National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures: Iconic Peru with Inca Trail

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your Traveller Details in full.

• Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete the Traveller Details form in your ‘My Escapes’ account within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
• Traveller Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 60 days of departure may result in losing your spot on the tour.
• If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
• Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
• Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise whether the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
• Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com, who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
• For tours that allow children, the child must be 12 years or over and must share a room with an adult (18+).
• Children are the same price as adults.
• Travellers 11 years and under cannot be accommodated on tour.

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

• All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
• Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
• For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

• Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
• Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
• Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
• Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
• For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
• Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

• Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
• In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
• You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

• After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
• Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

• You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your ‘My Escapes’.

Please note:

• Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
• Rooms will be made available after 2pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 11am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request, subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
• Maximum room capacity (Twin Room) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.
• All special requests, such as those regarding bedding preferences, are subject to availability and can only be confirmed upon check-in. Room assignments and bedding configurations may vary based on the destination and hotel policies, and are handled directly by the hotel staff.
• If ‘My Own Room’ option is not available during booking, then solo travellers seeking to book their own room cannot be accommodated.
• All special requests, such as those regarding bedding preferences, are subject to availability and can only be confirmed upon check-in. Room assignments and bedding configurations may vary based on the destination and hotel policies, and are handled directly by the hotel staff.
• Please be aware that properties with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
• Please be advised during the wet season (Jan–April) if there are periods of severe rain some of the campsites on the Inca Trail may become unusable. In the interest of your safety, there may be changes made locally to the trekking itinerary if the conditions of the campsites are assessed to be unsafe.
• Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
• Should you choose to not hike and take the train to Machu Picchu, you will spend two nights in a Comfort hotel in Cusco and one night in a comfort hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Rooming and “My Own Room” Exceptions: Please note that if you have booked the “My Own Room” option for this tour, you will receive your own single accommodation for all night stops, with the following exceptions: Nights 6–8: Inca Trail.
• Lares Trek and Inca Trail are overnight camping in tents.

Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.

• Return international flights
• Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Single supplement
• Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
• Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
• Travel insurance (required)
• Tips and gratuities
• Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.

• Optional experiences may be cancelled if minimum numbers to operate are not met. Final confirmation of your optional excursions and activities will be provided while on tour.
• Optional experiences can only be booked online up to 90 days prior to departure, dependent on your tour’s guidelines, via My Escapes or by contacting our dedicated Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com. After this time, bookings can be made through your guide while on the tour.
• All optional experiences are subject to availability.
• Optional experiences may be updated prior to departure to accommodate changes in weather, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
• Optional experiences that require flight bookings are on a request basis, subject to availability until booked and confirmed, and may incur surcharges.
• Optional experiences are non-refundable within 60 days of departure, unless cancelled due minimum numbers on tour not being met or unforeseen circumstances on tour.

• Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight as per your airline’s restrictions.
• Passengers are permitted one additional, smaller piece of hand-luggage with a maximum weight of 6kg on tour.
• Porters are allowed to carry no more than 6kg of personal belongings per hiker. Llamas, pack mules and horses will be provided to carry your personal items on the Lares Trek. Any additional weight must be carried by you in your day pack. Any additional baggage can be left in Cusco, but is advised that you bring anything of value (eg. money, passport, credit cards, camera, etc) with you on the trek.

Update 28 November 2024, 10.15am AEDT: Please note that passport requirements have been updated for the Inca Trail portion of the tour.

Transfers

• Arrival transfers are available on the first day of your tour only. Departure transfers are NOT included in your tour, please plan accordingly.
• If you have booked your pre- and post-tour accommodation through Luxury Escapes, transfers may be available for select tours (not available for Trusted Partner operated tours).
• For complimentary transfers to be fulfilled outside of arrival and departure date, all pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings must be booked through Luxury Escapes no later than 60 days before departure. After this time, any pre- or post-tour accommodation bookings made will not be eligible for complimentary transfers.
• If you have booked pre- or post-tour accommodation outside of Luxury Escapes, you will forfeit your complimentary airport transfers.
• Please note ‘Private Transfers’ refers to transfers that are exclusive for your tour group and may be shared among other members of your group if arriving on the same flight or another flight arriving within a 30-minute window.
• Flight information must be provided to Luxury Escapes 60 days prior to departure in order to book transfers. Please see Destination information for airport pick-up and drop-off information.
• Need departure airport transfers? Our dedicated tours team can assist with all your transfer requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Tipping

• Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package and are at your own discretion. If at the end of your trek you felt your trekking guide and support team did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. As a guide:
  • Inca Trail:
    • Head guide: US$15–30
    • Assistant guide: US$10–20
    • Your trekking crew: US$40
  • Lares Trek:
    • Head guide: US$15–30
    • Assistant guide: US$5–15
    • Your trekking crew: US$35
  • 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 US$20–25 per person, per week can be used.

Please Note:

• Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
• For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
• Any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
• Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to G Adventures. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense.
• Upon leaving the customs area, follow the signs to the exit gate. You will then see a row of airport transfer counters. Continue walking past the transfer counters to exit number 4 where you will find your transfer driver with a National Geographic Journeys sign board with your name on it.
• If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call G Adventures’ local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
• Inca Trail regulations:
  • If you are hiking the Inca Trail, the passport number and name that is submitted at time of confirmation will be used to purchase the Inca Trail Permit. This passport number and name will be used to identify yourself as you enter the checkpoint at the start of the trail and throughout the hike. If this information does not match the information you have submitted at time of confirmation, then you will be denied admission to the Inca Trail. Please note that these rules and regulations change frequently and are strictly enforced by the governing bodies of the Inca Trail in Peru and are out of the control of National Geographic Journeys, meaning no exceptions can be made. You are required to read and agree to the Inca Trail procedure before confirming your tour: https://www.gadventures.com/terms-conditions/inca-trail-booking-policies/.
    • Guests booking the Inca Trail and Lares Trek are required to provide a colour copy of your passport to secure your spot on the Inca trail. Our tours concierge team will be in contact within 48 hours of booking to confirm
  • Portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather (such as during the wet season) or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will hike the Lares Trek.
  • In most cases, the entire group will not be hiking the Inca Trail together. Members of the group may choose to hike the Lares Trek or spend additional time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley instead of hiking. If you have chosen the Lares Trek or Cusco Stay you may be paired with members of other G Adventures groups for the trek, transportation, and activities included.
  • Please note that there will be no Wi-Fi and limited phone service available for much of the trek.
• Machu Picchu regulations: Current and correct passport details are required at time of confirmation. Please note that regulations have been implemented for all visitors to Machu Picchu which require that different circuits be followed within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The new circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. G Adventures’ will do all that is possible to get everyone travelling in a group on the same route, but be aware that it is possible that members of the same group might be visiting Machu Picchu on a different circuit and not be together during this visit. Rest assured that regardless of the circuit you will enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the site. Travellers completing the four-day, three-night Inca Trail will be on Circuit 5 upon reaching the site of Machu Picchu.
• Combo tour: Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been travelling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
• Machu Picchu optional train: Please advise at time of booking if you do not wish to hike the Inca Trail. Instead, you will have two nights in Cusco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and join the hikers for the tour of Machu Picchu. Also note that if you choose to take the train, the physical rating for this trip is only Level 3.
• All travellers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Peru. Foreign travellers are exempt form this, and proving you are indeed a foreign traveller can be done by providing us with your international ticket number (ITN). Travellers who do not submit international ticket numbers at least 30 days prior to Day 1 of their tour will be required to pay the domestic tax on all included flights.
• Should you choose to take the train to Machu Picchu, on Days 6–9, breakfast is the only meal included.
• Available for rent during your trek briefing (credit card payments only & payable on the ground only):
  • Camping mattress/sleep mat (45 soles)
  • Sleeping bag (45 soles)
  • Walking poles (15 soles each; 30 per pair)
  • Note: The best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials in layers, as this is quick-drying and can keep heat in better. It is suggested to prepare a base-layer, then a mid-layer such as a light fleece jacket or similar, then a windproof and waterproof layer.
• For trips that include the Inca Trail, the duffel bags provided are NOT waterproof and you must bring bags or liners to protect your belongings from rain.
• Laundry: Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
• Emergency Fund: Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional US$200 (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside of the tour operator’s control (such as natural disaster) require a change to the planned route.

Travel Insurance

• Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Passports & Visas

• A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they hold a current visa for the countries visited on tour. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
• You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
• Check Your Visa Requirements: Before booking, use G Adventures’ handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

Traveller Details

• Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller.
• Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
• We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact tours@luxuryescapes.com so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
• Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
• Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
• If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
• Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Tour Pace

• It’s important to note that specific activities and intensity levels may vary between different tour operators and destinations. When selecting a group tour, it’s advisable to carefully review the itinerary, activity descriptions and fitness requirements to ensure a suitable match for your preferences and physical capabilities.
  • Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
  • Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
  • Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
• Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
• Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

• Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities on this tour.
• There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
• Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

Your tour begins and ends at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), with arrival airport transfer only.

Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.

Please book your flights to arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) by 2pm on Day 1 and depart from Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) at any time on Day 14.

Arrival airport transfers are included in your tour on the first day only, please plan accordingly.

Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.

Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Important Destination Information:

Peru

Time zone: GMT-5

Telephone: +51

Currency: Peruvian sol (PEN)

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available in Lima with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.

Climate: In summer – December to February – temperatures range from 30–40°C, with temperatures cooling and becoming milder in April.