Traveler Prep Guide

Passport & Documents

• •Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond March 30, 2027
• •No visa required for US, Canadian, UK, EU, or Australian citizens entering Peru or Chile

Health & Vaccinations

• •No required vaccinations for Peru or Chile, but recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine boosters
• •Altitude sickness is real. Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft). Do not plan to push hard on Day 1.
• •Start taking Acetazolamide (Diamox) 1–2 days before arrival in Cusco if your doctor recommends it
• •Bring your own supply of any prescription medications — pharmacies in rural Peru may not carry what you need
• •Travel insurance is optional but recommended
• •Coca tea with mint will be provided every day — this is the single best thing for altitude

Money

• •Peruvian Sol (PEN) is the currency in Peru. Chilean Peso (CLP) in Chile.
• •US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas but not everywhere
• •ATMs are available in Cusco, Lima, and Santiago. Smaller towns: bring cash.
• •Notify your bank you'll be traveling internationally before you leave
• •Budget roughly $50–100/day for meals, tips, and incidentals beyond what's included

Flights

Clothing

• •Layers are essential. Cusco mornings are cold (0–5°C / 32–41°F), afternoons mild (15–18°C / 59–64°F)
• •Waterproof jacket — rain is possible any time in the Sacred Valley
• •Comfortable broken-in hiking boots — you will be on uneven stone terrain daily
• •Light breathable layers for Lima and the coast (warmer, humid)
• •Warm hat and gloves for high-altitude sites (Killarumiyoq is above 4,000m)
• •Sunscreen and sunglasses — UV is intense at altitude
• •Modest clothing for community days and ceremonial sites

Gear

• •Daypack (20–30L) for daily site visits
• •Water bottle — bottled water is available for sale throughout Peru, bring whatever size you prefer
• •Headlamp with extra batteries (useful for pre-dawn equinox morning)
• •Trekking poles (optional but helpful at Inkilltambo and Killarumiyoq)
• •Camera — phone cameras are fine, but the light at altitude rewards better glass
• •Power bank — outlets at remote sites are not guaranteed
• •Universal power adapter (Peru uses Type A/C, 220V)

Health Kit

• •Altitude medication (consult your doctor)
• •Ibuprofen and acetaminophen
• •Oral rehydration salts
• •Blister kit
• •Personal hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• •Any prescription medications, with enough supply for the full trip plus a week extra
• •Travel insurance card and emergency contact info (if you have it)

Pace

This is not a resort vacation. Most days involve significant walking on uneven terrain at altitude. Difficulty ratings are included in the itinerary. If a day is rated Hard, take it seriously.

Food

Peruvian cuisine is varied and excellent. Lima has some of the best restaurants in South America. Cusco has a full range from street food to sit-down. Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are manageable with advance notice — make sure you note them in your booking form.

Cuy (guinea pig) and alpaca are local specialties. Trying them is up to you.

Altitude

Internet & Phone

• •Most hotels have Wi-Fi. Coverage at remote sites is minimal to none.
• •Pick up a local Peruvian SIM card on arrival (Claro or Movistar, cheap at the airport) or activate an international plan through your carrier before you leave
• •WhatsApp works on Wi-Fi for group coordination

Safety

Peru is generally safe for travelers who exercise normal awareness. Keep valuables in a money belt or hotel safe. Don't display expensive equipment unnecessarily. The Sacred Valley and Cusco are well-traveled tourist routes — incidents are uncommon.

Ceremony

Main Tour (Mar 14–25)

• •All in-country transportation
• •All site entry fees
• •Guides at every site
• •Breakfast daily (hotels)
• •Select lunches as noted in the itinerary
• •Equinox ceremony and community service day
• •11 nights accommodation (HGI Cusco, Urubamba hotel, Ollantaytambo hotel, Chinchero accommodation)

Pre-Tour (Mar 10–13, optional)

• •Transportation Lima → Paracas → Ica → Lima
• •Museum entries
• •Nazca Lines overflight
• •Ballestas Islands boat tour
• •3 nights accommodation (HGI Lima, DM Hoteles Huacachina)
• •Breakfasts and select lunches

Easter Island (Mar 26–30, optional)

• •All in-island transportation
• •Guide for all site days
• •All park entry fees
• •Select meals
• •4 nights at Manutara Hotel, Hanga Roa

Flights Lima–Santiago and Santiago–Easter Island are coordinated by Aaron but billed separately.

Not Included

• •International flights to/from Lima
• •Travel insurance
• •Meals marked "own expense"
• •Personal purchases, souvenirs, drinks
• •Tips for local guides (customary, appreciated)