Do I need a Visa?
Travelers with a US, Canadian or European passport do not need a Visa. Visit Embassy.org, for entry requirements if your passport is from another country or, Travel Info for Peru, for further details pertaining to US citizens.
Is my passport valid?
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months following the end of your trip for entry into Peru. If it expires sooner, you must get a renewal. Click Passport Renewal for more information.
Do I need any shots?
No vaccinations are required for travel to Peru from the USA. Call the CDC Travelers’ Hot Line at 888-232-3228 or visit the website, CDC Travelers’. Most travelers receive innoculations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever and Tetanus. If traveling to the Amazon region, you should consider Malaria prophylaxis and Yellow fever.
Will I be met at the airport?
Yes, if you arrive according to schedule or have arranged extra transfers through our office, you will be met at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, Peru by a Moondance leader and our local shuttle driver who will take us to our first evenings stay at the Hotel Monasterio. Meeting instructions and local contact information will be given with your Final Documents.
How much money should I bring?
You should plan to bring $300-600 per person for spending money, tips, airport taxes and those meals not included in the itinerary. ATM’s are available in the main cities of Lima and Cusco. We recommend using machines located inside hotels, stores, restaurants or banks. We advise you not use traveler’s checks since cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in the areas in which we travel.
What about flights?
You will be responsible for purchasing your tickets all the way to Cusco and home at the end of the adventure. However, we recommend you fly to Lima the night before your trip and spend the night with the group at the Hotel Costa del Sol located directly across from the Lima airport. The next morning, you will take a flight from Lima to Cusco. Please call the Moondance office about this logistical detail if you have any questions.
How do I train for my trip?
Stay active. If you already lead an active lifestyle (exercise 3-5 days a week, cycle, take pilates, do yoga, jog, walk), then you’ll be just fine. But keep it up! The more in shape you are before the trip, the easier and more enjoyable the trip will be for you. Keep in mind, the high altitude can make the hiking even more challenging.
How do I adjust to the altitude?
Gradual exposure to higher elevations, staying hydrated and time are the best ways to acclimatize. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eating at regimen hours and avoiding alcoholic beverages for the first day or two. If you are prone to altitude sickness, we still highly encourage you to participate in the trip and talk to your doctor about taking medication for your symptoms.
Is Peru safe?
We would not coordinate any travel for teenagers nor adults to a destination we did not find to be safe. For information about Peru and travel considerations, please visit the US State Department’s website here.
What about thievery?
Petty thievery in Peru’s cities is not higher than in any large city in the US. Common sense is important. Use the safety deposit box at your hotel for your passport and extra money (carry only as much as you might spend) and leave jewelry and expensive watches at home.
What is the elevation of Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is actually lower in elevation than Cusco (7,874 ft versus 11,150 ft). The highest elevation you will experience on your trip will be about 15,000 feet.
