Bike to the Amazon, Trek Inca Trail, Peru

Join the tour in Lima.

We take an early flight from the Pacific coast to Cusco (3,400m/11,155ft).

Having checked in to our hotel, we have all day today and tomorrow to absorb the unique atmosphere of Peru’s historical capital, while adapting to the altitude.

Cusco’s past is a fusion of indigenous and colonial. This can be seen in the juxtaposition between perfectly interlocking Inca stonework and whitewashed Spanish-style streets.

Cusco is a great city to lose yourself in its labyrinthine alleyways and teeming markets.

Just outside the town, and accessible on foot, are some spectacular archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, a monumental temple-fortress of pharaonic proportions made up of precisely fitting stones, some weighing upward of 200 tons!

Further afield, and easily reached by road, is the town of Pisac, with its fascinating produce and crafts market and citadel, featuring the most impressive Inca agricultural terraces in the area. In the evening folk bands frequent the lively ‘penas’ for which Cusco is renowned.

Early in the morning after breakfast we head down to the bike stores to get kitted out with our full suspension mountain bikes, helmets and gloves. We then head out of Cusco on a good tarmac road, downhill to Huambutio where we turn of the main road and take a beautiful rarely used road beside the Rio Urubamba.

With the support vehicle close at hand we can focus on taking in the great scenery.

We stop for a picnic before heading on for today’s goal, the town of Pisac. We look to arrive in time for its artisan market, perfect for picking up souvenirs or photographing a typical Andean market. We stay the night in a basic hostel in Pisac.

Distance: 54km/34 miles, ascent negligible, descent 400m/1,312ft.

From Pisac, we drive up into barren Altiplano to a pass at 4,100m/13,451ft, here we get out the bikes for a great descent to the small village of Paucartambo with spectacular views of the Andes.

There are a few optional singletrack trails available en-route for those with a little more mountain biking know-how. Following the ride, we hop back on the support vehicle for the drive to the edge of the Manu National Park and our campsite at Tres Cruces.

This is a campsite with spectacular views, the amazon jungle stretched out below you, it is famous for its’ sunrises and the strange phenomena where it appears as if multiple suns rise at dawn.

Distance: 45km/28 miles, ascent negligible, descent 1,200m/3,937ft.

Rising early and weather permitting, we enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the rainforest. At certain times of the year, the refracting sun rays bounce off the jungle below, creating a truly amazing spectacle.

Back on the bikes, we start with the fun 16km/10 miles ride along the final ridge of the Andes, before we drop off the edge of the Amazon basin for the descent into the amazing cloud forest.

We cycle downhill all day, with spectacular jungle views, hopefully glimpsing rare wildlife en route. Andean bears, pumas, various species of monkeys and hundreds of birds have all been sighted on this day.

We arrive at our campsite at the small jungle hamlet of San Pedro.

Distance: 64km/40 miles, ascent 160m/525ft, descent 2,700m/8,858ft.

Continuing on downhill, we enter the rainforest passing various small villages, where we can see how settlers try to eke out a living in this hostile environment.

Stopping for cold drinks and to cool off in pristine jungle streams, where possible, we end our ride at Atalaya the gateway to Manu. Here is where the tour ends and the guides wave goodbye as you settle into your lodge for the night, with Manu calling tomorrow.

Distance: 40km/25 miles, ascent 200m/656ft, descent 200m/656ft

Att the small village Atalaya at 650m/2,133ft, we change into a motorized canoe to navigate some five hours down the turbulant Alto Madre de Dios River to Boca Manu.

After about two hours, we collect more people to join us for the rest of the tour. You spend the night at a small eco-lodge which is part of a project with the Yine indians.

We turn up the Manu River.

From our vantage point we will have great views of riverside birds, sunbathing caiman, and the enormous aquatic guinea pig, the capybara.

We reach our campsite deep inside Manu in the afternoon.

This will be our base for the next two days, during which time we will hike through virgin forest and explore by mini catamaran one of the most beautiful oxbow lakes in the Manu basin, Lake Salvador.

There is a chance to see a huge variety of colourful birds, numerous species of monkey and, with luck, a family of giant otters.

Today we take a five hour hike through the forest takes us to Lake Otorongo and a 20 metre-high observation platform that overlooks the lake.

At night we can explore the forest by torchlight or go moonlight caiman spotting on the lake.

After a final walk through the forest surrounding Lake Salvador, we return back down the Manu River.

Joining the Madre de Dios River we arrive at Blanquillo, near the clay lick for macaws, where we spend the night in the jungle lodge Tambo Blanquillo.

At first light we head to the macaw lick to watch the dazzling spectacle of hundreds of parakeets, parrots and macaws as they eat clay.

In the afternoon we visit another one of Manu´s beautiful oxbow lakes, Cocha Kamungo.

The night is spent comfortably at the Tambo Blanquillo jungle lodge.

Back on the boat early in the morning, we head downstream to the small mining village Boca Colorado. Here and in Mazuco later on, you can see the negative effects of certain human activities on the delicate ecological balance of the rainforest.

We take local transportation until the crossing at the Inambari River.

On the other side, our bus is waiting to take you over a newly paved road, through beautiful cloud and elfin forest.

Near Cusco, you have stunning views of the Ausangate Mountain. Cusco is reached in the early evening and we drop you off at your hotel.

Free day in Cusco.

We pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco. After picking up all other trekkers you travel by bus, via the highland villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, for the three hour journey to the start of the Inca Trail.

From the road there are great views of the Cordillera Urubamba mountain range and the snow capped peak of Veronica 5,860m/19,226ft.

Most of our groups have up to 16 trekkers with one main English speaking guide and an assistant guide. Trekkers come from all over the world, and are of all ages.

At Chilca, where we start the trek, you walk down to the entrance, where your tickets are checked. Sign in, cross the bridge and make a left turn following the trail gently along the river bank until uphill we reach a eucalyptus grove and Llactapata – the first major ruins on the route. Vast retaining walls have converted the steeply sloping hillside into agricultural terraces: an amazing sight.

Just below Llactapata the Río Cusichaca, a tributary of the Urubamba, takes a spectacular plunge into the ground and runs through a subterranean channel for some way. The trail climbs steeply out of the ruins over a low pass, and the hike up the valley begins.

After about an hour you’ll reach a bridge, putting you on the other side of the valley, and will continue on to the village of Huayllabamba (3,000m/9,843ft). You will reach it in a further half hour. By this time it is likely to be very hot and you will welcome the cold drinks at the village which makes its living out of Inca Trail hikers.

First night camp with basic facilities.

Distance:                     11.1km/6.9 miles

Highest point:             2,912m/9,554ft

Starting altitude:        2,753m/9,032ft

Finishing altitude:       2,885m/9,466ft

Height gained:             398m/1,306ft

Height lost:                 302m/991ft

At Huayllabamba the trail turns right (northwest) up the Llullucha valley. After walking steeply upwards for about 90 minutes you will drop down to a grassy clearing, popularly known as The Forks.

The path then enters woods – first scrub, then very beautiful cloud forest where the trees are hung with moss. These fairy-tale woods will help keep your mind off the fact that you are still going steeply uphill with no sign of respite.

Eventually, however, the trees become more stunted and you emerge into a meadow, Llulluchapampa. From The Forks to the meadow is about two hours. This is the last campsite before the pass, aptly named (if you are a female hiker) Abra de Huarmihuañusqa, ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ (4,198m/13,773ft), which you can see ahead of you.

It will take you about another 90 minutes hours to climb to the top of the pass. This is the highest point on the trail, so take heart – if you survive this, you’ll survive the other passes. Take time to look around you. You should be able to pick out the circular ruins of Runkuracay ahead, just below the next pass.

The descent is steep but not difficult. Just follow the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and the next designated campsite at Pacamayo (3,600m/11,811ft).

Nearby are some huts with basic toilets and sinks built by the INC.

Distance:                     12.3km/7.7 miles

Highest point:             4,222m/13,852ft

Starting altitude:        2,885m/9,466ft

Finishing altitude:       3,603m/11,821ft

Height gained:            1,361m/4,465ft

Height lost:                 613m/2,011ft

From the valley floor it will take you about an hour to reach the next set of Inca ruins. Runkuracay, a ruin not, perhaps, very impressive in itself, but occupying a commanding position overlooking the valley. They are at the end of a series of rock-hewn steps that at last give you a feeling that you are on the trail of the Incas.

From Runkuracay the path is clear over the second pass (Abra de Runkuracay, 4,000m/13,123ft) and, excitingly, much of the time you are on Inca steps. The descent down the steps is steep, so take care.

Just before the trail turns right, you’ll see the sign for Sayacmarca. These ruins lie about an hour from the top of the pass and the name, which means ‘the Inaccessible or Secret City’, is apt. You approach Sayacmarca up a superbly designed stone staircase. This is a diversion (the main trail continues its gradual descent to the right) but don’t let fatigue persuade you to miss it.

Like so many Inca ruins, no one really knows the purpose of Sayacmarca, but these are the visible facts: it was built on a precipice commanding a spacious view; there are no agricultural terraces so the complex could not have supported many inhabitants; ritual baths and an aqueduct run round the outside of the main wall; there are curious stone rings set in the wall by trapezoid openings. For us the mystery adds to the beauty, and it is beauty all the way from here – if you are fortunate with the weather.

The trail continues down to the valley floor. From here it becomes a glorious Inca Road, being on a raised causeway over marshy ground that then rises up through cloudforest. Stone paving on raised stone foundations, steps and a gentle gradient make for easy walking, and even if it is raining (and it does at times) you will marvel at the Inca workmanship.

Before the climb to the third pass there is a campsite with basic toilets. During the ascent you climb through two Inca tunnels, and if it is a clear day you will have the added bonus of a view of Salkantay over to your left. The pass (3,700m/12,139ft) is used as a campsite, but it gets crowded and water is some way below.

Just below the pass, about 2 hours from Sayacmarca, are the impressive ruins of Phuyupatamarca. Access is down a steep flight of stairs. Clear water runs through the channels cut into the rock that feed five baths, leading one from the other down the hill.

An Inca staircase leads from the west side of the ruins (the far end from the baths) and disappears into the jungle, leading you down a thousand steps. Literally. You’ll think that your knees will never feel the same again.

The trek comes out at the hostel nearby the ruins of Huiñay Huayna (Wiñay Wayna). This is the last camping spot before Machu Picchu and it is often very full. Basic camping facilities. There is a small restaurant serving a variety of cold drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic.This is also the last place to fill up with water before Machu Picchu itself.

Huiñay Huayna lies just below the hostel round to the right as you are descending, and is the most extensive of the ruins so far. It has some beautiful stonework, a fantastic location, and an air of mystery often lacking in the crowded Machu Picchu ruins.

Distance:                     12.9km/8 miles

Highest point:             3,893m/12,772ft

Starting altitude:        3,603m/11,821ft

Finishing altitude:       2,732m/8,962ft

Height gained:             1,185m/3,888ft

Height lost:                 1,345m/4,413ft

The trail from the hostel to Machu Picchu (90 minutes away) is clearly marked. Most people have a very early start as they try to leave Wiñay Wayna by 5.30am so they can get to Machu Picchu before sunrise.

The sky starts getting light by 6am and the first rays of the sun reach Machu Picchu around 7am. The trail contours a mountainside and disappears into cloud forest full of begonias, bromeliads and tree ferns, before coming to a steep flight of stairs leading up to the first Inca gate.

The path continues to the main gate, Intipunku – ‘the Gateway of the Sun’ – and suddenly the whole of Machu Picchu is spread out before you. A magical moment.

When we arrive there is plenty of time to take photos of Machu Picchu. We walk down through the site to the main entrance where you can safely leave your backpacks. You can also use the toilet and have a drink in the restaurant just outside the entrance.

We head back into the site for a complete tour of the major sectors of Machu Picchu. The tour takes about two hours so by about mid-morning you’ll be free to continue to explore the ruins alone.

There are many restaurants in Aguas Calientes to satisfy all tastes and budgets. Of course you could also visit the hot springs that Agues Calientes is named for, which will help ease those aching muscles.

Entrance to the springs costs US$4-5, and you should allow a couple of hours to fully enjoy them.

Distance:                     7.9km/4.9 miles

Highest point:             2,739m/8,988ft

Starting altitude:        2,732m/8,962ft

Finishing altitude:       2,452m/8,046ft

Height gained:            311m/1,020ft

Height lost:                 377m/1,237ft

We suggest that if you visit Machu Picchu today, that you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes at 15:30 at the latest (depending on your train departure time).

Buses depart every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times. This leaves you plenty of time at the site or to do one of the other walks nearby.

The train back to Cusco leaves from Aguas Calientes, the nearest village to the ruins of Machu Picchu, at approximately 16:30 and you get back into Cusco for about 21:00, and we take you to your hotel.

Free day in Cusco with the chance for some low-energy shopping or more energetic white water rafting (optional) on the Urubamba river.

There are many options – ask us for more ideas and we’ll be glad to help out.

Today we fly down to Lima, the City of Kings. Tour ends Lima.

Peru is the perfect holiday destination for adventure travellers that want an amazing variety of activity, geography and cultural travel experiences.

The breadth of travel experiences in Peru is breathtaking – from trekking in the Andes to Machu Picchu to the tropical jungle of the Amazon, and plenty in between.

The people of Peru make it a special destination too, with its colourful and traditional street life and friendly locals.

Peru is made up of 3 distinct geographical areas: the coast, the mountains and the jungle.

The costa or coastal region is a narrow ribbon of desert 2,250 km long, crossed by fertile river valleys flowing from the Andes. It takes up 11% of the country and holds more than 40% of the population.

The cold Humboldt current gives rise to a blanket of mist – the garua – which hangs above coastal cities like the capital Lima from May to November.

Heading east, you’re soon climbing above the garua and into the Andes. The sierra, or mountainous region, covers some 25% of Peru’s territory and contains 50% of the population. The sierra inhabitants are mainly Indigenous or Mestizo, and many still speak Quechua or Aymara.

The sierra contains dozens of 6,000-metre snow peaks and volcanoes, including Huascaran (6,768m) the highest mountain in the tropics. The deep valley basins contain most of the towns and arable land; the terracing and canal systems of the Incas and pre-Incas are often still used today.

The eastern Andes are heavily forested up to 3,350m and sweep down into the Amazon Basin.

Peru’s selva or jungle makes up almost two thirds of the country’s area, but holds only about 6% of the population: the only towns with significant populations are Iquitos and Pucallpa.

You can also read about the weather of Peru in our blog.

Peru is located in the southern tropics (latitudes 0º to 18º), but climate varies significantly according to season, altitude and region.

Lima & the coast

From May to October, Lima is often overcast, but with minimal precipitation. There are sunny spells, and it’s a fresh to pleasant 13-20ºC.

At the same time, inland  areas and the north coast mid to high 20’s ºC.

November to April is generally warm and sunny and Lima enjoys warm temperature of 19-25ºC, with the coast averaging 22-30ºC.

The Andes

Climate depends largely on altitude. As a rule of thumb, below 2,000m climate is mild and above 2,000m warm clothing is required for evenings, nights and early mornings.

The Andean sun is very strong.

May to Oct (dry season in The Andes)

Cusco (3,300m): Average max/min temps: 22ºC /2ºC. Average 3 or 4 wet days per month.

Arequipa (2,380m): Average max/min temps: 26ºC /9ºC. Sunny more than 340 days/year with minimal precipitation.

On highland treks: Conditions are generally dry. However, at this time of year, expect a range of conditions within a single day: cold/freezing nights at camps above 4,000m, where pre-dawn temperatures can be -5ºC; warm, spring-like mornings and afternoons; and cold evenings.

Note that mountain weather can be fickle and localised, and that precipitation is not unknown in the dry season. Expect temperatures to swing between sun and shade, sheltered and exposed ground and with altitude gain and loss. A quick-setting sun means temperatures drop fast.

In the cloud forest, e.g. around Machu Picchu, daytime conditions are generally warm or hot, and evenings cool.

Nov to March/April (wet season in The Andes)

Cusco: Average max/min temps: 23ºC /6ºC. Average 13 wet days per month.

Arequipa: Average max/min temps: 25ºC /14ºC.

On highland treks: Wetter conditions, with cooler days and milder nights than dry season. Jan-Mar usually the wettest months.

The Amazon rainforest

Year-round, weather conditions are hot and humid and there is always the risk of rain

There is a ‘dry season’ in Tambopata and Manu between May and October. The average daytime high temperature is between 25°C and 34°C and the average nighttime low is between 16°C and 22°C. Heavy downpours typically occur every few days.

Around 80% of annual average rainfall – approx 2,000 mm in Manu and Tambopata and 1,400 mm in Iquitos – occurs in the wet season Nov-April.

On rare occasions, between May and September, cold fronts from Argentina – ‘friajes’ – can sweep into southwest Amazonia and push temperatures down to 9° C. (Friajes usually last between 1 and 3 days).

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We will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate as we travel through this trip.

In the mountains, during the day, hopefully it will be generally sunny enough for shorts and T-shirts though having a fleece and rain gear handy is advisable. It will get cold (as low as -5’C whilst camping) especially in the evenings so bring a warm fleece jacket, a good waterproof and some warm clothes including thermal underwear, gloves, scarf and woolly hat as well as one set of smarter clothes for Cusco.

In the cloud and rainforest we recommend you wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to avoid the strong tropical sun and persistent sand flies. A good quality sleeping bag is essential for your enjoyment of the walking element of this trip.

Note that some items appear more than once on these lists.

Amazon:

We recommend:

• Good binoculars
• Camera gear (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended)
• Tight-weave, light weight long trousers
• Quick dry socks
• Rain suit or long poncho (100% waterproof – test before you leave home)
• Long-sleeved tight-weave shirts
• T-shirts
• A bottle or canteen to carry water on outings (1-2 litre)
• Sunscreen lotion (high factor, recommended 50+)
• A broad-brimmed hat that will not come off on windy boat-rides
• One pair of shorts
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• A pair of sneakers/trainers
• Ankle high hiking boots
• Insect repellent
• The original and a photocopy of your passport
• Yellow fever inoculation certificate
• A large, bright torch
• Personal toiletries and medications
• Cash (small denomination bills) for souvenirs at the lodge, alcoholic beverages, etc
• A small day pack
• Medications and first-aid kit

Biking (additional)

Mountain bike (these can be rented, or bring your own), camel-bak, bike shorts, biking T-shirts (long sleeved), biking trousers, raincoat / rain trousers / poncho, after bike trousers & t-shirt – we provide a general toolkit on all trips, but please bring any specialist spare parts for your bike with you or SPD pedals etc)

Trekking (additional)

When planning for the climatic conditions encountered in the High Andes, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.  It’s worth remembering that our clothing keeps us warm by retaining and isolating the heat we ourselves create. To best maintain body heat, several layers of lightweight, warm and quick-drying clothing are far more efficient than one or two thick layers. Layers should have the following qualities: breathability (able to wick away the humidity produced by sweat), isolation (able to keep in the warm air our body produces), and impermeability (able to impede the passing of wind and water).

First (base) layer 
This layer wicks the sweat away from our skin, thus helping keep the body dry and warm. To this end, synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene should be used.

Mid layers
These isloating layers should also be synthetic (e.g. the known polar linings such as polartec or windblock, which are light and insulate twice as well as wool). Very important layers for retaining body heat.

Outer layer / Shell 
Finally, the vital layer which protects us from climatic adversities. A breathable, wind-proof and waterproof anorak, such as Goretex.

Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down. Below is a more detailed guide.

Feet

2 pairs synthetic inner socks (e.g. polypropylene, thermastat, coolmax) and 2 pairs thick loop-stitch/wool socks for cold.

Trekking boots – should be well broken-in, waterproof and provide good ankle support.

Trainers/Sandals For city-wear, evenings at lower camps & river crossings.

Legs

Base layer leggings (1 pair).

Thick fleece leggings (or salopettes) (1 pair).

Goretex-type over-trousers (or salopettes) (1 pair).

Trekking trousers (2 pairs).

Shorts  Wear sparingly in early stages at altitude, as sun burns.

Body

Thermal base layer shirts (2).

Microfleece mid-layer shirt (1).

Shirt/T-shirt 1 or 2 for lower altitudes. Long-sleeved, collared shirt protects against sun.

Fleece jacket or similar (1).

Warm jacket (down or synthetic). For camp and upper slopes.

Waterproof Goretex-type jacket.

Swimming costume for hot springs

Head and neck

Broad-brimmed sunhat, essential.

Warm hat Fleece or wool. (N.B. Up to 30% of body heat can be lost through the head).

Sunglasses with UV filter

Scarf For cold.

Bandanna To protect neck from strong sun.

Hands

Light inner gloves, Warm gloves  E.g. fleece, and outer waterproof gloves or mittens (1 pair) Mittens allow you to keep the fingers together, and better conserve heat (though they also make it difficult to perform certain tasks).

Technical kit

Daypack  (At least 30 litres).  Comfortable and with waterproof lining or cover.

Pair of telescopic trekking poles (optional)

Duffel bag or large rucksack for extra clothing, carried by horse or mule while you are trekking.

Sleeping bag, 4 season

Other expedition kit

Water bottle (2 litres approx).

First-aid kit.

Towel & wash-kit.

Wet Wipes/antiseptic hand-wash cream.

Sunscreen (factor 40+) and lip salve.

Head-lamp (Plus spare bulb and batteries).

Penknife.

Alarm clock.

Plastic bags  ‘Zip-loc’ & tough bin liners.

Camera with spare film/memeory cards/batteries so you don’t run short.

Book or e-book, music player or other to help pass the time in the tent.

Binoculars & Spanish phrasebook.

All non-personal trekking and camping equipment is provided

General (additional)

Money belt, passport, U.S. dollars cash mixed-denomination notes undamaged and unmarked, Peruvian soles for local purchases, ATM cash card, inoculation certificates, personal & medical insurance certificates, notepaper and pen, spare glasses/lenses, smart clothes for nightlife, comfortable clothes for journeys, swim suit, personal toilet kit. Personal first aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-septic cream, after-bite, anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication – we carry an extensive first aid kit & oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only)

Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.

We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.

We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.

When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.

You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.

What is ATOL?

The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.

And  ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.

Who is covered?

To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).

If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.

If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.

For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.

I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?

If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.

We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.

If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.

You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.