What you need to know before you go!
PRE-TRIP PREPARATIONS CHECKLIST
PACKING CHECKLIST
PRINTABLE ITINERARY
RECOMMENDED PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
RECOMMENDED POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
ARRIVALS INTO LIMA, PERU
- All international flights arrive to Lima
- Fly into Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) anytime before the rendezvous time at 6 p.m.
- Once you collect your luggage, head outside to the arrivals area and look for "Wild Women Expeditions" on a sign. The Transfer Agent will bring you directly to the Antigua Miraflores Boutique Hotel.
- Airport transfers are included and will be provided in conjunction with your arrival flights based on the info you submitted in your Travel Details Form. Wild Women Expeditions has provided your flight arrival dates and times to our local partner. The transfer is included whenever you arrive before the trip start.
Group Rendezvous Point:
- Date: Day 1
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Lobby of the Antigua Miraflores Boutique Hotel (Miraflores, Av Grau 350, Lima, Peru)
RECOMMENDED PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
In Lima:
DEPARTURES FROM CUSCO
- Breakfast is included on your last day with us. The rest of the day is yours!
- Airport transfers are included and will be provided in conjunction with your departing flights if you depart on the last day of your trip. You will verify your preferred time to head to the airport with the Transfer Agent. Wild Women Expeditions has provided your flight departure dates and times already, but best to double-check.
- Accommodations are not included on this night, so be sure you book this before the trip if you’re planning to stay longer.
Drop Off Point:
- Date: Day 10
- Time: In conjunction with your departure flights
- Location: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
RECOMMENDED POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS
You are responsible for booking your own flights or other transport arrangements to the trip start location. These arrangements and any other independent arrangements that you may make are not a part of the trip booked with Wild Women Expeditions and are entirely at your own risk. Wild Women Expeditions accepts no responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any loss, damage or injury to property or person in connection with such arrangements. Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:
Megan and Zale | Now Boarding Travel, Travel Specialists
Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel
Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.
Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. We encourage you to consider arriving one or two days early, which will help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!
PASSPORTS & VISAS
You are fully responsible for your own visa requirements, permits, and certificates for your trip. It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. It is your responsibility to check with the country's Consulate and your country's travel website such as Canada’s for up-to-date information about traveling internationally.
- Passport:
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Important: A copy of your passport must be emailed to the Wild Women Expeditions office by 130-days pre-trip.
- Visa:
Most visitors can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Check via:
Peru Visa – Application, Requirements – Residents of Canada | VisaHQ
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
TIPPING
Gratuities and tipping associated with the trip, with the exception of lead and assistant guides, and drivers who are accompanying the group for the entire itinerary is included in your trip.
Gratuities aren’t compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. We suggest carrying small notes of local currency around as you go. Below are the suggested amounts for your lead and assistant guides, and drivers who are accompanying the group for the entire itinerary
- Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We suggest USD$1-USD$2 per day for drivers.
- Your Tour Leader: You may also consider tipping your tour leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline USD$5-USD$10 per person, per day. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
💡 Note: Tips can be given in USD or its equivalent in Soles.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
- Rooming Arrangements
Our trip prices are based on a twin-share (minimum of two women per room/tent), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share with your travel partner.
- Single Room Upgrade
If you'd prefer not to share a bedroom or tent, we have a single upgrade option. If you have already indicated this preference on your registration form, you will be emailed a quote once availability is confirmed. If you are now interested, please email support@wildwomenexpeditions.com with your request.
- Bathrooms
Generally speaking, in the hotels you’ll have a private bathroom attached to your bedroom. While camping, portable toilets in their own tents are brought along and shared by all group members. You will have to try your best to aim liquids in one bucket and solids in the other. Definitely outhouse style!
- Internet / WiFi / Cell Coverage
Generally speaking, in the hotels, you’ll have access to wifi and Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes all have cell service. With NO WIFI ACCESS on the trail, being off grid means you can leave social media behind and truly immerse yourself in the awesome scenery!
- Potable Water
Potable water is provided throughout the trip. It is not advised to consume untreated tap water.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
GRAYL Canada | OnePress™ Global Protection
Travelers Against Plastic | Take the TAP pledge
- Overnight Arrangements During Your Stay
QUICK FACTS ABOUT PERU
- Earthquakes
- Electricity
Please note: Electrical outlets are available in all accommodations, though in some of the more remote village stays, there will be a limited number of outlets to be shared.
- Time
Peru is on Eastern Standard Time, 5 hours behind GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Peru does not observe daylight savings time.
- Climate & Weather:
Pack in layers! Some days you may experience all four seasons. Check the links below to see what the forecast is for your trip date. On the trail and at some lodges, it will be cold, so pack accordingly.
- Animals and Bugs
The insects in the amazon can be extremely fierce. A good bug hat, insect repellent, and sting relief is a necessity. The Amazon Rainforest is home to 427 mammal species, 1,300 bird species, 378 species of reptiles, and more than 400 species of amphibians. Some of the animals that live in the Amazon Rainforest include jaguars, sloths, river dolphins, macaws, anacondas, glass frogs, and poison dart frogs.
MONEY MATTERS
Wild Women Expeditions recommends that each participant should bring enough cash in local currency or available credit/debit funds to cover their meals during travel to and from their destination. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, meals not included in the trip package, shopping, etc., and we also suggest you have access to emergency funds.
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks:
Peru’s official currency is the Nuevo Sol (SOL), divided into 100 cents. There are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents coins and S/. 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 banknotes.
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
- Banking
US dollars are welcome at most shops, restaurants and service stations at the current exchange rate. There are only a few bureau de change in Lima and Cusco that will exchange currencies other than US dollars. Outside Lima, it is virtually impossible. US Dollars can be exchanged everywhere and banks, hotels and many shops also readily accept US Dollars (although very old, torn or damaged notes are usually rejected).
In Cusco, you can change your US dollars in the money exchange offices or banks located in the first two blocks of Avenida el Sol and generally, they offer a favorable exchange rate. They previously agree on the daily rate among them so you do not need to negotiate. Avoid money changers on the street, as they may carry counterfeit currency or work with pickpockets.
Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 6:00 p.m, and Saturdays until midday. There are street moneychangers on the corners of Avenida el Sol as well as many ATMs.
- Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Lima, and in some shops in Cusco, but less so outside major cities. In small towns, automated banking machines (ABMs) may not be readily available or may be out of money. It is better to plan ahead and carry Peruvian soles with you in small denominations. ABMs accept international credit and debit cards. Some tourist establishments accept the main credit cards, including Visa, Master Card, Diners and American Express. The use of traveller’s checks may be restricted. Ask the individual establishment if they are accepted. When using a credit card, make sure you are charged the right amount for your purchase. Visa is the most widely accepted card in Peru.
Please note that there might be a difference between the official currency exchange rate in Peru and the exchange rate that the credit card companies charge.
- Goods and Services Taxes
A general sales tax (IGV) is added automatically to most consumer bills (19%). Restaurants and hotels add a 10% service fee.
- Budgeting
Here is a general guide of what you can expect to pay in Peru for a few common items in Nuevos Soles (S/.)
- Set lunches: less than $5 USD; supermarkets have takeout.
- Multi-course lunch at mid-range restaurant: $ 13 USD.
- Fine restaurant dinner: from $22 USD.
- Entry fee to historic sights: average $3.50 USD.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Useful Websites:
- Travel Advice and Advisories for Peru
- Peru Travel Information and Vacations Guide | Peru Travel
- Machu Picchu travel | Peru – Lonely Planet
- Wild Women Expeditions Facebook Page Album: Peru
GETTING FIT
Please be sure to provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information about your health & fitness level and keep us updated if there are changes. Wild Women Expeditions trips travel to remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist.
A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely; however, should it arise we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you.
Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their medical travel insurance or personal expense. Generally, our expeditions are intended for travelers in reasonably good health for their safety, along with that of their fellow travelers.
Wild Women Expeditions recommends that in the months leading up to your adventure, you prepare yourself by walking often on various types of terrain and exercising regularly to increase your level of fitness with cardio and/or weight training.
As there are some water-based activities on this itinerary, please notify Wild Women Expeditions if you are a non-swimmer.
Tips:
You don't have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You'll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.
That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
- Rev up your ticker!
- Join a local walking or running group.
This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
- Hydration.
When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
- Nutrition.
Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
- Have fun!
The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.
GENERAL FAQ'S
For general Wild Women Expeditions FAQs please click [HERE].