Amazon – Cusco – Lake Titicaca

What’s Included – TrueAndes 13-Day Peru Discovery Tour

1. Professional Local Guides
• All guides are licensed, university-trained professionals in Tourism from the National University of Cusco.
• Each guide is a local expert, deeply knowledgeable about Andean culture, Inca history, Amazon biodiversity, and responsible tourism practices.
• Friendly, attentive, and safety-focused guides ensure every moment of your journey is meaningful and enjoyable.
• Small-group guiding style for a more personalized experience.

2. Carefully Selected Accommodation
• All accommodations in Cusco, Sacred Valley, Puno, and Aguas Calientes are 3-star hotels, offering comfort, cleanliness, and excellent locations.
• The Puerto Maldonado Amazon lodge is a certified 3-star ecolodge, surrounded by pristine rainforest.
• All stays are based on double occupancy; single-room upgrades are available for an additional fee.
• Optional upgrades to 4-star and 5-star luxury hotels are available for travelers seeking elevated comfort.
• Extra nights can be added upon request.

3. Transportation
• All ground transportation throughout the itinerary is included, provided by authorized, fully insured vehicles.
• Round-trip train service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is included (Expedition class or similar).
• Upgrades to Vistadome or 360° panoramic trains are available upon request.

4. Meals
• All meals listed in the itinerary are included.
• Fresh, safe, and locally sourced food is provided at hotels, lodges, and during excursions.
• Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) can be accommodated with prior notice.

5. Entrance Tickets
• All necessary entrance fees are included:

• Machu Picchu entry

• Sacred Valley archaeological sites

• Rainbow Mountain access

• Amazon reserve entrances

• Lake Titicaca local community fees

• Museums and other sites mentioned in the itinerary

6. Short Inca Trail – Special Services Included
• Pre-departure briefing in Cusco, including distribution of duffel bags for porter transport.
• All meals during the Short Inca Trail (except lunch after Machu Picchu), prepared by trained TrueAndes chefs with nutritious Andean cuisine.
• Drinking water provided during the hike.
• Portable toilet tents for improved hygiene and comfort.
• Satellite phone equipment for guide communication in case of emergency.
• Government-authorized Inca Trail permits included (subject to availability).

7. Domestic Flights
• All domestic flights included, such as Lima–Puerto Maldonado and Puerto Maldonado–Cusco.

What’s Not Included

1. International Flights
• Airfare to and from Peru is not included.

2. Gratuities
• Tips for guides, drivers, porters, and support staff are not included.
• Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated based on satisfaction.

3. Travel Insurance
• Not included but strongly recommended, especially for altitude-related protection and unexpected delays.
• Insurance should cover trip interruption, medical emergencies, and lost baggage.

Short Inca Trail – Optional Add-On

Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Separate hike adjacent to Machu Picchu
• Approximately 45 minutes to the summit, with steep sections
• Cost: USD $75 per person
• Reservations must be made at least one month in advance due to limited availability
• Access is weather-dependent; TrueAndes cannot control last-minute closures

Extra Tips That Make TrueAndes Different

• Altitude Adjustment: Arrive well-rested, hydrate frequently, and avoid heavy meals during your first evening in Cusco. Light walking is ideal for acclimatization.
• Amazon Packing Tip: Quick-dry clothing, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag for electronics are recommended.
• Machu Picchu Photography Tip: Morning visits offer softer light and fewer crowds, perfect for panoramic shots.
• Responsible Tourism: TrueAndes collaborates directly with local Andean and Amazon communities, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable tourism practices.
• Travel Light on the Inca Trail: Only bring essentials; the lighter your daypack, the more enjoyable the hike.

Tour Facts – TrueAndes 13-Day Peru Discovery Experience

Price: From USD $4,600 per traveler
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Activity Level: Level 2 – Moderate
Ideal for travelers with a standard fitness level who enjoy walking, light hiking, and full-day cultural activities.

Starts / Ends: Lima / Lake Titicaca (Puno – Juliaca Airport)
Departure: Daily departures, ensuring flexibility for all travel dates
Destination: Peru – Covering Lima, Amazon Jungle, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Lake Titicaca

Very Important Travel Information

Tax Exemption for Foreign Travelers
Foreign travelers without Peruvian residency are exempt from paying the General Sales Tax (IGV – 18%) on hotel stays. To qualify, travelers must present at each hotel:
• Original passport
• Andean Migration Card (TAM) issued upon entering Peru

This exemption also applies to non-resident travelers from Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Chile, provided their stay in Peru does not exceed 60 days from the entry date.

Important Operational Notes

• The order of visits, excursions, and activity schedules may vary depending on flight availability, weather conditions, or operational requirements.
• All times listed in the itinerary are approximate and may be adjusted by the TrueAndes operations team for safety or logistical efficiency.
• Any personal expenses or additional services requested during the trip are paid directly by the traveler at the destination.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

1. Services Included in the Package
• Cancellations made 30 days or less before the travel date → 100% penalty. No refunds apply.
• Cancellations 31–90 days before the travel date → 50% penalty of the total payment.
• Cancellations 91 days or more before the travel date → 35% administrative fee.

2. Modifications After Purchase
After the package has been confirmed and paid:
• Any change of travel date, traveler’s name, or service modification incurs → 35% administrative fee + any fare difference required by airlines, hotels, trains, or service providers.

3. Service Interruptions
Some services may be affected by:
• Weather conditions
• Natural events
• Government regulations
• Operational issues beyond the control of TrueAndes or its partners

In such cases, refunds do not apply, though TrueAndes will assist with alternatives when possible.

Transportation Policies

Changes, name corrections, or cancellations involving:
• Airlines
• Train companies
• Bus operators
• Cruise services

…are governed by each provider’s internal policies. TrueAndes will assist with requests, but refunds or modifications depend solely on the provider.

Special Note – Inca Trail Programs

Due to strict government regulations and limited permit availability:
• All Inca Trail bookings are non-refundable.
• 100% penalty applies from the moment the reservation and payment are processed.
• Permits cannot be changed, transferred, or rescheduled once issued