Peru Planning
The trip included: Lima, Cuzco/Cusco (small hotels in both places), and the traditional 5-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu; all meals on trek along with tents, porters, etc.; tour leader; sightseeing; a boat trip in Puno; internal Peru flights, and other tranportation. The only items not included were meals.
Sherpa Expeditions is another operator that we've used and are reliable. They have a marvelous catalog filled with escorted and self-guided trips.
The Inca Trail Trek is considered one of the World's most spectacular treks. It is so popular that the Peruvian Government has started rationing permits to groups and individuals. The trek my primary reason for going to Peru. It's 43 km of tough hiking...a real accomplishment...if you can manage it. This appealed to my obsessive-compulsive, Type "A" personality. Laid back, Type "B", ex-Marine would have been very happy to visit Machu Picchu via train.
trail map
Air? We flew United to Lima via Miami, but there are many airlines that fly to Lima.
Health? Fitness is a big consideration for ANY Peru trip, trekking or not. Lima is sea level, Cuzco is 11,200 feet above sea level, and the trek ranges between 11,811 to 13,950' on the passes. Even if you don't trek and take a train to Machu Picchu, the site is around 8,000'. Get in shape if you are planning to trek. Keep your shots up-to-date, carry a med kit with your favorite remedies.
Food/Water? Drink only bottled or boiled water. Don't eat off roadside stands. Don't use ice. Watch the seafood. If it isn't cooked and can't be peeled...forget it. All the usual "don'ts" and "do's". There wouldn't be any food/water problems on trek since the camp crew purifies everything.
Travel Insurance? We always take out travel insurance! There have been three separate incidents in the past (two for medical reasons, one for death in family) that would have cost us mega-bucks if there wasn't insurance on these trips. Travel Guard provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage damage, and much more. Some tour operators also require proof of travel insurance.
There were no Visas required then, and you still don't need one for stays of less than 90 days. Lots of information on the Peru website.
The last item - Safety. "The Shining Path" had been subdued but there was (and is) a very high crime rate in Lima. Peruvians travel in convoys, their homes are surrounded by barbed wire and automatic gates, Doberman's in their backyards, and constant surveillance. And, I'm going to assume that nothing has changed. With all that in mind, leave the jewelry at home - don't flash money - dress low-keyed (ex-Marine and I usually look like "street people" so that's never a problem).
We were ready to go....
