the Andes and the Machu Picchu region actually falls during the summer months, so although there are warmer temperatures, the weather is wet. The weather patterns have become more variable in the past few years, so we recommend that you prepare for sun and rain all year round on your Peru tour packages. As far as the temperatures on your Peru Holiday Packages, they are generally consistent throughout the year in The Andean region with lower temperatures in winter. The coastal region enjoys warm summer weather from December to March. Mornings and evenings are always cold in the Andes. Make sure you bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun comes up you should be comfortable in short sleeves anywhere in the Andes. Use sunblock, however, as the sun is extremely strong. Long pants are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be an issue in Aguas Calientes and at Machu Picchu. Views can be affected on your Machu Picchu tour all year round. Machu Picchu is situated in a cloud forest so low-lying clouds and rain are common. Cloud cover is more common during the rainy season, but in general, the cloud lifts as the sun comes over the mountains and burns away the clouds. Check out our informative blog about The Best Months to Visit  Peru. 

 

Rainy Cusco Street on your Peru Vacation Packages

 

When Is the Best Time to Visit On Peru Travel Packages?  

 Peru is a land of arid coastal regions, steamy humid jungles, and high-altitude, snow-capped summits. "Diverse" describes Peru´s geographical regions as well as its weather! This basically means that there is no bad time of year for your Peru Travel Packages 

Peru Travel from June to August   

 June to August is the best time for a trip to The Amazon Rainforest or head to The Andes to hike the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. These months are the Andean winter, which is also the dry season.  This allows for dry, warm, and sunny days and crisp, chilly nights. It is also the time for Peru Festivals in The Andes, the biggest and most famous being Inti Raymi - the festival of the sun. The Amazon basin is also in dry season and July is probably the driest month in the Amazon. The sunnier weather in the cloud forest brings birdlife out into the open, including Peru´s national bird - the Andean cock-of-the-rock, which chooses this time to breed.  

 Peru Travel from September to November  

September to November is the best time for solitary Peruvian treks and surfing without the masses on your Peru Travel packages. This period is classed as shoulder season when clear sunny days characterize September. This is similar to spring in the Northern Hemisphere, yet it is actually autumn. This is an excellent time for trekkers who want to have the mountains to themselves, this is the best time to go. The weather is warmer, the trekking trails are more solitary, and the rains have yet to appear… hopefully!  

The Inca Trail is always very much ON the beaten track, but alternative trails such as the Salkantay Trek, or The Ausangate Trek allow you to hike remote treks on your Peru Tour Packages. September also marks the end of the jungle’s dry season, so it's a good time to try rainforest trekking or wildlife-watching in Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado before the rain arrives. Temperatures are also rising along Peru´s coastal region but the masses have not yet checked in for summer. By November, waves have arrived at Peru’s best surfing spots.  

Peru Travel from December to February  

December to February is the height of summer and the best time for beach time on your Peru Travel Packages. This is the season to explore Peru’s coastline to the full!  Head to the warm northern beaches of Mancora or Punta Sal and enjoy temperatures around 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F). It's also peak surfing season. Another coastal experience is a boat trip to the Islas Ballestas near Paracas, where sea lion pups are born around January. In The Andes, the wet season is in full swing, and the Inca Trail is closed throughout February. However, if you like lush landscapes without the crowds, some other trekking routes such as The Lares Trek are still hike-able! Carnaval begins at the end of February and Virgen de La Candelaria comes alive in the Puno region.  

Peru Travel from March to May   

High season in The Andes or the Amazon Rainforest is yet to arrive, and the landscapes are greener than green after the wet season, making it the perfect time for Peru Tour Packages. The coastal region attracts people to Paracas and Ica, where the grapes are ripe and the Fiesta de la Vendimia, in the second week of March, lights up Ica.  The local people in The Andes, are gearing up for Corpus Christi, Q´ollor Riti, and the Easter celebrations when you visit Cusco, Peru. The Andes come alive with a feel of spring as the colors of Peru once more come to the forefront, the festivals begin, and flower petals are strewn all around.  

 So, Peru is a destination that you can travel to, all year round. There are always interesting activities to do throughout the year on your Peru Vacation Packages. So, whatever month you are planning your Peru Tour Packages, you will be just fine! 

 

The Best Packing Tips For Machu Picchu Vacation Packages

Peru is one of those countries that is on most people´s most people’s bucket lists. The country is filled with natural and man-made wonders of the world.  the sense of awe and amazement will always surpass your expectations on Peru Travel Packages. With 3 main geographical regions; the coast, the Andes, and the jungle, it is difficult to know what to pack for your Peru Holiday packages. Here is the essential Packing List for Peru Tour Packages.

 

Packing Wisely for Your Peru Tour Packages

 

Clothing for Your Peru Travel Packages

• raincoat or poncho
• lightweight clothing for layering
• bathing suit (or two)
• lightweight shorts and pants
• t-shirts
• warm pajamas
• wool sweater
• light jacket
• nice outfit for a night out in Cusco or Lima
• cross-body purse for city touring
• brimmed hat
• warm hat
• sunglasses
• sneakers or other walking shoes
• hiking boots (waterproof is ideal)
• daypack or small overnight bag

 

Health Items to Pack for Your Peru Tour Packages

• Sunblock
• Insect repellent
• Personal first-aid items
• Personal medicines
• toiletries
• toilet paper

 

Equipment/ Technology For Peru Travel Packages

• Walking Sticks
• Umbrella
• Photographic camera
• language app or dictionary for Spanish and Quechua
• cell phone
• Batteries or extra power pack
• Refillable water bottle

 

Documents For Your Peru Tour Packages

Do not forget your original passport with at least 6 months validity to enter Peru. an  ISIC card if you are a student eligible for the discount.

 

Plan For Your Machu Picchu Tour

 

Finally, don’t forget to bring cash for tips, shopping, and other small expenses. US Dollars and Peruvian Nuevo Soles (preferable). You will get better exchange rates in Peru rather than back home for USD to Soles.

 

Important* Please bear in mind the weight allowance for your international and domestic flights when you are considering what to pack for  Peru Travel packages. Often domestic flights have less weight allowance in their lower tariffs than international flights.

 If you have any questions about what to pack for your Peru Vacation Packages contact us here!