TASTE OF PERU
WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING
“OneSeed made my dream of visiting the Sacred Valley one of the best experiences of my life! Our guide, Domingo, was welcoming, knowledgeable, approachable, and had a great sense of humor! He made our expedition feel like we were safe and well taken care of at all times.”
“Jonathon was knowledgeable, helpful and organized. He was clear in his directions, frequently checked on how we were feeling, and respectful of the environment and communities.”
“I think OneSeed attracts a certain tribe and I love it. Really enjoyed the new friends we made.”
Read More Reviews
packing list
WHAT TO BRING
You are responsible only for personal clothing and gear listed below. Any luggage not needed in Aguas Calientes can be left at the hotel in Cusco during your expedition. See current weather conditions for Machu Picchu and Cusco, Peru.
Packing System:
Sturdy shoes, a good raincoat, and warm layers for the evening are the only essential items. Bring comfortable and modest clothes for the time in Cusco. There is no need to bring a sleeping bag or any gear as you'll be staying in lodges throughout the expedition.
Documents and Logistics:
International flights booked and confirmed to Cusco
Passport valid for 6 months after arrival date (to be carried at all times)
Photocopy of passport
Medical insurance card
Cash for tipping guides, buying souvenirs, incidental costs, etc.
Please bring crisp US bills. Many places will not accept torn, wrinkled, or worn bills
Don't forget
We need you to have everything on the list below for our expedition to go smoothly, so there is no one item that is more important than another. Double-check your entire list and make sure to have/review these important items below.
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your arrival date in Peru.
Medical insurance card
Should anything happen, we can get you the care you need.
Required Vaccinations
It is important to receive required (or recommended) vaccinations before traveling abroad. Check the CDC's recommendations for Peru here.
Terrain
CLIMATE OVERVIEW
The Peruvian winter (May – September) is the driest season and a great time of year to travel. In the shoulder months (April and October) the weather can still be be nice but a bit more unpredictable. The Peruvian summer (December – March) is warmer, but is also the wettest season with frequent heavy showers. Rain is common throughout the year in Peru, so it’s always good to be prepared.
Machu Picchu is almost 8,000 feet above sea level and like any high altitude trek, the sun is very powerful during the day and the evenings cool down a great deal. Layers are essential in this climate to keep you prepared for the fast changing weather.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter what time I arrive or depart?
If you arrive/depart at any time on the scheduled start/end dates of your trip, OneSeed will arrange for airport or bus station transfers. Pickup will be arranged to efficiently transfer clients with arrival times in close proximity (generally within one hour of each other). If you plan to arrive before the scheduled start date or stay past the end date of your trip, you will need to coordinate your own airport transfer or purchase a trip extension through OneSeed.
Do I need a visa? And what about passport requirements?
- Visas are not required for US citizens for tourist visits less than 90 days, but you will need a tourist visa (free upon arrival). Please keep your passport and tourist visa with you at all times during your expedition.
- Check the latest Peru entrance requirements on the US Embassy website.
- Your passport must be valid for six months after your country departure date. It should also have at least one blank page for any necessary stamps.
What happens if my trip is altered due to unforseen circumstances?
Per the Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver Agreement, if your expedition must be altered at any point, you are responsible for any additional costs.Canceled flights and transportation strikes happen. We do our best to ensure that your experience is unaltered by handling the situation efficiently and smoothly. For complete terms and conditions, see here. We recommend reviewing optional trip cancellation and interruption insurance to cover expenses in these instances. Some instances that have come up are:
- A twisted ankle one week before a trip
- Power outages in the Atlanta airport leaving travelers stranded
- Burst appendix!
- Earthquakes or floods cutting a trip short
DO I NEED ANY IMMUNIZATIONS OR MEDICINE?
Talk to your physician and follow recommended CDC guidelines found here.
WILL WE NEED TO FILTER WATER?
Tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. You can disinfect water with iodine or water-purification pills, a SteriPen, or opt to purchase bottled water during your stay in Peru. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle purifier.
WHAT FOOD SHOULD I EXPECT TO EAT?
- Meals are a nice mix of Peruvian style dishes and western food. Breakfast will include items such as oatmeal, eggs, toast, jam/cheese, tea, and coffee. The one lunch provided will be a delicious meal that you cook with your host chefs.
- OneSeed is able to accommodate most allergies and dietary preferences. If you didn't include this information on your registration form, please email info@oneseedexpeditions.com. We recommend any vegan travelers bring extra protein bars.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
- Please refer to our Terms & Conditions here: www.oneseedexpeditions.com/terms-of-service
DO I NEED TO TIP MY GUIDE?
Tips are always appreciated. We have developed the chart in the blogpost below to act as a guide. Averages below are based on per person recommendations.
www.oneseedexpeditions.com/blog/tipping
CAN I LEAVE SOME OF MY LUGGAGE IN THE HOTEL?
You will be staying at the same hotel before and after your overnight to Aguas Calientes. Leaving an extra bag at the hotel during your trek is free of charge. Please keep in mind you are only allowed one carry-on and one checked bag (under 50 lbs) for your domestic flight from Lima to Cusco.
WHAT IS THE ELEVATION? IS ALTITUDE A CONCERN?
The highest elevation that you will reach is 12,343 ft during your tour of the Sacred Valley. Walking slowly around Cusco's many hilly neighborhoods, drinking lots of water, and self-care are all key to avoiding altitude sickness.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
Weather is always unpredictable, a sunny warm day can turn on a dime and end in chilly rain. It never hurts to prep for both! Visit the weather section above to see average temperatures and forecasts for Cusco and Machu Picchu.
ANY OTHER TIPS?
We always ask that you stay safe by drinking plenty of water, eating well, and communicating openly with your guide about any issues that arise. Be sure to take care of your belongings, be respectful of your travel companions, practice your Spanish with people you meet along the way, and respect the natural landscape that you're exploring.
