Machu Picchu by Train Independent Adventure - 3 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What type of tour is this, and what is its main focus?

  This is an Independent Adventure tour focusing on experiencing Machu Picchu by comfy train, visiting the Sacred Valley, and engaging with G for Good projects.

• What is the minimum and maximum age for participants on this tour?

  The minimum age for participants is 12 years, and the maximum age is 100 years.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  The tour includes 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch.

• What type of accommodation is provided?

  Accommodation is provided in hotels for 2 nights.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2 (easy physical activity).

• What is the travel style of this tour?

  The travel style for this tour is 'Classic'.

• Will I have a guide throughout the tour?

  You will have a G Adventures Representative in Cusco and a specialist Inca CEO (Chief Experience Officer) in the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu. For included tours, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking local guide.

• What activities are included besides the visit to Machu Picchu?

  Included activities are a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, a visit to the tour operator-supported women's weaving co-op, lunch at the tour operator-supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosco, and a detailed guided tour of Machu Picchu itself.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the the tour operator Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our the tour operator Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. AIRPORT TRANSFER If you have purchased an arrival through the tour operator or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERSthe tour operator Office Lima, Peru.During office hours (Weekdays, 9-6pm Local Time): +51 1 241 1650 or 01 241 1650 (from mobile within Peru) or 241 1650 (from payphone within Peru)After hours Emergency number: +51 99 758 2712, (WhatsApp Available)If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

• Who will be leading the group?

  the tour operator Rep in Cusco, specialist Inca CEO (Chief Experience Officer) in Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Hotels (2 nts).

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Aboard the expedition ships Explorer and Andrea laundry facilities are provided at a charge. Aboard the Amazon Explorer laundry facilities are provided free of charge for each passenger once a week.

• What's Included

  Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, CcaccaccolloYour G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay. Arrival and departure transfers. Train to Aguas Calientes. Guided tour of Machu Picchu. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• What transportation will we take on this trip?

  Land Transfers & Included Tours/activities: Many of the land transfers and included tours will be by private van, car or taxi, while others may be shared with other travellers depending on availability, nature of the activity and destination. For transfers, you may have a local non English-speaking driver only, for included tours, you will be accompanied by an English speaking local guide.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at the tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN).Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent). As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts yourself and those around you at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  2 breakfasts, 1 lunch

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

  A variety of accommodation standards are available for Independent tours, see your dossier for the accommodation class specific to your tour. Please remember that hotel/lodge/resort standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.If you have booked this tour for 1 traveller, you will have your own room throughout. If you have booked this tour 2+ travellers, you will be sharing a twin-room/s throughout.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into the tour operator’ itineraries globally. the tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.the tour operator Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

• What do I need to know to about safety and security on my trip?

  Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time, we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety.Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

• What are the trip specific safety considerations?

  GENERAL: Look after your personal items. Do not leave your valuables visible in a car or hotel room. Lock your hotel room door when you enter and when you leave. Do not carry large amount of cash on you. Avoid displaying flashy jewellery and carry your camera in its pack on your shoulder rather than around your neck. Keep your passport, airline tickets, money, important documents locked up in your room/safe - do not carry it with you.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Train, bus, walking.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Explore colonial Cusco, travel by rail to ancient Machu Picchu, learn ancient traditions at the the tour operator-supported women's weaving co-op

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Cusco- Cusco Tourist Ticket (130PEN per person)- Inka Museum (10PEN per person)- Cusco City Tour (45PEN per person)

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, and local guide(s) at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a the tour operator tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter I can subscribe to?

  Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from the tour operator, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

• Are there Itinerary notes?

  Machu Picchu regulations requite all visitors to follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to prevent overcrowding. The circuit-specific entrance tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. While we endeavour to purchase permits for the whole group on the same circuit, this is not always possible, especially for last minute bookings. All circuits offer the opportunity to enjoy the beauty, history, and impressive ingenuity of this ancient site. To note: Travellers completing the Inca Trail will enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate with a guided tour taking place on circuit 3.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. the tour operator reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves or others around them.Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.

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

  Local flights are not included, please ask your the tour operator Sales representative to book flights.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.