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The Road of Apu Ausangate and Machu Picchu
Cusco
Peru
Ride from Lodge to Lodge
Fascinating Machu Picchu combined with a unique riding experience in the high Andes with overnights in comfortable mountain lodges
A twelve day itinerary including a 5 day breathtaking horseback ride in the Cordillera Vilcanota, on a route we call the “The Road of Apu Ausangate”, located close to the highest, sacred mountain in the Cusco region. The “Apu” is the bearer of life and the guardian of one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world. Our treks will be accompanied by horses that carry our gear, that are owned by the shepherds of the Chillca community who are proud to share their land and the spirit of this inspiring world with us. On our ride and in our unique “Tambos” or Andean Lodges, daily meals will be prepared by experienced chefs, introducing you to a great variety of delicious Peruvian cuisine and produce. As for entertainment, authentic, vernacular music from members of the communities will accompany some of our nights in the "tambos." Included also is a visit to the world famous Machu Picchu Citadel and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Our partner raises and trains horses at his ranch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas at Lamay. These well cared for horses are no-nonsense, experienced, sure-footed, non-gaited mountain trail horses affording a secure, comfortable ride on steep pathways. Although you do not need to be an expert rider, we recommend previous riding experience or confidence around horses. Our skilled Quechua speaking wranglers give careful attention to each rider as needed and care for our mounts while we lunch or hike through ruins.
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Meeting:
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Lima - drop off Cusco
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Airport:
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Lima / Cusco
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Transfer:
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Lima (flight to Cusco not included)
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations (1 night in Lima, 3 nights in Cusco and 3 nights in mountain lodges/refugios, most meals according to itinerary, 5 riding days.
Ride only option: 4 nights in mountain lodges/refugios.
| A | 2010 | 12 day trip | 12d / 11n | $3495 |
| Single supplement | $484 |
| Small group supplement (3) pp | $295 |
| Small group supplement (2) pp | $789 |
| B | 2010 | 5 day Riding trip only (Cusco-Cusco) | 5d / 4n | $2180 |
| Single supplement | $276 |
| Small group supplement (3) pp | $280 |
| Small group supplement (2) pp | $436 |
Rates Note:
Single travelers: no extra charge if willing to share
Add an extra day at Machu Picchu for $100
Add a 6 day Amazon Manu trip to this trip - leaves every Sunday
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Lima airport included (full trip only). Drop off at Cusco airport. Interior flight not included.
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We will meet you at the airport in Lima and drop you off at the airport in Cusco at the end of the trip.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2010
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05/21
- 06/01
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12d / 11n
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12 day trip
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4
/12
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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05/26
- 05/30
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5d / 4n
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5 day Riding trip only (Cusc...
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4
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/06
- 08/17
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12d / 11n
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12 day trip
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4
/12
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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08/11
- 08/15
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5d / 4n
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5 day Riding trip only (Cusc...
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4
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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09/24
- 10/05
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12d / 11n
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12 day trip
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4
/12
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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09/29
- 10/03
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5d / 4n
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5 day Riding trip only (Cusc...
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4
/12
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Some meals, bottled and alcoholic drinks, flights inside of Peru ( we can arrange this for you on request), airport taxes, gratuities.
Day 1 This will be a travel day from home and most flights from North America and Europe arrive in the early to late evening. We greet you off your flight and take you to a small safe hotel just 12 minutes from the airport or you can ask for the available upgrade to the 4* Ramada Airport Hotel right next to arrivals. (no meals included today)
Day 2 Transfer to the airport and flight to Cusco. We will meet your arrival at the Cusco airport and escort you to our centrally located hotel. Time off and then lunch with your guide. The afternoon is scheduled for a walking introduction to the archaeological and colonial highlights of the old capital of the Inca’s and the nearby important ruins... This 3-4 hour tour takes you to all the important Inca sites in Cusco town and environs. We start with a visit to the most sacred of Inca sites - the Koricancha. Winding out of town we will take in the megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman where our ride leader describes the rituals and ceremonies that would have taken place at the massive walled limestone constructions and sculptured terraces surrounding the immense central plaza the strange temple of Kenko and the water fountains of Tambomachay. We gather for dinner and discussion at our favorite restaurant near our centrally located comfortable lodging in Cusco.
B: L: D.
Day 3 After a substantial breakfast we’ll take the short drive to the traditional village of Lamay near Pisac. Here we’ll meet our Horses and wranglers at our Lamay stables and get to know our horses who will be taking us around “Apu Ausangate” and then we’ll head off up the pleasant Lamay Valley, as peasant farmers using traditional foot ploughs, till the fields. This will be a full day ride through the Andean countryside past the traditional village of Sahua and following the Del Carmen River up past Poques, carrying a gourmet picnic lunch with Chilean wine. We’ll be visiting isolated farming communities with stunning views of the Cordillera Vilcanota and visit deep blue high Andean Lake full of waterfowl such as Giant Coots and Andean Geese. As we drop back into the Lamay valley our horses will pick up speed as they know they are heading home and we’ll arrive at our stables in Lamay in the late afternoon The scenery is unsurpassed, as are our string of horses which are well trained, well groomed and well looked after. Our van will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. We provide a gourmet picnic lunch with plenty of liquids, Dinner with your guide.
B: L:D
Day 4 Leaving Cusco in the rear view mirror, we travel by van over a low pass then down into the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. The scenery is unsurpassed close and distant snow peaks glistening in the sun. The Sacred Valley is the location of the major Inca temple/fortress of Ollantaytambo. Probably built by the great Inca ruler, Pachacuti in the 1460s, it was the site of Hernando Pizzaro’s defeat by Manco Inca in 1536. Constructed of finely cut polygonal stones and rhyolite blocks, the fortress and nearby town represent the best of Inca architecture and construction. Large worked blocks, some weighing as much as 100 tons were quarried from a site more than a thousand vertical feet above the valley floor using a technique of pecking with hammer stones, then skidded down and across the Urubamba river several kilometers to the temple site. Inclined ramps were built to raise the blocks several hundred feet up hill to the construction area. We have ample time to examine the complex and ponder its many mysteries. We will also undertake a hiking tour of the extensive Inca hill top complex of Pisac. We spend the night at our selected country hotel Dinner and good conversation follows...we slip off to our rooms to ponder the mystery of the last Incas and the upcoming ride, before drifting into undisturbed slumber.
B:L:D
Day 5 We board the morning narrow gauge Orient Express train heading down valley. An interesting hour or so of click, clack and sway with all of the accompanying sounds and smells of rural Peru takes us to our final destination, Machu Picchu and the bustling backpacker town of Aguas Calientes, located some 2,000 ft. below Hiram Bingham’s great 1910 discovery. MACHU PICCHU is one of the most magical and mysterious places on Earth! Situated on the spine of a jungle cloaked granite peak towering some 2,000 ft. above an entrenched meander of the roaring river below, the site is frequently shrouded in misty clouds pierced by the powerful equatorial sun, the INCA GOD INTI. Constructed from precisely sculptured granite blocks carefully joined with the projecting exposed stone of the surrounding mountain, the site may well be the finest architectural achievement of the new world. The day is yours to explore and photograph. We’ll meet later at the Intihuatana stone. Our guide concludes the story of the raise and fall of the ancient civilizations of the Andes with the tragic end of the Inca and the unresolved mystery that this "lost city" remains. We bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Boarding the Cusco bound afternoon train we arrive back in the Capital of the Inca and comfortable rooms at our selected hotel, near the central plaza. Our ride guide will help us prepare for to-morrows adventure. B: L: D
Day 6 Cusco - Chillca. Start of the riding portion of this trip.
Leisurely departure from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe (1 hour and a half, 100 km) and we are reunited with our horses and Quechua Wranglers. After a visit to the colonial temple of the Immaculate Conception, we start the ride, ascending the Pitumarca valley, along the spectacular Japura gorge that leads to Chillca, where we will be greeted by the community. From here it is a short and easy ride to the first “Tambo” (45 minutes). Once at the lodge there will be time to relax and enjoy the music provided by the locals of Chillca. Additional horseback riding is available to explore the area. Riding time 2 to 4 hours.
B: L: D
Day 7 Chillca - Machuracay. Our ride today begins at 08.30 in the wide valley of Upis where impressive glaciated mountains loom above the valley offering majestic views. The trail narrows as we make our way towards the waterfalls descending from the Santa Catalina mountain. This path is mostly used by the wandering llamas of the area and once we reach the small Paloma lagoon the countryside will be dotted with these animals, and also a large number of alpacas. After riding along a second lagoon and crossing a long series of moraines, we will reach the Machuracay Tambo, located right at the bottom of the Apu Ausangate. Riding time 5 hours
B: L: D
Day 8 Machurcay -Anantapata. After a demanding ascent of the Palomani pass at an elevation of 5,200 m. / 17,000 ft., we will descend to Ausangatecocha. Tremendous views of the glaciated south face of the “apu” will inspire us as we continue towards the red sandstone formations of the “Nevado del Inca”. Overnight stay in the Anantapata Tambo. Riding time 5 hours
B: L: D
Day 9 Anantapata - Huampococha.- A spectacular part of the trail finds us riding in the middle of mountains with red, ochre, and blue strata. This section offers a glimpse of marvelous geological wonder and natural beauty. Also, be on the lookout for groups of gracious vicuñas, as they are frequently spotted in this isolated area. We will sleep that night in the Huampococha Tambo, in the heart of large rock formations near a lagoon where “huallatas” (Andean Geese) make their nests. Riding time 5 hours
B: L: D
Day 10 Huampococha – Cusco - After a last climb over the Anta pass, we will gradually make our descent. In this section the first crops and houses come into view. The landscape changes quickly as the red sandstone formations are followed by the carsten erosion of limestone, forming a one of a kind stone forest, and a perfect habitat for “vizcacha” (members of the chinchilla family). Spectacular descent on the Pitumarca valley to Huito By the time we get down the valley, our bus will be waiting for the return trip to Cusco and our centrally located hotel. Riding time 5 hours.
(.... end of the riding part of this trip)
B: L: D
Day 11 This is the day to rest, shop and wander around Cusco. The city abounds with small shops and street side vendors selling their wares. Colorful weavings and hand made alpaca sweaters are popular gifts for friends at home. Most migrate to the Cross Keys, Cusco's only authentic English Pub, for drinks and lively conversation with the resident congregation of guides, expatriates, adventurers, treasure hunters and smugglers from far corners of the universe.
B.D
Day 12 Morning to enjoy Cusco and we take you to the airport for connecting flights home.
B
Key: B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner
***Itinerary subject to changes
**** Note: In Cusco and Lima we use comfortable 3 star inns and hotels but if you want to upgrade to 4 or 5 star hotels – let us know and we arrange for an upgrade!
Meeting:
Lima - drop off Cusco
Airport:
Lima / Cusco
Transfer:
Lima (flight to Cusco not included)
We will meet you at the airport in Lima and drop you off at the airport in Cusco at the end of the trip.
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Tack:
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South American
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Horses:
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Criollos, Paso and Barb mix
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Pace:
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Slow with some trots and canters where the terrain allows. Some steep riding country.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Goo Novice+
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Age:
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Min
15
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Weight:
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Max
200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Our partner raises and trains
horses at his ranch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas at Lamay. These
well cared for horses are no-nonsense, experienced, sure-footed,
non-gaited mountain trail horses affording a secure, comfortable ride
on steep pathways. Although you do not need to be an expert rider, we
recommend previous riding experience or confidence around horses. Our
skilled Quechua speaking wranglers give careful attention to each rider
as needed and care for our mounts while we lunch or hike through ruins.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, travelling as tourists for stays of up to 90 days, except: 1. nati. more
In the dry season it is warm in the day but cold at
night. When it rains the temperature drops, but it warms up immediately
afterwards, and rain is very infrequent in the dry season. During the
rainy season is almost exactly the same except that it is significantly
warmer at night and rains rather more often.
You should bring a
variety of light, natural fibre clothing (short and long-sleeved tops,
thin jumpers, raincoats, that can be layered to cope with the different
environments you will experience on the trip.
You should bring whatever riding
equipment you feel comfortable riding in, particularly your own riding
hat or helmet and footwear, breeches, half/full chaps, etc.
Also, light, natural fiber clothing that can be layered. Very strong
sunblock (factor 50 or above – we have burnt right through factor 30 up
here and ended up with second-degree burns) and mosquito repellent.
We also recommend a torch, as the power is provided by generators which
are turned off between 11pm and 6am, and a bathing suit in order to
take advantage of the Jacuzzi at the lodge and the swimming pool at the
Huacachina Oasis. Binoculars, a camera and sunglasses are also
recommended, as are any medications currently being taken by the guest.
Most personal hygiene products can be bought in Lima, but if you are
going to be arriving late or have particular preferences you should
bring your own, just in case. Basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner,
shower gel) are provided at the lodge for guests and you should feel
free to take these away with you when you leave.
Layers are
HTML clipboard
definitely best. Most of our guests dress “mountain
smart/dressy” for nights, but casual is totally fine (some of our
guests dine in hiking pants, fleece and flip-flops/crocs or sneakers.)
There are opportunities to shop in the local markets or high-end/luxury stores for alpaca sweaters which are very popular.
If you have a cell phone that has international roaming, it should work
fine in Peru. If not, when you arrive to the Lima or Cusco airport you
will be able to rent cell phones for a short period. Usually this
service is found around the baggage claim area.
| … this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel Documents and Voucher |
| Personal Travel Insurance |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs |
| Riding boots + Mini-chaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight rain jacket |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Casual pants |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Light summer jacket |
| Casual footwear (hiking boots!) |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra film |
| Flashlight |
| Binoculars |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| High Factor Sun block and lip balm |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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with the tour ID you provided.
|
..view other reports for different trips
Our partner raises and trains
horses at his ranch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas at Lamay. These
well cared for horses are no-nonsense, experienced, sure-footed,
non-gaited mountain trail horses affording a secure, comfortable ride
on steep pathways. Although you do not need to be an expert rider, we
recommend previous riding experience or confidence around horses. Our
skilled Quechua speaking wranglers give careful attention to each rider
as needed and care for our mounts while we lunch or hike through ruins.
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Tack:
|
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South American
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Criollos, Paso and Barb mix
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Slow with some trots and canters where the terrain allows. Some steep riding country.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2
to
3
out of 5) Goo Novice+
|
|
Age:
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Min
15
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Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs
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|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
|
|
Our partner raises and trains
horses at his ranch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas at Lamay. These
well cared for horses are no-nonsense, experienced, sure-footed,
non-gaited mountain trail horses affording a secure, comfortable ride
on steep pathways. Although you do not need to be an expert rider, we
recommend previous riding experience or confidence around horses. Our
skilled Quechua speaking wranglers give careful attention to each rider
as needed and care for our mounts while we lunch or hike through ruins.
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, travelling as tourists for stays of up to 90 days, except:
1. nationals of Latvia and Romania who do require a visa.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
2. A business visa is required for all nationals if the purpose of the visit is business. Any business-related unpaid work can be made on a tourist visa. Upon arrival in Peru, the business visa holder must register at the Dirección General de Contribuciones for taxation purposes. Business visa holders can remain in Peru for 90 days. If wishing to extend the visit, an application must be lodged with the Dirección General de Migraciones.
Nationals applying for a tourist visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,000 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application. Nationals applying for a business visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,200 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application.
All nationals are advised to check with the Peruvian Consulate prior to departure to obtain current details of any documentation which might be required. Postal visa applications are not accepted unless submitted through a travel agency.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist and Business: £19.20. Costs are subject to change according to exchange rates.
Validity
Up to 90 days.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses for details.
Working Days Required
At least 24 hours; longer if authorisation from the immigration office in Lima is required.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/2 |
| USA |
No/2 |
| Other EU |
No/1/2 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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The Road of Apu Ausangate and Machu Picchu
Tour Code:
IT-PERT07
12 days /
11 nights
~$3,495.00
Dates :
May to Sept
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
South American
Horses:
Criollos, Paso and Barb mix
Pace:
Slow with some trots and canters where...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Lima / Cusco
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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