Lima to Machu Picchu Road Trip

Highlights

• How will we get around?We’ll be cruising around Peru on the Peru Hop Bus Network - comfy, reliable, and made for travellers. Expect a mix of day and overnight rides, with other travellers (outside our Contiki crew) joining the journey too. The buses are kitted out with reclining seats, aircon, and onboard toilets.
• What can I expect when travelling in Peru?Flexibility is key when you’re travelling in Peru. The itinerary will give you a good idea of what your trip is gonna look like. But routes, schedules, hotels & modes of transportation may be subject to change without prior notice because of local circumstances or events beyond Contiki’s control.
• Should I be worried about altitude sickness?Parts of this trip go above 2800 metres (9200 feet) where it's common for some travellers to experience shortness of breath, nausea or light-headedness. While it's usually not severe in most cases, it’s always best to be prepared. That’s why we recommend that you carry your own medication and read a trusted health advisory for tips on how to combat altitude sickness. Plus, your Trip Managers will give you loads of helpful advice and before and during the trip.
• How can I purchase Free Time Add-Ons?You’ll now book and pay for your Free Time Add-Ons through WeTravel — a simple website link where you can browse all the FTAs, pick what you’re keen on, and pay directly by card, in any currency. You’ll get the link in your Welcome Email, usually 3–5 days before your trip starts. Once you’re in, it’s easy: check out the pics, descriptions and prices, add your chosen experiences to your cart, then check out online. You can book before your trip starts or while you’re on the road, up until each activity’s booking deadline. Missed the link? No stress. Your Trip Manager can share it with you on trip too.
• Which currency should I bring?You’ll need to bring USD cash with you, as it’s the only way to pay for the Free Time Add-Ons on this trip. You’ll receive the cost of each option in your Welcome Email. Plus, we recommend you bring Visa and/or Master Card (American Express or Discover cards aren’t widely accepted).
• Can I get access to an ATM when in Peru?It depends on where you’re travelling to. Cities in Peru have lots of ATMs (just be careful of those sneaky fees). But you’re better off carrying cash when visiting rural places.
• Is it customary to tip?You’ll usually receive a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill. But tipping isn’t a requirement. Either way, if you’re pleased with your service, a tip will always be appreciated! We recommend tipping 12% of the total bill.
• How much luggage can I bring?You can bring 1 hand luggage + 1 suitcase or backpack per person. The maximum suitcase size is 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) & weight of 20kg (44lbs). Remember to keep it light as you'll have to carry and lift your own luggage at times and even walk short distances with it.
• What should I pack for my trip?You’ll be able to buy a lot of things at an affordable price once you arrive. But we’d suggest you bring: • Summer clothes: shorts and lightweight tops essential for keeping cool. • Warm overcoat: there’ll be colder parts of your trip, even in summertime. • Good walking socks & shoes: keep comfy on any terrain. • Sturdy backpack: one you don’t mind getting dusty too! Weather in Peru is unpredictable, so please make sure you bring these items too: - Teva-style sandals (thongs or flip-flop sandals are not suitable for hikes) - Swimming (bathing) suit & towel - Light to medium fleece jacket - Warm clothes for the highlands. - Gore-Tex (or similar) rain jacket - Shorts, T-shirts, Long pants, Long-sleeve shirt, Hat or cap - Sunglasses (preferably polarised) - First aid & medication - aloe vera gel, sunblock or sunscreen of the highest SPF possible, insect repellent, hand sanitiser or gel, moisturising cream, pain relief (e.g. aspirin etc for headaches or muscle pain) motion sickness medication - Water bottle - ideal for hikes in the hot sun and around the jungle. - Plastic Ziplock bags (to protect valuables from drizzle, rain, sand)
• Is tap water safe to drink?Drinking tap water isn’t recommend. So, please stick to bottled water (even when brushing your teeth). There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water during the trip.
• What is the weather like in Peru?Peru’s climate varies by region - subtropical desert on the coast (AKA la Costa), rainy and tropical in the Amazon forest (AKA la Selva), and temperate in the Andes (AKA la Sierra), with cold peaks. Summers are wet in the mountains and dry on the coast. Annual temperatures range from 83°F (28°C) in the rainforest to 45°F (7°C) in the highlands. So pack accordingly!
• Will I need vaccinations prior to travelling?Please check the latest travel info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if you're travelling to Peru. We also recommend that you consult your local health clinic or doctor for more details.
• Is there any trip specific information I need to know?Contiki sometimes uses ground handlers or third parties to assist with the full or partial operation of our products. The ground handler for this trip is Encounter Latin America.
• What is the role of the Trip Manager?Your Trip Manager brings the group together with all the info, fun facts and food recommendations you'll ever need. Plus, they’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and address any issues. They’ll be there with you throughout the trip and will be your go-to person if you need anything. They’ll also fill you in on the cultural and historical context of the places you visit with some informal talks when relevant.
• How long is the Inca Trail Hike?If you’ve selected to do the Inca trail one-day hike, you’ll be walking 13 km or 8 miles on foot for about 6-7 hours. This is a moderate hike with the highest elevation being 2,720m / 8,924 ft - so there’s no need to do any prior training as long as you’re relatively fit and active. There’s no road access during the hike, so you’ll have to complete the trek in its entirety once you start. Not sure what to bring? Check out your guest document for all the info.
• What power adapters do I need?Most places use similar plugs to the US and Europe, but it’s a good idea to bring a circular two-prong adapter just in case. No voltage converter is needed for devices like phones and laptops, but you may need one for high-powered devices (e.g., hairdryers).