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Bargain Perú
 

 Our Selection of Eco-Tours

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 Eco Tour Extensions

Cuzco-Machu Picchu standard Tour Extension - 5 days
from US$355.00
Cuzco-Machu Picchu short
Tour Extension – 3 days
from US$300.00
Lake Titicaca Tour Extension
3 days from US$125
Amazon Jungle standard
Tour Extension – 4 days
from US$205.00
Amazon Jungle Short escape Tour Extension – 3 days
from US$165.00

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Bargain Peru Eco Tours - FAQ

 
 
 
 

How do I book a tour with Bargain Peru?

1. If the tour you are interest in booking does not include the Inca Trail (4 day Classic or 2 day Royal) and is not planned for the time period of Christmas and New Year (December 18 – January 3 inclusive), Inti Raymi (June20 – 27 inclusive) or Easter Week then you may simply fill out our Online Booking Form (found on our home page), Email a request or book by telephone. You must book at least 1 month prior to your start date although last minute trips (less than 2 weeks prior) are also possible. Contact us first before booking if you are wishing to travel with less than 1 month before your start date. Our customer advisors will contact you within 24 hours of your booking.

2.  If your travel dates do fall into one of the mentioned dates above, please contact us by Email or telephone for applicable prices.

3.  If you do wish to book an Inca Trail trip (4 day Classic or 2 day Royal), we will need to confirm availability of the Inca Trail at the time of your enquiry. This will normally take no longer than 2 hours but please allow for 4 hours. If your enquiry is made after 5PM EST, we will only be able to confirm availability the next day. When availability has been confirmed, we can confirm the space for no longer than 24 hours after which time a new availability check will have to be made. If you wish to proceed and book your Inca trail trip, we bly advise you do so within 4 hours of receiving availability confirmation but not after 24 hours. To book your trip, we shall require a photocopy of your passport (otherwise no booking can be made) along with the completed booking form and the full initial payment. If these are not received within 24 hours of the availability check, the spaces will be automatically released and a new availability check will have to be made.

4.  Payment – We accept both Visa and American Express credit cards and a wire transfer to our account in Lima Peru. If choosing bank transfer, please indicate this and we will forward to you our bank details. There are no additional charges if paying by credit card. No other credit cards are accepted. The initial payment of the tour, as indicated on the itinerary, is due when booking the trip to reserve the tour whilst full confirmation of the tour is guaranteed upon receipt of the local (land) payment, payable in US$ cash (only) upon arrival to Lima and handed in person to our operations representative. We cannot accept any other form of payment or payment term. In order to operate such low cost tours, our payment policies has been carefully designed to ensure payments to all local providers are made immediately upon confirmation of a tour. Failure to pay the land payment charge upon arrival will warrant the tour void resulting in cancellation of the tour.  

5.  Upon receipt of the initial payment, you will receive a preliminary confirmation of your tour within 5 working days along with a receipt. A draft of the final itinerary will be sent by Email approximately 1 week prior to the start of your tour. Upon receipt of the land payment in Lima, the tour becomes 100% guaranteed and you will receive all final trip itineraries and vouchers.

6.  We endeavour to use all the lodgings as advertised but we may substitute the indicated accommodation for a similar style accommodation on any part of your tour. Your actual accommodation will be confirmed in the trip itinerary/voucher 1 week prior to the start of the tour.

How has Bargain Peru managed to offer such great tours at such incredibly low prices?

This is something which Bargain Peru has worked at for a number of years and what has become the very guiding fundamental principle of the company. Peru is an inexpensive country and services are generally much lower in costs than in other South American, North America and European countries. Of course there are some good eco-responsible travel companies such as Amazing Peru www.amazingperu.com who offer luxury or first class accommodation with private tours which do command a higher price tag; but Bargain Peru came about after looking at other companies offering a very standard service at inflated prices.  

This was something we could not understand and after carefully evaluating the market, working with good lodges and local operators, we knew from the onset that certain tours were being overinflated in price. This is when we decided that an authentic experience need not cost the exorbitant prices that some companies were offering. With fixed set tours, great local guides and transport companies, and some wonderful, locally run homes and lodges, Peru was still a bargain country with so much to offer but only Bargain Peru adheres to this honest and no nonsense approach. We do not offer luxury tours but what we do offer is an authentic experience at an unbeatable cost available to many.

What are the accommodation arrangements on the tours and can we upgrade to hotels if we want to?

No. We work with very carefully chosen hostels, lodges and home stays based upon set criteria,  including but not limited to cleanliness, security, location, ecological practices and local family-owned establishments,  offering an authentic and true flavour of Peru. We have worked closely with all accommodations and families including alternative establishments when the first choice was not available and will continue to do so.

These are all simple hostels/lodges with simple furnishings and we do not apologise if your room will not have cable TV, telephone, room service or offer international cuisine. Hot water is available in the mornings and evenings but not 24 hours of the day as this is wasteful and non sustainable (some jungle lodges do not have any hot water and trekking on the Inca Trial is a shower free zone for 3 days of the trek). We have found however that when a lodge proprietor is informed that hot water would be required in 1 hour’s time, that in fact plenty of hot water was indeed available. A sensible and respectful approach will often yield great results.

The lodges in the jungles are clean and come complete with separate dining areas all protected by mosquito nets.

Private toilets with shower are provided with each cabin along with running water but no hot water.

On the Inca Trail, you will be camping in tents at pre-designated campsites where there will be toilets but no shower facilities. Showers are available (for a small cost) at the last night’s campsite.

Can I add, change or tailor make any aspect of any of the tours?

We can offer additional night’s accommodation on all tours providing we are notified in advance (at least 2 months prior to the start of the tour) at a set cost of US$25 per person based on two people sharing per each additional night. This does not apply to a jungle lodge which is set at a cost of US$90 per person based on two people sharing per each additional night including all meals. These prices are non-negotiable and are fixed.

Any other changes or requests are not permitted and would warrant a tailor –made tour which is not part of Bargain Peru’s tour philosophy.

Why is there a Land (Local) Charge payable upon arrival and can I pay this by credit card?

We don’t believe that any tour should be paid for in full until the day you actually arrive to the country. In this way your tour is reserved by receipt of the initial payment but guaranteed upon receipt of the land payment, once in Lima. Credit card payment for this is not accepted and only US$ cash of quality appearance will be accepted as torn or old notes are not even accepted by banks.

In order to operate such low cost tours, we also pay local transportation, and local providers upon completion of services for which the land payment is used. This way we can negotiate very good prices for all services which we pass directly on to you, the saving customer. Services such as flights, train tickets and entrance tickets need to be purchased immediately once your booking is initially reserved to prevent such services from being cancelled or overbooked. Lodges and home stays are paid immediately once your booking is initially reserved.

What are the Conditions of Sale of Bargain Peru?

Please see the separate Conditions of Sale link on the homepage.

Are meals included and do you cater for special dietary requirements?


Yes, some meals are included such as all the breakfasts, some lunches and all meals whilst on the Inca Trail and in the jungle. We can cater for most dietary requirements , vegetarian, vegan, kosher, low fat, low salt, gluten free etc as long as we are informed in time. Special diets may also be requested.
We also believe in sampling local, family prepared cuisine and bly encourage you to do so. Our belief is that the culture of a people and of a country is far greater understood from their cuisine.

How active are your tours and how fit do I need to be?

Most of our tours are easily accessible for anyone with a reasonable amount of fitness. As most trips include tours to accessible and some less accessible places, such as Machu, Picchu and Taquile Island, a degree of mobility is required. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer assistance to wheelchair bound customers or those who require the help of a walking stick or walking aid but we can recommend a very good company who specializes in this field. If you can walk and be comfortable on your feet for 2 -3 hours at a time, then the cultural tours will not prove to be too difficult. For the jungle tours, a higher degree of fitness and mobility is required as you may be walking for over 3 hours at a time.

Our Soft adventure tour is only for the active traveler but age is not a limitation. A healthy active lifestyle will guarantee full enjoyment of this tour. Our Inca trail treks require a high level of fitness as these treks are very demanding, occur at high altitude and may involve trekking for over 7 hours per day. You must be an active individual who is comfortable being on their feet for several hours at a time. If you are not very active and would like to participate on an Inca trail trek, we would recommend a training regime of at least 6 months prior to the trek.

How large are the groups on a Bargain Peru Tour?

Numbers vary greatly from city to city, tour to tour and from season to season. As a guideline, our tours are normally in groups of around 15 but may be a few as 4 in some locations. Our Inca Trail groups tend to be around 12 – 16 people.

What are the ages of an average Bargain Peru Tour traveler?


We cater for people of all ages and from all walks of life, from students to CEO’s, from doctors to teachers.

We have customers in their early 20’s up to their late 60’s. What all Bargain Peru traveller’s do have in common though is a sense of adventure and a great belief in seeking out authentic tours at an exceptional price.

Upon Arrival to Peru

Upon arrival to Peru, you will be issued with a 60-90 day tourist visa upon receipt of the completed landing card as given to you on your arrival flight. Visas are not required for passport holders of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK and EU member states. Any other passport holder should enquire at the Peruvian Embassy in their home country.

After immigration, you will proceed to baggage arrivals and then once through customs (where they will collect your customs form again given to you on your arrival flight) you will be greeted by many people in the arrivals hall. Ignore all taxis and other companies and keep a look out for the sign of your hotel as was stated in your final trip itinerary. They will help you to the car and your speedy (30 minute drive) transfer to your hotel.

There are money changers & ATMs at the airport upon arrival where you may acquire some local currency (the Nuevo Sol) at a good rate.

ATMs, Credit cards, Currency and changing currency

ATM’s are found throughout the larger cities and towns and you can select US$ dollars or the local currency to withdraw. ATM’s are not found in very remote areas such as Machu Picchu, Islands of Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley or the jungle. (Peruvian Currency rate is approximately 1 US$ = 3 Soles).    

Credit cards are accepted at most up market hotels and restaurants as well as shops where some may charge a 3-5 % merchant fee.

You can change your cash in Peru at your lodge, most banks, exchange offices, and on the street with money exchangers. If using money exchangers, make sure you check your cash before handing over your dollars. In many parts of Peru  the US$ is readily accepted but in smaller shops, and more rural towns, only the local currency will be accepted.   

The Euro is the only other major currency easily exchanged. Although it may be possible to change other currencies, we recommend that you bring US$ only.

How much money should I bring?

Peru is a real bargain country and your dollar will go a long way. An average good meal in Peru is 15 Soles (US$5). Bargaining is also expected when you shop in markets so a nice Alpaca sweater should cost around US$60. For local transportation, a taxi ride can cost anywhere between US$1-US$5, depending on the distance.

Tell me about Tipping


This is not so straight forward as most Peruvians do not tip well, if at all. From this perspective, you should tip according to how well you were served. Guides and Restaurants usually get 5-10% while for others some loose change, perhaps 5 soles will be sufficient.

Tell me about additional costs other than meals and personal expenses


You may wish to visit some places in your free time so account for taxi rides, the reentrance fee to Machu Picchu for instance is at the moment US$42 per person and the return bus journey is US15 per person.
If trekking on the Inca Trail, remember to take some cash for tips.
Also you must remember the Airport Taxes, domestic departures vary from US$4 -US$6 per person and the International departure tax is a hefty $31.00 per person. All prices subject to change!

What should I bring on my Bargain Peru Adventure?

Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your departure date from Peru. If not, renew your passport now!
Power in Peru is 220V so bring an adaptor which is good for both square and circular sockets.

Don’t bring a walking pole; buy one in Peru for a few soles. The local craftsman will appreciate the business. In general, pack light, and buy t-shirts or sweaters with typical Peruvian prints which you can bargain for.   

Again, the trade will be warmly welcomed.

If you’re going to the Jungle, bring some sandals with straps (you’ll be given rubber boots at the lodge) and comfortable walking shoes/ hiking boots. Loose long sleeved tops and long pants, a hat with netting and a rain poncho which you can buy in Peru. Do bring Insect repellant, sun block and a torch with spare batteries.

For Machu Picchu/Lake Titicaca, buy your walking pole; bring your good walking/hiking boots and a warm fleece as the mornings can be very chilly.

For the Inka Trail you will need your own sleeping bag, headlamp and comfortable, well worn hiking shoes and of course your walking pole. You will also have to show your passport (the one you booked the trek with) at the start  of the trek. We also recommend items such as camera & binoculars, sunglasses & sun hat and any personal medication.

What can I do to prepare myself for the High Altitude?

Prevention is the best treatment. Before going to Cuzco or Lake Titicaca, don’t eat too much and don’t drink alcohol. Avoid fatty food opting for light meals and drink plenty of water.  Once you’re there, take it easy, drink more water and drink the local coca tea, it helps! If you want to be extra safe you can bring Diamox or buy Sorochi pills in the local drugstores. But don’t forget to ask your doctor’s advice before taking these medications.

What kind of luggage is best to bring?


A duffel bag with wheels is good or a sturdy suitcase but remember there will not be many bellboys present so whatever is most comfortable. We do recommend a small daypack for the daily tours and the jungle.

Also, only medium sized luggage is allowed on the canoes in the jungle.

Is there a dress code?

There is no dress code in Peru and you can wear whatever you like. When entering churches, show respect and avoid shorts and singlets.

Baggage Weight Restrictions

The domestic flights have a baggage limit of 25kg (66lbs) for check-in & 5kg (17lbs) for your carry-on. The fee for excess baggage for all airlines is US$1.8 per kilo.

Making International Telephone Calls


We recommend that you buy a local calling card such as “Peru Global” or “Hola Peru.”  For 10 Soles (about $3) you will have 1 hour’s worth of calls to the US. (Don’t use payphones as there are very high surcharges). Cards can be bought in any of the little convenience stores called “bodegas”. The instructions are in Spanish, and the receptionist at your lodge will be more than happy to help you make the call.

How safe is Peru? Food, diseases and personal security

Something to be careful about is what you allow your children to eat and drink, because they are more susceptible to diarrohea. For children with asthma, it would be best to consult your doctor before traveling, especially if you are visiting a city at high altitude such as Cuzco or Puno.

The only recommended shot is the Yellow Fever vaccination, but even that is not compulsory. If you want to be on the safe side you can get your shots at the doctor 12 days prior to your entry in the Amazon jungle.

Drinking only bottled water is a good idea. You’ll find many brands in supermarkets or in little stores called ”bodegas” and they are all good. You’ll see brands like Cielo, San Antonio and San Luis. One tip, there are 2 types of water that you can buy, “Sin gas” meaning un-carbonated “normal” water, and “con gas” which is carbonated water.

Try the fruits though, they are delicious. The local signature dish, ceviche, is made from raw fish and is delicious. However, some people have experienced food poisoning in the past and we recommend sampling this dish only in good clean restaurants. Use your judgment, if there are many people, particularly locals in the restaurant, the food will be good and very tasty. We can also recommend some great restaurants.

Peru generally is a very safe country. Regarding traveling safely, you simply have to avoid wearing flashy jewelry and always keep your belongings close to you. Since you will always be traveling in groups, you can feel safe with our tour guides who will take good care of you. Traveling in a group or with our guide, you will always feel secure.

Tell me more about local transportation and the domestic flights

All local transport, whether private or public, are owned by local or national companies offering economical, comfortable and above all safe modes of transportation. All land journeys over 7 hours will include 2 drivers and all private buses/vans will be legally registered and insured to carry all passengers.

All airline transportation will be aboard modern, regularly serviced jet aircraft (Boeing and Airbus) adhering to the highest international safety standards. This includes the flights into the jungle.

 The Nazca flight will be aboard small propeller Cessna aircraft of 5 – 9 seats and similarly will be regularly serviced and adhering to the highest international safety standards.  

All water-borne craft will have been subjected to rigorous safety inspections, come with a minimum of 2 engines and will carry life jackets for all passengers. Radio communication is a standard feature aboard all water-borne craft in Peru.

All domestic flights including the Nazca flight tour will be subject to taxes (airport charge) payable in cash at each airport.

Tell me more about the Inca Trail

Choosing either the classic 4 day trek (a tough trek recommended for fit individuals only) or the 2 day Royal Inca Trail (really a 1 day trek and much easier) is a pilgrimage to Machu Picchu which is a must for all to experience at least once in your life. The trek will allow you to appreciate archaeological sites along the way, increasing in beauty and complexity as you near Machu Picchu. Also, you will see beautiful snow capped mountains, wildlife such as hummingbirds, bears and condors (if lucky) and beautiful flowers and orchids.

The trek is very isolated and you will not have access to the normal comforts that a town would provide. We provide water which will be boiled during the whole trip. However, you can buy water purification tablets in the drugstores or you can buy mineral water for the Inca Trail in Cuzco and bring it with you (but that will add extra weight to your luggage) or buy mineral water on the Inca Trail that will be a little more expensive. We will also provide all meals on the trek including coffee and tea.

There will be no toilet tent, but at the campsites there are public toilets that you can use. There will be no opportunities for showers until the last night on day 3.

The porters on the hike, carry the group equipment such as tents, food etc. You will have to carry your own personal belongings such as sleeping bag, clothes and your backpack. There is an option for you to have your own personal porter who will carry all your personal belongings for an additional cost of US$100 /porter (They can carry up to 18 kilos for you).

The maximum number of people in a group on the Inca Trail is 16 and the support team will include at least one guide and 1 cook. We cannot predict the number of porters that will be with the group, as participants can book a porter until the last minute.

It is customary to tip the guides and porters on the last night of your trek where all hikers put their tips together and give them to the guide. The guide will then distribute that money between all the Inca Trail personnel. You can tip according to the level of service you believe you have received.

For the Inca Trail, we recommend you take with you a hat to protect you from the sun, a knit hat for the cold nights and mornings, sunglasses, sun block, and lip balm such as Chap Stick.

We also suggest 3/4 T-shirts (1 for hiking, 1 for sleeping, 1 for an emergency), 1 warm, all terrain sweater/jacket for cold mornings, 1 thick sweater for sleeping, insect repellant, gloves/mittens, 1 pair of hiking pants (the lighter the better), 1 pair of shorts (not necessary, but comfortable), 1 pair of sweat pants for sleeping, 4 pairs of socks, a small first aid kit with band-aids, sneakers for the campsite at night and of course your hiking boots.

(Whilst on the trek, your main suitcase will remain safe at your lodging in Cuzco).

On the Inca Trail you will share a tent with your travelling companion or if opting for a single supplement, you will have your own tent.

We will provide all tents, food and water on the trek along with a sleeping mattress.

You must bring your own sleeping bag with you but you can rent sleeping bags at a cost of US$25.00 per/person.

A sleeping bag will not be required for the Royal Inca Trail as no camping will take place. You will sleep at a comfortable lodge in Aguas Calientes.

The Classic Inca Trail is 26 miles in total and you will be hiking approximately 7 hours per day with 3 hours on the last day. Our Classic Inca Trail will allow for the opportunity to see the sunrise (pending weather conditions) over Machu Picchu.

The weather along the Inca trail can vary greatly with the potential of a b sun during the day & cold temperatures during the night. The coldest parts of the day are in the early morning when you wake up at the crack of dawn and you go out of your tent to wash up and get breakfast, and then at night, just before you go to bed. Once you are in your tent, you’ll be nice and warm.

During November-March you will get rain on the trail for an average of 1-2 hours a day, if you’re lucky it may only rain at night. The Inca Trail is not recommended for children under 12.

Tell me more about the Urubamba River Rafting Tour

The river rafting will last about 3 hours and is intended as a fun day out for novice, beginner and expert alike. No experience is necessary except a thirst for fun and adventure. All safety equipment is provided along with spray jackets and lifejackets. You will get wet though and it is not recommended for children under 12. Picnic lunch included.

Tell me more about the Cusco – Urubamba Mountain Biking Tour

A great day out in the Urubamba countryside with the comforting knowledge that a support vehicle is with you should you choose to miss out on some of the more technical sections. Experience although not essential is recommended. If you have not sat on a bike in years, this will not be for you. Remember, you are at altitude so this kind of cycling can leave you gasping for breath art times. It is nevertheless an exciting and exhilarating experience (yes we’ve done it too!) but can be as difficult or as easy as you choose. Not recommended for children under 12. Box lunch provided.

Tell me more about the Amazon Jungle

For the jungle we recommend taking long sleeve cotton shirts, long pants, a wide brimmed hat, Binoculars, hiking boots, sun block lotion, sunglasses and mosquito repellent.

We recommend natural formulas containing Citronella.  All animal sightings are based on weather, guide’s knowledge and a certain amount of luck.

There is luggage restriction on what may be carried on the canoes to your jungle lodge and you can leave excess luggage in the Lodge’s office in Puerto Maldonado and just take what you need for the Amazon portion. The best idea would be to separate your items before you fly into the jungle leaving your excess in the hotel in Cuzco where you will be returning to (if possible) after the jungle visit.

Remember that you are in the middle of the Amazon, therefore there will be no electricity (candles and paraffin lamps are provided) so bring your torch with spare batteries. Food choice will be restricted and it will be humid. Showers are with cold water. There will be no mobile phone signal, internet or telephone. Emergencies are dealt with via radio.

The greatest rainfall is between November – April with the average daily temperatures fairly constant     throughout the year, with lows of 21C/65F to highs of 32C/90F.

Malaria is not an issue for travelers in the South Peruvian Amazon (Tambopata and Manu) but malarial prophylaxis is required for the northern jungles around Iquitos. Children of all ages can embark on a Jungle tour although toddlers are considered too young.

Peruvian Climate

Travel to Peru is good anytime of the year. Weather conditions vary with altitude and geographical location. On the coast, (Lima – Nazca) summertime is from November to April when it is hot (up to 30oC) and sunny. At other times of the year there is a chilly mist though seldom rain. The dry and sunny season in the highlands is from May to October (Cuzco – Lake Titicaca), when it can be cold at night. From December to March it can be cloudy and wet, especially in the afternoon, with temperatures similar to an English spring (18oC).  In the jungle the climate is generally hot and humid (about 30oC) with rainfall at any time of year but especially between the months of November and April. Occasional cold fronts from Argentina can lower the temperature dramatically.

Fiestas and holidays

The principal festivals are associated either with the Catholic calendar, for example Easter week (especially colourful in Ayacucho and Cuzco) and carnival (February). The Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun, celebrating Inca history is a tourist attraction in Sacsayhuaman, Cusco where there is a colourful pageant (June 24). Puno, on the shores of Lake Titcaca has a plethora of festivals throughout the year and is known as the folk-capital of Peru. A less well known festival of the Virgen del Carmen at Paucartambo.

Festive Calendar

February 2nd - Candlemas - Colourful festivals held throughout the highlands, particularly in the Puno area

February to March – Carnival - Especially celebrated in the highlands. One annoyance are water fights and no body is spared from a soaking.

March to April - Semana Santa or Easter Week

June - Corpus Christi, held on the 9th Thursday after Easter. Processions are especially festive in the Cuzco area.

June 24th - Inti Raymi - The most celebrated Inca festival in the Andes, held in Cuzco. The population triples and hotel availability is very hard to find. Costumes, parades and native dancing fill the streets. There is a wonderful pageant held in Sacsayhuaman that celebrates the winter solstice

July 28th - Independence Day - Peruvians everywhere this holiday seriously. The party lasts for 4 days. Travel and hotels are difficult during this time.

August 30th - Santa Rosa de Lima - Parades fill the streets of Lima.

October 18th - El Senor de los Milagros (Lord of the Miracles) - Celebrated in Lima with parades, with everybody wearing purple.

November 2nd - All Soul’s Day - Celebrated with lots of food and drink commemorating the passing of the country’s forefathers

November 5th - Puno Day - Lots of dancing and flamboyant costumes mark this holiday’s festivities. The holiday is in honour of Manco Capac, the first Inca to emerge from Lake Titicaca.

What to eat

To try some typical foods, here is a selection of what we recommend.

Cuy - or guinea pig, a delicacy in the highlands.

Lomo Saltado – A stir-fried beef dish with onions, ginger, chili, tomatoes and fried
potatoes, served with rice.

Papas Rellenas - Stuffed baked potatoes found in the highland regions.

Ceviche - Along the coastal areas. Can be made with all types of seafood or sea bass. The most typical dish of Peru.

Palta Rellena - Avocado stuffed with chicken salad.

Choclo con queso - Corn on the cob with cheese.

Caucau - A stew made with tripe, potatoes, peppers and parsley popular in the Colca Canyon region.

Rocoto Relleno – Pepper stuffed with beef and vegetables.

Cocada al horno – Sweet dish made with coconut, egg yolk, sesame seeds, wine and butter.

Picarones - Cassava flour fritters made with eggs and deep fried, served in honey.
Tejas - A sugar candy wrapped in waxed paper.

What to drink

Inca Cola - A soda pop that tastes life fizzy bubble gum or cream soda.

Pisco Sour – The drink of Peru. Made with white grape brandy and served with whipped egg white.

Mate de coca – A tea made from coca leaves and proven to help with altitude sickness.

Beer - Cuzqueña and Arequipeña – Excellent beers available in white and malta (black) varieties.

Guinda - A sweet cherry brandy.

What is the best way to prepare for a Bargain Peru tour?

We would bly recommend reading about Peru before you come, addressing not only the marvelous sites that you will be visiting but also the beautiful people you will be encountering. Learn a little Spanish, maybe even some words in Quechua.  You will be amazed at how receptive people are when you attempt to communicate in their own language. It is also very important to remember that when choosing to travel to Peru, you are coming to a fascinating land full of fabulous scenery, deep cultural roots, and with that also comes cultural, political, and social differences.  Peru is still developing economically and politically, and in some areas does not have the same infrastructure as you may be used to. It is just as much your responsibility to prepare yourself for this as it is ours, bring your patience with you as well as your open-mind.  Teach and learn as you go, and take it easy.  You are on vacation, don’t get upset if you have to wait in line at the bodega to buy water and then someone cuts in front of you in line, which happens a lot.  Concentrate on your surroundings and take note of cultural differences in a positive way.  There are always things that we may think our home countries do more efficiently, faster, or better, but if you take everything in stride, you will be surprised at how much traveling may change your outlook on your life at home. Lodgings will be clean but simple, food will be perhaps strange at first but very tasty, and traffic will seem crazy at times but then get you wherever you thought would be impossible. Come and let Bargain Peru show you the real Peru!

Last minute Essentials

Take out travel insurance (check out www.travelguard.com or www.insuremytrip.com) not compulsory but if you need to cancel anything during your tour, change something, delay something, or rearrange anything due to weather, health, or personal decisions, you will need travel insurance to cover the investment of the original plan. Tell us about any health or dietary restrictions that you may have. The more we know, the more we can help you and the more you will enjoy your holiday.