Good to know before your trip to Peru

1. Send your inquiry: Choose your tour and send us your inquiry with your preferred travel date and the number of travelers – using the inquiry form on our website or by email.

2. We check availability: We check whether permits and places are available on your desired date. This is especially important for the Inca Trail, where the number of permits per day is strictly limited.

3. Booking confirmation: As soon as availability is confirmed, we confirm your booking and send you all the details of your trip.

4. Deposit of 30%: To secure your booking, we ask for a deposit of 30% of the tour price. We send you a secure payment link for this. Once we have received the deposit, your booking is binding – only then do we purchase your permits as well as your Machu Picchu and train tickets. For trips with an Inca Trail permit or Machu Picchu ticket, the deposit is non-refundable, as it covers the official permits and entrance fees as well as the booking of our cooks, porters and horses.

5. Balance payment: The remaining 70% is paid in full via a second payment link, no later than 30 days before the start of the trip. For bookings made less than 30 days before the start of the trip, the full price is due immediately. A fee of 4% applies to payments by credit card or payment link and is borne by the traveller. All prices include Peruvian VAT (IGV). Cancellation fees and all other conditions can be found in our Terms and Conditions.

What is the permit? The Inca Trail permit is an official authorization issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Access to the Classic Inca Trail is limited to 500 people per day – around 200 trekkers and 300 guides, cooks and porters.

Who buys it? Permits can only be purchased by licensed tour operators. We take care of the entire process for you; please send us a copy of the passport of every participant when booking. Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets are issued exactly with these passport details and cannot be corrected, transferred or rebooked once purchased.

When to book: Permits for the following year usually go on sale in October. We recommend booking 6 to 8 months in advance for May to September, at least 4 months in advance for April and October, and at least 3 months in advance for November, December, January and March.

February: The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance. Machu Picchu and the alternative treks remain open.

Passport: The permit is issued for your passport number. If you receive a new passport after booking, please bring your old passport or a copy of it, as the checkpoints compare your details with the booking.

Questions? Just get in touch – we are happy to help you plan your trip.

Dry season (May to October): Sunny days, clear views of the mountains and little rain – ideal conditions for trekking. June to August is the high season: the days are pleasant, but the nights are cold, and permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu sell out months in advance.

Shoulder months (April and October to November): Many travelers consider these months the best compromise. The landscape is green, there are fewer visitors and the weather is mostly stable, with occasional showers.

Rainy season (December to March): Rain is frequent, especially in the afternoon, and the trails can be muddy. In return, the valleys are lush and green and Machu Picchu is quieter. The Inca Trail is closed every February for maintenance; alternative treks and Machu Picchu remain open.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley: During the day, temperatures in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) usually reach 18–22 °C (64–72 °F). In the evening it cools down quickly, to around 0–5 °C (32–41 °F) in the dry season. The Sacred Valley is lower and a few degrees warmer.

Inca Trail: Daytime temperatures range from about 15–20 °C (59–68 °F) on sunny days and are noticeably cooler on cloudy days. At the first two campsites, nights are around 0–5 °C (32–41 °F). Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu lie lower and are milder and more humid.

Salkantay and Lares: On these high treks, daytime temperatures range from about 10–20 °C (50–68 °F). Nights at the high campsites are often below freezing.

Sun and UV: At high altitude, the sun is very strong even when it feels cool. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are essential all year round.

Our tip: If you want to hike the Inca Trail in the high season, book 6 to 8 months in advance. For more flexibility, alternative treks such as Salkantay or Lares can be booked at shorter notice.

Inca Trail: The classic route to Machu Picchu combines high mountain passes, cloud forest and subtropical vegetation with numerous Inca sites along the way – and you arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Because of its popularity, the number of permits is strictly limited and the trail has to be booked months in advance.

Short Inca Trail: The 2-day version starts at Km 104 and avoids the high passes. It is ideal if you have little time or prefer a moderate hike, and you still enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Alternative treks: Routes such as Salkantay, Lares or Choquequirao are much quieter and lead through spectacular high mountain scenery with snow-capped peaks and glacier lakes. You pass traditional villages where families still tend their llamas and alpacas and practice their ancient weaving techniques. These treks require no Inca Trail permit and can often be booked at shorter notice.

Our tip: You will find the fitness level, altitude and character of each tour under "Type of trip" in the tour description. If you are unsure, we are happy to advise you.

Why acclimatization matters: At high altitude, the air contains less oxygen. Many visitors feel short of breath, tired or have a slight headache on the first days. This is normal and usually improves after one or two days.

Arrive early: We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your trek. Several of our tours start with sightseeing days that help you acclimatize.

Tips for the first days: Take it easy, walk at a relaxed pace, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and heavy meals. Coca tea, which is served everywhere in Cusco, can also help.

During the trek: Our guides know the signs of altitude sickness and set a pace that suits the group. They carry a first aid kit and emergency oxygen. If you feel unwell, please tell your guide immediately. If you have heart or lung conditions, please consult your doctor before the trip.

Vaccinations: Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are often recommended. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for trips to the Amazon region, but not for Cusco and Machu Picchu. Please get advice from your doctor or a travel medicine clinic in good time.

Travel insurance: We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance including medical treatment abroad, emergency evacuation and trip cancellation. Please check that hiking at altitudes of up to 5,000 m (16,400 ft) is covered.

Food and water: Do not drink tap water. On our treks, we provide boiled and filtered drinking water; in towns, bottled water is available everywhere.

Documents: Your original passport is mandatory for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. If you claim a student discount, bring your ISIC card.

Footwear: Sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots with ankle support, plus sandals or light shoes for the evenings.

Clothing: Use the layering principle: moisture-wicking T-shirts, a fleece, a warm down or synthetic jacket and waterproof rain jacket and pants or a poncho. For the cold nights, bring thermal underwear, a beanie and gloves.

Daypack: A daypack of about 25 liters for water, rain gear, snacks, sunscreen and your camera. You carry it yourself during the trek.

Equipment: Reusable water bottles (metal or Nalgene), headlamp with spare batteries, sleeping bag (can be rented from us), trekking poles with rubber tips, small towel and toilet paper.

Health and protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, a personal first aid kit and any medication you need.

Extras: Snacks, a camera with spare batteries (they drain faster in the cold), some Peruvian soles in small bills and a swimsuit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

Luggage limit: Your duffel bag is carried by porters, horses or llamas. The weight limit is usually 6 kg (13 lb) on the Inca Trail and up to 8 kg (17 lb) on treks with horses. You can store the rest of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco.

Visa: Citizens of the USA, Canada, the EU, Switzerland, the UK, Australia and many other countries do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Peru. Tourists may stay up to 183 days per year; the immigration officer sets the exact number of days on arrival – often 90 days. If you plan a longer trip, mention it at passport control.

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and have at least one blank page. Immigration may ask for a return or onward ticket.

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu: Permits and entrance tickets are issued for your passport number. Please send us your passport details exactly as they appear in your passport. If you receive a new passport after booking, bring your old passport or a copy of it.

Flights: Nonstop flights from the USA and Europe, connecting in Lima and the flight to Cusco – all details here:

→ Getting to Cusco from the USA & Europe

Time zone: Peru is on UTC−5 all year round and does not use daylight saving time. From November to March, Peru has the same time as New York; during US daylight saving time (March to November), Peru is one hour behind New York and two hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Electricity: Peru uses 220 volts / 60 Hz. Most sockets accept both US flat two-pin plugs (type A) and European round-pin plugs (type C), so you often don't need a plug adapter – a small universal adapter is still useful. Check the voltage: phone, camera and laptop chargers are usually dual voltage (100–240 V), but hair dryers, straighteners or shavers rated for 110 V only will need a voltage converter.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Peru but voluntary. In restaurants, around 10% is usual if service is not already included. On treks, guides, cooks, porters and horsemen receive their tips at the end of the trek.

→ Money, payments and tipping

Travel insurance: We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad and emergency evacuation (including helicopter rescue) and that explicitly includes trekking at high altitude – up to the highest point of your route: 4,215 m (13,828 ft) on the Inca Trail, around 4,600 m (15,100 ft) on the Salkantay Trek and over 5,000 m (16,400 ft) at Rainbow Mountain and on the Ausangate trek. Many US health plans and Medicare offer little or no coverage outside the USA – please check your policy before you travel.

→ Health, altitude and travel insurance

Please note: Entry requirements can change. Please check the current regulations with the Peruvian embassy or your foreign ministry (for US citizens: travel.state.gov) before you travel.

Currency: The Peruvian sol (PEN) is the official currency. US dollars are accepted in many hotels and travel agencies, but small purchases, markets and tips are paid in soles.

ATMs and cards: There are many ATMs in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and larger shops, sometimes with a small surcharge. On the treks themselves, you can only pay in cash.

Bills: Please bring clean, undamaged bills. Torn, marked or very worn notes – especially US dollars – are often not accepted.

Why tip? Our team receives fair wages, but a tip is a customary way to thank the guides, cooks, porters and horsemen for their hard work.

When: On the Inca Trail, the porters and cooks receive their tips on the last evening of the trek, as they do not accompany you to Machu Picchu. On the Lares and Salkantay treks, this happens after lunch on the third day. Guides are usually tipped after the Machu Picchu tour.

How: One person in the group usually collects the tips. Please bring Peruvian soles in small bills. The cook traditionally receives about 50% more than the porters and horsemen.

Guideline per trekker: Porters 80–100 soles, assistant cook 120 soles, cook 160 soles, guide 200–300 soles.

From the USA: There are no direct international flights from the USA to Cusco – you fly to Lima (LIM) and change to a domestic flight there. Nonstop flights to Lima depart from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and New York (JFK), among others – for example with American, Delta, United and LATAM. Depending on the city, the flight takes roughly 5½ to 8½ hours. From Canada, most travelers connect via a US hub.

From Europe: Nonstop flights to Lima operate from Madrid (for example with Iberia, Air Europa and LATAM – about 12 hours), Amsterdam (KLM) and Paris (Air France) – about 12 to 13 hours each. From other European cities, you usually connect in Madrid, Amsterdam or Paris, or via Bogotá, Panama City or São Paulo (for example with Avianca, Copa or LATAM).

Connecting in Lima: The domestic flight from Lima to Cusco takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, and several airlines fly the route daily. In Lima you clear immigration and customs, collect your luggage and check it in again for the domestic flight, so allow at least 3 hours between flights. If you arrive late at night, it is often more relaxed to spend a night in Lima and fly to Cusco in the morning. Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete airport is only a short drive from the city center.

Airport transfer: On many of our tours, the transfer from the airport to your hotel is included – please check the tour description. Otherwise, we are happy to arrange an airport transfer for you.

→ Prices & booking: Airport transfer Cusco

By bus: Long-distance buses connect Cusco with Lima, Arequipa and Puno (Lake Titicaca). The journey from Lima takes more than 20 hours, so the bus is mainly an option if you are already traveling in southern Peru.

After arrival: Plan at least two days in Cusco before your trek to acclimatize to the altitude, and take it easy on your first day.

Flights and complete travel planning: Our European partner Silvertip Tours, a licensed travel agency based in Innsbruck, Austria, is happy to book your international flights and domestic flights within Peru and to plan your complete trip – contact: info@silvertip.at.

Tents: We use spacious four-person tents (Eureka Timberline SQ 4XT), which are shared by only two trekkers, with inflatable sleeping pads. If you travel alone, you will share a tent with another trekker of the same gender.

Meals: Our cooks prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner with fresh, local ingredients, plus an afternoon tea time. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements are no problem – please let us know when booking or at the latest during the trek briefing.

Drinking water and snacks: We provide boiled and filtered drinking water at the campsites, so you can refill your bottles. On the first two days of the Inca Trail and on the Lares and Salkantay treks, you can also buy bottled water, drinks and snacks along the way. From the third day of the Inca Trail onwards, there are no more shops.

Toilets and washing: The main campsites on the Inca Trail have toilet blocks with flush toilets and cold running water. There are no showers on the trails, but every morning and afternoon our team provides warm water and biodegradable soap for washing.

Luggage: You only carry a small daypack. Your duffel bag is carried by porters, horses or llamas – the weight limit is usually 6 kg (13 lb) on the Inca Trail and up to 8 kg (17 lb) on treks with horses. The exact limit is listed in each tour description.

Circuits and entry times: Machu Picchu can only be visited on fixed circuits, and every ticket is valid for one circuit and a specific hourly entry time. The circuit included in your tour is stated in the tour description.

Circuit 1 – Panoramic: 1A Machu Picchu Mountain, 1B Upper Terraces with the classic postcard view, and in the high season 1C Sun Gate and 1D Inca Bridge.

Circuit 2 – Classic: 2A the classic route with the postcard view, the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza; 2B the lower terraces.

Circuit 3 – Royalty: 3A Huayna Picchu, 3B the royal lower sector with the Temple of the Condor, as well as the Great Cavern and Huchuy Picchu routes.

Our recommendation: For first-time visitors, Circuit 2A offers the most complete experience. It is very popular and often sold out months in advance. The Huayna Picchu route (3A) does not include the classic postcard view.

Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: Both climbs can be added to the Inca Trail and the alternative treks for USD 75 per person. The tickets are only sold together with the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, so please book them with your tour. Huayna Picchu is limited to 400 people per day; there are usually two entry groups (entrance at 7:00 AM with the climb at 8:00 AM, or at 9:00 AM with the climb at 10:00 AM). Both climbs are steep and partly exposed – good fitness, sure-footedness and a head for heights are required.

What you can bring: Only small daypacks are allowed inside Machu Picchu; larger bags can be left at the luggage storage near the main entrance. Food is not permitted, and walking poles are only allowed for medical reasons.

Standard return: We usually book the Expedition train from Aguas Calientes in the afternoon (currently at 2:55 PM, arriving in Ollantaytambo at around 4:30 PM). From there, our private transport takes you to your hotel in Cusco, where you arrive at around 6:30–7:00 PM. For bookings at short notice, a later train may be necessary (currently at 6:20 PM), with arrival in Cusco at around 9:00–9:30 PM.

Upgrade: For more comfort, you can upgrade to the Vistadome train for an extra charge (from USD 30 per person).

Why not the direct train to Cusco? The direct train takes about 4 hours, plus around 45 minutes by bus to the center of Cusco. The combination of the train to Ollantaytambo and our private transfer is considerably faster, at around 3 hours in total. In addition, tickets for the direct train are hard to get.

Please note: Train schedules can change; the exact times are confirmed with your booking.