Physical Requirements
What to expect:
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Moderately Strenuous
Group Size
- This adventure has a maximum group size of 16 travelers with local Trip Experience Leaders exclusive to O.A.T.
Pacing
- 6 locations in 17 days (9 days in Peru and 8 days in Ecuador), with one 1-night stay and a 3- or 4-night cruise aboard a Galápagos small ship
- 2 internal flights in Peru and 2 internal flights in Ecuador, 1 international flight from Lima to Quito
- 2 pre-dawn departures; some early mornings
- Airport transfers in Lima and Quito can take up to 1.5 hours
Physical Requirements
- Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids
- You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted and participate in 6-8 hours of physical activities each day
- This trip takes you to remote places with no medical facilities nearby
- Days 4-12 are spent at altitudes above 8,000 feet
- We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group's experience
- You may encounter animals on this trip. We make every effort to keep these encounters safe, however animals may behave unpredictably or dangerously at times. Please use caution when interacting with animals on this trip: Keep a safe distance, stay alert, and respect the animals
Altitude
- 9 full days at altitudes between 7,000-11,000 feet (7 days in Peru & 2 in Ecuador)
- We strongly recommend that you discuss precautions for altitude sickness with a healthcare professional before you travel on this trip.
Climate
- Daytime temperatures in Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Quito range from 50°F-75°F. Temperatures can drop dramatically at night
- Daytime temperatures in the Galápagos range from 65°F-90°F; there is no shade during walks. Water temperature ranges from 70°F-78°F
Terrain & Transportation
- Traveling on unpaved roads; walking on rough, steep, slippery trails that do not have handrails; climbing many high stone steps; wet landings via motorized Zodiac rafts; snorkeling excursions; and encounters with rough seas while cruising
- Agility and balance are required for embarking and disembarking small motor dinghies
- Travel by 20-passenger coach, train, 16-passenger small ship, and motorized Zodiacs rafts
- 2-4 hour drives, 2 1.5-hour rail journeys, 4 internal flights of 1.5-3 hours each, and 1 international flight from Lima to Quito of about 2.5 hours.
Flight Information
- Travel time will be 9-14 hours and will most likely have two connections
- Internal flight to/from Galápagos has a stop-over in Guayaquil airport; travel time can take up to 8 hours
Accommodations & Facilities
- Hotel rooms are smaller than in the U.S. and offer simple amenities
- All accommodations feature private baths
- Small ships feature simple amenities