BEFORE YOU BOOK
Confirm your place before booking travel
Your place is confirmed once we have received your deposit and reviewed and approved your application. Please wait for your participation confirmation before booking flights, hotels or other non-refundable travel arrangements.
Before booking, check:
Passport and entry requirements
Check the current entry requirements for your nationality and make sure your passport is valid for your journey.
Travel insurance
Arrange appropriate travel insurance. See the Travel Insurance section below for guidance.
Enough time between connections
Allow time for delays, baggage collection and transfers between international and domestic flights.
GETTING TO YOUR PROGRAM
Choose your journey
The practical travel details depend on the Chaka Runa program you are joining.
PERU ARRIVAL GATEWAY MAP
All marked cities are arrival gateways, not exact program locations.
Arrive at your program’s starting location at least one day before the published start date and arrange your own accommodation for the night before. Some programs require an earlier arrival, so check the details below before booking.
Arrival point
Tarapoto
When to arrive
Arrive in Tarapoto no later than the day before the Dieta begins.
Before the program
Arrange your own accommodation in Tarapoto for the night before.
On the first morning
Meet the group in Tarapoto for an early welcome breakfast before travelling together to the retreat center.
Transfer
Group transportation from Tarapoto to the Amazon retreat center is organized by Chaka Runa.
The exact meeting time and location are communicated before the program.
Arrival point
Cusco
When to arrive
Arrive in Cusco no later than the day before the Dieta begins. Arriving earlier is welcome if you would like more time to rest and adjust before continuing into the Sacred Valley.
Before the program
Arrange your own accommodation in Cusco for the night before, unless your final travel instructions specify otherwise.
Transfer
The exact meeting point and transport arrangements into the Sacred Valley are communicated before the program.
The pilgrimage reaches elevations of around 4,800 metres and combines walking with travel on horseback.
Arrival point
Cusco
When to arrive
Arrive in Cusco at least three days before the pilgrimage begins so you have time to acclimatize to the high altitude before travelling into the mountains.
Before the pilgrimage
Arrange your own accommodation in Cusco for the days before the program. We stay at the Caravan Boutique Hotel, but you are free to choose another hotel in Cusco.
Departure to Q’ero
The group meets in Cusco before travelling together toward the Q’ero Nation. Dinner before departure is included.
Transfer
Local transportation between Cusco and the Q’ero Nation is organized by Chaka Runa and included in the program.
The Q’ero Nation is remote. During the pilgrimage there may be no electricity, running water, mobile phone service or internet access.
The Mystic Tour moves through several regions of Peru. Your arrival point depends on the part of the tour you are joining.
Temple of Chavín de Huántar:
Huaraz
Peruvian Altiplano Farm:
Juliaca
Saqsayhuamán Journey:
Cusco
During the tour
Detailed meeting points, transfers and daily travel arrangements are provided with your Mystic Tour itinerary.
TRAVEL RESPONSIBILITIES
What we arrange and what you arrange
Some parts of your journey are your responsibility, while other logistics are organized by Chaka Runa as part of the program.
Included transfers and accommodation vary by program. Check your program’s itinerary before booking additional travel or accommodation.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Be prepared for unexpected changes
We strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance for your journey to Peru.
We strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance for your journey to Peru, including cover for medical emergencies, cancellations, delays, missed connections and lost baggage.
If you are joining the Q’ero Nation Pilgrimage, check that your policy covers your planned activities at altitudes of around 4,800 metres and travel in remote mountain areas.
Read your policy carefully and ask your insurer about any exclusions relevant to your program.
Travel insurance is your responsibility and is not included in the program price.
WHAT TO BRING
Pack for the journey
You do not need to bring everything with you. Chaka Runa provides many of the essentials you will use during the program. Bring your personal items and clothing suited to your journey and the environment where you will be staying.
For the Sacred Valley Dieta and Q’ero Nation Pilgrimage, bring:
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Light layers for warmer daytime conditions
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Warmer layers for mornings and evenings
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A thermal jacket and thermal pants
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A warm hat and gloves
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Sun protection
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Footwear suitable for uneven terrain
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In Addition To The Shared Items Above, Bring:
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Light, Breathable Clothing Suitable For The Rainforest
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Rain Protection
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swimwear
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Clothing Suitable For Humid Or Muddy Conditions
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Bring everything listed under For every program, For the Sacred Valley Dieta and Q’ero Nation Pilgrimage, plus:
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trekking shoes suitable for long mountain walks
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a backpack for daily use
The pilgrimage includes trekking and travel on horseback at high altitude, with very cold nights. Bring clothing and footwear suited to changing mountain conditions.
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In addition to the items listed under For every program, bring:
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comfortable clothing for travelling between different locations
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good walking shoes
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layers for changing climates and elevations
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a small day bag for daily excursions
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What Chaka Runa provides
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Amazon & Sacred Valley Dietas: bedding, towels, drinking water, and soap and shampoo suitable for the Dieta.
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Dietas: a Chaka Runa welcome bag with a surprise
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Q’ero Nation Pilgrimage: sleeping bags for your stay in the Q’ero community.
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Mystic Tour: Provided items vary according to the itinerary and accommodation.
Before you travel, we will send you any additional packing information for your program.
ARRIVAL & COMMUNICATION
You will receive the final details before your program
Some practical details are confirmed closer to the start of each program. Before you travel, we will send you written travel information, including arrival guidance and details of where and when to meet.
Q’ero Nation Pilgrimage
Before leaving Cusco, save your travel information and team contact details offline.
Mobile phone service and internet may not be available during the pilgrimage.
Before you travel, Chaka Runa will send you detailed written travel information for your journey, including local arrival guidance and the final meeting instructions that apply to your program.
Depending on the program, this may include:
• The exact meeting point and time
• Transfer information
• Local guidance for your starting location
• Updates about changes to travel arrangements
• Additional packing or preparation information
• Contact details for the Chaka Runa team
Please keep your travel information accessible and let the Chaka Runa team know as early as possible if your arrival plans change or if you experience a significant delay.
The exact meeting location is not permanently published on the website because it can vary depending on the program and current logistics.
PLANNING YOUR DEPARTURE
Give yourself one night before travelling on
We recommend staying one night after your program ends before continuing with a flight or longer onward journey. Return transfers can take longer than expected because of road conditions, traffic or other delays. An extra night also gives you time for a calmer transition.
Earliest recommended onward travel: the following day.
Amazon Dieta
Stay one night in Tarapoto. We stay at La Patarashca, but you are free to choose another hotel.
Sacred Valley Dieta & Q’ero Nation Pilgrimage
Stay one night in Cusco. We stay at the Cavana Hotel Boutique Cusco, but you are free to choose another accommodation.
Mystic Tour
Stay one night at the final destination of your tour after the organized program ends.
If your onward journey involves several connections or an international flight, allow additional time where possible.
