Peruvian Highlands experience 12d/11n

Recommended Packing List: Peruvian Highlands & Salkantay Trek (12 Days)

This expedition spans Peru?s most extreme geographical contrasts from the Pacific coast in Lima and the Ica desert to the 4,600m Salkantay Pass and the 5,200m Rainbow Mountain. You will experience radical microclimate shifts, transitioning from scorching desert sun to sub-zero Andean dawns. Success on this route relies on a strategic ?layering system? and lightweight technical gear, essential for managing both the physical demands of high summits and strict railway luggage weight limits.

Mandatory Documentation

• Original Passport: Mandatory for entering Machu Picchu, boarding trains, and hotel check-ins. Photocopies are not accepted.
• Travel Insurance: Must include coverage for high-altitude trekking activities (above 4,500 m.a.s.l.).
• Cash in Soles (PEN): Essential for public restrooms on the road, local markets, and where cards are not accepted.

Technical Clothing (Layering System)

• Extreme Cold Layer: Down or high-density thermal jacket, gloves, and a wool hat (vital for camping nights on Salkantay and the early morning at Rainbow Mountain).
• Waterproof Layer: Technical rain jacket or poncho (weather at Salkantay Pass and Machu Picchu is highly unpredictable).
• Breathable Clothing: Quick-dry t-shirts (avoid cotton during the 6 to 9-hour hiking days).
• Trekking Boots: With good grip (Vibram sole or similar) and already ?broken in? to avoid blisters during the 30 km treks on days 7 and 8.
• Swimwear: Necessary for the Huacachina Oasis and the hot springs in Qollpapampa or Aguas Calientes.

Health and Protection

• Altitude Medication: ?Sorojchi? pills or similar (consult with your doctor before the trip).
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), UV-filter sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against solar radiation reflected off the glaciers.
• Insect Repellent: Specifically for the Lucmabamba, Santa Teresa, and Machu Picchu tropical areas.
• Reusable Water Bottle: For constant hydration (key to preventing altitude sickness during the Salkantay ascent).

Logistics and Technology

• Power Bank: Extreme cold at Salkantay Pass and Rainbow Mountain drains phone batteries rapidly. There are no power outlets at the campsites.
• Headlamp: Essential for moving around the campsites at night and for the early morning departures to the viewpoints.
• Train Luggage Restriction: Only one carry-on bag is allowed (max. 5-8 kg / 11-17 lbs) on the train to Aguas Calientes. Main luggage must be stored at your hotel in Cusco.

Booking Information: Peruvian Highlands 12D

How to Confirm Your Reservation?

Booking your 12-day expedition through the Peruvian Highlands, including the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu, is quick, easy, and completely secure. To proceed with your reservation, we kindly ask you to provide the information listed below. Please ensure that all details are entered exactly as they appear on your passport, as this information is required by Peruvian authorities to issue official entrance tickets, train reservations, and domestic logistics.

Passenger Information

• Full Name:
• Passport Number:
• Nationality:
• Copy of Passport (Photo or Scan):
• Date of Birth:

Travel Details In order to organize logistics efficiently and ensure smooth transfers across Lima, Ica, and Cusco, we kindly request your arrival and accommodation details.

• Arrival Flight Details to Lima (Date/Time/Flight Number):
• Hotel in Lima (If not booked through us):
• Hotel in Cusco (Before and after the Salkantay Trek):
• Departure Flight Details:

This information allows us to coordinate your private transfers, luggage storage during the trek, and pick-up schedules accurately.

Food Requirements

Your comfort and well-being are very important to us, especially during the 4-day Salkantay Trek where our professional chef will prepare all meals. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or specific allergies), please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements for the mountain menus and city dinners.

Secure Payment

Our payment system is safe, encrypted, and easy to use. To complete your reservation and secure your spots for the Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu, please access the secure payment link below:
[PAYMENT LINK]
Once your payment is successfully confirmed, we will immediately proceed to secure all essential services, including Machu Picchu entrance tickets, Salkantay Trek permits, train tickets, and coastal tours. Important: Machu Picchu entrance tickets and Salkantay Trek availability are limited. We strongly recommend completing your payment as soon as possible to guarantee your departure date.

Booking Confirmation

After your reservation is fully confirmed, you will receive a final confirmation email with your 12-day itinerary, detailed schedules, and the recommended packing list. Our team is always available to assist you at any stage of your journey.

Student Rates OBTAINING A STUDENT DISCOUNT FOR YOUR MACHU PICCHU TRIP

The Peruvian government provides reduced entry fees for students. To qualify for this discount on your tour price, the following strict requirements must be met:

• Age Limit: You must be younger than 25 at the time of your visit. This policy applies strictly to undergraduate degree students.
• Card Material and Format: Your university ID must be a physical plastic card with all details officially printed. Paper cards, digital IDs, or cards with stickers are not accepted.
• Required Details: The ID must display the university name, your name, a clear photo, and an expiration date valid for the year of travel (e.g., valid through 2026).
• ISIC Limitations: The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is NOT accepted by Peruvian authorities for Machu Picchu discounts. Only official university-issued IDs are valid.

You are required to present your original qualifying student ID at the Machu Picchu checkpoints. Failure to meet these standards will result in having to pay the full adult price at the gate.