Lofty, Andean Peru, one of South America’s most diverse countries. All travelers know about famous Machu Picchu, and of course we will take you there, along with the Incan sights of the Sacred Valley and Cuzco. But Peru offers much more and Imprint will take you to an ecolodge in the Amazon basin. Peruvians love to eat, and in this country, so will you. For those wishing to extend, we’ll fly over the enigmatic petroglyphs of the Nazca Plains.
Visa Requirements: U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Peru.
Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?
A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a 'Manage Booking' page where you can view and edit all your trip details. Also included is your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance through Travelex. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.
Q: Is my deposit refundable?
A: Your deposit is refundable for 30 days, after which it is non-refundable for any reason.
Q: Are flights included?
A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included.
Q: What airport do I use to join the tour?
A: The tour starts in Lima (LIM) on Oct 2 (late afternoon).
Q: Should I arrive early for the tour?
A: When you arrive is entirely up to you. Most Imprint travelers arrive 1 day early.
Q: What airport do I use to depart the tour?
A: The tour ends in Cuzco (CUZ) on Oct 12, after breakfast.
Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?
A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.
Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?
A: No, airport transfers to join or depart the tour are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter.
Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?
A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.
Q: When should I book my flight?
A: Avoid booking flights before Feb 2, 2025 unless you confirm the tour status.
Q: Do I need to check the tour status after Feb 2?
A: No, if you have not received a cancellation notice from Imprint by Feb 2, you may assume the tour is a go.
Q: What time will the tour start on Oct 2?
A: 17:00 (5:00PM)
Q: What time does the Nazca Lines extension start on Sept 30?
A: 17:00 (5:00PM)
Q: What time will the tour end on Oct 12?
A: After breakfast
Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?
A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.
Q: How do I take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD)
A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must register for the EPD price and pay in full by the designated date. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.
Q: If I’ve chosen to take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD), and subsequently cancel, what penalties will I incur?
A: If you’ve opted for the EPD and paid in full, but then cancel, your deposit plus $400 of the EPD price is non-refundable. If no deposit has been paid, $1000 of the EPD price is non-refundable.
Q: If I have registered for the EPD price, but then need to switch to 'full price' and pay my balance later, can Imprint accommodate me?
A: Yes, we can switch packages for you. Simply send us an email - info@imprinttours.com
Q: Can I pay with a Credit Card?
A: Yes, you can opt to pay via Credit Card. However, you must pay the Credit Card fees, which are non-refundable in the case of cancellation.
Q: Can I avoid the Credit Card fees?
A: Yes, you can pay via ACH transfer without fees.
Q: Can I choose to delay final payment until June 2, 2025?
A: Yes, you must register for a Full Price package, then pay your balance due by June 2. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior.
Q: Is there any penalty for cancellation of a non-EPD registration?
A: No, there is no penalty for cancellation until June 2. However, your deposit is forfeit if the 30 days has elapsed (see above).
Q: What if I have to cancel after June 2?
A: After June 2, 2025 all payments are final and non-refundable for any reason.
Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?
A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.
Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- and post-tour hotel bookings, how do I book non-tour hotel nights?
A: For pre-tour nights, book the Hotel Antiqua Miraflores. For post-tour nights, we will be using Hotel [ ] in Cuzco. Bookings are under Intrepid DMC Peru and Imprint Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.
Q: If I want to book pre-tour nights in Hotel Miraflores can Imprint assist in making sure I stay in the same room when the tour begins?
A: No, Imprint is unable to assist with this. You must deal directly with the hotel to make any special arrangements.
Q: What if the first and/or last tour hotels are fully booked for the pre- and/or post-tour nights I am interested in?
A: You must make your own alternative arrangements. We suggest using your favorite hotel booking engine to choose an accommodation with the location, price, and standard of your choice.
Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?
A: On the Peru Tour itinerary page on the Imprint website or the Itinerary listing on this We Travel registration portal.
Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?
A:
Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.
If your passport will expire between now and 6 months beyond your intended departure from Peru, it is your sole responsibility to update your registration information in We Travel. You can use the link in your confirmation email to return to your account to make edits. Imprint Tours is not responsible for reminding you to update your information nor for any problems with booking delays, mistakes, or omissions due to incorrect passport data.
Add reid@imprinttours.com to your email address book.
Download & activate Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.
Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal and/or Credit Card fees.
Q: What health precautions should I take?
A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for Peru. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns.
This tour involves moderate to demanding physical activity, including walking tours, climbing steps, and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.
Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?
A: Be flexible, independent, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.
Q: Why is travel insurance important?
A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness. We recommend Travelex.
In case you haven’t read our Terms and Conditions carefully, we would like to repeat the
importance of purchasing trip insurance. We have partnered with Travelex, a leader in the travel insurance industry. We have chosen Travelex for their very high rating, their record and
reliability of processing claims, and their excellent customer service. Travelex is proud to offer
you a variety of travel protection plans to fit your travel needs. We understand your plans can
change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it’s important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment.
Travel protection plans help provide coverage for:
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
- Travel Delay
- Baggage & Personal Effects
- Baggage Delay and more
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICES*: With a Travelex Travel Protection Plan, emergency assistance and travel services are just a phone call away from virtually anywhere in the world.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, CLICK HERE or contact Travelex
Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0252.
Please Note:
Travelex Insurance Services plans are only available to U.S. Residents. To be eligible for a
waiver of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the Ultimate protection plan must be
purchased within 21 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit. However, plans can
be purchased any time up until the day prior to departure.
*Travel Assistance Services are provided by the designated provider as listed in the policy. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Certain coverages not available in all states.
Day 1 Lima
Meet/Dinner/Magic Waters fountain show
Welcome to Lima, the “City of Kings”. We kickoff our Peruvian adventure this afternoon when we gather in our hotel for our usual get-acquainted meeting. We’ll have our first Peruvian dinner together before visiting the spectacular Magic Water circuit in historic Reserve Park. We’ll see the impressive fountains, including the Tunnel of Surprises, the Labyrinth of Dreams, the Fountain of Life, the Fountain of Illusion, the Magical Fountain, and the Fountain of Fantasy.
Day 2 Amazon
Canopy Tower
After breakfast in Lima, we board our flight to Puerto Maldonado (flight included), gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. We’ll continue by bus and motorized canoe to our rain forest lodge. An afternoon walk brings us to a 42m observation tower for far-reaching views and bird spotting. Upon our return, we settle in for dinner to discuss the day’s events and wildlife encounters.
Day 3 Amazon
Oxbow Lake; Jungle Walk
Wake at dawn to the sounds of birds and the spectacular howler monkey. After breakfast, we’ll travel by boat to Oxbow Lake for an aquatic wildlife safari. Past tours have seen many birds, including colorful macaws and parrots; giant river otters; caiman; and fished for piranha. In the afternoon, we’ll venture out on a jungle walk, keeping an eye out for wildlife while learning from a local guide about the many resources the Amazon provides.
Day 4 Amazon
Clay Lick; Nocturnal Walk
This morning’s activity is a short hike to visit the clay lick. From a nearby camouflaged observation spot, we hope to see dozens of parrots and macaws descend to ingest the clay on the river bank. In the evening, we’ll take a nocturnal jungle walk to learn about how wildlife operates at night.
Day 5 Sacred Valley
Today is primarily a travel day. After breakfast our motorized canoes speed us back to Puerto Maldonado. An afternoon flight delivers us to Cuzco (flight included) in the heart of the Andes Mountains. From there we will take a scenic bus ride to the Sacred Valley, treasured for its climate, fertile land, and the Urubamba (Sacred) River, where we will settle in for our Andean experiences. Our Sacred Valley accommodation is above 9,000 feet, so we will have a relaxed, free evening to acclimatize.
Day 6 Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo; Village lunch
After breakfast we will visit the ancient Incan site of Ollantaytambo. Then we’ll visit a nearby indigenous community for our cultural connection experience. We’ll learn about the local lifestyle, traditional farming techniques, textile making, and share a home-made lunch with our hosts.
Day 7 Aquas Calientes
Machu Picchu
This morning we'll take a train to Aguas Calientes, taking in gorgeous Andean scenery along the way. In the afternoon we’ll have our guided visit to Machu Picchu, the impressive Lost City of the Incas. Our guide will share with us the most important sights and theories surrounding one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We’ll finish the day with time for photography before returning to our hotel.
Day 8 Aquas Calientes
Machu Picchu
Today we make a morning visit to Machu Picchu again to explore on your own. Photograph the site in morning light, pet a llama, or climb one of the two accessible peaks (Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu - advance permits required) for spectacular views. Even if you choose to forgo the more strenuous hikes, you can visit the Sun Gate or The Inca Bridge. Your afternoon and evening are free.
Day 9 Cuzco
Chocolate Museum
After two days admiring the amazing Machu Picchu, it’s time to move on to Cuzco, a fascinating combination of Incan and Spanish cultures. This colonial gem, surrounded by the high Andes, is always a tour highlight and a grand place to wrap up our tour. Our guide will give us an orientation to the city before we visit the Chocolate Museum.
Day 10 Cuzco
Sacsayhuamán; Q’enqo
This morning we will start by visiting the huge Inca ceremonial center of Sacsayhuamán. This archeological site is shaped like a puma head and is indeed awe inspiring. Later, we’ll visit another important Inca site known as Q’enqo, a place of subterranean passages and carved stone channels. Its inner sanctuary contains a carved stone table where it is said the Incas mummified their dead. Tonight we’ll gather for a final Happy Hour, sharing tales of our adventure together.
Day 11 Tour Over
Tour over after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.
[Itinerary details & hotels subject to change]
Day 1 Lima
We’ll gather in our Lima hotel for a Happy Hour and extension briefing.
Day 2 Paracas
Nazca Lines flight
After breakfast we’ll depart Lima in a private bus for the town of Paracas where we will check-in to our hotel. From there we will drive to nearby Pisco airport to fly over the Nazca Lines (flight included). Buckle up and get ready to be amazed by the magnificent symmetry and scale of the ancient designs made by the Nazca people. The questions surrounding the Nazca Lines enigma continue to go unanswered. Some suggest they are an ancient solar calendar, others that the Lines act as ritual pathways for religious processions, and still others believe it was just a way of asking the gods for water. It will be up to us to decide for ourselves. Once on the ground again we’ll settle into our hotel and have dinner together.
Day 3 Paracas/Ballestas Islands/Lima
Ballestas Islands excursion
In the morning we will walk to Paracas harbor where we board a boat bound for the Ballestas Islands. As we motor to the islands we’ll see the famous figure known as The Candelabra, an enigmatic ancient design etched on a coastal hillside. We’ll learn the most popular theories about its origins and take a few photos. An amazing variety of marine life inhabits the Ballestas, including 200+ types of migratory birds. The Islands also shelter the shy Humboldt penguin and plenty of sea lions. Once back to the harbor, we board our bus and head back to Lima in time to kick off the regular tour.
[Extension itinerary details and hotels are subject to change.]
What’s Included:
10 night’s accommodation; All breakfasts, 7 dinners, 3 lunches; All tour transport (bus, van, plane, boat); All tips (guide, tour director, local guides, drivers, boat captains, group meals, hotel staffs); Full-time services of a Peruvian tour manager and Imprint escort, local guides; All entrances: Machu Picchu (2), Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Ollantaytambo; All activities: Magic Waters, Canopy Tower, Oxbow Lake, night walking safari, clay lick, community visit, beer tasting, and more.
Nazca Extension: 2 nights accommodation; 2 breakfast, 1 dinner; 2 lunch; bus transport from/to Lima; All tips; Full-time services of Peruvian tour manager and Imprint escort, local guide (Ballestas); overflight Nazca Lines, Ballestas Islands excursion.
Important Exceptions:
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, expenditures of a personal nature, and flight baggage overage fees.
