Passport & Entry Requirements

• A valid passport is required for entry into Peru.

• Carry a second form of photo ID (e.g., driver’s license).

• Bring a photocopy of the personal data page of your passport to keep separate from the original.

• US and European citizens receive a 90-day visa upon entry.

• Upon arrival, you will receive an entry permit (a small slip of paper). Keep this with your passport — you will need it to exit the country.

​

Flights

• You are responsible for booking your own flights to Cusco, Peru.

• If you arrive before the expedition start date, you are responsible for:

  • Airport transfer

  • Hotel accommodations before the trip

  • Transportation to the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel, where the group meets

• Please provide flight details and emergency contact information to our team.

• Flight Information Link

 

Travel Insurance

• We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.

• Deposits are non-refundable.

• One option: Travelex Insurance – www.travelexinsurance.com or call 1-800-228-9792 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM CST).

• Refer to Location 09-0821.

 

Extra Nights & Hotels

If arriving early or staying after the expedition, we recommend:

• Sacred Valley: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness

• Lima Airport: Costa del Sol Wyndham – Phone: 011-51-1-200-9200 or 011-51-1-711-2000

• Cusco: Sonesta Hotel Cusco – Phone: 011-51-84-58-1200

​

Meals

• Camping days: All meals provided, plus snacks for your daypack. Meals are simple, healthy, and delicious. Dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free) can be accommodated.

• Sacred Valley hotel: Daily breakfast included. Light picnic lunches provided most days during hikes.

• Not included: Dinners and some lunches — approx. US $28–$40 per meal.

• Water: Drinking water is provided at camp. Bring at least one refillable water bottle.

 

Supplements & Special Diet Items

• Bring any supplements, protein powders, teas, or packaged items you need.

• Prescription medications should be in original containers with prescription forms for Customs.

 

Personal Hygiene on the Mountain

• Water available for basic washing & brushing teeth.

• Bring wipes for sponge bathing.

• Chemical toilets provided at camp.

• Leave no trace — carry out what you bring in.

​

Health Tips:

• Drink at least 2 liters of water daily to avoid altitude sickness.

• Only drink bottled water; avoid ice unless certain it’s safe.

• Avoid raw foods from street vendors. Stick to cooked foods and peelable fruit.

• Consider Emergen-C or electrolyte packets.

 

Medical & Safety

• Emergency med-evac vehicle, oxygen, and first aid will be available at all times in the mountains.

• If you need to descend early, there is a $300 evacuation fee.

​

Money

• US Dollars and Euros widely accepted — bills must be new, clean, and undamaged.

• ATMs available near hotel.

• Visa and MasterCard most widely accepted.

​

Tips

• Suggested: US $10 per day (approx. $80–$100 total) for guides, drivers, and porters.

• Tips collected as a group and given at the end of each outing.

• Optional shamanic sessions: US $285 (cash only).

 

Temperatures & Elevation

• Cusco: Day ~60°F, Night ~50°F | Elevation: 11,400 ft

• Sacred Valley: Day ~70°F, Night ~50°F | Elevation: 8,500 ft

• Mt. Pachatusan: Cool days, may drop to freezing at night | Elevation: ~12,000 ft

 

Packing Tips

• You will leave large luggage at the hotel during camping days.

• Bring gear in one lightweight duffle bag (no wheels).

• You will carry a daypack; animals/porters carry your duffle.

• Keep the duffle light — only essentials.

​

What to Pack for the Mountain

 

Clothing & Gear:

• Lightweight hiking boots (water-resistant, ankle support)

• Optional: Tevas or strapped hiking sandals

• 1–2 pairs hiking pants

• Yoga pants/tights or thermals for layering & sleeping

• 2–3 moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts

• Fleece jacket

• Warm jacket for night

• Rain jacket & pants

• Good hiking socks (carry an extra pair in daypack)

• Wool cap & sun hat

• Sunglasses

• 3-season sleeping bag (rated to 0°F)

• Good quality camping mat

• Inflatable pillow or pillowcase to stuff with clothing

 

Essentials for Daypack:

• Water bottles

• Pocketknife

• Headlamp or flashlight + extra batteries

• Electrolyte packets / Emergen-C

• Snacks (protein bars, jerky, nuts, dried fruit)

• Sunscreen & SPF lip balm

• Kleenex & wet wipes

• Small washcloth

• Ziplock bags for waste

• First aid items (hand sanitizer, band-aids)