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I saw, did and ate so many things on this trip I thought I'd never do in my life. From Machu Picchu, to fishing for Piranha's, and swimming with pink dolphin's in the Amazon River. Not to mention eating Alpaca, so many different kinds of ceviche, and other amazing cuisine in Lima. Hear about my incredible experience in Peru in part one and part two below.
OverviewHop aboard a riverboat and experience the Amazon in style. Led by an Amazon Reserve naturalist guide, your cruise will include daily excursions by motorized skiff designed to reveal the exotic wildlife that calls the rainforest home – with any luck you’ll spot sloths, toucans, or pink dolphins! And, with two full days for exploration in Pacaya–Samiria National Reserve, you'll have the chance to experience the jungle up close. The cuisine on board is regional and provides a unique and delicious window into local culture. Gain a rare glimpse of how life "on the river" is lived and experience the magic of the Amazon on this once-in-a-lifetime riverboat adventure.
Click here to view a presentation with more details about the Amazon River experience. |
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Machu Picchu Pre-trip
They say the journey is part of the experience of seeing Machu Picchu in person – but no one said that journey can’t be aboard a comfy train. This three-day tour connects you to this famous “Lost City of the Incas” and the Sacred Valley, with a little time to visit some of G's for Good projects.
Day 1 - May 16 Arrive in Cusco
Arrive anytime. Transfer from airport to hotel is included.
Accommodations at El Puma Hotel included.
Day 2 - May 17 Cusco to Aguas Calientes
In the morning, transfer to the Sacred Valley and enjoy a guided tour. Stop at the G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Break for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant in Huchuy Qosco.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit
Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley
Meals included:
Lunch
Accommodations included
Day 3 - May 18 Machu Picchu to Cusco
Wake up bright and early for a guided tour of the inspiring Machu Picchu ruins. Return to Cusco in the evening.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Accommodations included
Day 4 - May 19 Cusco
Depart at any time. Transfer to the airport is included.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Amazon River Itinerary
9 days
May 19th - 27th
Day 1 - May 19 Lima
Arrive at any time, an arrival transfer is included.
Day 2 - May 20 Lima to Iquitos
Catch an early flight to Iquitos and transfer to the Amazon Riverboat. The river exploration begins with two boat excursions by motorized skiff, one during the day and one at night. Watch as the jungle comes alive with nocturnal species at nighttime. During free time, relax on board and soak in the natural beauty.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 - May 21 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Head out into Pacaya-Samiria Reserve on a boat excursion and search for monkeys, sloths and macaws. In the afternoon, take a walk through the jungle and visit a local community to learn about their traditions. After dinner, opt to go on a night excursion to Piranha Creek.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 - May 22 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Explore the town of Nauta before continuing to cruise down the Amazon River. In the afternoon enjoy a jungle walk and learn about medicinal plants, search for monkeys and keep an eye out for reptiles.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5 - May 23 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Begin to explore with a boat excursion on the Amazon River and some of its tributaries to see the wonders of the rainforest. After lunch, enjoy a presentation on the Amazon River then walk along the shores of the Ucayali River.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6 - May 24 Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Take a morning skiff excursion into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve for more wildlife viewing. In the afternoon, visit a village to meet a local shaman and discover the mystical world of spiritual healing.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Recharge Local Shaman Visit
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7 - May 25 Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Today get off the boat and meet a local Indigenous family, enjoy a home cooked meal and get a glimpse of their way of life. Once it gets dark, head out on an excursion to search for tree frogs, kinkajou and nocturnal birds and monkeys.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Local Living Local Indigenous Family Visit
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8 - May 26 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve to Lima
In the morning explore the shoreline by motorized skiff keeping your eyes out for birds, monkeys and sloths. Leave the peacefulness of the river behind en route stop at the manatee rescue centre before catching a flight back to Lima. Enjoy the evening in the city.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 9 - May 27 Lima
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
Breakfast
What's Included
Accommodations
Aboard the Amatista Amazon riverboat (6 nts), upgraded hotels (2 nts).
Meals
8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Allow USD115-150 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.
Transportation
Amazon riverboat, plane, private bus.
Staff & experts
2 Certified Amazon Reserve naturalist guides and support staff aboard the Amatista. G Representative in Lima.
9 days
May 19th - 27th
Day 1 - May 19 Lima
Arrive at any time, an arrival transfer is included.
Day 2 - May 20 Lima to Iquitos
Catch an early flight to Iquitos and transfer to the Amazon Riverboat. The river exploration begins with two boat excursions by motorized skiff, one during the day and one at night. Watch as the jungle comes alive with nocturnal species at nighttime. During free time, relax on board and soak in the natural beauty.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 - May 21 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Head out into Pacaya-Samiria Reserve on a boat excursion and search for monkeys, sloths and macaws. In the afternoon, take a walk through the jungle and visit a local community to learn about their traditions. After dinner, opt to go on a night excursion to Piranha Creek.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 - May 22 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Explore the town of Nauta before continuing to cruise down the Amazon River. In the afternoon enjoy a jungle walk and learn about medicinal plants, search for monkeys and keep an eye out for reptiles.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5 - May 23 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
Begin to explore with a boat excursion on the Amazon River and some of its tributaries to see the wonders of the rainforest. After lunch, enjoy a presentation on the Amazon River then walk along the shores of the Ucayali River.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6 - May 24 Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Take a morning skiff excursion into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve for more wildlife viewing. In the afternoon, visit a village to meet a local shaman and discover the mystical world of spiritual healing.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Recharge Local Shaman Visit
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7 - May 25 Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve
Today get off the boat and meet a local Indigenous family, enjoy a home cooked meal and get a glimpse of their way of life. Once it gets dark, head out on an excursion to search for tree frogs, kinkajou and nocturnal birds and monkeys.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Local Living Local Indigenous Family Visit
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8 - May 26 Pacaya Samiria National Reserve to Lima
In the morning explore the shoreline by motorized skiff keeping your eyes out for birds, monkeys and sloths. Leave the peacefulness of the river behind en route stop at the manatee rescue centre before catching a flight back to Lima. Enjoy the evening in the city.
Meals included:
Breakfast
Day 9 - May 27 Lima
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
Breakfast
What's Included
- Recharge: Local Shaman Visit, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
- Local Living: Local Indigenous Family Visit, Pacaya Samiria National Reserve
- Arrival transfer
- 6 nts aboard the Amatista Amazon Riverboat
- Orientation tour of Iquitos
- Launches and land excursions with our expert naturalist team
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Aboard the Amatista Amazon riverboat (6 nts), upgraded hotels (2 nts).
Meals
8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Allow USD115-150 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.
Transportation
Amazon riverboat, plane, private bus.
Staff & experts
2 Certified Amazon Reserve naturalist guides and support staff aboard the Amatista. G Representative in Lima.
What to Take
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Checklist Amazon:
• Knee-length socks
• Loose-fitting, light coloured hiking pants
• Loose-fitting, light coloured long-sleeved shirts
• Pack liners to waterproof bags
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Checklist Amazon:
• Knee-length socks
• Loose-fitting, light coloured hiking pants
• Loose-fitting, light coloured long-sleeved shirts
• Pack liners to waterproof bags
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Guidebook
I created a guide to many of the places you'll visit in this itinerary. You can view it online, save it as PDF to your smart device, or even print it out.
http://go.matt.travel/PeruTripGuide
Tips for first time visitors to Peru:
Tips from G Adventures
Money Exchange
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN).
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency FundPlease also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
I created a guide to many of the places you'll visit in this itinerary. You can view it online, save it as PDF to your smart device, or even print it out.
http://go.matt.travel/PeruTripGuide
Tips for first time visitors to Peru:
- If you have time check out Cusco and the market there.
- Cicciolina is a great restaurant in Cusco.
- Cusco has an altitude of over 11,000 feet. Be sure to take your altitude sickness meds a couple days before you arrive and drink a lot of water or you may find climbing a flight of stairs very exhausting. Some hotels offer a tank of oxygen which might help ease any symptoms you feel.
- Drink some pisco sour! Eat ceviche!
- Try their "special Peruvian tea." You can't get it in the States and do not try to bring any home! You should also try the guinea pig. I did. They also had a lot of trout which was delicious! There are lots of huge corn kernels as a snack.
Tips from G Adventures
Money Exchange
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN).
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency FundPlease also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
