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How do I redeem my voucher?
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To redeem your voucher, simply reach out to both Valencia Travel and Adventures Journeys as instructed in your confirmation email, and be sure to provide your order number. Please wait until you receive confirmation from both operators before making any travel arrangements.
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Is my departure guaranteed?
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Reservations are subject to availability. This trip is operated by two different operators, Valencia Travel for the Peru portion of the trip, and Adventure Journeys for the Galapagos portion of the trip. Your trip is not confirmed until you have received confirmation from both operators. Please do not make travel arrangements or book airfare until you have received confirmation from both Valencia Travel and Adventure Journeys.
Once Valencia Travel has received your desired dates, they will apply for your permit as soon as possible. Valencia may require additional information in order to apply for a permit on your requested dates. Just because the operator has requested your information does not mean your dates are secured. You'll receive a verification email once your permit has been purchased.
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What departure dates are available? Are there group departures and private departures available?
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Group departures are generally available every Monday during the voucher period. Please note there is a two person minimum per departure date. Dates are subject to availability. You may also contact us about scheduling private departure dates. Additional costs may apply for private departures.
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How do I get to the trip start location?
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Fly into Cusco, Peru (CUZ), where you’ll be met by a representative from Valencia Travel and transferred to your Cusco hotel.
Note that the trip ends in Quito, Ecuador, so you'll need to plan your departing flight accordingly.
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What are the accommodations like?
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While in Peru, you'll be staying in a Cusco hotel for 3 nights and camping for 3 nights. Pricing is based on double occupancy accommodations in a shared room and four-person tent.
While in Ecuador, you'll be staying in first-class and tourist class hotels in Quito, Isabela Island, and Puerto Ayora. Pricing is again based on double occupancy.
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Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
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While in Peru, solo travelers or the odd numbered person in your group may opt to share with another person of the same gender (if available). If this option is not available, or if you would like to have your own room, you'll need to pay a single supplement of $400 directly to Valencia Travel.
Likewise, while in the Galapagos, a single supplement fee of $550 should be paid directly to Adventure Journeys in the event that you request to secure your own room. However, if you do not mind being paired with another solo traveler of the same sex, this fee will be waived.
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What meals are included in Peru and in the Galapagos? What if I’m a vegetarian?
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While in Peru, all breakfasts are included. Additionally, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included while on the Inca Trail as well as snacks throughout. Meals will be served buffet-style with an array of offerings. Snacks and hot drinks will also be provided.
While in the Galapagos, breakfast is included each day, which consists of coffee, milk, tea, juice, eggs, and bread. 2 boxed lunches of sandwiches, snacks, fruit, water, and juice are also included. Vegetarian diets will happily be accommodated for both Peru and the Galapagos, please let both operators know ahead of time.
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How much extra money should I bring?
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Most of your costs are covered by the trip fees, but a few things are not. Plan on bringing at least $500 for those meals not included as well as the Galapagos National Park fee and other personal expenses. You'll also need to coordinate and budget for your flight from Cusco to Ecuador, the Galapagos and back home.
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What is the average group size?
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You'll enjoy the convenience of traveling in small groups of 2 to 16 people.
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What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
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Be sure to bring clothing for rain and cold as well as sun protection. Temperatures will typically fall into the low 40s at night, but be prepared for colder depending on the month. A detailed packing list will be provided by the operator. You should bring your own sleeping bag (for the Inca Trail), but may also choose to rent one directly from the Valencia Travel if you prefer. See below for a recommended packing list:
Official papers
- Valid and original passport
- Travel insurance - you are required to purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
Clothing
- Mid weight fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants or tights
- Mid weight thermal underwear tops and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and casual socks
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks, synthetic
- Swimsuit
Clothing accessories
- Cap
- Fleece hat
- Bandana
- Fleece gloves
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread)
- Camp shoes (such as tennis shoes, sandals or other comfortable footwear)
Travel accessories
- Water bottle or Camelback
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- 2 rolls of toilet paper
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Small washcloth
- Personal first-aid kit (Valencia Travel also carries first aid equipment)
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Insect repellent and appropriate clothing for mosquitoes
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
Extra money for
- Drinks
- Tip or gratuities for guide, cook, and porters
- Souvenirs
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What does the portage service include on the Inca Trail?
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Porters will carry all the cooking equipment and camping equipment (tents and foam mattress pad), but be prepared to carry your own sleeping bag and personal belongings.
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Is there a weight limit for luggage for the flight to the Galapagos?
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Yes. Any luggage weighing over 44 pounds will incur an added fee. You're welcome to leave extra luggage in the hotel in Quito. You can also do laundry in Galapagos for a minimal cost.
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Important Requirement: New regulations regarding health insurance for travelers in Ecuador & the Galapagos
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The Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador has issued a new law regarding all visitors to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, an Ecuador Health Insurance Requirement is compulsory for the length of stay in the country. This is compulsory for all foreigners entering Ecuador and the Galapagos as tourists.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
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Travel insurance is required for this adventure. It allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend VisitorsCoverage.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel the trip?
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Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply. For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.