What does Good Life Expeditions do?

We’re a fully-fledged travel agency, offering authentic, immersive travel experiences to Peru, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Nicaragua, and Tanzania. Our small team of expert travel specialists has many years of experience planning unforgettable trips for all kinds of budgets and travel styles.

We’re also passionate travelers ourselves, so happy to share our experiences and advice. Read more on our About Us page. Our focus is on transformative travel, experiences that will change your outlook on life. Check out our sample itineraries and experiences for a taste of what we offer.

Where does my money go?

Good Life Expeditions is unique in that an NGO owns us, MEDLIFE, with profits from Good Life Expeditions funding MEDLIFE’s health, education, and development projects. So, you can travel knowing that you’re making a positive contribution to the local communities you interact with. Read more in our blog about the relationship between Good Life Expeditions and MEDLIFE.

We work with various partners to bring your trip to life – from hotels, trekking providers, local guides, and more. We ensure that our partners have sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethical practises – in fact, many of them support their own NGOs and community projects.

Do you arrange airfare?

Airfare is not included in our quotes, and clients usually book their own international flights to Lima. If you’re not sure about finding the best flights, we can certainly point you in the right direction, recommending flight agents that we regularly work with.

With domestic flights, it might be easier to book these together with your international flights. There are often cost savings for a multi-destination trip. If not, our travel team would be happy to book your domestic flights for you.

Do you cater to solo travelers?

Absolutely! Peru is a wonderful and very safe country to explore on your own. We will create the perfect tailor-made itinerary for you based on your interests and travel style. We will soon be offering some scheduled departures for group trips, a great way for solo travelers to meet like-minded adventurers along the way.

Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?

Probably not. For most countries, including the USA, Canada, and the UK, a visa is not required for short-term tourist travel to Peru. However, visas are required for citizens of most African countries, China, India, and Pakistan. Check with the nearest Peruvian diplomatic representation for more information.

You’ll be granted entry to Peru for up to 183 days, depending on your travel plans. Do make sure you have evidence of when you’re leaving the country (return ticket), your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date, and that you have empty pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.

What will the weather be like?

It depends where in Peru you’re traveling to, as the country is divided into three very distinct climatic zones: the coast, the highlands, and the jungle. Even between the three, the weather can vary, so the information below is generalized.

Along the coast, including Lima, expect a desert climate. It can be chilly during the winter months between May and October. There’s never any precipitation.

In the highlands, including the Andes mountains, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, there’s a distinct dry season (April to November) and a rainy season (December to March). It’s often warm and sunny during the day, with sudden downpours during the rainy season. At night, temperatures plummet, so bring layers.

In the Amazon jungle regions, the weather is hot and humid year-round. The humidity and rainfall are most intense during the rainy season (November – March).

Do I need any vaccinations?

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entering Peru. If you visit the Amazon, the US Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization recommend having a Yellow Fever vaccination as a precautionary measure and traveling with the certificate.

When returning home, some countries ask for Yellow Fever Vaccination evidence if you’ve visited the Amazon and other low-lying areas. Check with your government’s foreign travel advice. Consult your doctor.

How do I prepare for altitude sickness?

If you’re visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, or Colca Canyon, it’s a good idea to prepare your body for the altitude. For most people, symptoms are mild and include headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The general advice is to take it easy for the first two days at altitude.

Walk slowly, drink lots of water, eat light meals, and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Traditional coca tea and chewing coca leaves can help alleviate the symptoms. Acclimatizing in this way is essential before taking on a multi-day trek.

Diamox can be prescribed by your doctor and is generally taken two days before arriving at altitude and continued for two days at altitude. Some medications help alleviate the symptoms once at altitude. Always consult with your doctor before starting a course of medication.

What should I pack for my trip to Peru?

Again, this depends on where you’ll be visiting. Generally, you’ll want casual, loose-fitting clothes, long and short sleeves, and comfortable walking shoes. It can get frigid at night in the Andes, depending on the time of year, bring warm layers and a good jacket. If you’re traveling during the rainy season, you’ll also want waterproof gear, including a good jacket with a hood. Plastic ponchos that hold into your bag work well.

It would help if you had a good pair of hiking shoes (already broken in) for treks, preferably with ankle support. A day backpack is a good idea to keep your camera, water, and snacks nearby. Don’t forget to pack your camera, sunblock, lip balm, insect repellent any medication you need.

What is the currency & are US dollars accepted?

Peru’s official currency is the New Peruvian Soles (PEN). US dollars are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but you may get a bad exchange rate. It’s easy to exchange US dollars and Euros in banks and official ‘cambistas’ who are often standing outside of banks. Foreign credit and debit cards are also accepted at ATMs to withdraw local currency.

Will my phone work and where can I access Wi-Fi?

As long as your mobile phone is set up for international roaming, you should be able to connect to local networks, often with a hefty charge. You can buy pre-paid local SIM cards with credit for calls and data if your phone is unlocked. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in the cities and tourist areas. In remote mountain and jungle regions, there is often no phone signal or Wi-Fi, so be prepared to be disconnected at certain parts of your trip.

Voltage & Plugs - Will my appliances work?

The supply voltage in Peru is 220 volts at 60 hertz. Travelers with 110-volt appliances should beware! Most laptops, smartphones, and cameras are now able to accept voltage between 110 and 220 but make sure to check in advance. The plugs are two-pronged – either round or flat and adaptors are easily available.

What is bimodal transport for Machu Picchu?

During the rainy season (generally November to April), part of the rail route between Cusco and Machu Picchu is closed due to the landslide risk, so bimodal transport (bus and train) are used. During these times, passengers are transferred by bus from Wanchaq station in Cusco to Pachar station in the Sacred Valley, where they board the train for the journey to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes station). The bus is included in your ticket and all operated by the provider. In the dry season, direct train service is offered from Poroy Station (just outside Cusco) to Aguas Calientes.

When is the best time of year to travel to Peru?

Peru is a great year-round destination. The best time to travel depends on where you want to visit and what your priorities are. The busiest time of year is from June to August, when the weather is best at Machu Picchu, so many people plan their travel at this time. The height of the rainy season in Cusco and Machu Picchu is February, with the Inca Trail closed. So if you’re planning to do any trekking in the Andes, it’s best to avoid this time.

If you want to avoid the crowds, you could try the shoulder season (April-May or September-November) when you could still be lucky with the weather. On the coast, the summer months are from November to April. You may also want to time your trip to take in one of the many festivals throughout the year.