Journee
Design your journee

Frequently asked questions

The most common questions — answered warmly.

Twenty answers to the questions we get most about Journee, payments, Machu Picchu, Peru logistics, safety, and food. If you don't find what you're looking for, write to us — we reply within 24 hours.

About Journee

What exactly is Journee?
Journee is a human-assisted real-time travel companion that crafts premium journeys in Peru, tailored to you. You talk with us, we draft a sketch in minutes, we validate with local operators, and we accompany you before, during, and after the trip. We don't sell packages or standalone tickets.
Why is it spelled Journee, not Journey?
Journee is the registered brand. The double e nods to the idea of a journey crafted with time and care, not a tourism transaction. The parent company is PeruPremiumAdventure; Journee is the product we design.
Who is behind Journee?
Two co-founders 50/50: Ives Barcelli (product and technology) and Cococho (local soul in Cusco, network of operators). We work alongside a network of accredited local operators in Peru. More on the About page.

Payments and reservations

How do payments work?
30/70 structure: 30% at journey confirmation as a deposit, the remaining 70% 30 days before the trip. Applies to all journeys regardless of total. USD only for now — we're evaluating other currencies for future product versions.
Can I cancel?
Yes. More than 60 days before the trip, 90% refund (10% retained for handling). Between 30 and 60 days, 50%. Less than 30 days, no refund. Force majeure (documented illness, certified emergency): case-by-case, with the option to reschedule at no cost.
What if I pay the deposit and something turns out to be unavailable?
We validate real availability with operators within 12 hours of the deposit. If something doesn't fit (Machu Picchu sold out, hotel booked) we offer alternative dates, an equivalent journey without the experience, or a full refund. You choose — no fine print.
What's the typical ticket size?
Journee trips range between $2K and $5K USD per person, depending on duration, hotels, and experiences. Works well for couples, families, and small premium groups. We're not built for backpackers on a tight budget or mass tour groups.

Machu Picchu

How far in advance should we book Machu Picchu?
Ideally 3 to 6 months ahead, especially if you want specific circuits (Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain) or the Inca Trail. Tickets are managed by Peru's Ministry of Culture with limited daily quotas.
When's the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
May and September tend to be ideal: dry weather, fewer peak-season crowds. June through August is high season (more availability, more people). January and February bring rain and the Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance. If you have flexibility, we help you choose.
Do I need to be in good shape for Machu Picchu?
For the basic citadel visit, no — it's accessible at a calm pace. For Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain you do need reasonable fitness (steep stairs, altitude). The 4-day Inca Trail requires prior cardiovascular preparation.
What if Machu Picchu closes during my trip?
Closures due to extreme weather or governmental decisions count as force majeure. We work with you to reschedule or, if not viable, refund according to circumstances. We have a clear protocol and direct contacts with local operators to react fast.

Logistics

Are international flights included?
No. International flights are on you — you'll likely want to book through your preferred miles program or airline. We do coordinate domestic flights within Peru (Lima-Cusco, etc.) when they apply to your journey.
Who handles transfers within Peru?
Accredited local operators with whom we have direct relationships. Private door-to-door transfers between airports, hotels, and experiences. We never put you on mass tour buses. Drivers who understand the rhythm of the trip.
How do you choose hotels?
Curated one by one. We look for places with character — boutique hotels with history, lodges with a view, family-run places in key locations. We don't recommend whatever shows up on a comparison site. If you have a preference (family-friendly, ultra-luxury, eco) we discuss it.

Safety and health

Is it safe to travel to Peru?
Premium tourist zones (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lima Miraflores/Barranco) are safe with standard travel precautions. We coordinate private transport, trusted hotels, and accredited guides. If there are relevant government updates, we let you know before the trip.
How do I handle altitude in Cusco?
Cusco sits at 3,400m. We recommend arriving and resting on day one, drinking lots of water, local coca tea, and avoiding alcohol the first 24 hours. If you're sensitive to altitude, we can design the journey starting from lower-altitude destinations like the Sacred Valley at 2,800m.
Do I need vaccines or medical preparation?
For standard tourist zones (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lima) no mandatory vaccines are required. For Amazon trips, yellow fever is recommended. Always check with your doctor. We let you know if your journey includes destinations with specific considerations.

Food and culture

I have dietary restrictions — is that a problem?
No. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, specific allergies, kosher, halal — we relay restrictions to operators and hotels before the trip. Premium Peruvian cuisine has lots of versatility, and curated restaurant chefs handle these particularities seamlessly.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. Operators and guides we work with are bilingual (Spanish/English). Some also speak French or Portuguese. In premium Cusco and Lima English is standard. If you want a guide in another specific language, we coordinate it.
How does tipping work in Peru?
In restaurants service is usually included (typical 10%) — extra tip is for great service, not mandatory. For guides and drivers, tipping at the end of the experience is customary (10-15% of service cost in USD if it was excellent). We orient you case by case.

Question not here?

The fastest path is asking the chat on our homepage — it understands context and responds in the moment. For topics you'd rather handle in writing, reach us directly.

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