Seal Lion, Galapagos

LIMA to QUITO (29 days) Incas, Amazon & Galapagos Family Adventure

Family Adventure

Incas, Amazon & Galapagos Family Adventure

Countries Visited: Ecuador, Peru

Take your family on the trip of a lifetime! A truly epic adventure encompassing Peru, exploring its cosmopolitan cities, marine wildlife, one of the world's deepest canyons and its highest navigable lake, trek together along the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and finish up with a three-night stay in the Amazon basin surrounded by primary rainforest and incredible tropical wildlife. Then fly up to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, board a yacht for a cruise around these unique and amazing islands full of wildlife quite unlike anywhere else in the world!

Route Map

LIMA to QUITO (29 days) Incas, Amazon & Galapagos Family Adventure
Click map to enlarge

Highlights

  • A boat trip to the Ballestas Islands which are bursting with exotic and rare marine wildlife
  • Camp in the desert under the stars in the Ica Desert near the Oasis of Huacachina
  • Take a flight over the huge figures and shapes carved into the stony desert, known as the Nazca Lines
  • Experience the magnificent colonial city of Arequipa with authentic Peruvian nightlife
  • View the majestic condors, which can be seen circling lazily on the thermals rising from the Colca Canyon floor
  • Take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca and visit the floating reed islands
  • Walk through the streets of the ancient Inca capital, Cusco is like visiting a living museum
  • Trek through the Sacred Valley of the Incas reaching the famous UNESCO World Heritage site Machu Picchu
  • Explore the Amazon Jungle - taking guided walks and view the exotic wildlife by land or river
  • Experience the intense wildlife on land and on sea cruising the Galapagos Islands

Includes

  • All accommodation - locally-owned simple hotels & guesthouses, 3 nights camping on Inca Trail, 1 night camping in the Ica Desert, 1 night family homestay on Lake Titicaca
  • Three night stay at a jungle lodge in the Tambopata Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon basin
  • Five day Galapagos cruise with naturalist guide
  • All airport transfers
  • Orientation tours in Lima, Arequipa and Cusco
  • Ballestas Islands boat cruise
  • Overnight camp in the Ica Desert
  • Colca Canyon overnight tour, including national park entry
  • Lake Titicaca boat tour and overnight family homestay
  • Inca Trail (various options available)
  • Entry to Machu Picchu, guided tour of the site and return transfers by train and bus to Cusco
  • All transport: public bus, overnight coach, private minivan, internal flights and one international flights (Lima to Quito)
  • Meals as per itinerary - approx. 50%
  • Services of Oasis Tour Leader

Excludes

  • Visas
  • International flights into Lima and out from Quito and airport taxes
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities as listed in the pre-departure information
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US$100 per person)
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Drinks
  • Tips

Trip Itinerary

Upon arrival you will be met at Lima international airport, and transferred to your hotel in the Miraflores district of the city, where you will be meet your Oasis Overland Tour Leader who will welcome you to the country and help you with check-in. 

The capital of Peru, Lima is a city of contrasts. Here you'll encounter both abundant wealth and grinding poverty, modern skyscrapers next to some of the finest museums and historical monuments in Latin America. After a morning orientation tour, you will have a free afternoon to explore its many museums, markets and colonial plazas. Visit the Old Town as well as the Miraflores district before watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean at the end of the day.

Our first stop, south of Lima, is the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve. Here we take a boat trip to view one of the most important marine reserves in the world with the highest concentration of rare and exotic sea birds and sea mammals. This will provide our first glimpse of the wonderful and varied South American wildlife so cameras at the ready! (Breakfast)
A short drive inland takes us to the Oasis of Huacachina. A palm fringed lake surrounded by impressive sand dunes, here if it's an adrenaline rush you're after head out with your Tour Leader on a custom made dune buggy & roar across the desert sands to the top of enormous dunes & then sand board down them - imagine snowboarding but on sand instead (minimum age of 12)! Tonight, after an unforgettable desert sunset, we sit around the campfire while our guides cook up a storm, followed by a night sleeping out under the stars.

The next day we head to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries - the Nazca Lines. Only discovered 90 years ago from the air, these huge figures carved into the desert floor are best viewed by light aircraft. Thought to have been made by three different civilisations going back more than 2000 years, there are many contrasting theories about what they signify and why they are there, it is worthwhile asking local opinion - you may well be surprised with the replies! In the evening we begin to climb into the Andes mountain range on our overnight coach journey towards Arequipa. (Breakfast x 2, Dinner x 1)

Arequipa - We arrive in this beautiful colonial city in the morning and after checking into our hotel and an orientation tour have a free afternoon to explore and check out Juanita, the Incan mummy thought to be over 500 years old! The next day is free to enjoy some of the surrounding countryside and options for cycling, white water rafting, horse riding and trekking (age restrictions apply for some activities). Or you can just enjoy its markets and great restaurants!

The following day we drive by private bus to Chivay; to arrive we cross a pass at 5000m above sea level, and then descend int the small town, where there are nearby hotsprings to relax in. After staying overnight in Chivay the next day we visit Colca Canyon. At 900m it's one of the deepest in the world - an included guided trip to view the amazing Condors circling lazily in the thermals rising from the canyon floor (park entrance fee is not included and will be paid locally). After this our next stop on our Peruvian adventure is Puno, on the edge of Lake Titicaca. (Breakfast x 3)

Bordering Peru and Bolivia at 3800m lies Lake Titicaca which will be one of the most memorable stops on your tour. Lake Titicaca is the original place of the Uros Indians who have made their homes on floating reed islands. By boat we visit the floating islands during the day and then we go that one step beyond the average and spend the night with one of the Indian families on the lesser known islands Isla Amantani or Taquile. Spending some time in these local communities is a definite highlight of travel to Peru and is almost like stepping back in time. This experience will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the Andean people and their customs as well as supporting these families with some extra income.

On return from the Islands, you have the rest of the day to relax in Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, and experience the rich Andean culture. A day's drive on a comfortable coach across the Andes takes us to Cusco. (Breakfast x 3, Lunch & Dinner x 1)

Cusco, the outdoors capital of Peru and our base for the next 7 days. A mecca for adventure travel, with mountain biking, white-water rafting and zip-lining options, Peru's famous Inca Trail begins near this city. Although Cusco is today a colonial city most of its churches and museums are built on top of original Inca stonewalls which are clearly visible. We include an afternoon of Spanish lessons at a Spanish School, giving you and your family the chance to pick up some of the local lingo in a fun and informative environment and you can practice it with your guides and porters on the Inca Trail!

If you have opted for either the shorter two-day Inca Trail hike, or the train-only alternative, then you will have extra days in Cusco: there are pottery and handicraft classes, cooking lessons to learn how to prepare authentic Peruvian meals or salsa dancing classes so you can impress everyone with your dancing skills when you return home! All of these can be arranged and paid for locally, while on your trip, no need to book in advance. (Breakfast x 2)

We head out early from Cusco to the Urubamba Valley from where we begin our three and half day hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This moderate to strenuous hike is a once in a lifetime experience and anyone with a good level of fitness will enjoy it. You are accompanied throughout by a professional, English-speaking porter and the trek is run at a slow pace, with plenty of rest and comfort stops. The guides and porters carry most of your belongings, and also have a first aid kit on hand, just in case.

A stunning combination of awesome views, Inca ruins, magnificent mountains and exotic adventure. There are also alternatives to this trek available, for when the Classic Trail is unavailable, or by your choice. Please see our information on Inca Trails by clicking the 'Essential Trip Information' tab - you will find it under 'Additional Information', and ensure that you contact Oasis at the time of booking to arrange any alternatives. Please also note that tickets are now being sold separately to climb Huayna Picchu, the summit next to Machu Picchu, and it is imperative that those wishing to do this select this as an Add-on at the time of booking to avoid disappointment. Our route back to Cusco for all options is by train.

Don't forget there are options to trek for only two days, alternative hikes along either the Lares or Salkantay routes, and a train-only option if you do not wish to trek at all! (Breakfast x 4, Lunch & Dinner x 3 (four day treks only))

A free day in Cusco to explore the markets, visit the Cathedral and Inca Museum, or do some more outdoor activities, before getting ready to move on the Amazon jungle.
Depart Cusco by plane to the town of Puerto Maldonado, on the edge of the Tambopata - Candamo Reserve.  We enter the Reserve by boat along the Madre de Dios River and reach our comfortable jungle lodge, our base for the next three nights. In the afternoon we can take a walk with our local guides who have extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of this area. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

During our time in the reserve our guide will take us on walks and canoe trips to discover the amazing array of plant, bird, animal and insect life in the jungle - any budding entomologists or ecologists will be delighted as they get to play at being Sir David Attenborough for a few days! We can walk to one of the ox-bow lakes that abounds with exotic bird life. Taking a boat onto the lake we also hope to see giant river otters and caimans. Our guide will tell us about the traditional uses of the plants and trees and point out different types of monkey, macaw and moth! (3 meals each day)

Time to leave the jungle, we head back in the boat to Puerto Maldonado for the flight back to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima you will be transferred back to the starting hotel to rest up before flying north to Ecuador for the next part of your adventure!

The Jungle section includes local guides, mosquito nets, bedding, food and purified drinking water. Bottled water is available at extra cost.

After an overnight stay in Lima to recharge your batteries, transfer to the airport for an international flight to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. (Flight time will be confirmed nearer the time of travel, but they are usually late morning/early afternoon, arriving in Quito mid-late afternoon) Sitting 2800m above sea level and surrounded by stunning volcanoes, Quito is nicknamed 'The City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant year-round climate. After transferring to your hotel in the city, follow an orientation tour and then the rest of the day is yours to explore. The next day is free to check out the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, or the cosmopolitan district of El Mariscal Sucre.
Transfer to Quito for your internal flight to the incredible Galapagos Islands (flight included). Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and join your yacht, which will be your home for a five-day cruise around the islands. We stop at various points to make landfall on the different islands and join an English-speaking naturalist guide for nature walks where the wildlife is impossible to miss! See the islands' unique ecosystem and flora and fauna up-close: iguanas, giant tortoises, penguins, fur seals, astonishing bird life. Snorkel in the ocean to experience its wonderful marine life, keep an eye out for sea turtles and dolphins! We also stop at various information centres and points of interest.

Please note that the entire Galapagos is a nature reserve and protected; as such, all cruise itineraries must be submitted and approved by the local authorities at least one year in advance, so each itinerary will vary slightly. For more information on the exact itinerary for your dates of travel please contact southamerica@oasisoverland.co.uk

Following your Galapagos trip return to Quito by internal flight, and your trip ends on arrival at Quito international airport.


Trip Joining Point: Hostal El Patio - Lima

Start Time Day 1: 18:00

Address: Calle E. Diez Canseco 341, Miraflores, Lima

Telephone: +51 1 444 2107

Website: www.hostalelpatio.net

Email: reserva@hostalelpatio.net

 

All prices listed are approximate and subject to limited availability. 

Room Type

Price

Description

Single en-suite

US$45.00

Per Room

Standard Plus Double/Twin en-suite

US$70.00

Per Room

Standard Plus Triple en-suite

US$80.00

Per Room

 

The trip starts from Hostal El Patio at approximately 6pm on the evening of Day 1 of your trip.

Hostal El Patio is a friendly small family run hotel in the centre of the Miraflores district of Lima. Rooms vary in size, but most are twin or double rooms.

PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATION:

You can pre-book accommodation and airport transfers through us. We will require your flight number, arrival time, and arrival date so please ensure this information is forwarded to us as soon as you have booked your flight. Please book this service as soon as you have booked your flight and no later than 6 weeks prior to departure, after which a late booking fee may apply. If you have booked through a travel agent, please contact them to request pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers.

Double, twin, and triple rooms will be provided subject to availability, where requested. However when not available we may need to book other rooming arrangements, and will fit these as closely as possible to your request. Those travelling solo will be put in shared rooms to reduce the costs to them, which may be twin/triple shares with other Oasis Overland travellers. Single rooms may be available in some cities for solo travellers, and we will arrange this for you on request, subject to availability.

If you are arriving early in the morning and you would like to check in immediately, you may have to reserve your room for the previous night to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times (usually 1pm to 2pm).

Accommodation costs for any additional nights are payable direct to the Hostal El Patio on arrival in Nuevo Sol or $US.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

Airport Transfers are included in the cost of your adventure (provided you request these via the UK office or your account six weeks before your departure).

On arrival into Lima airport you will be met by a local representative from the Hostal El Patio who will take you to the group joining Hotel. The driver will have your name on a sign with 'Hostal El Patio'. Many flights into Lima arrive around midnight. If your flight arrives more than 2 hours late, or if for any reason (eg. problem with immigration or lost baggage) you are delayed by more than 2 hours before getting through to the arrivals hall, you may need to call the hotel to rearrange the transfer.

Day 1 of your trip is an arrivals day, there will be a pre-departure meeting in the starting hotel this evening, usually around 6:00pm. There will be a notice in reception advising the exact time and here your crew will explain how the day to day running of the trip works. Your Tour Leader will collect your Local Payment money as well as a photocopy of your passport information pageinsurance policy details with policy number and confirmation that the duration will cover you for the entire trip and a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number. It is essential that you attend this meeting - please let the UK office or your tour leader know if you are unable to do so.

Post-trip accommodation & airport transfers can be arranged with your tour leader during the trip or directly with the hotel on arrival. The return airport transfer is not included and is at your own expense. We regret these services cannot be arranged via the Oasis office before departure.

Normally our trips start in the evening of day 1 with a pre-departure meeting (you will be given exact details on when and where to meet either on collection from the airport or it will be clearly noted in the reception of our joining hotel). Please check the start time of your trip in the Accommodation Information section and allow extra time for your arrival wherever possible.

We recommend allowing an extra day post trip for any itineraries that include an internal flight or a jungle option, to allow for flight delays. You may also wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities

There are many online flight search engines such as www.skyscanner.net or www.ebookers.co.uk, flights can also be booked direct with airline websites or through travel agencies. Please inform us of your flight details through your online account, as airport transfers can be arranged for various trips.

One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you  have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry.

Departure Taxes: Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your trip finishes. This is a general requirement for all of the countries we travel to on our trips.

If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport for the entire trip. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.

Please bring 2 photocopies of your passport details to give to your tour leader.

As a guideline, you will need at least 1 blank page per country in your passport, (for the 31 weeks Trans South America, you should allow at least 13 blank pages).

Inca Trail Trek – you will need to provide your passport details to apply for your Inca trail trekking permit, please enter these correctly on your booking form. If you are intending on renewing your passport then please let us know at the point of booking. In order to trek you will need to be in possession of both your passport and your permit – and the passport details have to match otherwise the permit issuing authorities will not let you trek.

The information below is to be used only as a guide and may change without prior notice. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassy in plenty of time before the trip departs to check the current visa requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the relevant visas you require.

Visas must be paid for in USD cash ONLY.

On arrival to countries in South America, you will be given an 'Immigration card'. It is important that you keep this with your passport during your entire stay in the particular country as it is needed for departure. Failure to produce this immigration slip can result in a fine.

Transiting via the USA - Travellers who are flying to South America via the US will require either a US visa or for certain nationalities an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to take advantage of the visa waiver programme. These can be processed and paid for here.

If you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011 you will not qualify for the ESTA and must apply for a visa.

It is very important you establish your ESTA eligibility and have the correct documentation before departing, as if you do not have the right authorisation upon checking in at the airport you may not be permitted to travel.

For more information on other nationalities & visas checkout www.projectvisa.com

Peru

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Peru. 

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Inca Trek – you will need to provide your passport details to apply for your Inca trekking permit, please enter these correctly on your booking form. If you are intending on renewing your passport then please let us know at the point of booking. In order to trek you will need to be in possession of both your passport and your permit – and the passport details have to match otherwise the permit issuing authorities will not let you trek.

Ecuador

Passport Holders from UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most EU countries will not require a visa to enter Ecuador. 

Passport Holders from other countries, will need to check the current visa requirements with the relevant consulate, and whether you need to obtain the visa in advance.

Travellers must have physical proof of health care Insurance whilst travelling through Ecuador. You may be asked to provide this at Immigration at the land border or at the airport on arrival - a printed copy of your travel Insurance should suffice.

It is possible that you may require some vaccinations for your trip, depending on the areas that you are visiting. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements, so please use the information below as a guide only. We have worked closely with Nomad Travel Clinics for many years and they offer Oasis travellers a 10% discount on vaccinations, anti- malarial drugs, first aid items, clothing and equipment, just enter discount code OASIS1000 at www.nomadtravel.co.uk. Alternatively you can check out the fit for travel website for more travel health information or consult a reputable travel clinic or your GP for information and advice. We suggest that you allow at least 8 weeks to get all your vaccinations.

Yellow Fever - Being vaccinated against Yellow Fever and having a valid certificate and a photocopy is deemed compulsory in some countries we visit, especially at certain borders and are needed if you are entering from an infected country. You can view a list of countries requiring a certificate through the World Health organisation http://www.who.int/ith/ITH_country_list.pdf 

Rabies - Vaccinations are regularly advised for many countries that we travel through - especially if time and money are not a deterrent.

Malaria - In some of the areas we visit there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria prophylactics you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers.  Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them. Your crew will advise on where the worst affected areas are on the trip. There are a number of prophylactic malaria treatments on the market & requirements change. It is also wise to take a sample of whichever prophylactic you choose, a few weeks before you leave. This way you may determine early on if you have any adverse reactions so you can change the regimen if necessary. Please consult a reputable travel clinic or GP for advice. For more information visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk or www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Medical advice should be taken particularly if you are visiting the jungle in either Ecuador or Peru, the Brazilian Pantanal or Iguazu Falls in either Argentina or Brazil as part of your trip.

Altitude sickness - This is caused by thin air (due to lack of oxygen) and can affect anyone arriving at high altitude (above 3000mtrs). The symptoms are headaches, dizziness, shortage of breath and possibly nausea. To avoid this or alleviate the symptoms make a point to acclimatize by arriving into a high altitude destination a few days early and make sure you do not over exert yourself, rest for a few hours, avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, large meals and drink plenty of water.

As we are travelling mostly by land (as opposed to flying into a high altitude location) we should acclimatise gradually, and so avoid 'soroche', mountain sickness.

Dengue - Unlike the malaria mosquito, which bites at night, the dengue carrying mosquito bites during the day. Some areas we travel to do have occasional outbreaks & it is therefore advised that you take care not to be bitten during the day as well as at night.  There is no vaccine available.

Health - To join our trips you should be in good general health. Your medical insurance company must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition / allergy or if you are on any regular medication, otherwise you may not be covered under your policies for these. Our crew will need to know of any medication or conditions you may have. For general health advice log onto www.nathnac.org/travel/

It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Oasis Trip & at the very least are insured for all necessary medical & repatriation costs incurred.

You will be asked to provide the following details in My Oasis Account if you have not already done so: travel insurance name, insurance policy number & insurance emergency telephone number. You will also be required to give a copy of your policy with this information to your Tour Leader on arrival with confirmation that the policy duration is sufficient to cover you for the entire duration of your trip.  It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safe keeping.

We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". It is also very important that you are covered for all the activities that you may wish to undertake while on our trip. It is extremely important that you check the full extent of your cover related to 24 hour Medical Emergency Assistance. In the event of you needing medical treatment you want to know that you have the best cover available to you. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and Repatriation cover as well as Cancellation, Baggage and Personal Liability cover. You need to be aware of EXACTLY what activities your policy covers you for. Please note that skiing is not usually covered in most insurance policies. 

We offer tailor made Overland Adventure Travel Insurance that covers most of the adventure and sporting activities on our trips.

For further information on the insurance we offer, the activities covered and costs, check out the Travel Insurance section of our website. You can purchase our insurance by logging into My Oasis Account and click 'Buy Insurance' or through the following link.

Spending Money

From past trips and traveller feedback US$200 per week should cover costs such as visas, most meals, soft drinks and beers, email & communications, souvenirs and other general spending. Personal spending habits & budgets differ greatly from person to person. Budget on optional activities separately (see optional excursions page). There is a departure tax payable in the airport, so allow up to US$60 for this (figure includes internal and international flights).

How to bring your currency?

It is best to bring your money in combination of debit/credit cards and US dollars cash. Many places will accept Visa, Mastercard is less commonly accepted in general. ATMs are common, but can be out of service or cards will not always be accepted and there are usually daily withdrawal limits, so having some cash US dollars will provide  a useful back-up, and many activities and excursions can be paid for in US dollars, too. Also, dollars can often attract a better exchange rate than through an ATM. Pre-paid travel cards are also an option, and are widely accepted. Unfortunately fraud and card-cloning can be a problem so it is advisable to only withdraw money either in banks, or use ATMs that are inside the bank building, as opposed to those on the high street.

Please remember that visas (if applicable) need to be paid for in US$ CASH ONLY!

Some of our past travellers have mentioned that it is now becoming easier to acquire Peruvian Soles in Europe and North America before travelling, so to save you the effort of changing money upon arrival, having a small sum of local currency in cash before travelling may also be helpful. Many travel money companies will expect a minimum purchase.

Avoid changing money upon arrival at the airport. These rates and commissions are almost always considerably higher than you will find in the towns and cities.

Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused by the banks and shops. Please ensure your notes are dated post 2013 and do not have a serial number starting with CB. When buying US Dollars before you travel it is best to ask for clean notes with no tears or markings. It can be difficult using US$100 bills in and, if possible, bring US$50 bills.

Changing money

Change your money only at banks, hotels, airports or forex bureaus/cambios. It is illegal to change money on the street, as these people will normally be opportunistic thieves or undercover police. Your crew will advise you where & when you can change money & with what means. It is also a good idea to have a small CASH emergency fund, to allow for the unexpected.

Credit & Debit Cards 

If you are intending using your credit or debit card, we suggest taking more than one card with you as you may find that your card is not accepted in the first ATM you try. For credit and debit cards Visa is best. Mastercard and American Express are generally not accepted throughout South America. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.

Pre-Paid Travel Currency Cards

These cards are similar to normal Credit and Debit cards but they can be pre loaded with cash before you travel with a set amount allowing you to withdraw this cash using the card at normal ATMs. It is a more secure way to access cash on your trip, but again do not rely on these as your sole means of funds on a trip. Several banks and companies now offer these cards, but be sure to look into the rates for withdrawing cash when making your decision. When using these cards abroad you will use them to withdraw the local currency from an ATM and not the currency that you loaded onto the card.

Tipping

Is often expected and relied upon. It is often more than a reward for services well done, but, as wages are extremely low, it is an accepted means of supplementing an income. If you would like to leave a tip for any activity/individual, you could organize this as a group and give a tip at the end. A recommended amount for restaurants is usually 10% of your total bill and similar for activities. Some countries also add an extra Government tax on restaurant bills.

Because it can be difficult to know what to tip, and because it has such importance in some areas both economically and culturally, there may be times and activities for which your crew will make it clear what level of tipping is 'customary/expected'. This is motivated by the knowledge of how important tipping can be, and the offence or confusion that can be caused when local people are tipped poorly. In the end, tipping remains at the discretion of the individual, but our crew will continue to advise on normal or average rates, and we would ask you to carefully consider the economic or personal impact of being seen as 'under tipping'. We know that many who travel with us are on a tight budget, but ask you to consider that many local people face financial hardship, and also work very hard to try to give you unrivalled service/experiences.

As a very rough guide, we would suggest that you budget for an amount equal to 10% of the local payment for your trip, plus 10% of the cost of any of the listed optional excursions that you wish to do. The amounts you end up tipping may vary from a rigid 10%, but hopefully this will help you budget in general.

For the Inca Trail section of your trip, your Tour Leader will advise you on the tipping amounts expected before you begin your trek. This may seem unusual, but tipping on the Inca Trail is a crucial part of the income for the guides, cooks and porters, and it is important that is gets shared out equally and fairly. Your Tour Leader will give you more information on this before you trek so you will be fully aware and prepared. The total amount to tip on the Inca Trail is usually around $30-$50 per person.

In the past we have been asked by travellers about tipping your Oasis Crew. If you choose to do this, it would be budgeted separately from the above. Our guys work very hard at making your trip a great travel experience. Working overseas can often be challenging and they are pretty much on call for you 24 hours a day, so it's appreciated as a thank you for hard work and good service, but of course not mandatory or expected. Our suggestion is to budget around US$1 or $2 a day.

The climate in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador is varied, from hot and humid in the Amazon Jungle, to cold nights at altitude on the Inca Trail. It is best to prepare for a variety of weather conditions, as it can be quite unpredictable!

Peru has three different climates: the coastal area is an arid desert climate, the Andes have a sub-tropical weather system and can vary according to the altitude, and the Amazon rainforest is tropical. Year-round, the coastal area gets hot during the day and cooler at night; rainfall is rare. During the winter months of April to November the coastline, including Lima, is usually covered by a near-permanent mist, though inland this burns off to allow the sun to break through and hotter conditions. In the Andes, during the European summer months of June to August it is generally warm and pleasant during the day and cold at night, again with little rain. November to April are the rainy season with tropical afternoon showers and higher temperatures. In the Amazon Jungle tropical showers are common on most days in the afternoon, and it is hot and humid year-round.

In Bolivia similar to Peru you will also experience the sub-tropical weather system which will vary according to the altitude, and the Amazon rainforest is tropical. 

Quito in Ecuador enjoys a year-round spring-like climate. The Galapagos is generally dry and bright from June to December, with some afternoon shower being drawn from the south, while the months from January to May tend to be more tropical, with more cloud and heavier showers and generally warmer temperatures.

The less you take the less you have to pack, wash & lug home & you can always pick up extras along the way. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much gear. Clothes washing or laundry facilities will be available at least once a week. You will be travelling in the heat & camping in the cold, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best. Pack according to season: use the climate guide above (remember, nights are cold in deserts and the mountains). Make sure that you bring your gear in a 70 - 90 L rucksack or holdall - suitcases are not suitable.

 

Equipment

Toiletries - Most available to buy   on trip

  • Sleeping Bag - 4 season bag, (can be hired locally where required - subject to availability, but most people prefer to bring their own) & sleep sheet
  • Small day-pack or small bag to carry daily items
  • Soft rucksack, holdall or suitcase
  • Water bottle - for personal use - we recommend Water-to-Go (see below Responsible Travel)
  • Soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, antibacterial hand wash, lip balm & moisturiser
  • Sun block 35 + after sun, hat & sun glasses
  • Tampons (can buy in most places)
  • Contraception

Clothes

Personal Effects

  • One pair of trainers or boots
  • Sandals/flip flops/jandals/thongs
  • Underwear/socks
  • T shirts/shirts
  • Shorts/swimwear
  • Jeans/trousers/jog pants/leggings
  • Skirt or dress
  • Sweat shirt/jumper
  • Jacket/fleece & waterproof jacket
  • Camera with protective case, spare batteries, film/memory card
  • Torch and spare batteries (head torch is best)
  • Travel adaptor plug/charger (for cameras and mobile phone batteries)
  • Money belt
  • Personal stereo - iPod/MP3 etc
  • Towel and/or sarong

Recommended Medical Kit List

  • Antiseptic ointment/Antihistamine cream & tablets
  • Nurofen or equivalent pain-killer
  • Eye-drops/bath
  • Anti-diarrhoea treatment
  • A couple of bandages (elasticated & triangular)
  • Medication for personal allergies/asthma etc
  • Insect repellent containing Deet
  • Re-hydration sachets/vitamin tablets
  • Assorted plasters
  • Some suitable antibiotics as recommended by your doctor for infected cuts or to treat severe dysentery

Please note that in the winter months (June-August) it can be very cold, especially at altitude, so we would recommend that you bring extra layers or be prepared to purchase some when you are in Peru & Bolivia.

We advise you to bring a small personal medical kit for general everyday use, as well as any personal over-the-counter medicines that you may wish to keep with you. Our Tour Leaders are familiar with the nearest pharmacies, doctors and hospitals throughout the trip if you need to seek medical attention. It will be your own responsibility to carry your medical kit on included excursions and optional activities as some local operators may not have medical kits to hand.

Cameras (incl. Digital & Video Cameras) - An easy to use 'point and press' will get you some good photos. For memorable shots, it may be worthwhile investing in an SLR camera, but be sure to get some practice in before the trip! Most towns and cities have internet cafes where you can download onto CD/internet sites - but don't rely on it.

Photography - Be aware of your surroundings when taking photographs and filming. Some locations will be sensitive or have local laws banning photography. For example it is usually forbidden to use cameras at borders or around government buildings, military installations, bridges and airports or to take photos of local officials. If you do take photos or film where it is not permitted you may find yourself being questioned by irate officials who may decide to confiscate your camera or instruct you to delete all the images/footage on your device. If in doubt ask for permission, or if there is no-one to ask use some common sense.

Drones - As the use of drones becomes more common, countries throughout the world are gradually updating their laws and restrictions on usage. The specific regulations will vary from one country to another, so do check the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for the latest information. As with cameras, use your common sense if you do use a drone and avoid operation in sensitive areas. If you plan to bring a drone on your trip with us please contact us first to ensure there will be a suitable place to store it while on your trip.

Electrical charging & power supply - It may be difficult to find a power source for charging at times, so a spare battery is a must. Log onto www.whatplug.net for information regarding the different electrical plugs and voltage used in each country.

The internet and WiFi are readily available in almost every town and city you will visit; most hotels and hostels will have free WiFi as will many bars and cafes.  Do bear in mind that the connections can be unreliable and will not always be as fast as you are used to at home.  If a lot of people try to use the internet at the same time the speed will be slower still, especially if trying to make Skype calls or upload photos/videos.  During periods of the trip where we are camping, internet will be less common.

Some travellers choose to take an unlocked mobile phone with them and buy local SIM cards in each country, allowing them to use mobile data. If you particularly want or need regular internet access this may be a good option. Telephone calls can be expensive usually £1 to £5 for a three minute call.

Online Diaries - A great variety of free "travel blogs" are now available online, they are a good way of keeping relatives and friend up to date with what you are doing and a good place to upload photos, collecting messages as well as keeping a record for yourself.

Before you go

  • Remove unnecessary packaging before you go - waste disposal facilities are often stretched or non existent in the places we visit. To avoid unnecessary pollution of local water supplies take environmentally friendly toiletries with you.
  • Why not invest in a wind-up or solar-powered torch or media player before you travel or at least rechargeable batteries.
  • Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history/culture before you go. You'll get so much more out of your trip.
  • Why not pack some pens/pencils exercise books in your rucksack and they can be donated to a local school or project while you're away. You can also purchase these items cheaply, locally which will help local businesses.
  • Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your trip. We carry large quantities of purified water with us on our Expedition vehicles and it is much better for the environment if you drink this, rather than purchase bottled water along the way. (It also saves you money).
  • Water-to-Go: Oasis Overland have partnered with Water-to-Go to help reduce the number of plastic water bottles consumed during a trip. Water-to-Go is a filtration system that eliminates over 99.9% of all microbiological contaminants including viruses, bacteria, chemicals and heavy metals from any non-salt water source. Click here and enter the code OASIS15 to purchase your Water-to-Go products at 15% discount. Water-to-Go will then donate a further 15% to Oasis Overland Charity projects.
 
While you're travelling

From experience gained in running trips, we have developed our own practical and manageable environmental policy which all of our crew practice on the trips we operate, and they will share this information with you at the start of your trip. We welcome your input on this, plus any new ideas you may have, to improve our existing procedures. As a guide here's a few tips to bear in mind.

  • Don't waste water. It is a scarce resource in many of the places our trips visit. On all our Ultimate and Overland Expeditions we carry large quantities of purified water with us. We encourage you to refill your own water bottles from this supply, rather than purchase bottled water along the way-much more environmentally friendly and saves you money.
  • Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact of it being illegal it also encourages the trade to continue.
  • Look after and preserve the areas we visit. Be careful about stepping on coral reefs or trekking on undesignated tracks.
  • Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy.
  • Don't feel when bargaining that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you & don't worry about what someone else has paid.
  • Try the local food and drinks - this will help to support local farmers and food sellers. Sitting in a local cafe is also a great way to meet local people.
  • Dispose of litter appropriately on your trip. This includes cigarette butts. Not only does litter look unsightly it can be lethal to wildlife.
  • Where any toilet facilities exist, however unsavoury they might seem to you, they should be used. Where they do not, always bury your waste and make sure it is never near (at least 30m) a water source.
  • When game viewing do not encourage your guides to get too close to the wildlife so that their natural behaviour is impeded.
  • Respect local customs, traditions and beliefs of the people in the different regions that you travel through.
  • Do not take photos of people, ritual events or special places unless you have asked first. Dress appropriately according to local codes and show respect around religious festivals.
  • Recycling is almost non-existent in many of the areas and countries we visit - we do the best we can with limited resources & space on our vehicles.
  • For books dedicated to travelling more responsibly & ethically see: www.tourismconcern.org.uk
 
Community Projects - Oasis are active in raising awareness and providing support to a number of projects and local schools where we believe we can make a positive difference. More information on the projects we support.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) offer country-specific advice, regarding not only security but also entry regulations, local laws and customs and health. We strongly recommend all travellers visit the FCO website, or the equivalent in their home country, to familiarise themselves with local conditions and issues in the countries they plan to visit before committing to a trip with us. You can view their website here.

If you have any questions at all about the safety or security of your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss your trip in more detail.

In cities - All major cities have their share of petty crime (just like our cities) and sensible precautions need to be taken.  Wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention to you.  Leave valuables such as passports and excess money in your hotel safe (we recommend carrying a copy of your passport details page at all times). You may find a simple money belt is more discreet than a bag. Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common sense. At night in cities it's best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets, single women in particular need to be careful and we would suggest that it is safer to be in a group.

Oasis does not take responsibility for clients' personal items and we advise you to not take items of value that are not essential for the journey.

The Inca Trail

We INCLUDE the cost of trekking to Machu Picchu in ALL our trips that visit Peru.

We offer 3 routes - Classic, Salkantay and Lares - (subject to season and availability), all accompanied by knowledgeable guides and porters.

Our first choice trek is the Classic trail. As availability is limited we will move quickly after booking to obtain you a permit where possible. It is VERY important to note that as soon as we purchase your permit it is non-transferable, and non-refundable. Your permit will be linked to your passport details, so please make sure you enter these correctly at the time of booking. If you are intending renewing your passport then please let us know at the point of booking.  In order to trek you will need to be in possession of both your passport and your permit – and the passport details have to match otherwise the permit issuing authorities will not let you trek. If you need any further clarification then please contact southamerica@oasisoverland.co.uk

When the Classic trail is not available, we will arrange the Lares trail at no extra charge (subject to minimum 2 people). If you wish to trek either the Lares or Salkantay by choice (or take the train option), you must let us know at the time of booking. An additional fee may be payable, but we will discuss this with you. All of the treks visit Machu Picchu for the day.

For more information about the treks including maps please click below for the three routes and treks: Classic    Lares    Salkantay

Tipping on the Inca Trail - Before you start your trek, your Oasis Tour Leader will advise you and other travellers of the suggested tipping amount for the guides, porters and cooks on the trek (this applies to the Classic, Lares and Salkantay treks). Tipping is a vital part of the income for the staff who work on the treks, and it is expected. It is not compulsory, but if you choose not to tip it will be viewed suspiciously and negatively by the local staff and as such we respectfully ask all our travellers trekking to pay the requested amount. We are advised by the local operators what the suggested tipping amount is for each trek, and you will be asked to contribute, before the trek departs. It is usually around US$50 per person, which is then shared out amongst the guides, porters and cooks.

Porters - We can arrange a Porter to carry 5kgs of your equipment whilst on the Classic Inca trail, at the briefing the Guide will provide you with a duffle bag to pack your equipment into which will be available at camp each night, this is arranged on trip and will cost an additional $30 paid locally to your tour leader. Lares and Salkantay treks 

Train Only - For those who don't fancy trekking at all, there is the option of taking the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu, staying overnight in a simple hotel, and heading up to nearby Machu Picchu the next day. This option gives you an extra two nights in Cusco, where we will provide accommodation.  If you wish to take the train option you must state this at the time of booking.

Huayna Picchu - Some people like to climb the nearby summit of Huayna Picchu during their time at Machu Picchu. One of the main reasons for doing this would be for the view from the top of it over Machu Picchu. Because of its increasing popularity the local authorities have introduced a permit system to control numbers and collect funds from those wanting to do this. Permits can sell out a long time in advance, and you therefore need to request us to purchase you a permit urgently if you want to do this. You can request this by clicking the Huayna Picchu 'add-on' through your account. There are 400 permits available per day currently. Once requested your tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged, as it is arranged with your specific name and passport details.

The ascent of Huayna Picchu is very steep in places and it can take about an hour to the top. It will be your responsibility to be at the entrance point at the right time, and should you be late then you will unfortunately forfeit your opportunity to go up. The climb is done on the same day that you are visiting the ruins at Machu Picchu, so reduces your time wandering around the ruins. Please bear in mind that to get up and down can take around three hours, and is very steep in places. It is not really for those who are unfit, or scared of heights. The path is pretty deteriorated in places so some light scrambling is required.


Oasis Tour Leader

We have one Tour Leader on this trip whose duties are extensive & quite demanding. From organising accommodation, meals, travel arrangements, pre-booking some excursions and guides, to finding the best deals, socializing & making sure all runs as smoothly as possible. While your leader is experienced and knowledgeable about the regions that we travel through they are not tour guides as such. The diversity and extent of the history and cultures in this region is vast. In most historical areas we visit there are trained guides, who offer their services; they have spent many years, and have vast experience at particular sites.

Accommodation

We use a mixture of local hotels and guesthouses along the way using shared rooms (between 2 people of the same sex from your trip) unless you are a couple or you have requested a specific type of room. It must be remembered that the Hotels we use are an integral part of Peru & Bolivia and can suffer from common problems that can affect all levels of hotels such as, electrical failure, plumbing faults and other technical difficulties and hot water may occasionally be temperamental if a lot of people are using the showers at the same time. This is a possibility throughout all classes of hotels. On our Family Trips we use shared rooms, usually with parents in one room and children in another, though we can make amendments to this if requested. Large family and interconnected rooms are not very common in South America; most rooms are singles, twins or doubles.

During the four days Inca Trail hike we camp. Tents are provided and sleeping bags can be hired (see Inca Trail section for more information on the various hikes).

Transport

We use a mixture of public / local buses and trains, comfortable overnight sleeper coaches, private charter vehicles, boat and several internal flights (on some trips) between cities, allowing you more time to explore.

Meals

Most breakfasts are included whilst on tour plus many other meals on activities such as the Inca Trek and the Salar de Uyuni. Please check your itinerary for a day by day breakdown. We find that most people appreciate sampling the culinary tastes of South America and class this as one of their favourite pastimes. This is why we do not include every meal - allowing each person the chance to try out some of the local cuisine from markets, restaurants & cafes. At times your Tour Leader may organize a group meal - which is another good way to sample some of the local and international delicacies.

Vegetarians / Vegans / Coeliacs / Gluten & Lactose intolerance

Our Tour Leaders will always do their best to cater for any dietary requirement or intolerance whenever possible. However we do not cater for fussy eaters. It must be remembered that the variety of dishes available may not be the same as available to meat eaters. If there is anything in particular you require in your diet or because of an allergy or would miss from home, it would be best to bring these with you, due to the high cost and scarcity of these specialised and often imported foods.

Remember when eating out in local restaurants & hotels that vegetarianism or food allergies / intolerances, are still not widely known about or understood by many local people. i.e Vegetarians or Vegans will often be offered fish or chicken in error.  Most large towns and cities, or areas used to tourists, will often have more choice but please be aware that it will probably not be as varied as you are used to when eating out at home.

Distance and Time 'En Route'

Peru is a large country, and on this trip there is a lot of ground to cover. There are a few long drives, but the transport is clean, comfortable and safe, and we make sure that after a long drive we stay in the same place for a few days, for example in Arequipa and Cusco. We also make comfort stops and stop off at sites of interest along the way, where possible, so you don't feel too rushed, even on travel days.


Optional Excursions are paid for on the day and organised during your trip, so you can decide whilst travelling which activity you may want to do. Prices listed are only a guide and may be dependant on fluctuating exchange rates and minimum numbers. Please see below for more details.

 

Peru

Title From Price
Sacred Valley Tour US$25
Porter on Inca Trail to carry up to 5kg of belongings (recommended!) US$30
Nazca Lines Flight (weather permitting), from US$100
Mountain Biking (several areas), from US$10
Horse Riding, from US$20
Jungle Activity Package from US$50
Guide & Staff Tips - Inca Trail treks US$50
Dune Buggies & Sandboarding (combo) US$65
Colca Canyon - National Park entrance fee and guided overnight tour, from US$65
Chauchilla Cemetery - inc. guide US$7
Cusco City Tour US$10
Cusco Museum Day Pass US$20
Museum entrances - Cusco, from US$3
Porter on Inca Trail to carry up to 5kg of belongings (recommended!) US$30
Guide & Staff Tips - Inca Trail treks US$50
Cusco City Tour US$10
Cusco Museum Day Pass US$20
Jungle Activity Package from US$50

We feel that having optional excursions gives a greater degree of flexibility and independence to our group members; independence to decide how much your spending budget can afford; flexibility to decide when and what time of day or with whom to visit a particular site, rather than for example, with the whole group at a pre-ordained time. If you decide not to join a popular excursion, you will have free time to relax or wander off to a market, village or beach, depending on where we are.

You pay for the optional excursions to the local operator, ensuring the money stays with that operator in the local community and this ensures as well, that you are paying the true price for any optional excursions you want to do. This also applies to accommodation costs before and after the trip. Please note that the prices of optional excursions quoted are approximate as local prices can and do change. Please see the relevant trip page for the Optional excursions you can do on that trip and a list of prices.


If you are interested in doing this trip on any another date and, have a minimum of 4 people, please contact the office and we will check availability. For smaller group sizes please contact us also.

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  • Travel Style
    Family Adventure
  • Start Location
    Lima
  • End Location
    Quito
  • Region
    South America

Add Ons and Volunteer Projects

Huayna Picchu Permit - the summit next to Machu Picchu (For Classic Inca Trail Participants ONLY) - Peru

£75

Huayna Picchu Permit - the summit next to Machu Picchu (For Salkantay & Lares Trek, along with Train Only Participants) - Peru

£35

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