Frequently Asked Questions: Expert advice for your journey

---

"Pre-arrival deposits are required for tours in order to reserve tickets, entrances, and lodging. The amount may vary but is generally around 50% and can be paid in a variety of methods depending on your location. These methods include payment by credit card, PayPal, bank transfer, and Western Union."

"For package tours in multiple cities, airport transfers are included. For individual day tours, you will generally be picked up and dropped off at your hotel or hostel. In the latter case, Pirwa Travel Service can arrange airport pickups and drop-offs upon request and at additional cost."

"International airfare is not included in our prices, as travelers arrive from countries all over the world. Domestic flights may be included in packages, but only if expressly specified as such. If you wish, Pirwa Travel Service can make your domestic flight arrangements at additional cost."

"If you are interested in only a segment of a tour package, it is more recommendable to reserve individual day tours and transport, or to request one of our tour specialists to create a custom itinerary for you. (Read our terms and conditions)"

"Yes, you can reserve additional accommodation before or after the tour. Please note that the cost of the accommodation will be added to the total price of the tour."

"Inter-city or inter-regional transport is exclusively by tourist-class bus, providing for a higher level of comfort. Tours themselves will specify which sort of transport is used; most rely on tourist-class buses or private transport, but there are some tours (generally in Arequipa) which specify the use of public buses."

"You will have the option to choose from a variety of accommodation types upon consulting for and reserving your trip. Those traveling alone can request a private single room, but there are also more economical options available such as a single bed in a shared dormitory, allowing you the maximum flexibility to decide what's best for you."

"Tips for guides or, in the case of treks, porters and cooks, are not included in the tour price, but neither are they required. You may tip if you desire."

"The only restriction is that you must be at least 18 years old if you are traveling independently, otherwise you must be traveling with an adult. There is no upper age limit, but please disclose any health or mobility concerns so that we can ensure that your trip is as comfortable and pleasurable as possible."

"Please give prior notice if you have any special dietary needs, especially if they are medically advised. In most destinations vegetarian options are available, but we will make every effort to accommodate other needs as well, such as vegan or kosher. Unfortunately, halal meats are not available throughout Peru and Bolivia, so those observing an Islamic diet should request a vegetarian option."

"Oftentimes, you will be in charge of your own luggage, so try and make sure it's not cumbersome- avoid suitcases and opt for backpacks and duffel bags for more comfort boarding and exiting buses and trains, and walking along cobblestone or dirt roads. Don't forget to bring a small bag that can serve as your day pack during tours, while your luggage stays at the hotel or hostel."

"Any cancelation or change of services should be requested in writing, via email to the specialist making your arrangements. Regardless, it is important to remember that there exist cancelation and modification policies for each program, for which we invite you to review the general terms and conditions."

"Yes, meals are included when traveling to remote zones, such as the jungle, the Inca Trail, the islands of Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, etc. Meals are not included on days when we are staying in large cities or towns. Here, we prefer to give our clients the option of choosing the great variety of meals which the restaurants have to offer."

"It is recommendable to bring a considerable amount of money in cash upon coming to Peru; the most accepted in foreign currencies are American dollars and Euros. There are ATMs in the large or principal cities where one can take out cash in Peruvian soles or American dollars. However, before your departure you should verify with your local bank whether your card is accepted in foreign countries."

"The earlier you finalize your reservations, the better- especially for the tours with destinations with highly popular destinations such as the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu, which have maximum entry limits and thus frequently sell out well in advance. The need for prior reservations for certain destinations is even greater during the June, July, and August high season."

---