Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon - 10 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 4. It travels to high altitude (over 2,440 meters or 8,000 feet), and participants must have at least an average level of fitness, be able to walk unaided, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage. If you choose the train to Machu Picchu instead of hiking, the physical rating is level 3.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes 4 nights in hotels, 2 nights at the G Lodge Amazon, and 3 nights of Inca Trail camping or a Cusco-stay hotel if you opt for the train to Machu Picchu.

• Which meals are included in the tour package?

  The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners. If you choose the train to Machu Picchu on days 6-9, only breakfast is included for those days.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 participants.

• Can I choose not to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, you can choose not to hike the Inca Trail. If you opt for this, you will spend 2 nights in Cusco and travel by train for one night in Aguas Calientes, joining the hikers for the guided tour of Machu Picchu. Please advise at the time of booking.

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

  Portions of the Inca Trail are closed for maintenance every February. Closures can also occur at other times due to inclement weather or unforeseen conditions. During these periods, any affected tour will hike the Lares Trek instead.

• What is the accommodation policy for solo travelers?

  Single travelers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, with no single supplement. "My Own Tent" requests on the Inca Trail may be accommodated depending on availability and health/safety protocols.

• What currency should I use and what are the recommendations for money exchange?

  The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). Credit and debit cards (especially Visa) are useful for cash advances, but it's recommended to carry a combination of US dollar cash and cards. Avoid bringing traveler's cheques, and use notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100USD.

• Are there any health considerations for high altitude travel?

  This adventure travels to high altitudes (over 2,440 meters or 8,000 feet). Everyone reacts differently to altitude, and altitude sickness can occur regardless of fitness or age. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and advice on how to best prepare.

• What is the luggage allowance for the Amazon portion of the trip?

  There is a luggage allowance of 10 kg for the jungle boat from Puerto Maldonado. Excess luggage can be safely stored in Puerto Maldonado; your local guide can assist with arrangements.

• What is the recommended tipping etiquette for guides and staff?

  Tipping is customary in Latin America and is an expression of satisfaction. Recommendations for drivers and local guides range from $5-10 USD per day. For the Inca Trail trekking crew, a collective pool tip is suggested: Head guide $15-30 USD, Assistant guide $10-20 USD, and trekking crew $40 USD. For your CEO, $20-25 USD per person per week is a guideline.

• Will there be Wi-Fi or cellular service during the Inca Trail trek?

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

• Are there specific regulations for visiting Machu Picchu?

  Yes, current passport details are required at the time of confirmation. New regulations require visitors to follow different circuits within the site to manage crowds. Travelers completing the 4-day Inca Trail will be on Circuit 5 upon reaching Machu Picchu.

• Are there any optional activities available to enhance the experience?

  Optional add-ons, or 'Extras,' are available and must be booked prior to departure. Examples include a Lima Cooking Class (4 hours) and a Lima City Tour (40 USD per person).

• What are the main highlights of the 'Journeys: Machu Picchu and the Amazon' tour?

  This tour's highlights include spotting wildlife at the exclusive G Lodge Amazon, exploring the Incan city of Cusco, conquering the Inca Trail or enjoying the scenic train to Machu Picchu, meeting local people at a supported community restaurant, and exploring the Cusco Planetarium.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 10.

• What is the physical rating for this trip, and what are the age requirements?

  This trip has a physical rating of 4 (challenging). Participants must be able to walk without aid, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. The minimum age is 12 (when accompanied by a guardian over 21), and the maximum age is 100.

• What types of accommodation are provided on this tour?

  Accommodation includes 4 nights in hotels, 2 nights at G Lodge Amazon, and 3 nights of Inca Trail camping or a Cusco-stay hotel if you opt out of the trek. Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners. If you choose to take the train to Machu Picchu instead of hiking the Inca Trail, only breakfast is included on days 6 to 9.

• What is the policy for solo travellers regarding accommodation?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and there is no single supplement for solo travellers. You will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. Exceptions for 'My Own Room' requests apply to Amazon Jungle (Nights 2-3) and Inca Trail camping (Nights 6-8), though a single tent may be possible on the Inca Trail depending on availability and health protocols.

• Are international and local flights included in the tour price?

  International flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. All local flights within Peru are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted.

• What currency is used in Peru, and what should I know about money exchange and credit cards?

  The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN). Credit cards and debit cards, particularly Visa, are useful for cash advances, though their acceptance can vary in Latin America. A fee of 5%-10% usually applies to credit card purchases. It's recommended to carry a combination of US dollar cash and cards. Avoid bringing travellers cheques as they are difficult to change. Bring US dollar notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100USD.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, to be used if unforeseen circumstances (e.g., a natural disaster) require a change to the planned route.

• Is tipping customary, and if so, what are the guidelines?

  Tipping service providers such as waiters (approximately 10%) is customary. For local guides and drivers, recommendations range from $5-10 USD per day. For the Inca Trail trekking team, 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 your trekking crew. For the overall National Geographic Expedition Leader, a guideline of $20-25 USD per person, per week is suggested.

• Are there any health considerations or inoculation requirements for this trip, especially regarding high altitude?

  This adventure travels to high altitude (over 8,000 feet/2,440 meters). Everyone reacts differently, and altitude sickness can affect anyone irrespective of fitness. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and inoculations well before departure. A First Aid kit, hand sanitizers, and personal medical requirements are recommended. A short medical questionnaire signed by a physician is required for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group without evidence of medical coverage, and a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue is required. The policy should also ideally cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

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

  It is recommended to check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave valuable jewellery at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock for luggage is recommended. The Expedition Leader has the authority to amend the itinerary for safety concerns. During free time, use your own good judgment for optional activities. In cities, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis at night. Avoid protests. Water-based activities should ideally be accompanied by a guide, and swimming is at your own risk. Illegal drugs and exploitation of prostitutes are not tolerated.

• What are the options for visiting Machu Picchu if I choose not to hike the Inca Trail?

  If you choose not to hike the Inca Trail, you will spend 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. The physical rating for this option is level 3.

• Are there specific regulations for visiting Machu Picchu and hiking the Inca Trail?

  Yes, regulations are continually changing. For Machu Picchu, visitors must follow a pre-determined circuit to prevent overcrowding, and circuit-specific entrance tickets are first-come, first-served. Travellers completing the Inca Trail will be assigned Circuit 3 for their guided visit, with access to the panoramic viewpoint upon arrival via the Sun Gate. Current and correct passport details are required at the time of confirmation.

• What happens if the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance or due to weather?

  Portions of the Inca Trail are closed for general maintenance during February each year. Closures may also occur at other times due to inclement weather or unforeseen conditions. During these periods, any affected tour will hike the Lares Trek instead.

• What is the weight limit for personal belongings carried by porters on the Inca Trail?

  Porters are allowed to carry no more than 6kg of personal belongings per hiker for the Inca Trail (7kg for other Peru treks). This includes your sleeping bag, toiletries, and clothing, and will be carried in a duffle bag provided by the local office. Any additional weight must be carried by you in your day pack. Additional baggage can be left in Cusco, but valuables should be kept with you on the trek.

• Is there Wi-Fi or cellular service available on the Inca Trail?

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

• Who will be leading the tour, and what kind of support can I expect?

  The tour is accompanied by a National Geographic Expedition Leader (CEO) throughout, with a specialist Inca Trail Expedition Leader on the hike, and local guides. They provide information, suggestions, and recommendations, and have broad general knowledge of the countries visited, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

• Are there any optional activities available?

  Yes, optional activities in Lima include a Lima Cooking Class (4 hours) and a Lima City Tour (40 USD per person).

• When can I do laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. There may be times when you need to do your own laundry, so bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested.