FAQ

FAQ

FAQ


General


Why is the trek briefing two days prior to departure?
In order to make sure that only people start the treks who are adequately acclimatized to the altitude. All tour operators have this policy, and it is for your own safety.
As a courtesy to our customers, we do the trek briefings at your hotel. Payment of the remaining trek fee is also done during the briefing.


How big are the groups?
The maximum number of guests per group is 12 for group service. For private services, you can decide how many people you will bring along.


What is the advantage of a private service?
No other people you don't know or want will be part of your trip. Ideally, for honeymooners, a family, a group of friends, etc. Guides will be able to provide a more personal service than on a group service tour.


Where do I store the bags I don't need when I go on the trail?
All hotels in Cusco are accustomed to trekkers leaving belongings while on the trek and will have storage facilities at no extra cost. Optionally, you can leave your bags with us in our storage.


How difficult are the trails?
You have to be moderately fit and get regular exercise. Some preparation before your holiday is good advice. Try walking 15km a day and see how you feel afterwards. Go to the gym or do some cycling.
Generally, the pace on all treks is rather slow and is always adjusted to our clients' needs. At the end, you should enjoy the trail, and it should not be seen as a competition to see who arrives first.


Can I use walking sticks or trekking poles?
Many people use them. Either you bring them along with you or you can buy or hire sticks in many shops around Cusco.
For the Inca Trail, however, certain restrictions apply in order to prevent damage to the trail: walking poles with a metal spike are only allowed on the Inca Trail if the spikes are equipped with rubber protection. Wooden sticks are also fine, as long as you have brought them from home. In recent times, trekkers with wooden poles from local trees have been stopped by the government. The government wants to prevent deforestation and protect Andean forests.
 
We offer trekking poles for rent for USD 15.


Can you guarantee that we camp at Wiñay Wayna the third night on the Inca Trail?
Wiñay Wayna is the campsite closest to Machu Picchu, so it is everybody's favorite campsite. Wiñay Wayna is about a 2-hour trek to Machu Picchu, so it allows the group to arrive at Machu Picchu very early in the morning. However, there is not enough space at Wiñay Wayna for all the Inca Trail groups. The next nearest campsite is Phuyupatamarca, which is a 5-hour trek to Machu Picchu. The campsite assignment is done by the government, and we have no control over it.


Will I be able to climb Wayna Picchu when doing the Inca Trail?
The government limits the total number of people allowed to climb Wayna Picchu to 300 per day. Since July 2022, the fee for a combined Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu ticket is 75 USD, or 40 USD if you hold a valid ISIC card. The Wayna Picchu permits are not sold separately, and as we buy your Machu Picchu ticket together with the Inca Trail permit, you can only buy a combined ticket. There is no combined ticket for the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, or Wayna Picchu.


Groups and times for entry:

Huayna Picchu Mountain access times are divided into four groups, allowing visitors to view this natural wonder without being crowded. Both Huayna Picchu and the Inca City of Machu Picchu are accessible to each group.

Distribution of places: There are only a certain number of places available every day on the mountain's alternate path, 300 in total.

Time Slots: There are four admission slots total, with the first one beginning at 6:00 and the last one ending at 11:00. These windows of time are as follows:

06:00 - 07:00 hrs.

08:00 - 09:00 hrs.

09:00 - 10:00 hrs.

10:00 - 11:00 hrs.

Planning Your Visit:
Advance ticket purchase is advised in order to reserve your desired entry time at Huayna Picchu due to its popularity.
Training: Be aware that the hike up Huayna Picchu can be physically demanding. Make sure you have the right hiking equipment and are in good health.

Considerations for the weather: The weather in the Andes can be unpredictable. As sudden changes are prevalent, be sure to pack layers and rain gear.


Will I be able to climb Wayna Picchu when doing other treks than the Inca Trail?
The government limits the total number of people allowed to climb Wayna Picchu to 300 per day. The Wayna Picchu tickets are not sold separately, so you need to let us know if you want to climb Wayna Picchu while booking. The combined Machu Picchu/Wayna Picchu ticket costs 75 USD more than the normal Machu Picchu ticket that we will buy for you.
 
The 300 people allowed on Wayna Picchu are split into four groups. The first one climbed Wayna Picchu at 07:00 and the last at 10 When doing the Lares or Salkantay trekking, we are at the entrance of Machu Picchu at 06:00, and you can choose whether you want to join.

Time Slots: There are four admission slots total, with the first one beginning at 6:00 and the last one ending at 11:00. These windows of time are as follows:

06:00–07:00 hrs.

08:00–09:00 hrs.

09:00–10:30 hrs.

10:00–11:00 hrs.

But you have to let us know during the booking procedure which group you want to join by putting a comment in the remarks field.


At what time will we leave Aguas Calientes for Ollantaytambo?
We take the train Expedition Service, leaving Aguas Calientes at 14:55 (2:55 pm) and arriving at Ollantaytambo at 16:30 (4:30 pm). From there, our private transportation will take us to Cusco, and we will drop you off at your hotel. Arrival is at around 18:30–19:00.
 
If we should not be able to get tickets for that schedule (e.g., short notice booking), we would take the train at 18:20 (6:20 pm), arrive in Ollantaytambo at 20:05 (8:05 pm), and arrive in Cusco at around 21:00/21:30. This will be the Expedition Service.
 
If none of these schedules suit you, there are several upgrade options:
 
Vistadome train leaves Aguas Calientes at 13:37 (1:37 p.m.) and will arrive in Ollantaytambo at 15:04 (3:04 p.m.) and Cusco around 16:30/17:00 p.m. + USD 30 per person.
 
The Vistadome train leaves Aguas Calientes at 15:48 (3:48 p.m.) and arrives in Ollantaytambo at 17:29 (5:29 p.m.), arriving in Cusco around 19:30/20:00 p.m. + USD 40 per person.
 
Expediton train leaves Aguas Calientes at 16:22 (4:22 p.m.) and will arrive in Ollantaytambo at 18:10 (6:10 p.m.) and Cusco around 20:30 (21:00 p.m.). + USD 20 per person.


Can I get back on a different train than the one included in the trek?
If none of the above options suit you, then it is best to make the train booking directly with Peru Rail yourself using their website, www.perurail.com.
 
But you have to inform us when making the booking. We will, of course, deduct the costs of the train (50 dollars) and the bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (5 dollars) from the price of your trek. This is done when settling the total price of your trek. The deposit will remain the same.


Why do you not offer the direct train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco?
Because the trip is longer than taking the train to Aguas Calientes and then stepping on a bus (1 1/2 hours train, 1 1/2 hours bus). The direct train takes 4 hours to get to Cusco, and then you need to take the bus for another 45 minutes to get downtown. In addition, it is very difficult to get tickets as the railway company prefers to sell round trips from Cusco to Aguas Calientes to one-way tickets.


If I come back on a different train from that arranged by you, will you still send a transport to Ollantaytambo to collect me?
If you decide to book your return train by yourself or change the return time from Aguas Calientes from that arranged by us, we won't be able to send a transport to pick you up and drive you to Cusco.
However, there are many buses leaving Ollantaytambo for Cusco, or you can also take a taxi that will cost you around 40 dollars per ride.


How do the alternative treks to Machu Picchu compare to the traditional Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is famous because it passes through various different landscapes, such as high mountains, cloud forests, sub-tropical vegetation, and grassland. In addition, many archeological sites are located along the route. But it is very crowded, and the government strictly limits the number of people allowed on the trek. Hence, it is already booked months in advance.
 
The alternative treks are much less crowded, and you can enjoy the amazing high-mountain scenery with many snow-capped peaks and beautiful lakes. The alternative trek will lead you through many small villages and communities in the mountains that mainly live as farmers, working hard on their fields and tending their llama and alpaca herds. These people still live very traditionally, proudly wearing their traditional dresses, and you will be able to see their outstanding weaving products and handicrafts.
 
The alternative treks are an excellent alternative for those who have not found any space on the Inca Trail but also for those who prefer a much less crowded hike that gives a good impression of how life in the Peruvian highlands is.


Do you provide drinkable water on the trek?
On the Lares and Salkantay treks, you can buy water and other drinks from locals throughout the whole trail. The same applies for the first two days of the Inca Trail. From the third day onward on the Inca Trail, we will provide boiled water.


Can I buy drinks and snacks on the trek?
On the Lares and Salkantay treks, you can. Just make sure that you bring some drinks on the trek to avoid having to start without any. On the Inca Trail, from the third day on, we will provide boiled water as no drinks can be bought anymore.


Are tips included in the trek price?
Tips for the guides, assistants, cooks, porters, and horsemen are not included in the price of the trek. Tips are optional and depend on the level of service provided.
 
Tips for the cook, porters, and horsemen:
On the Inca Trail, generally, tips are distributed amongst the cook and porters on the third night of the trek at Wiay Wayna.
This is because on the final day, porters are not going with the group to Machu Picchu; they will descend to km 107 and take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and then they will return to their communities.
 
On the Lares and Salkantay treks, tips are distributed amongst the cook, assistants, and horsemen on the third day of the trek after lunch.
The cook, assistants, and horsemen are going back to their communities after lunch.
 
Someone from the group is usually elected to collect the tips; for this, we recommend taking plenty of small denomination bills in Peruvian soles, and we also recommend that the cook receive 50% more than the porters and the horsemen.
 
Tips for the guide and the assistant guide:
 
We recommend tipping our guides and assistants after the guided tour in Machu Picchu or when they meet at the restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
 
All our cooks, porters, and horsemen receive a fair salary. However, it's common to give tips if customers are satisfied and happy with the service provided. Usually people give 80 to 100 soles per porter, 120 soles for the assistant cook, 160 soles for the cook, and 200 to 300 soles for the tour guide.

Are you a licensed Inca Trail operator?
Yes, here you can find our official licenses:
operator
license from the Municipality of Cusco
License
 from the Ministry of Tourism
Inca
 Trail Operator License (renewed annually)


What are your special protocols for COVID-19? 
 

Our COVID-19 Protocols
We believe the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world and the way people travel. Our team at Incatrekkers Peru Travel is working to develop and implement health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while traveling with us.
 
OUR SERVICE DURING COVID-19
Your safety on our treks and tours has always been our priority. Our treks and tours are designed for small, private groups to avoid the crowds.
 
1. On all of our treks and tours, we have a contingency plan for any eventuality or symptom related to COVID-19 and have strategically allied with Clinica Peruano Suiza Cusco and established contact with reputed English-speaking doctors, whom you can contact at any time before or during your travels.
 
2. All our guides are regularly tested for COVID-19, and all trekking staff will have a COVID-19 test before your trek starts or before making contact with you.
 
3. All the equipment and transportation are properly cleaned and disinfected at the end of the treks and tours.
 
4. Professional guides trained in COVID-19 to ensure your trip is as safe as possible
 
5. Social distance must be maintained at all times at a minimum of 1.50 meters between each person.
 
6. The use of a mask is mandatory for all the treks and tours; customers must bring extra masks in good condition.
 
7. Food will be served with all safety and hygiene on our treks.
 
PACKING LIST DURING COVID-19
We recommend that each group on the tours bring their own thermometer, in addition to things like extra face masks and sanitizer. Peruvian authorities have mandated the use of face shields on planes, trains, public buses, and entry to archaeological sites.

Booking Process


Do I have to pay a deposit? 
Yes, when booking a trail, you need to state a valid credit card, and we will charge it. The non-refundable deposit varies from tour to tour.
The deposit is required to pay official fees, entrance fees, and taxes. We also use the deposit to secure cooks, porters, and horses for our different treks.


When do I pay the remaining amount for the trek?
The remaining amount for the trek is paid in cash (US$) two days before the trek starts. This ensures that everyone in the group is well acclimatized to the high altitude.
 
Important: Please note that we can only accept undamaged bills (no damages, markings, rips, etc.).
We will meet you at your hotel, where you can settle the remaining amount. This is a courtesy to our customers in order to avoid having to walk through the city with a lot of cash.
 
The trek briefing will also be done at your hotel.


How far in advance do I need to make a trek reservation?
For the Inca Trail as far in advance as possible. The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail to 200 trekkers and 300 porters. Depending on the month you wish to do the trek, we recommend the following:
May,June, July, August, and September: Between 6 and 8 months in advance.
April–October: at least 4 months in advance.
Nov, Dec, Jan, and March: at least 3 months in advance
Feb.: Inca Trail is closed for cleaning.


Can I change the date of my place on the Inca Trail once I have booked it?
No. Unfortunately, once your reservation is officially confirmed with the Inca Trail Authorities (INC Reservation Office), it is not possible to change or postpone your departure date. You would need to make a new reservation with a new deposit for your new date (this date needs to be at least 5 days before or after your prior departure date). Please note that this is an authority regulation applicable to all tour operator.


Can I book without a valid passport?
Unfortunately not. Both the Inca Trail and a visit to Machu Picchu require a valid passport. If your passport expires between your booking date and your vacation, you have to bring along the old passport; since 2014, a copy of the old passport is sufficient. Authorities will not admit you on the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu with your new passport, only if it is different from the one you used to book. This is not under our control! However, you can book with an expired, valid passport, as long as you also bring it with you or a copy of it. Booking without a passport is not possible.


What is the Inca Trail trek permit, and who buys it? 
As the number of people on the Inca Trail is limited to 200 trekkers and 300 porters per day, the government issues Inca Trail permits. Permits can only be bought by licensed tour operators, and there is a pretty complicated procedure for how operators can get the permits for their clients. We will take care of buying your permit.


Do you guarantee that I will get an Inca Trail permit for my booked date?
We will do our best, but it strongly depends on luck. The government uses a pretty complicated procedure to allocate the trekking permits. From mid-January on, for a couple of weeks, permit allocation takes place. On specific dates, permits are allocated for a specific month. The evening before the permits go on sale, the Association of Cusco Tour Operators puts the names of all the tour operators with valid bookings in a hat, and then the order of the tour operator names that are taken out of the hat determines the order of companies that can purchase the trek permits for that given month.
If for any reason we are not able to buy your trek permits, we will e-mail you as soon as we know and try to offer you an alternative departure date or refund your trek deposit.


Do you give discounts for kids? 
Yes. If you send an electronic copy (scan) of the passport of your child (younger than 14), we can get a discount of USD 20. But we need the passport copy to get the permits.


Do I get a discount as a student?
If you hold a valid ISIC student card, you get a USD 20 discount on the 4D/3N inca trail, a USD 20 discount on the 2D/1N inca trail, and on the Lares and Salkantay treks. We need a scanned copy of your ISIC card in order to get the permits. Please send it to info@incatrekkers.com right after you book and make a note in the booking remarks.


On the Trek


Do I need to bring walking boots?
Walking boots are recommended as they provide support for the ankle, which reduces the risk of injury, especially when trekking in the wet season (December–March). However, it is important that your boots are comfortable, well worn in, and not brand new. We do not recommend trekking in sandals, using new boots, or hiring boots prior to the trek. Make sure the shoes are sturdy enough for the duration of the trek and will not fall apart.


What do I need to carry on the trek? 

You only have to carry your daypack with your personal items (drinking water, rain gear, etc.). The rest of your belongings required on the trek are carried by porters or horses. Depending on the length of the trek, you are entitled to bring along between 5 (Inca Trail) and 8 (Lares, Salkantay, Choquequirao) kilos. You should store the rest of your travel baggage at your hotel.


Do you have a vegetarian option?  

Yes. We can provide vegetarian food on request. During the briefing two days prior to departure, we will ask for any special diet wishes and then buy the food for the trek accordingly.


Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?
Since the beginning of 2003, many new flush toilets have been built along the Inca Trail, including all of the major campsites. This has helped a lot to improve sanitary conditions on the trail. Each toilet block has cold running water. Every evening, we will provide you with a bowl of warm water to wash with.


Will I be able to take a shower on the trails? 
There are no showers on the trek, but we will provide a bowl with warm water every evening to wash yourself.


How many people go into each tent?  
The tents for all our treks are four-man tents, but actually two enter each, thus allowing you more space and comfort. If you are traveling alone and there are an even number of people in your group, you will share the tent with somebody of the same sex.


Where do I store the bags before the Machu Picchu guided visit? 
There is a storage area near the control gate at Machu Picchu's main entrance where tourists leave their personal belongings. Please note that you can only visit Machu Picchu with a small daypack and without food (walking sticks are not allowed either unless it is really necessary, i.e., age of tourists, etc.)


Appropriate clothing along the hikes  
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces, and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (a rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants), as the weather changes easily and rain can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required along the route.


Will your guides accompany us from start untill the end of the trek? 

Yes. Unlike other operators, our guides will stay with you until you are back in your hotel (private and group service). Many operators let their customers travel alone from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. We don't. We want to provide excellent service and go the extra mile. Therefore, we will stay with you for the whole trek duration (from picking you up at the hotel until dropping you again at the hotel).
Can a child climb Wayna Picchu?
We do not recommend that kids hike Wayna Picchu. Teenagers from 15 on should be able


Climate


Climate - Lares Valley 

Cusco’s climate is divided into two seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January and March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
 
Along the route from Lares to Ollantaytambo, temperatures range from 10–20 oC during the day if it’s sunny to 5–15 oC during the day if it's not sunny and depending on the elevation. Temperatures drop at night, reaching 0–5 oC, although rarely below. In Aguas Calientes and Machupicchu, at lower altitudes, temperatures are usually warmer, though warm clothes are still recommended at night.


Climate - Inca Trail 
Cusco’s climate is divided into two seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January and March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
 
Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15–20 oC during the day if it’s sunny to 0–10 oC during the day if it's not sunny. At night, it's between 0 and 05 oC at the first two campsites. At Wiaywayna and Machupicchu, at lower altitudes, temperatures are usually warmer, though warm clothes are still recommended at night.


Climate - Salkantay 
Cusco’s climate is divided into two seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January and March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
 
Along the Salkantay route, temperatures range from 10–20 oC during the day if it’s sunny to 0–10 oC during the day if it's not sunny and can drop below freezing at night. In Aguas Calientes/Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer, though warm clothes are still recommended at night.


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