Apart from the duration of the trip you would like to do, Vilaya Tours can organize extra day trips and treks if you want to stay longer.
From mid-May the weather improves, with drier days though clouds still gather and one should always be prepared for rain. Chachapoyas during the dry season enjoys warm days and cool nights. In the mountains the temperature may fall below freezing and frosts above 10,000feet (3000m) are not uncommon. Best weather is usually from May to October, with the likely hood of rain increasing as you get closer to the end of the year. Vilaya Tours can organize trips at other times of the year, though adventurers should expect more rain and muddier trails.
Northern Peru is one of the planet’s most bio-diverse zones. Happily enough, it is also our playground. Bio-diversity offers you choice. Forgotten ruins, rainforest, rich animal life and traditional native lifestyles. It’s all here. Get in touch and we will be happy to make suggestions to suit your interests and available time.
Vilaya Tours prides itself in its flexibility to tailor make a tour that suits you. We want you to have an adventure of your lifetime. Our prices are flexible to suit your requirements. Eg. If you want to arrive in Chachapoyas by your own steam or from a different location the we will adjust the prices to suit you. If you want to mix and match the tours, make them shorter/longer or end in a different location etc., then we can do that for you. "It's not our tour, it's yours" - ask away, we are at your service.
Vilaya Tours started out in 1998 with a trek to Tajopampa and further south.
Vilaya Tours are happy to offer to pass on discounts to those travellers in groups.
Although you may prefer to travel alone rather than with a group of strangers, there is power in small numbers, especially in an undiscovered area like Northern Peru. An organized trek allows you to minimize your frustration and maximize your time – really absorbing your surroundings and making friends with your fellow trekkers and support staff. Adventuring with Vilaya Tours allows you to discover the secrets of the Chachapoya. If you are interested in forming or joining a group please use our contact page to let us know.
Cancellations and itinerary modifications must be submitted in writing; verbal cancellations will not be accepted. Cancellation and or a modification fees apply to reservations regardless of the motive for such cancellation including academic, financial and medical reasons. If cancellation or modification request is received 30 days or more prior to the beginning tour date, a full refund will be reimbursed less any charges incurred for transferring the funds. If a cancellation or modification is requested between 30 and 15 days prior to the tour commencement date, Vilaya Tours will refund 50% of any payments made. If a cancellation or modification is requested within 15 days prior to departure date or within travel dates, Vilaya Tours will not reimburse any deposits and or full payment unless an agreement can be made with independent service providers (ie. accommodation and transport). Travel Insurance policy is highly recommended.
Vilaya Tours normally asks for a deposit at the time of booking and full payment maximum of 30 days in advance of the tour/trek start date (see our cancellation policy). To make life easier and cheaper a single payment can be made to reduce as much as possible bank charges for ourselves and the clients.
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect your travel investment. The coverage should include the following: 1) cancellation and 2)medical coverage and evacuation 3) lost or delayed baggage.
Most travelers only require the Tourist Visa which is given to you on entry to Peru. However we recommend the traveler to check first if their country of origin is exceptional for the regular Tourist Visa and obtain the necessary visa if applicable to enter Peru.
We stay in a combination of high-end hotels, rustic lodges and tents depending on the trip and your preferences. Your accommodations are a reflection of the area and cultures we explore. We have known and worked with the people and families who run the lodgings for several years now and their places are always clean, comfortable and very welcoming. We’re big on interaction and so are our lodging partners, so don’t be surprised if you’re asked to stir a pot, or try a local herbal remedy. Out on the trail we usually stay in tents for up to four days at a time. Your tents are Vango and have been developed and tested in the Highlands of Scotland before being shipped to the Andes. The interior stays warm and comfortable even in the most torrential cloud forest downpour.
Your Vilaya Tours trek is designed to be challenging, but very walkable. If you are healthy, you’ll do fine. Experience is paramount so we take it all in, walking slowly with frequent photo and water breaks and site exploration. We give you time to acclimatize properly. All our Chachapoyas-area (Andes) adventures involve horse support in case you want a break from walking or you’d just prefer to ride. The best advice here is the fitter you are the more you will enjoy it.
With Vilaya Tours your food isn’t an adventure. Our support personnel are experts in minimalist creativity, producing memorable meals in the most remote of spots. Breakfast is copious to say the least and dinner always consists of a soup, a main course and dessert. Our small group sizes mean we are able to provide specialized meals. Hygienic preparation is standard and all our water is purified, filtered and/or and boiled.
These are the answers to some of the common questions. If you have any other questions or queries please don't hesitate to ask by using our contact form.