Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to reserve a trek
• Full name.
• Gender.
• Date of birth.
• Passport number (it is very important, please advise if you think you will change your passport before you do one of the trek).
• Nationality.

Confirm whether you are a student
(it is necessary to have a valid ISIC card to qualify as a student because all the student will get a discount of $30 on different treks) and if so scan and email it. (We need to present a copy of your card now and you will also need to take it on the Inca Trail. If for any reason, you will not have your original card when you are going to enter the Inca Trail, please advise us as soon as you know this - the Inca Trail authorities are extremely strict and will not allow you to enter the Inca Trail if you have booked as a student but do not have your original card at the time of entering).

Pay a deposit (Non-refundable)
When we make the reservation with the government authorities we can’t change any details of the reservation on the Inka trail but you can do it for the other treks. You have to deposit depends of the trek you will do it, the balance can be paid once you arrive in Cusco. Deposit:
- 180 USD per person for the 4D/3N Inka Trail.
- 180 USD per person for the 2D/1N Inka Trail.
- 150 USD per person for the other treks.

Why do I need to send a deposit?
Inka trail: We use your deposit (Non- refundable) to pay official fees when making your official reservation. For example, we need to pay tourist and porters entrance fees to the National Park, Train Tickets, and taxes (19%.
Other Treks: We use our deposit to buy the train tickets, and book the transportation, taxes (19%)

What options are there to pay the deposit?
Western Union is the safest and fastest way to wire money (especially when availability is changing very quickly and reservations need to be made ASAP!). You can send money from anywhere in the world in a few minutes or online through www.westernunion.com, www.visaonline.com

1.- If you send a deposit by WESTERN UNION you have to send in the name of ELIZABETH YUPAICCANA JUAREZ in the city of CUSCO - PERU once you deposit you will get a code number please we need you send by e-mail the code number to get the money.
2.- VISA ON LINE when you make the deposit on line you will pay the percentage of deposit (8%) because in Cusco we have to pay taxes also (19%).

Decide whether or not you want an extra porter
Who would carry your personal belongings. By hiring a porter you will only need to carry a very small day pack. (Please note, you can also share one porter between two people - up to 9 kilos* each (9kl. includes sleeping bags and mats). We provide you with a duffle bag in which to put your belongings that your extra porter will carry. If you do not hire a porter, you will carry your personal belongings including sleeping bag and sleeping mattress.

Is an extra porter really necessary for us?
If you really want to enjoy the trek with any pain, the porter can carry 9 kilos of your belongings you will definitely have time to enjoy, take your time and relax more. In addition, you will be creating a job for one more porter. In hiring an extra porter, you will only need to carry a daypack containing water, sun cream, insect repellent, snacks and a coat.

Tell us if you have any special dietary requirements or medical conditions
We should know about it to organize with our guide and cook.

What if I am very slow?
We have 2 professional guides if we have groups more than 9 people 1 of them comes with the back person and the other one will be at the front. In case you have only 1 guide (for groups of 8 people or less) the guide always comes with the last person in the group.

Once I have booked my place on the trail, can I change my departure date?
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. Please note that this is not our decision but a local authority regulation.

What about the food?
We have very professional cooks, and you will see their services we are going to give you Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon tea, Dinner. Vegetarian/special diet options are available, please specify your dietary requirements when making your reservation...

Do you provide us with drinking water?
For day 1 you have to buy your own water, after we provide you boil water every morning after breakfast we recommended electro light drinks.

How many people go in each tent?
The tents we have are for 4 people but for your comfort you will share with one person (2 person in a tent). If you want a single is requested ($15).

Should we tip the guide and porters?
Tipping the guide and porters is again a personal decision. If you decide to tip we recommend that it is according to his/her performance, knowledge, service and skills. Usually groups tip the porters, at the last campsite and tour guide after Machupicchu Tour.

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

Where do I store the bags before the Machu Picchu guided visit?
There is a Storage in Machupicchu please it is no allowed to walk in the Archaeological sites with a big Bag (it is allowed to take a Day pack no more than 20 litters). The cost of the storage is 3 Peruvian soles.

What if I get ill and need to turn back?
We have a very low rate of people turning back once on the trek. Our priority is to help you complete it; all our guides are properly trained and carry a first aid kit and a bottle of oxygen for emergencies. Please do not think about this (you are in good hands!).

What about the weather?
In Cusco we have 2 season dry season ( April to September) and rainy season (September to March) but you know in the Andes the water is very changeable and we can have couple days of rain during the dry season.

What about the altitude?
It´s possible you will feel the effects of altitude on arriving in Cusco, (3,400 mts.) especially if you fly from sea level. It is best to wait at least two days before setting out on the trail, don’t drink alcohol, smoke or take sedatives. Drink lots of water and coca tea. Drink at least two litters per day. In high altitude you breath rapidly and shallow causing you to dehydrate more quickly. Drink extra water or coca tea to avoid this as coffee also tends to cause dehydration.

REGARDING TEMPERATURES
During the day…If you are walking in the sun it is very hot and feels like 26 degrees Celsius, but when you walk through the forest or in the shadow of a mountain it can feel like 14 degrees almost immediately. At night it could get to –5 degrees Celsius if you are really unlucky but more likely just freezing! Main hint for dealing with the temperatures is to try and keep your body temp as regular as possible by using layering of clothes so when you feel cool put on an extra layer before you get cold and if you start to feel warm take off a layer before you perspire which will leave you with a chill later if you don’t take care. The weather from Dec through to early March is usually the wettest on the trail. Someday it may be drizzly all day or you may have a burst of rain and clear skies for the rest of the day or it could be wet off and on all day. You need good rain gear for walking as well as something to protect your pack. We have dining tents for all meals so you are protected at this time.

PASSPORTS
It is standard requirement for entry into almost any country that you have a valid passport for at least six months beyond the date of completion of your tour. It should have at least one blank page for every country to be visited. Before departure from home, please obtain two photocopies of the information pages of your passport (including visas for your tour) and other travel documents, keeping one set in a different place from that of the originals.

On the reverse side of this copy please write a contact name and the address of your next of kin plus attach a clear photograph of yourself. This is in case of an emergency and will be a great help in replacing them if lost. In many countries you will need to show your passport at police controls when travelling, when checking into hostels, buying airline tickets, changing money, etc, If you lose your passport you must report it at once to your guide or Travel Company, the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate of your country. Please remember that if your passport is lost, it can sometimes take up to a week to replace. Obviously if on a short holiday with us, this can ruin your whole trip, so taking care of your passport (plus your other documents and valuables) is very important indeed.

PASSPORT SECURITY
Your Passport is your most valuable and important document, it should always be carried with you, under your clothing in a small cotton pouch or money belt. Never store your passport in any part of your luggage. We suggest that you deposit your passport in the hotel safe while in cities (unless required) and carry a photocopy of it around as identification. The company no responsibility for money, passports or other valuables left in safe deposits in hotels.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is a condition of joining our tours that travellers are fully insured for any medical expenses that are incurred while travelling .this should cover medical, hospital and personal expenses. It should include cover for any necessary extra travel (rejoining tour or repatriation) as well as curtailment and baggage.

SAFETY
Many travellers worry far too much about all the terrible things that might happen to them whilst travelling overseas. In general, overseas travel is surprisingly safe, group travel even more so. If you have not done too much travelling before, a few simple guidelines may be useful:
• Don’t worry yourself sick but at the same time be prudent and keep your valuables in a safe secure place that only you can bet to.
• Conversely, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if nothing happens, as it could at any moment if you drop your guard!
• Do take at least the same precautions you would take if travelling around your own country.
• It’s not a good idea to carry your many around in a wallet in your back pocket, or a handbag (purse) held on your shoulder or in your hand.
• Listen to your tour guide advice at all time and heed the warnings given.
We look forward to trekking with you in the future! Please get in touch with us at any time if you have any questions or would like further information.

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