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LAKE TITICACA — TRAVEL & WHAT TO BRING

1. Passport: 

A valid passport is required for entry into Peru and Bolivia. All participants should carry a second form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license, as well as a photocopy of the personal data page of your passport. A copy of your passport is the easiest way to prove your identity if you happen to lose your passport.

As tourist requirements may change, please contact the Peruvian and Bolivian embassy or consulate in your country for visa and passport requirements to enter both countries. A passport with an expiration date of 6 months beyond your arrival might be required.

The visa is a small piece of paper that you can keep inside your passport. Please make sure you SAVE this visa as you will need it when you exit the country.

 

2. Flights and Transfer to Lake Titicaca:

You are responsible for booking your own flights to Peru. The closest airport to our destination in Lake Titicaca is the Inca Manco Capac International airport near Juliaca city.  Most international flights connect via the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru.

If you are attending the Via Illuminata journey, you can take a bus or train to Puno or you can take a plane to Juliaca.

All these options depart from Cusco. Marcela and Monika will be traveling by train on April 30th. 

Train details: 
Link for booking 
One-way from City of Cusco to Puno, PeruTrail Titicaca train, 04/30/2023 , Departure 7:50 am – Arrival 6:20 pm

To book the night of April 30th please contact the GHL Titicaca reservations department directly via email to [email protected]

Once you send us your arrival information, we’ll arrange your transport to the Gran Hotel Lago.

Make sure to be at the Gran Hotel Lago by May 1st at 8 pm for our welcoming circle.

If you are only participating in the Peruvian portion of the trip, then your departure airport is Inca Manco Capac International near Juliaca.

If you are staying for the add on portion then your departure airport will be El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Bolivia late on the 10th (from 7 pm) or any time on the 11th. If you are staying for a night or more in La Paz, we recommend Casa Grande Hotel which is 30 minutes from the airport.

 

3. Travelex Insurance:

The Four Winds Society STRONGLY recommends that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in case extenuating circumstances force you to cancel your trip. If for some unforeseen reason you must cancel your journey, your deposit is non-refundable. One option is Travelex Insurance, which offers Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Trip Delay and Baggage insurance. We suggest you purchase travel insurance within three weeks of your initial trip deposit for the best coverage.

For complete details, please visit: www.travelexinsurance.com or call customer service at 1-800-228-9792 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. CST. Please refer to Location 09-0821.

 

4. Extra Nights:

If you are arriving before the expedition start date, or staying on afterwards, we recommend the following hotels:

 
5. Meals:

Daily breakfast at the hotel is included. Lunches and dinners are not covered except for the days we are in the islands when all meals are covered. The typical cost for a lunch or dinner ranges from US $15.00 to US $20.00. If you choose to eat at the hotel, your meals will be charged to the credit card on file for your room at the hotel and must be paid when you check out. Please feel free to bring power bars or other organic healthy snacks.

 
6. Vegetarians:

If you are a vegetarian, you will have plenty of food options to choose from. The Peruvian cuisine is very pure and natural.

 
7. Supplements and special dietary products:

Please be sure to pack supplements you are taking and any special dietary products such as protein powder mix, tea, or other packaged goods that are absolutely essential to your diet. Please check with the Peruvian and Bolivian Consulates if these products can be brought into Peru..

 
8. Prescription medications:

If you take prescription medications, be sure to bring enough for your travels. Containers should be clearly labeled with prescription forms to avoid problems at Customs. Packing a standard first aid kit is advisable, as well as bringing your own favorite personal “remedies.” Since we will be hiking, consider bringing moleskin dressing for blisters.

 
9. Health and safety:

You can visit the CDC website for information about traveling to Peru and Bolivia, including vaccinations you may need to have: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list. Keep in mind that the Four Winds Society cannot offer medical advice. It is best that you consult with your primary care physician, who knows your medical history and can best advise you.

Most illnesses while traveling are caused by contamination of food or water. Drink only bottled water and do not use ice cubes unless you know them to be safe. Freezing does not kill bacteria. Do not drink from the streams. Eat only cooked foods and fruits with peel. Avoid food from sidewalk vendors. Our hotels all have excellent hygiene and food preparation practices.

Hydration is the key to avoiding altitude sickness. We recommend you drink at least two full liters of water per day. Drinking wine or beer will dehydrate you, so limited consumption is strongly advised. Emergen-C Packets (containing vitamins and electrolytes) and simple Electrolyte Packets can be added to bottled water to assist hydration. If you experience sleeplessness it might be caused by dehydration; drink more water immediately.

Please note: We recommend purchasing Emergency Evacuation Insurance from Travelex or any other Traveling Insurance Company.

 
10. Money:

Consider exchanging US $200-$400 at the airport, to be used for tips and other eventualities. When you bring US dollars or Euros into Peru, they must be new bills with no tears or rips. Damaged bills are not accepted in Peru. Should you need more money, you can find ATM machines in Lima, Cusco, and in Urubamba.

 
11. Tips: 

We collect tips for our guides, bus drivers, and porters. These are collected by a volunteer and given as a group donation at the end of each outing. We ask for US $10 per day so plan on having US $60-$80 for these gratuities/tips.

 
12. Airport taxes:

All Peruvian airports charge “Exit Taxes.” Most airlines include this tax in the cost of your ticket. Please contact your airline to confirm.

 
13. Packing tips:

For this expedition, you may bring a total of two bags plus your backpack/fanny pack. Please make sure that you only use SOFT DUFFEL bags for this journey, no hard luggage.

 
14. Temperatures & Elevation
  • Cusco: 11,400-foot elevation, temperature during the day is around 60° Fahrenheit, with lows of 50°s at night
  • Sacred Valley: 8,500-foot elevation, temperature during the day is around 70° Fahrenheit, with lows of 40°-50°s at night
  • Lake Titicaca: 12,600-foot elevation, temperature during the day is around 50°-60° Fahrenheit, with lows of 25°s at night
 
15. What to bring:

Please pack with care, remember LESS IS MORE! Each of us reacts to temperature differently. The following list is meant to provide a guideline, but you may need to adjust based on your temperature comfort level and needs.

  • Journal and extra pens.
  • Daypack for daily hikes. Money belt for cash and passport is useful.
  • Hiking shoes and a change of comfortable shoes for walking around.
  • Protection from the sun: sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen (at least SPF 30.)
  • Swimsuit (just in case)
  • Sarong or large shawl
  •  Long–sleeved lightweight shirts for the day and warm tops for layering.
  • A very warm jacket, a beanie hat, and gloves.
  • Comfortable pants for hiking and long underwear for sleeping.
  • A comfortable skirt or dress for ceremonies (any color) and one white outfit for our main ceremony (nothing fancy, just flowy).
  • Items of personal nature like vitamins & toiletries. Bring Kleenex, wet wipes and zip–lock bags for day hikes—as with everything, what you carry IN on a hike—must be brought OUT and disposed of properly.
  • Marcela will have a first aid kit with the basics. You can also bring some basics for minor cuts, runny nose, etc.
  • Water bottle for refilling.
  • Emergen-C (electrolyte) packets and any favorite teas.
  • Healthy snacks in case we have long activities between meals.
  • Pocketknife
  • Small flashlight with extra batteries.
  • Some cash for restaurants or gifts from people who don’t take credit cards. You could begin with about 200 dollars and use and ATM at Titicaca if you need more.

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