Spirit of the Andes

PASSPORT

Your full passport details are required to complete your booking. As a general rule, most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months’ validity remaining and at least two blank pages on the day of entry to Peru. Bring a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you and leave another copy at home with family or friends. If your passport was changed after completion of the booking process, you must take both passports (old and new) with you.

VISAS

For U.S., Canadian, Australian and European Union citizens, no visa is required for stays fewer than 90 days. For all other nationalities, please send an e-mail inquiry for further information.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION

Before coming to Peru, discuss your health conditions with your doctor. Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitudes and can be difficult to adequately treat on the ground; ultimately leading to more serious consequences. If you suffer from heart or lung disease, it is recommended to avoid traveling to high altitudes. Even if you do not have a pre-existing medical condition, we recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements that may be difficult to find in Peru.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

As parts of the journey may go above 2800 meters (9200 feet), it is common for travelers to experience shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy or reduced appetite due to the altitude. It is important not to over exert yourself. Be sure to rest. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and heavy food. If symptoms become more severe and prolonged, it is best to quickly seek medical attention and make arrangements to descend to a lower altitude. We understand that certain medications are reported to aid in acclimatizing to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

 VACCINATIONS

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements.

If visiting the jungle region (Manu, Iquitos and Tambopata), it is recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever and to bring your certificate. Consider that you must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arriving at the jungle region.

FOOD AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Peruvian Food is one of the best cuisines in the world; however, you have to eat at the right establishments. Avoid eating from street vendors. Only use bottled water – even for things such as brushing your teeth. Avoid fruits or vegetables that have not been washed.

It is important that you let us know in advance any special dietary requirements. Some diet preferences (e.g. vegetarian) may expect a reasonable menu selection while more restrictive ones (vegans, celiac, gluten-free) may have less options than you are accustomed to having available at home.

MONEY MATTERS

Peru’s official currency is the Sol, but US dollars are also widely accepted. There are many money changing options in every Peruvian city; however, for safety reasons, we suggest you to exchange in a bank.

It may be not easy to find an ATM at some locations, so it is a good idea to carry some cash in smaller bills. Most restaurants and shops accept credit cards. Check with your bank before departure that your card is accepted in Peru and inquire about international fees and charges. Additionally, ensure your bank is aware of your travel plans as, suspecting fraud, they may cancel your cards after the first few international transactions.

TIPPING

Gratuities aren’t compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry.

SAFETY

Your safety is our number one priority. Your guide accompanies you on all included activities; however, during your trip, you have some free time to pursue your own interests. Please use your own judgement when selecting an activity in your free time:

• Leave your expensive jewelry and other valuables at home – you won’t need them while travelling.
• Use your hotel safety boxes to store cash, passport, credit cards and other valuables.
• Use a neck wallet or money belt to keep your money and documents safe when on the go.
• Do not carry or expose expensive electronics or an excessive amount of cash.
• Do not wander alone, especially after dark and away from tourist areas.
• Do not use unauthorized taxis or private vehicles.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our trips. We require that you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

We request that you submit your insurance details during your booking process (see our Booking Terms and Conditions for more details).

PACKING

Before packing, be mindful that Peru has many different climates. From the hot and humid deserts and jungle, to the cold Andean mountains, be sure to bring clothes for each of our unique climates.

AMAZON SPECIFIC PACKING LIST

We recommend bringing the following items if visiting the Amazon Jungle:

• Tight-weave, light colored, long cotton pants
• Long sleeved, tight-weave, light colored cotton shirts
• Comfortable shoes or sandals for wearing on boardwalks or around the lodge
• Knee high rubber boots are provided for the duration of your stay. We recommend wearing these for the jungle walks. Please bring thick/long socks to wear with the rubber boots
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Insect repellent
• Good binoculars (optional)
• Head torch or flash light

TREKKING/GLAMPING PACKING LIST

We recommend bringing the following items for your mountain trail:

• Reusable bottle for water
• Waterproof, worn-in hiking boots
• Day clothes:
  • Long walking trousers or exercise tights/leggings
  • T-shirts
  • Long-sleeved t-shirts
  • Lightweight rain-jacket or waterproof poncho
  • Thick socks
  • Underwear
• Night clothes:
  • Fleece jumper/sweater
  • Long pants
  • Woolen hat, scarf and gloves
  • Thermal underwear
  • Flip flops/sandals
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat
• A standard torch/flashlight
• Some cash (in small denominations) to tip your guides and porters

LOCAL CULTURE AND LGBT SCENE

Peruvian culture is a mix of both native traditions and customs imported from the Spanish settlers. Roman Catholic traditions have seeped into many aspects of Peruvian life. When travelling in Peru, many people often mistake the Inca national flag for a rainbow Pride flag. Peruvian society is quite conservative and with little progress in terms of LGBT rights. That said, Lima and some other main cities do have large LGBT communities as well as some popular bars and friendly LGBT scenes. Feel free to ask for more information.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

We do not tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical), discrimination or harassment. Sexual relationships between our personnel and travelers are strictly forbidden. Use or possession of illegal substances will not be tolerated and will be reported to local authorities. If you choose to consume alcohol, we encourage responsible drinking. The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, patronizing sex workers will not be tolerated on our trips.

If you feel someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency telephone number mentioned in your travel voucher.