How does Machu Picchu work on this trip?
We ride the train (no multi-day trek) to Aguas Calientes, bus up for a timed, guided visit (1.5–2 hrs), then return by train/vehicle to Cusco. Circuit routes are mostly one-way and strictly managed. Drones/tripods prohibited. Daypacks >20–25 L may be refused—keep it small and soft.
Is the Nazca Lines flight included?
No—it’s optional and weather-dependent. If you fly, there’s an additional airport tourist ticket (≈ S/47) payable locally. The small planes bank/turn; motion-sickness tablets help. A cheap roadside tower view is sometimes offered en route.
What’s actually included vs optional?
Included highlights: Nazca cemetery & potter’s studio, Colca condor circuit, Lake Titicaca two-day boat tour with G for Good homestay, Cusco colonial walking tour + lunch, Sacred Valley day(s) (weaving co-op, pottery demo, Parwa community lunch, Maras, Moray, Chinchero), Ollantaytambo ruins, Machu Picchu guided tour, Amazon night walk/oxbow lake/caiman cruise.
Optional examples: Ballestas Islands boat, dune buggy & sandboarding, Nazca flight, Rainbow Mountain, Lima city/bike tours, cooking classes, hot springs, museums.
Group size and who leads it?
Small group—typically 10–16 travellers. A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) leads throughout; specialist local/naturalist guides join for specific sites and the Amazon.
What’s the luggage setup for trains and the Amazon?
For the train to Aguas Calientes, bring a small daypack and leave big bags with the hotel/vehicle. For the Amazon, the lodge stores your main bag in Puerto Maldonado and provides duffels for what you need; boat transfers have limited space.
Can you handle dietary needs?
Generally yes (veg/vegan/gluten-light) with advance notice—including at the homestay and Amazon lodge. Very strict allergies: bring snack back-ups and a translated card.
What should I pack that people often forget?
Head torch (Amazon), DEET/picaridin repellent, electrolytes, warm layer + beanie/gloves (Puno/Colca nights), grippy shoes (wet stone at Machu Picchu), and dry bags for the boat/jungle. See the full What to Pack section for the complete list.
Is swimming or kayaking available?
Yes—time and weather permitting: hot springs near Chivay; optional kayaking on Lake Titicaca; river swimming holes by the Amazon lodge (local guidance applies).
How “rustic” is the Amazon lodge experience?
It’s comfortable but off-grid: candlelit rooms, no outlets in rooms, limited charging in common areas (if available). Early mornings and dusk are wildlife primetime—embrace the schedule.
Money & ATMs?
ATMs and cards work well in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Puno; scarce in Colca, lake villages, and the Amazon. Carry small PEN notes for markets/tips. Keep a day wallet and use registered taxis/rideshares at night.
Is the Lake Titicaca homestay kid-friendly and how should we behave?
Yes—family-friendly and cultural. Dress modestly, ask before photos, pitch in with simple chores, and consider a small shared gift (tea, school supplies). Avoid giving cash directly.
Safety & water—what’s the deal?
Stick to busy areas, zip your bag, heed CEO advice. Tap water isn’t potable; use filtered/refill stations (hotels/lodge). Say “sin hielo” if you’re avoiding ice.
Tipping guidance?
Discretionary but appreciated: CEO, drivers, site guides, lodge staff. We can share local benchmarks per traveller/day to help you plan.
Age limit / who can join?
Trips are 12+ (under-18s with adult). The Lima cooking class is family-friendly (no age restriction).
When’s the best time to go?
May–Sep is the Andean/Amazon dry season (cooler nights, clearer views). Nov–Mar sees more rain in the Andes/Amazon and warmer Lima/coast. The trip runs year-round; pack layers and a light rain shell regardless.
Anything else I should know about day-to-day logistics?
Early starts are common (condors, Machu Picchu, Amazon). Expect a mix of transport (buses, vans, train, boats). Peru sometimes throws a brief power/hot-water wobble—it’s part of the charm. Your CEO smooths the edges so you can focus on the good stuff.