Peru

Peru is most famous as the location of Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Incan citadel situated high in the Andes. The most famous hiking route to this site is the Inca Trail which takes trekkers directly to the Sun Gate entrance. Machu Picchu is one of many ruin sites and ancient trails scattered across the country.

The national currency of Peru is the sol. Although dollars, pounds, and euros are widely accepted (particularly in tourist areas) It's worth carrying some local currency. If you pay in soles, you will usually get better value in the markets.

Cards are only accepted at the bigger restaurants and shops, most tour operators will require you to pay in cash (good to know if you need to hire trekking poles, sleeping bags etc.).

Peru is generally very safe for travelers, even solo travelers. The country has a huge tourism industry and locals are generally welcoming towards visitors. This said you should always err on the side of caution while traveling. Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables locked up or close to you at all times.

Cusco (3 399m/ 11, 200ft), as well as some of the mountain, passes on trips to Machu Picchu, are at an altitude where altitude sickness is a risk. This means your body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels before you start your trek.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age and fitness level. Symptoms range from mild headaches and nausea to life-threatening breathing problems. It's strongly recommended to spend 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before you start a trekking tour.

Generally, it is not safe to drink water from streams, rivers, or most taps in Peru. While trekking for multiple days, guides will provide you with boiled water to refill your bottles. It's recommended that you also bring purification tablets or a filter bottle. Locals sell bottled water from their homes/ small stores along some of the trails but this is usually rather expensive.

The Classic Inca Trail is one of the most unique permit situations of any tour, worldwide. Permits are limited and highly regulated. Availability can change from one moment to the next. For this reason, we cannot guarantee your place on the Inca Trail (classic or 2-day version) until the operator has purchased your permit.

After booking on, please immediately respond to the guide's welcome message with your passport details and relevant info. In the event that no permits are available for your date, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Please note that once your permit is purchased, your trip becomes non-refundable (i.e Skyhook's standard 2-month refund/ change date policy does not apply to the Inca Trail).

Some vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine, are recommended/ required to enter Peru. These can vary depending on where you come from and where you plan on going in the country. To confirm which (if any) additional vaccinations are necessary, speak to your travel doctor