Important Information

Our Inca Trail departures are subject to special payment terms and cancellation penalties, see below for more details:

• a non-refundable and non-transferable 25% deposit is required to secure your space, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure.
• up to 90 days before departure, we will retain the 25% deposit as a cancellation fee. If you have paid more than our minimum deposit and require a refund, we will retain the minimum deposit and refund the balance.
• between 89 and 60 days before departure, we will retain 50% of your full payment as a cancellation fee, and we will offer a 50% credit for future travel. 
• between 59 and 30 days before departure, we will retain 75% of your full payment as a cancellation fee, and we will offer a 25% credit for future travel.
• under 30 days, we will retain the full amount of your booking as a cancellation fee.

If full payment is not received 90 days prior to departure, Out Adventures reserves the right to cancel your booking based on the above cancellation terms.

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.

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 LGBT rights. That said, Lima does have a large LGBT 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. 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. There will be no access to power during your Inca Trail hike from Day 2 to 5. It is important that you bring portable chargers. If you use a battery-powered CPAP machine, it may not last the full duration of the hike.

CONNECTIVITY: Free Wi-Fi is available at our hotels in Lima, Cusco and the Sacred Valley. However, unless you have a local SIM card, you won’t have a data connection while we hike the Inca Trail.

INCA TRAIL PERMITS: In order to secure Inca Trail permits, it is vital that you provide the correct and most up to date passport information at the time of booking. Once purchased, your deposit becomes fully non-refundable and non-transferable. If you change or lose your passport you must notify us immediately. 

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.

SLEEPING: This trip has three nights of camping. All tents are set up by guides/porters and sleeping pads are provided.

FOOD: During the trek on this trip there is a private dining tent with a fully supported cooking staff. Three meals per day are provided on the trek portion of this trip.

LUGGAGE: During the day while on the trek, porters will carry your duffle bag. This bag is provided the night before the trek begins, and has a 6kg/13lb limit (including clothes, supplies and your sleeping bag). The only thing you will need to carry is a day-pack.

POWER: There will be no access to power during your Inca Trail hike from Day 2 to 5. It is important that you bring portable chargers. If you use a battery-powered CPAP machine, it may not last the full duration of the hike.

Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation may be felt while travelling in high altitudes. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy, and a reduced appetite. It’s important that you drink plenty of water, and not overexert yourself. A comprehensive first-aid kit is carried by our support crew during treks, and senior staff are trained to prevent, detect and – if necessary – deal with AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Contrary to what many say, AMS is not that common, at least not on well-paced treks. You should consult your primary physician prior to embarking on this trip to ensure you are prepared with any recommended supplements or medications. If you have recovered from Covid-19, you should discuss this trip with your physician prior to booking, and you should ensure that you are capable of hiking and sleeping at high altitude well in advance of beginning the tour.

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded folks. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage. We highly recommend that you insure your full purchase, including trip cancellation and medical.

All Out Adventures are led by an LGBTQ+ (or LGBTQ-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.

While on the mountain, all meals will be included. You will have a selection of meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables, with hot meals throughout.

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.

Antigua Casona San Blas [2024 Departures]
Carmen Bajo 243, Cusco
Phone: +51 84 200700

Casa Andina Premium Hotel [2025 Departures]
Av. la Paz 463, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Phone: +51 1 2134300

The local currency is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, but not for gratuities. We recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used only in the case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Gratuities for local day/city guides, drivers, hotel porters and food at included meals are all covered in the trip price. However, a tip to your Group Leader, housekeeping, and gratuities for optional meals and drinks at included dinners are not. Please note: Credit cards are accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, but we strongly recommend cash for gratuities.

This packing list is a guideline, not gospel, but we are happy to answer any specific questions about how much (or little) to bring. Please keep your main baggage under 20kg/44lb for ease of logistics and costly surcharges on domestic flights. The Out Adventures team does not have the capacity to assist with lost luggage during the tour. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you pick up along the way – perhaps the Out Adventures sport pack you received in the mail. 

A SPECIAL NOTE ON LUGGAGE: We will lend you a duffel bag to use for any clothing and personal items you’ll use during the Inca Trail trek. There is a 6kg/13.5 lb weight limit for the duffel bag which includes your sleeping bag. Your main luggage will be securely stored during the trek.

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 to be kept separately (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well)
• Credit/ATM cards & cash

General Personal Items:

• Smartphone/camera/tablet/charging cords
• International travel plug. Visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/peru/ 
• Eye mask
• Earplugs
• Small daypack for use on walking tours/activities (the Out Adventures Sport Pack you received in the mail)
• Luggage lock
• Guidebook/phrasebook/reading material
• Sunglasses with UV filter lenses
• Small travel umbrella
• Sun protection
• Wide-brimmed hat for sun
• Binoculars
• Handkerchief (great for sopping up perspiration)

Health/Hygiene:

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

Shoes:

• Rubber flip-flops and/or slip-on shoes for the campsite
• Comfortable hiking shoes/boots with good grip (broken-in)
• Shoes you’d feel comfortable wearing to dinner

Bottoms:

• Sweat-wicking underwear (briefs provide less chaffing)
• 1 Pair of lightweight shorts
• 2 Pairs of lightweight zip-off pants
• 2 Pairs of thermal quick-dry bottoms
• 1 Pair of pants you’d feel comfortable wearing to dinner
• Swimwear for hotel pool (Lima)

Tops:

• 2 or 3 sweat-wicking short-sleeved shirts
• 2 or 3 sweat-wicking long-sleeved shirts
• 2 pairs of long-sleeved quick-dry thermal shirts
• A top or collared shirt you’d feel comfortable wearing to dinner
• Fleece sweater/jacket
• Light sweater/sweatshirt

Gear – rentable in Cusco:

• Sleeping bag
• Extra sleeping mat (optional)
• Sleeping bag liner (can be purchased in Cusco)
• Walking stick/Poles

Gear – NOT rentable:

• Medium daypack for the Inca Trail (25-35L capacity)
• Dry bag or Waterproof cover to protect items in your day pack
• Travel pillow. Suggestion: We like to stuff our dry bag with clothing and use that as a pillow!
• Waterproof/seam-sealed pants & jacket
• Warm hat and gloves
• Tiltable headlamp & extra batteries – important for dark evenings
• Quick dry travel-size towel
• Toilet Paper/wipes 
• Snacks/Supplements (light snacks will be provided throughout the day and generally people find there is more than enough food, however please bring any supplements you may require/prefer) 
  • Suggestion: We like to keep Energy Chews & Electrolite Replacement Tablets on hand.
• Refillable water bottle(s) and/or bladder for daypack (2-litre capacity). Suggestion: Get a Nalgene bottle with carabiner clips.
• Water purification tablets (our water on the trek is boiled, however we recommend the extra precaution)

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.

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