Trip Page 2025 - Peru
Trip Overview
Trip dates: July 8-17, 2025
Destinations include: Lima, Sacred Valley (including Machu Picchu), Cuzco
Concerts: 3 concerts and one workshop
Meals: All breakfasts, plus one lunch or dinner each day
New Updates:
Airport Arrival - 6:45 am
We have been advised by our travel agent to arrive 3 hours before our flight. Even though our first flight is to Miami, we are considered to be making an international flight.
You can check in online 24-48 hours before the flight
When you arrive at the airport, please check in with our Airport Team - Patty, Alan and Janet. They will be near the entrance of the American check-in area starting at 6:30. Please do not proceed through security before checking in with them.
The airport team will remain until 8:00 am. If you arrive after 8:00, please proceed through security and check in with the team at our gate as soon as you get there.
Our Terminal and Gate are not yet confirmed. We will post it here once we know. You can also check online at aa.com.
Tour Repertoire
We will select from the following list. And you know there will probably be some surprises added along the way…!
From Fall 2024:
Find scores & practice materials on the Fall 2024 member page (click here)
Lean on Me
Avulekile Amasango
From Spring 2025:
Find scores & practice materials on the Spring 2025 member page (click here)
Bajo el Mismo Cielo
Gloria in Excelsis
God is God
I’ll Take You There
NEW: El Condor Pasa - New Score HERE (updated 6.27)
NEW: Sariri Paya - New Score HERE (updated 6.27)
NEW: Over the Rainbow: Score | Video
Repertoire songs from prior seasons:
New singer this year? Don’t worry, we’ll get you up to speed!
Encourage My Soul: Lyrics | Video
I Have a Dream: Score | Lyrics
I Open My Mouth: Video
What the World Needs Now: Video
You Raise Me Up: Score
I Open My Mouth
Health Information and Recommendations
Our goal is to stay healthy as a group, as best we can. We depend on every traveler to care not only about their personal wellness, but for the wellbeing of the whole group. Together, let’s adopt the mindset that we want to keep ourselves AND 60 other people healthy for the 10 days of our trip.
Please review our Health Information and Recommendations, which include:
Prescription Medication Advice
Checklist for over-the-counter remedies and supplies
Altitude advice
Food & water safety advice
Our COVID & respiratory illness protocols
Notes on chemical sensitivities
Insurance
If you feel poorly during the trip
Our Health Support Team, with contact information
READ the Health Information and Recommendations online, HERE
Emergency Release & Medical Form
In case of EmerGency, we need every traveler to fill out this Form
If you have a medical incident or emergency, time is of the essence and first responders and/or doctors may need to know about any medical issues you have or medications you take.
Please fill out this form and return to our health care volunteers, Sue Brent and Julie Freedman. Your information will be kept confidential and all forms will be shredded after the trip. If you have privacy concerns, you can submit your form in a sealed envelope. It will only be opened in case of emergency.
WhatsApp Group for daily updates
We will use a WhatsApp group to communicate trip info and updates during the trip, and suggest every traveler join the group if possible. What to know:
You will need to download WhatsApp from wherever you get apps, and create an account if you don't have one already (it's free)
You use your normal phone number, with the +1 country code before the area code
To receive messages you need to be on Wi-Fi, or data charges will apply
NOTE: If you decide not to join the WhatsApp group, make sure you have a roommate or buddy who has it. We will not be sending separate texts to non-WhatsApp travelers.
Helpful Information & FAQ’s
WEATHER
In July in Peru, daytime highs are in the 60’s; nights can get down to the 30’s. There is typically little/no rain. This is general advice - as the trip gets closer, please check a weather app to see the forecast for our travel dates.
PACKING ADVICE
- If you are checking a suitcase, please be sure to pack your concert clothes, medications, and travel documents in your carry on, as well as enough clothes/supplies for a couple of days, in case of lost luggage.
- If you are bringing walking poles (highly recommended for Machu Picchu & archeological site visits), be aware that TSA official policy says they must be checked, and may not be in your carry-on. Some people report that they have carried on poles with no problems, but we want you to be aware of the official TSA policy. If you are not planning to check a bag, you can “take your chances” or ask another singer to let you pack your poles in their checked bag.
LUGGAGE
Please stay aware of your bags at all times. When we arrive at a new hotel, a volunteer luggage team will unload all the bags. Please follow the instructions of the bus captains about when we can go into the hotel, and please never leave your bag unattended on the street. The luggage team is not responsible for your bags if you wander away.
FOOD & WATER GUIDELINES
Drink only bottled water, including when you brush your teeth.
Do not use ice unless you know it was made from bottled water.
Bring a reusable water bottle - there will be safe filling stations at some hotels and busses. NOTE: Always make sure you do not touch your personal water bottle to the common spigot.
Do not eat street food from street vendors
Avoid salads, lettuce and any uncooked vegetables, and fruits you can not peel. Gerry says in nice restaurants and at our group meals, you can feel safe eating salads, fruits and vegetables. Check with him if you have any questions.
At receptions with other choirs, we will have cooked foods that will be safe to eat (such as empanadas, etc.).
Look to Gerry for advice about where to eat when we have meals on our own. Do not eat at street food vendors or “sketchy” looking restaurants (Gerry’s words!).
Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after using the restroom.
CURRENCY
The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol. In Peru's tourist spots, they will often accept USD but the exchange rate will not favor you. Bring some USD, your bank ATM card and a credit card(s). In Lima, it's easy to exchange cash from banks or ATMs in Miraflores (where we’re staying).
In places such as Cusco and Lima, credit cards are increasingly accepted, but in rural areas and small restaurants, cash is king. ATMs will generally charge a fee for withdrawals, so it can make sense to take cash out in larger amounts. Use ATMs attached to banks, during daylight hours and with other people around.
How much will things cost?
Here’s a helpful chart here for some basics, to give you an idea: Cost of Living in Peru. Note: you can change the currency from the Peruvian Sol (PEN) to the US Dollar (USD). Also note there is a range for all the items listed. It’s likely costs will be on the higher end of the range when we are in areas catering to tourists.
Important Tip: Don’t forget to notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel dates and destinations. This can often be done online.
TIPPING
Tips for our Tour Manager, tour guides, bus drivers, and waitstaff at all included group meals are included in your tour cost. Sometimes, we will “pass an envelope” if people want to add an extra tip/thanks. This is entirely optional.
ELECTRICITY
There are three different kinds of outlets in Peru. Here’s a good breakdown on what to expect and what adapters and converters you will need to charge your devices: https://www.peruforless.com/blog/peru-outlets
Here’s one adapter/converter we recommend that should work for any device in any outlet in Peru:
Recommended Adapter/Converter (via Amazon).
ADJUSTING TO ALTITUDE
- Altitude Medication: SANS is strongly recommending that every traveler discuss altitude medication with your doctor. Follow the instructions carefully; typically you begin the medication before you get to altitude.
- Go Slow: It may take a few hours or days to adjust to the altitude. Go slow and enjoy our surroundings!
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of (bottled) water to help your body adjust to the altitude.
- Avoid Alcohol and Heavy Meals: These can worsen altitude sickness symptoms.
- Bring headache remedies: In case of altitude headaches, bring Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen. NOTE: Aspirin is not recommended for headaches if you are taking Diamox. Choose Tylenol or Ibuprofen instead.
- Use sunscreen. Altitude medication can make you more sensitive to sunlight.
- Coca Tea: This indigenous altitude remedy will be available in all our hotels, but should not be considered an alternative to altitude medication. Coca Tea has a simulant effect, so be aware that it can keep you awake at night if you drink it in the afternoon or evening.
“CHOOSE YOUR PACE” WALKING TOUR OPTIONS
Several people have raised concerns about keeping up with the group on our walking tours at Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley archeological sites. Our Tour Manager, Gerry, has come up with a great "choose your own pace" plan. We will be breaking up into smaller groups of 12-ish people for most of these tours, and will designate some for anyone who prefers a slower pace, whether for physical reasons, or just to take more time to smell the roses along the way. Gerry has also noted that there are benches and resting places along the way for anyone who feels the need for a break.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Safety advice in Peru is the same as all cities and tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings - stay alert and be cautious, especially in crowded areas and at night. Don't display wealth - avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash. Carry your money, wallet and phone in a well-secured bag, and stay aware of your bag at all times. If you wish to depart from the group, we prefer you not go off on your own - take at least one other person with you, and be sure to inform the daily bus captains of your plans.
PERU TRAVEL ADVISORY
On May 16, the US State Department issued a level 2 Travel Advisory for Peru, saying, “Exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.” For our purposes, please note: “The city of Cusco and popular tourist sites nearby, like the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu, are not located in the affected area.”
Flight Information
Our flight info is now available online. Remember, with group reservations, we have little control over seat assignments and other changes. But you can take a look at your flights, as follows:
To check your flights:
Go to: https://www.aa.com/reservation/view/find-your-reservation
Enter your name and record locater #
Record Locator for the SANS Round Trip Group: ONMXMT
Record Locator for singers continuing on to Brazil: FZNDZM
The first time you try this, you may get an error message "record not found" - don't worry!
You will now see a first name field. Enter your first AND middle names in this field. Then enter your last name and record locater number. That should do the trick. If not, feel free to contact Linda or Jane.
If you booked your own flights, you will not appear on these lists. Please refer to your own documentation from the airline.
Once you’re logged in:
Please check the spelling of your name to make sure it matches your passport. If there are any errors, please notify Jane or Linda immediately. You will be charged a fee for any changes at this point.
You can add AA#, KTN or Global entry info, if applicable
If you did not indicate a food preference or there’s an error – you can add/change a few days before our flight
We *think* we will be able to check in online 24 hours in advance. If that doesn’t work, we will check in at the airport the day of our flight.
Pre-Trip Learning Resources
This year we are grateful to Gabby's husband Prentice Zinn for preparing a "Media Sampler" with an extensive list of videos, films, books and articles on a wide range of subjects. Thank you Prentice! We have shared this with you before and perhaps you have sampled some of these. There are many wonderful resources on this list that are well worth exploring.
You can view the Peru Media Sampler HERE
SHORT ON TIME? Here are the Trip Committee’s “TOP 8” Recommended Short Videos
To simplify things for those with limited time, we have selected several items from this Media Sampler as well as some others that we found that we particularly recommend. These are generally quite short videos that provide excellent information!
History of Peru
AFRO PERU: The African Diaspora in Peru (7:01) YouTube
The Afro-Peruvian population today numbers up to 3 million people! From the 1500s through to the mid 1800s, the slave trade flourished in Peru.
Peru's Chinese Connection (12:23)
Explore the rich cultural ties between Peru and China as Dan Collyns takes us to Lima’s vibrant Chinatown.
Peru’s Indigenous Revolt (13:56)
An Indigenous-led uprising in Peru, sparked by the arrest of a beloved farmer-turned-President, is exposing a racist system that’s exploited native people and their natural resources since colonization
The History of Peru Explained in 10 Minutes (10:00) YouTube
The Rise and Fall of the Inca Empire (5:45) YouTube
It was the western hemisphere's largest empire ever, with a population of nearly 10 million subjects. Yet within 100 years of its rise in the fifteenth century, the Inca Empire would be no more. What happened? Gordon McEwan details the rise and fall of the Inca Empire.
About The Indigenous Quechua People of Peru
Peru’s Quechua Indian: Culture and Family Traditions (16:51) YouTube
Traditional knowledge and ritual practices are part of the cultural heritage of the communities surrounding the Qeswachaka Bridge in Peru. Their close relationship with the Pachamama (mother nature) has allowed them to survive in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet: the heart of the Peruvian Andes at 4000 meters above sea level.
About the Quechua Language (9:35) YouTube
The Original People of Peru: The Quechua (Indigenous People Documentary) (50:00) YouTube The Quechua are indigenous people living in the highlands of Peru and neighbouring countries, far away from modern society. Follow along as they make the strenuous pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Señor de Quyllurit'i. (This is long but very interesting)