Purchasing Airfare

 

Please do not purchase airfare until the trip minimum has been met. If you do, it is at your own risk.

 

We are prepared to coordinate obtaining a group discount for those who wish to fly together from Los Angeles LAX airport. Please let us know asap if you would like to participate. We work with a South America expert travel agent who has helped us in the past. She will be monitoring fare fluctuations and will advise us regarding timing.

 

Documents

The Application Form, the Agreement and Release Form, and a scan (not a photocopy) of your passport are due with your deposit. The Traveler Information Form and your airline flight information are due as soon as possible after purchasing your airfare.  DOWNLOAD FORMS

 

A valid passport is required for entry into Peru. A ninety day visa is automatically given to US citizens upon entry. You should also carry a second form of photo ID, such as your driver's license, and have a photocopy of the personal data page of your passport. If you lose your passport, this is the easiest way to prove your identity. We suggest keeping a photocopy of your passport tucked in each piece of luggage.

 

Please check your passport expiration date right now and apply for renewal immediately if it expires before or within six months of your travel. Before you send in the renewal application with your current passport, SCAN it (don't just copy it) and save that digital file! Some international airlines will not permit boarding with a passport that expires within six months of travel.

 

If you are traveling with a passport from a country other than the US, please call the Peruvian Consulate nearest to you and find out if there are any visa requirements. The Los Angeles telephone number is 213 252 5910. You can also check the requirements for each country by logging on to Peru Embassy

 

Responsibity for Health and Safety

 

You are responsible for your own health and safety at all times while on the excursion. In the event of any medical or health problem, Shaman's Journey will do their best to help you obtain qualified medical care. Shaman's Journey is not responsible for any costs incurred, and does not cover the cost of any medical care or treatment. You are responsible for your own medical care and insurance.

 

Travel Insurance

Sometimes, weather, illness, lost baggage or travel-related issues force travelers to cancel plans or drop out of a tour. Travel insurance reimburses you for these and other kinds of loss. We strongly recommend that each traveler purchase travel insurance covering medical expenses, emergency assistance, baggage claim and trip cancellation or delay. There are many types available online, such as Travelex or Travel Guard which can be found online at www.travelex.com or www.travelguard.com . If you book your flights with an agent, they may offer you a dicsount on travel insurance.

 

Check with your existing health plan to make sure they cover your medical care in foreign countries. If not, you can add this to your travel insurance coverage. You may also want to check with your credit card company, which may already include some sort of luggage or trip cancellation insurance.

 

Budgeting for your Trip

 

Airfare: Your largest expense other than the land cost will be your airfare. You are responsible for making your reservations and paying your airfare. We recommend LAN airlines for first time travelers to Peru. If you budget $1400 for airfare you should be covered. Airfares tend to fluctuate in relationship to time and other factors that may not be apparent. Please do not purchase airfare until the trip minimum has been met. If you do, it is at your own risk.

 

Meals: You are responsible for paying for meals other than the daily continental breakfasts served at hotels. We will likely be eating lunches and dinners at local restaurants. Prices are generally lower than US. You could save by shopping at local markets, however note the precautions about Water and Food below. On a couple days at the more remote sites, we could buy food and make a picnic lunch. We suggest you budget $275 for meals.

 

Gratuities: We recommend that the group convene at the end of the journey to collect a tip for the guides and driver, which is customary for good service. A typical tip for guides is $5-10 per day per person. We suggest you budget $100 for gratuities, which would include $1 per day for your hotel maid.

 

Travel Insurance: Prices vary depending on type of coverages, your age, etc. We suggest you budget $150 to $200.

 

Souvenirs and Craft Purchases: This is completely up to each traveler. There are many beautiful weavings and handcrafts everywhere in Peru and you will certainly be tempted to bring some home.

 

Private Healing Sessions: Another item to consider would be the cost of a private healing session with one of the Q'ero shamans. If you choose to have receive one, the cost is usually $50 U.S. dollars, and well worth the energetic healing you will receive.

 

Money

 

Money in Peru is in Nuevo Soles. The symbol is S/. The current exchange rate is 3.16S/. per dollar. We'll visit a currency exchange in Cuzco with a good rate so you'll have some spending money when you arrive. We don’t recommend carrying large amounts of cash around.

 

Most ATM cards work at cash machines in the Sacred Valley and Cusco, and it’s a handy way to manage cash. The exchange rate for cash at ATM’s is usually a little better than the exchange rate for traveler's checks. To be on the safe side, check with your bank to see if they have ATM affiliates in Cusco, and be sure to let them know you will be traveling in Peru, so they don’t put a lock on your account when the first transaction comes through.

 

The next safest way to get cash is at one of the many “Cambio” offices that are in most towns. (Cambio means change in Spanish). Avoid street moneychangers. Visa credit cards are generally accepted in Peru. Note: “damaged” US dollars (imperfect) are not accepted in Peru. Do not bring dollars in 1,5, or 10 denominations. Bring only new or "perfect" bills if you bring paper dollars at all.

 

Handling money in a third world country is not quite the same as in the US. Use precautions as you would traveling anywhere. It's acceptable in Peru to haggle over prices, especially with street sellers who generally inflate their prices for tourists. Street vendors may not have change and expect you to pay in exact currency, so carry a variety. 

 

Cell Phone and Internet

 

If you bring and use your cell phone in Peru, you might get hit with enormous ‘roaming charges’ unless you set up an international fixed price plan before you travel. Also be sure to turn off "data roaming" while you are there. Most hotels and restaurants have Wi-Fi in the lobby so you can connect to the internet. Consider unplugging from the digital world during your travel in Peru.

 

What To Bring – What to Pack