Before You Depart

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

The high altitude reached on this trip (up to 14,000 feet above sea level) as well as the considerable amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, requires that you be in good physical condition to enjoy this trip. We strongly suggest that you consult with your physician regarding any concerns as well as possible medications to ease the effects of the high altitude. Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Our flights to Peru and back are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure. If you are planning a connecting flight, please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs. Flight schedules are subject to change.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

The above airlines do not accept advance seat assignment. Actual seat assignment will be provided at the airport. Please note that smarTours is not involved with your seat assignments.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.

When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Lima and ends in Lima. We recommend that you:

• Fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) with enough time to meet the group on Day 1 at 1:30 PM at the hotel (early check-in included)
• Fly out of Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) at your preferred time after breakfast. Please note that hotel check-out is generally before 12 PM

At the start of the tour, please note early check-in is available as early as 3 PM the day before arrival (Day 0)

TOUR MEETING POINT

When and where you’ll meet the rest of the group depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: Upon arrival in destination, please proceed through customs and immigration. Our Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs with a smarTours sign.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive with enough time to settle in before joining the welcome orientation at 1:30 PM at the hotel on Day 1. Early check-in and breakfast at the hotel are included on Day 1.

TOUR ENDING POINT

The final end point for your tour depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, hotel check-out is prior to 12 PM (noon).

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return. American passport holders do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

CLIMATE

Since Peru is located near the Equator, the weather is temperate with average daytime high temperatures ranging from 60’s to the 80’s. Evening temperatures will be about 20 to 30 degrees cooler.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

You may dine at either of the hotels used on this tour or other nearby restaurants recommended by your guide. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in the hotel’s coffee shop is about $10-20 per meal per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards.  However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. dollars.  Your hotels will be able to exchange your cash to local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.