Important Information

As of July 1, 2018, Peruvian authorities have enacted new regulations surrounding all Machu Picchu visits. This will affect all Out Adventures in the following capacity:

• Entry tickets are valid for one entry only, meaning you cannot leave the site and re-enter.
• After entry, our group will be directed to one of four “circuits” around the site. We will not have the ability to backpedal, switch circuits or explore Machu Picchu after completing the circuit. We must immediately leave the site after completing the circuit.
• We will have a set time slot for our tour, and this slot will be chosen in advance by our operations team.
• For safety reasons, our Machu Picchu entrance tickets do not include the fee to climb/hike to the top of Huayna Picchu (the mountain in the background of Machu Picchu photos). You will, however, have access to the entire site along with a 2-hour guided tour. You will be required to temporarily sign off your OUT Adventures trip if you choose to do this activity, and we strongly advise against it due to serious safety concerns.

Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation may be felt while travelling to high altitudes. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. It is important that you drink plenty of water, and don’t attempt too much in a day. Please consult a physician before the trip to determine if you should consider medication to prevent/treat symptoms, especially if you have a chronic medical condition.

VISAS: A visa is not typically required for American, Australian, British and Canadian citizens travelling to Peru for fewer than 90 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.

CULTURE SHOCK: Peru is a developing country with infrastructure, values, customs and standards that may differ from what you’re accustomed to. Expect poor road conditions, along with unanticipated inconveniences such as restaurants and tourist sites being closed from time-to-time. Please note our transportation may be altered, and/or our itinerary changed, due to such circumstances beyond our control.

LOCAL LGBTQ+ SCENE: Many people frequently mistake the Inca national flag for a rainbow Pride flag…if only that were the case. Peru is predominantly Catholic, quite conservative, and hasn’t progressed far in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. That said, Lima does have a large LGBTQ+ community, some popular gay bars, and a friendly restaurant and art scene.

WEATHER: Expect the weather in Lima to be fairly consistent, with daytime highs around 18C/65F, and evening lows around 15C/58F. In the Amazon, it can get quite hot and sticky, but it can also cool down with the occasional cold front. Daytime highs at our lodge can reach 32C/90F with high humidity and evening temperatures around 23C/75F. April through October are the coolest and driest months in the Andes Mountains (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail), where the average daily high is around 20C/68F, with evening lows around 4C/40F.

VACCINATIONS: Based on the entry requirements, there are no other immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

ELECTRICITY: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type A/B/C sockets. Visit http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/peru/ for more information.

CONNECTIVITY: All of our hotels will have Wi-Fi access. The Zafiro has Wi-Fi available on the observation deck, although the signal will not be constant or at the speeds you are accustomed to at home. If you require connectivity, we recommend purchasing an international data plan or local SIM card (with an unlocked device). Even with a SIM card or roaming plan, coverage may be weak.

IMPORTANT MACHU PICCHU INFO: For safety reasons, our Machu Picchu entrance tickets do not include the fee to climb/hike to the top of Huayna Picchu (the mountain in the background of Machu Picchu photos). You will, however, have access to the entire site along with a 2-hour guided tour. You will be required to temporarily sign off your OUT Adventures trip if you choose to do this activity, and we strongly advise against it due to serious safety concerns.

We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, and it is our belief that each traveller has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from illness. Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, nor to isolate in the event of respiratory illness. Our Hosts and/or Group Leaders may ask those with respiratory or cold symptoms to wear a mask in confined areas. Local laws may be more strict and will always supersede our policies.

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded folks. Whether we’re sitting around a campfire or indulging in five-star decadence, our goal is to make the experience magical. We also support the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations whenever possible, and seeking out authentic local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Domestic airfare is included on this tour.

For everyone’s peace of mind, travel insurance is mandatory for all Out Adventures tours. This insurance must include medical coverage and emergency repatriation/evacuation. For more details on our requirements and guidance on obtaining coverage, please click here. In addition to meeting our minimum requirements, we strongly recommend insuring the total cost of your trip with cancellation coverage and selecting a policy that covers all activities included in this tour.

All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a tip of US $5-10 per person, per day…they’ll certainly appreciate it!

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.

Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, 1 box lunch & 9 dinners are included.

Manto Hotel
C. Los Libertadores 490, Lima 
Phone +51 1 6300000

Standard check-in time is between 2PM and 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.

Casa Andina Premium Hotel
Plazoleta Limacpampa Chico 473, Cusco, Peru
Phone: +51 84 232610

The local currency is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, but not for gratuities.

NOTE: We recommend carrying approximately $200 USD to be used in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold. This should be in addition to any spending money.

If you are happy with the services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $180 – $220 USD.

Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get heavier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb. If you bring along a steam trunk, chances are you’ll be leaving it behind on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you pick up along the way.

The following packing list should be used as a guideline, not as gospel. Our Adventure Specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much, or little to bring.

Travel Documents:

• Passport
• Flight itineraries
• Travel insurance confirmation including 24-hr emergency collect phone number
• Out Adventures invoice
• Photocopies or an email with photos of important documents such as credit cards/passport/drivers license (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well)
• Credit/ATM cards & cash

General Personal Items:

• Smartphone/camera/tablet/charging cords
• Power Plug adapter (https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/peru/)
• Eye mask
• Earplugs
• Refillable water bottle (water refilling will be available on transportation, and on the ship)
• Daypack
• Luggage lock
• Guidebook/phrasebook/reading material
• Sunglasses
• Small travel umbrella
• Sun protection/wide brimmed hat
• Warm hat and gloves for the Andes
• Binoculars
• Protection for your devices from water/dust
• Childrens books, pencil crayons, colouring books for visit to local village

Shoes:

• Socks
• Walking shoes
• A pair of shoes you’d feel comfortable wearing to a nice restaurant
• Sandals

*Note: Rubber boots will be provided on amazon boat. Guests sometimes prefer to wear their own shoes, which will get dirty.

Bottoms:

• Underwear
• Loose-fitting pants or zip-off pants for jungle excursions
• Pants you’d feel comfortable wearing to a nice restaurant
• Shorts
• Swimwear

Tops:

• Short-sleeved shirts
• Loose-fitting long-sleeved UV shirts to protect from the sun and bugs
• Shirts you’d feel comfortable wearing to a nice restaurant
• Sweaters/fleece
• Light jacket for cool mornings and evenings
• Waterproof jacket/poncho

Jackets:

• Light jacket for cool mornings/evenings in the Andes
• Waterproof jacket/poncho

Health-related Items:

• Face masks/hand sanitizer gel/sanitizing wipes
• Small First aid kit including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cold/flu tablets, diarrhea tablets, rehydration packs
• Personal Medication in original bottles 
• Insect repellent/bite cream/antihistamine
• High protection sunscreen/lip balm
• Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant

We love when groups of friends join us on an Out Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

• Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
• Mix up walking partners on excursions
• Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
• Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret 😉

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

This tour is rated 2.5/5. All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 – Relaxing

• Very little or no hiking
• Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Low altitude
• Suitable for all fitness levels

2 – Light

• Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
• Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

• Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
• Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
• Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

• Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
• Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
• Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

• Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
• Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
• Suitable for above average fitness level