Inca Trail and Galapagos Holiday » More

This Peru and Galapagos holiday is part of the Pura Aventura Handmade range and is unique to us.

We have designed and deliver this holiday using our own people and carefully selected local suppliers to create a Pura Handmade holiday.

You are looked after by a Pura team on the ground in Cusco/Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail which means that we can far better control the quality of this crucial part of your experience.

You have longer to walk the Inca Trail giving you the best possible chance of enjoying the walk fully.

The hotels and lodges we have chosen very carefully to best reflect the places you are visiting.

The route taken by our boat takes in some of the more outlying islands. Seeing more islands further from the centre gives you the best possible chance to see a wide variety of species.

Your holiday is carefully paced to allow you time both to stretch yourself and also to relax.

When should I go?
April to November is the best time for the Inca Trail with dry, sunny day conditions. Nights can be very cold at altitude, however.

In the Galapagos, wildlife viewing is excellent year round. Weather and sea conditions do vary somewhat through the year: September is the coolest and choppiest-sea month.

From October onwards the weather warms up and the waters calm down until the hottest, calmest-sea month of February.

Between March and August conditions become gently cooler and the water choppier until September.

How active?
On the Inca Trail the pace is relaxed and a team of porters carry your things as well as setting up the tents and cooking.

The trail covers 40km over four days. However, it is at high altitude and the going can be slow and fairly tough. You must be used to hill walking.

In the Galapagos, wildlife viewing is the main activity. There is some gentle walking and snorkeling.

Conditions underfoot in the Galapagos can sometimes be rough as the islands are volcanic. You should therefore be prepared for some walking over uneven terrain. You can always opt out of excursions.

How comfortable?
Very comfortable three or four star hotels in both Cusco and Quito.

On the Inca Trail camping is in first class facilities with spacious tents, camp mattresses, dining and toilet tents.

In the Galapagos we can discuss the best selection of boats for you.

How independent?
In Cusco & on the Inca Trail you are guided by a local Pura guide, if there are more than eight of you then you will have two guides.

You then join another, non-Pura, group for the Galapagos Islands cruise. The size of this group will depend on the boat you choose.

How responsible?
Pura Aventura is passionate about the places it visits.
To help preserve the integrity of these destinations we:

• Keep groups small to minimise environmental impact.

• Work directly with local businesses and organisations to directly benefit local economies.

• Work with local guides so that our holidays are more interesting for clients and more beneficial locally.

• Make payment to suppliers before our clients arrive.

We strictly adhere to the Porter Protection Policies which govern porters’ work in Peru.

Useful Links

As you already know, Pura Aventura is dedicated to safe and responsible travel. The links below provide useful content and more information about Peru and Ecuador/the Galapagos Islands. Please call us of any special requirements on 01273 676 712.

Country Information

FCO

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful travel advices on Peru and Ecuador.

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Peru and Ecuador.

Official Government website

Find out more about Peru and Ecuador by visiting their official government websites.

Prepare for your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Peru and Ecuador please check out the NHS website for advice, visit your GP or a travel clinic, to ensure you have the correct vaccinations.

Currency Exchange

For the latest information on the Peruvian Nuevo Sol currency. In reality, the Peruvian economy runs a dual currency system so at an ATM you will be asked if you would like it to dispense US dollars or Nuevo Soles. Even the most informal economy of shoe shine boys in Cusco or people selling potatoes in a market will tell you a price in Soles but accept dollars in payment at an (unofficial) exchange rate of around 3:1 which is to say 3 Soles = 1 USD.

The Ecuadorian economy remains fully ‘dollarised’ so the only currency is the US dollar.

Weather

For the forecast in Peru and Ecuador, visit Wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Browse our Peru selection and Ecuador selection in Amazon.co.uk for a wide range of travel essentials, such as books, gadgets, clothing, etc. in preparation for your upcoming holiday.

Flight deals

We help you find the best flights for your holiday. Sometimes we can get the best rates on our contracts with airlines, other times we have a consolidator who helps us get you the best prices. A lot of the time it’s frankly cheaper online. We do the research and help you with routings, timings, etc. no matter which option you choose.

However, to give yourself an idea of what flights are likely to cost you, have a look at these websites.

Find the best flight deals for your holiday to Peru with Kayak, Expedia and Opodo.

Medias

YouTube

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Flickr & Pinterest

Discover our holidays by tacking a careful look at our photographs on Flickr and Pinterest.