Tips for Planning your Peru Tour

Tickets to Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu must be booked in advance and are non refundable, non exchangeable.  These tickets require your passport number at time of booking and are subject to availability. 

Permits are required for hiking the Inca Trail and must be booked in advance as space is often limited, especially during the busy months for the trail, June through August.   Please note that the Inca Trail is closed in February for annual maintenance. 

Yampu Tours recommends that clients who want an authentic hiking experience in the Andes try a lesser hiked trail, such as the Salkantay, for a much more beautiful and personal experience.

Be prepared to take time adjusting to higher altitudes.  If you are prone to altitude sickness make sure to ask your Travel Consultant for an extra day in high altitudes such as Cuzco, Puno and Arequipa to acclimate.  Also drink lots of water, take it slow, and drink coca tea when possible as it alleviates some of the symptoms related to altitude sickness.

 If you are highly prone to altitude sickness, talk to your doctor at home about medications available, Diamox, and start taking it before you arrive in the Andes.  However this medication is generally not necessary for most people. 

Remember sunscreen, lotion, and lip protection.  It is also a good idea to have a basic first aid kit available.

Safety
Peru has a stable government and has experienced a healthy increase in tourism in recent years. In an effort to continue attracting more tourists, the Peruvian government has made efforts to keep travelers safe.
Despite the country’s relative safety, Yampu still highly recommends taking basic precautions: minimize the amount of valuables and cash you carry on you, and be attentive to your surroundings.

Make copies of your passport to carry with you and make sure to leave the original in a safe at your hotel. 

Make sure to be aware of your personal belongings in airports and markets.

If you are visiting local communities or markets, make sure to bring small local currencies in order to purchase the beautiful and handmade textiles of the locals!

Visa is the most accepted ATM card in Peru.  Make sure before taking a day outing or going to dinner to take out enough cash as a lot of places do not accept cards.

When you are visiting communities or local schools bring small gifts for the children such as erasers, stickers, crayons, pencils, etc. 

Make sure you try the local cuisine! The colorful and indigenous ingredients combine to create dishes that are influenced by Spain, China, Japan, France, Italy and even Africa – Peru is one of the best culinary destinations in the world!