FAQ
You got questions, we got answers
How challenging are the treks?
The treks are rated as moderate to challenging (means hard) and covers miles of trekking on uneven, rocky terrain with steep uphill and downhill sections and lots and lots of steps. It is the most challenging for most of people because of the uphill and elevation, you need to walk miles to reach a maximum altitude. Prior hiking experience is recommended.
What is the weather on the treks/Inca trail?
Can tour be customize?
YES. Please contact us if you want to customize the tour.
Can I drink the water in Peru?
You should not drink tap water. It is not safe to drink. You can only drink bottled water. It is readily available at tourist sites, hotels, local shops, and restaurants. Please remember to brush your teeth with bottled water only. Order your beverages without ice as ice is not always made with boiled/ bottled water. You can also bring iodine tablets or other filtration systems if you like, though on the trek we provide filtered/boiled water for you to drink.
What if I have some Dietary Needs?
Let us know in advance. We are able to cater to any dietary requirement. We often cater for non-vegetarian, vegetarian and vegan preferences.
Do tour rates include international flights?
NO. Our tour rates do not include international flights. We can help you arrange these flights with various airlines.
Is there any direct flights to Cusco?
There are no direct flights from foreign countries into Cusco City. You can fly from another major hub (example: Lima, Quitos, Buenos Aires, etc) or take a bus. The main airlines that fly to Cusco from Lima are LATAM, Avianca, Peruvian Airlines, Viva Air, and LC Peru
What type of Electricity Outlets works in Peru?
Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts and in some places they have 110 Volts. There are often power surges for any outlet. If you travel to Peru with a device that does not accept 220 Volts, you will need a voltage converter.
Outlets in Peru generally accept 2 types of plugs: If your appliance/device plug has a different shape, you may need a plug adapter. Depending on how much you plan to travel in the future, it may be worthwhile to get a combination voltage converter and plug adapter.
How will I manage my electrical gadgets during trek?
Do I need to carry my own medicine or first aid?
Your guide will have a first aid kit all the time while you are on the trek, which includes some pain killers, bandages, small bandages to prevent blisters, oxygen tank, pills for case of diarrheas and similar. At any time of the trek please feel free to ask for anything you may need, however, if you need any special medication or you have a special medical condition, please, contact your doctor to get the best advices prior to the trek
What will my personal porter carry for me?
How and from where I can exchange money?
Nuevo Sol is currency in Peru. US dollar and Euro money is widely exchanged here. For exchange money prefer going to Currency Exchange Center or to Banks. Please note do not change money with individuals on the street, they could have counterfeit bills. Check the going rate first as one store might offer a better exchange rate. Taking money out of ATMs in Peru is good option. You can use your credit card to purchase things. Most major credit cards are accepted, Visa being the most widely used.
What should I pack to bring for my trek?
Whatever you need for the day you should pack in your daypack because your porter will meet you at our campsite in the evening.
- Actual hiking boots as regular running shoes do not get very good grip if it rained,
- Sleeping bags
- Trekking or walking poles
- Sleeping bag liner
- Mattress pad
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Hiking pants (or shorts) and shirts (layers)
- Layers – long underwear and/or warm sleep pants for cold nights
- Warm hat,
- Gloves,
- Scarf,
- Thick warm socks
- Rain gear – rain jacket and rain pants
- Swim suit and towel for any hot springs
- Torch/flashlight/headlamp (and batteries)
- Insect repellent
- Extra snacks (something like protein bar)
- Personal medication
- Camera, extra memory cards, batteries
- Water bottle or water bladder to refill
- Power plug adapter
- Tickets, itinerary, emergency contact information
What medications should I carry during my tour?
Medications are optional and depend on your specific needs
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Anti-nausea medication
- Cold/flu medication
- General pain killer/fever reducer
- Antibiotic for a severe bacterial infection
- Medication for upset stomach/indigestion
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Any other prescribed by your doctor
How early should I book my tour?
You can book your tour at any time but it is better if you book in advance. We recommend you should book 4-6 months in advance so that you get what trail you want to go. You should wait to book your international flights until after your tour is confirmed. If possible we may be able to accommodate last minute travelers as well, so give us a call and we will do our best.
How concerned should I be about my health in high altitude?
Are these trips a good choice for solo travelers?
YES. Our tours tend to attract a great mix of solo travelers, families, friends, etc.
Can I extend or change my stay?
Yes. Let us know how you would like to customize your trip and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Is it safe to eat raw fruits and vegetables in Peru?
Peruvian food have some of the world’s most beautiful and delicious food ever. Peruvian produce carries a host of germs that foreign travelers are not used to. It is generally advisable to avoid eating street food and eat raw fruit, you can peel fruits and veggies that you know have been washed well in boiled/filtered water or peeled in a hygienic kitchen. Famous restaurants do a good job of food preparation but it is often a good idea to still avoid salads. On the trail we carefully prepare food in a hygienic manner and wash all fruits and vegetables in boiled or filtered water. In case you do end up with stomach upset from eating something on the streets or in a restaurant it is a good idea to stay hydrated and bring medicine with you such as antacids, indigestion pills, and antibiotics for travelers’ diarrhea. Consult with your doctor prior to your trip about the best medications to bring with you if you choose to do so.
What are main attractions in Cusco?
- Huacaypata commonly known as Plaza de Armas, it means to cry. It was designed by its founder, Inca Manco Cápac, as the symbolic center of the empire.
- The Temple of Sacsayhuamán: It has big walls of monumental stones distributed in zigzag formation. It is within walking distance from the center.
- Tambomachay also known as the Baños del Inca (Baths of the Inca). Clear running water still flows through the stairways, and it have been a sanctuary for water worship.
- Puca Pucará: Red Fortress formed by terraces, turrets, vaulted niches, stairways, urns, and platforms.
- Q’enko Ceremonial Spot: it is an Inca worship site. It is built in rocks. There are passages, canals, and stairways. Stone engravings representing the puma, a sacred animal.
- Barrio de San Blas: The quarter of San Blas is located a few blocks from the Huacaypata. It is well-known for housing of the most important Cusqueño artisans.
- Qoricancha or The Temple of The Sun: constructed during the rule of Inca Pachacutec. This is where Inti Raymi begins.
- Churches and monasteries: the Cathedral, San Francisco, Santo Domingo, Santa Catalina, San Pedro, Santa Clara, La Compañía, San Cristóbal and La Merced are the most important.
- La Merced houses a famous 1720 gold monstrance encased which many precious stones like diamonds, rubies, topazes and emeralds.
- There are many mansions, the most outstanding are, Casa de los Cuatro Bustos, Casa de los Marqueses de San Juan de Buena Vista y Rocafuerte, Palacio del Almirante, and Casa Solariega, where the Inca Garcilazo de la Vega was born.
Can I rent sleeping bag from you?
YES. You can rent sleeping bags from us. In time you are booking your trek with us you should request the sleeping bag if you need it.
Can I enter Machu Picchu with my backpack?
What is the toilet situation on trek?
We will provide you a portable private toilet in every camp site that will be cleaned by our staff after being used. Also, each camp has public squatting toilets, so, you can use any of them as well.
Do I need walking poles?
Can I smoke on the trail?
If you smoke, you should still bring your cigarettes on the trek but try to consume less as other may feel uncomfortable to trek. As you are used to smoking so it will be difficult for you to resist it. Please note that you are not allowed to smoke in the Inca trail but you can smoke in the lunch spots and campsites.
How safe is to use Taxis in Peru?
If you want to travel in Peru yourself/through taxi please agree to price before hand and tell driver to drop you straight to your hotel or other destination as you already have a reservation. Taxi Drivers receive commissions to persuade you to go to other hotel or place. It is best to have a hotel pre-booked and only take taxi that have been sent by your hotel. In Cusco you should take a taxi which is marked as taxi. Please remember to arrange the fare before getting into the taxi.
What age is appropriate?
We have travelers from age 7-65 on our Peru tours. However, we often encourage families traveling with young children. Our most common travelers are from age 20s-60s. We tend to get a wide variety of ages groups in our tours.
How does payment work?
For query related to payment please contact us at: +1-248-420-4630.