Private Journeys
Signature Peru and Chile: Machu Picchu and Easter Island
15 days from £5,530pp
(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)
Essentials
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Tour info
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Country info
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What's included
Tour info
Transport
4 flights (3 domestic, one international); 2 scenic road transfers, 2 rail journeys (90 mins each).
Accommodation
On this holiday, location and local character are the most important factors in our choice of accommodation. We use small mid- to upper mid-range properties throughout.
Meals
Breakfast daily; lunch days 4, 5 and 11.
Climate
The rainy season in the Andes runs between November and March when there are showers many afternoons. The dry season is May-Sept, when the sun is strong during the day, but at night the temperature drops dramatically (from freezing to 10°C). April and October are less predictable, with both rainy and sunny spells. Easter Island has a balmy, temperate climate. The most popular season for visits is Sep – Apr.
Trip Suitability
This trip is appropriate for all reasonably fit people including children.
Summary Of Nights
15 days, 14 nights: Lima 2; Sacred Valley 2; Machu Picchu 1; Cusco 2; Santiago 2;. Easter Island 4; Santiago 1.
Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 30 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
Currency
The unit of currency in Peru is the sol; in Chile the Chilean peso.
How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, including Lima, Cusco, Santiago and Hanga Roa (Easter Island),and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency. Dollar bills should be in good condition, ($100 bills should be the new format), soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling or euros, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$40-50 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
Tipping
Tips are welcomed and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
Tipping guidelines can be found in our Briefing Dossier.
Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
Altitude
Your stays in the Sacred Valley (2,800m-3,000m), and Cusco (3,400m), are at high altitude. Most people are only mildly affected and you are advised to drink plenty of water and allow your body to acclimatise. Symptoms vary: most common are mild headaches, slight nausea and breathlessness. If you don’t recover in a day or two speak to our representatives; in very rare instances it is necessary to descend to lower altitudes.
Please refer to our Briefing Dossier for further information.
Clothes And Special Equipment
For day-to-day wear you should go prepared to encounter all seasons. Both warm clothing and a sun hat are essential at altitude; a light fleece jacket and a waterproof/breathable outer shell makes a good combination along with gloves, scarf and woolly hat. Trousers, skirt or shorts made from light, quick-drying synthetic materials are appropriate. If you plan to eat in smart restaurants in the cities, although clothing is not formal (no need for jacket and tie), something quite smart would be appropriate.
Strong, comfortable footwear is essential and you should bring insect repellant, sun block and sun glasses.
Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Health Travel website.
Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
Country info
When is the best time to visit Peru?
The best time to visit the Andes is April to October, the dry season but at this time it is misty and chilly in Lima. The jungle is an all-year destination, as is Arequipa and the Colca Canyon.
What is Peru's official language?
The official language spoken in Peru is Spanish.
What is Peru's official currency?
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol. Notes in local currency or US dollars can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. Numerous money exchange offices exchange US dollar cash (few accept euros or sterling and the rate may be poor).
What is the time difference between Peru and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and Peru is GMT-5 hours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate. If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
What vaccinations are recommended for visiting Peru?
Please check https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
Which other countries combine well with Peru?
The Galapagos Islands combine well with Peru, as there are flights from Lima connecting through Guayaquil, Ecuador.
What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Peru?
Semana Santa (Easter): Many places throughout the country, Mar-Apr variable. Religious processions.
Inti Raymi, Cusco (24 Jun) Theatre and re-enactments of Inca history in the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, the temple fortress overlooking Cusco.
How do I adapt to the altitude in Peru?
Peru's high Andean spine is bookended by the Pacific coast and Amazon Rainforest, with Cuzco at 3,300m. Travel to high altitude can cause mountain sickness and even if you feel fighting fit it’s important to take things easy and stay hydrated (drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine) as you get used to the thin, dry air. You may initially notice a headache, dizziness or breathlessness and this usually improves with acclimatisation. If you are pregnant or taking the contraceptive pill, have a medical condition such as heart or lung condition, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure you should seek the advice of your GP before booking. We also recommend you check your travel insurance covers travel to high altitude. If you’re taking the family, remember small children may be less capable of communicating altitude-related symptoms effectively: keep an eye on them too. Rest assured we will plan your itinerary carefully, taking into account any time spent at altitude. If you have any questions or concerns about altitude please speak to your travel expert.
Further advice on travel to altitude is available on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
When is the best time to visit Chile?
Chile is a year-round destination. The southern hemisphere's seasons are the reverse of Europe’s, with December-February as mid-summer. Spring (October-November) and autumn (March-April) can be pleasant and quieter, while winter (June-August) is coldest. The lake district, Santiago and Valparaiso have warm, sunny summers, while in Patagonia weather is more unpredictable. The Atacama Desert has extremes of heat and cold, while Easter Island has pleasant temperatures all year, warmest October-March, cooler June-September.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
What is the official language of Chile?
The official language of Chile is Spanish.
How do I get local currency in Chile?
The local currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in larger towns and cities using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. There are also many banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) where you can exchange US dollars cash; rates for euros and sterling are harder to find and frequently poor. Non-resident foreign guests at hotels in Chile do not normally pay the 19% VAT on most extras (such as food and drink consumed on the premises) if the bill is settled in US$ (cash or credit card) upon checking out.
What's the time difference between Chile and UK?
The time difference between the UK and Chile is GMT -4 hours. Sometimes daylight saving is observed in the summer, from Sep/Oct to early Mar.
What countries combine well with Chile?
Bolivia, accessing the south of country from San Pedro de Atacama, travelling via salt lakes of the Salar de Uyuni; Argentina, crossing the Andes over one of several scenic passes: from the Atacama Desert in the north to Salta, from Santiago to Mendoza, via the lakes crossing from Puerto Varas to Bariloche in the lake district and from Torres del Paine to El Calafate in Patagonia.
Do I need a visa to visit Chile?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
What vaccinations do I need for Chile?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
What are the festivals, cultural and sport events in Chile?
Tapati festival, Easter Island is normally during the first 2 weeks of February with traditional music, dance and sports.
On New Years Eve Valparaiso has an impressive firework display.
What do I need to know about altitude in Chile?
Whilst a typical holiday in Patagonia presents no challenges with altitude, parts of northern Chile (Lauca National Park and parts of the Atacama Desert) offer a spectacular introduction to the high Andes, with several attractions at over 3,000m. Travel to high altitude can cause mountain sickness and even if you feel fighting fit it’s important to take things easy and stay hydrated (drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine) as you get used to the thin, dry air. You may initially notice a headache, dizziness or breathlessness and this usually improves with acclimatisation. If you are pregnant or taking the contraceptive pill, have a medical condition such as heart or lung condition, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure you should seek the advice of your GP before booking. We also recommend you check your travel insurance covers travel to high altitude. If you’re taking the family, remember small children may be less capable of communicating altitude-related symptoms effectively: keep an eye on them too. Rest assured we will plan your itinerary carefully, taking into account any time spent at altitude. If you have any questions or concerns about altitude please speak to your travel expert.
Further advice on travel to altitude is available on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk.
Inspired by this trip
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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