Inca Discovery - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  The tour has a physical rating of 4, indicating an 'Active' travel style, suitable for those who enjoy activities like hiking.

• Is the Inca Trail hike very difficult?

  The Inca Trail is considered one of the world's best-known hikes and will reward those willing to break a sweat with stunning mountainscapes, cloud forests, and jungles. Day 2 involves climbing to Warmiwañusca, also known as Dead Woman's Pass, which is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). It requires at least an average level of fitness.

• What happens if I prefer not to hike the Inca Trail?

  If you do not wish to hike the Inca Trail, you should advise at the time of booking. Instead, you will have 2 nights in Cusco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and then join the hikers for the guided tour of Machu Picchu.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation for this tour includes 4 nights in hotels and 3 nights camping. During camping on the Inca Trail, three-person tents are used for two travelers, allowing extra room for sleeping mats and bags (available for rent). Private toilet tents are also provided.

• Are there any specific notes about hotel accommodations in Peru?

  Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru, even in upgraded hotels. Additionally, properties with only two stories may not have elevators, so climbing stairs with luggage may be necessary.

• How many meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners. Meals during the trek are prepared by skilled cooks.

• What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

  The tour includes a visit to the tour operator-supported women's weaving co-op, a meal at the tour operator-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco, and a pottery-making demonstration during a full-day guided tour of the Sacred Valley.

• Is an internal flight included in the tour price?

  Yes, an internal flight within Peru (from Lima to Cusco) is included in the tour price.

• What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

  Transportation methods include plane, train, private van, and hiking.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 participants.

• What is the minimum and maximum age for participants?

  The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old, and the maximum age is 100 years old.

• What currency should I use in Peru, and are credit cards widely accepted?

  The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted for cash advances, especially Visa cards. However, it's best to have a combination of PEN cash and cards. Avoid bringing torn, heavily marked, or faded notes, and smaller denominations (under 100 USD) are recommended for exchange.

• What is the tipping etiquette for guides and porters?

  Tipping is customary in Latin America. For local guides or drivers, $5-10 USD per day is recommended. For the Inca Trail trekking crew, suggested contributions to a collective pool are: $15-30 USD for the Head guide, $10-20 USD for the Assistant guide, and $40 USD for the trekking crew. For the tour operator CEO, $20-25 USD per person, per week, is a guideline.

• Do I need to be aware of high altitude during the trip?

  Yes, this adventure travels to high altitude (over 8,000 feet or 2,440 meters). Everyone reacts differently, and altitude sickness can occur regardless of fitness or age. It is important to consult your physician for advice on how to best prepare and what to do if affected.

• Is a medical form required for participation?

  Travelers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, signed by their physician, to ensure they have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete the trip.

• Will there be Wi-Fi or cellular service on the trek?

  During much of the trek, there will be no Wi-Fi and limited cellular service available.

• Are there any special regulations for the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu?

  Yes, rules and regulations are continuously changing. Current and correct passport details are required for confirmation. Regulations also dictate specific circuits for visitors within Machu Picchu to manage crowds, meaning group members might visit on different circuits. Travelers completing the 4-day Inca Trail will be on Circuit 5 upon reaching Machu Picchu.

• What happens if the Inca Trail is closed during my tour dates?

  Portions of the Inca Trail are closed for general maintenance during February each year, and closures can occur at other times due to inclement weather or unforeseen conditions. If affected, any tour will hike the Lares Trek instead.

• How much personal luggage can porters carry on the Inca Trail?

  Porters are allowed to carry no more than 6kg of personal belongings per hiker (for all other Peru treks the limit is 7kg). This weight includes your sleeping bag, toiletries, and clothing, and will be carried in a duffel bag provided by the local office. Any additional weight must be carried in your personal daypack.

• Are there optional activities available during the tour?

  Yes, optional activities are available, including a Lima Cooking Class, Lima City Tour, Cusco City Tour, Inka Museum, Cusco Cooking Class, Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip, and a hike to the Ollantaytambo Storehouse Ruins.

• Is travel insurance included in the tour price?

  No, travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

• What is the age range and group size for this tour?

  This tour is suitable for individuals aged 12 to 100. The group size will be a maximum of 16 travellers, with an average of 12.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You will be accommodated in hotels for 4 nights and experience camping for 3 nights. Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be common in Peru. For camping, three-person tents are used to accommodate two travellers, allowing space for sleeping mats and bags (which are available for rent). We also set up private toilet tents along the Inca Trail.

• What is the physical rating and travel style of this tour?

  This is an 'Active' tour with a physical rating of 4. This implies a significant amount of hiking, including a four-day trek along the Inca Trail, which involves challenging paths and high altitudes. An average level of fitness and mobility is required.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners. Our philosophy is to include breakfast where possible, and for other meals, we offer flexibility, though groups often choose to eat together.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, all local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is essential that we have your passport information at the time of booking to process these tickets.

• What important regulations should I know about visiting Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail?

  Machu Picchu regulations require all visitors to follow a pre-determined circuit to prevent overcrowding, and entrance tickets are circuit-specific on a first-come, first-served basis. Travellers completing the Inca Trail will be assigned Circuit 3 for their guided visit, with access to the panoramic viewpoint from the Sun Gate. Portions of the Inca Trail are closed for maintenance during February each year; during these periods, affected tours will hike the Lares Trek.

• What currency should I use in Peru, and what about credit cards and tipping?

  The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa, are widely accepted for cash advances, though a 5-10% fee usually applies for purchases. It's best to carry a combination of PEN cash and cards. We do not recommend traveller's cheques. For currency exchange, bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100 USD. Tipping service providers like waiters (~10%) is customary. For drivers and local guides, $5-10 USD per day is recommended. For the Inca Trail trekking crew, suggested tips are: Head guide: $15-30 USD, Assistant guide: $10-20 USD, and Trekking crew: $40 USD. For your CEO, a guideline of $20-25 USD per person, per week is suggested.

• Are there any optional activities available on this tour?

  Yes, optional activities include a Lima Cooking Class (4hrs), Lima City Tour (40USD per person), Cusco City Tour (45PEN per person), Inka Museum (10PEN per person), Cusco Cooking Class, Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip, and a hike to the Ollantaytambo Storehouse Ruins.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. All clients must have medical coverage, with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage is also strongly recommended.

• What are the modes of transportation used on this tour?

  Transportation on this tour will involve planes, trains, private vans, and hiking.

• What are the health considerations for this trip, especially regarding altitude?

  Please consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations. This adventure travels to high altitude (over 2,440 meters or 8,000 feet), and individual reactions to altitude vary. It is crucial to consult your physician on how to best prepare. A short medical questionnaire signed by your physician is required for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.

• Is there Wi-Fi or cellular service available during the trek?

  Please be aware that there will be no Wi-Fi and limited cellular service available for much of the trek.

• What is the policy for solo travellers regarding accommodation?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travellers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms/tents with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. This means there is no single supplement charge for shared accommodation.

• What are the safety and security considerations for this trip?

  Care should be taken when wandering alone in central Lima, as some areas can be prone to pickpockets. We strongly recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leaving valuable jewellery at home. Hotels often provide safety deposit boxes. While cities are generally safe during the day, it is advisable to stay in small groups and use taxis for night-time excursions. Be aware that protests and demonstrations can occur and potentially turn violent. Water-based activities should only be undertaken when accompanied by a guide.

• When is the wet season for the Inca Trail, and how might it affect the trek?

  During the wet season (January - April), periods of severe rain may render some Inca Trail campsites unusable. In the interest of your safety, local changes to the trekking itinerary, such as hiking the Lares Trek instead, may be made if campsite conditions are assessed to be unsafe.