FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Here you will find the most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you to clarify in a simple, fast and practical way.
1. IS WATER INCLUDED IN THE TOUR?
Yes, we know that hydration during the hike is very important, so you should not worry about this. Please only bring your own water for the first morning of the Tour. After this, our staff will provide water throughout the walk. It is taken from the tap at each campsite and then boiled and cooled. You can refill your bottle at breakfast, lunch and dinner. So don’t worry, water will always be clean and safe to drink.
2. WHAT MEALS WILL I HAVE DURING THE TOUR?
We understand how curious you are about the quality of food during the trek. For your peace of mind we include all meals and snacks throughout the hike, even the last lunch is included (after touring Machu Picchu). For this last lunch you will have the option of eating in a good restaurant in the village of Aguas Calientes. All testimonials and comments made by our clients guarantee and prove that our meals are excellent.
All food is prepared with fresh ingredients, which are bought at the local market in Cusco City the day before the trip. Everything is transported by the porters, and then prepared by our cook. We do not use any canned or rehydrated food. Everything is fresh, healthy and delicious!
Each cook is professionally trained to prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners and sandwiches. When arriving at the campsite you will enjoy tea time, and finally at night there is a delicious dinner. Without a doubt, all this will exceed your expectations about food on the Inca Trail.
On the last day, in the afternoon, after touring Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a delicious lunch that will be served in a good restaurant in the village of Aguas Calientes, where you can choose what you want to eat. Here you can select between: Cream of corn, Cream of Mushrooms, Cream of Asparagus, Pastas, Pizzas, Fried trout, Meat, Chicken, Boiled Vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.
Here are some examples of what our Chefs can prepare and serve at meals:
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, breads, pancakes, omelets, cereals, fruit salad, toasts, orange juice, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, butter, jam.
- Lunch: Corn soup, Cream of Mushrooms, Cream of Asparagus, Rice with chicken, sausages, Fried trout, ceviche, meat, beans, fried rice, French fries, boiled vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.
- Tea Time: popcorn, fried wontons, tea, coffee.
- Dinner: Stuffed Chicken, vegetable tortillas, pizza, spaghetti, pork chop, fried vegetables, salads.
If you have special dietary needs, no problem! We are prepared to serve vegetarians, vegans, celiacs and any type of food allergy at no additional cost, so you will always be well fed throughout the trek.
3. HOW DO I BOOK MY TOUR?
Booking this Tour with us will really be very safe, easy and practical, you will also have Payment Facilities such as Paying the Excursion up to 1 day before the Tour and in 2 Installments:
- The First Installment can be paid online from the comfort of your home by making a Pre-Payment with any Credit or Debit Card from any Bank, using our secure and reliable money transfer system. The Pre-Payment will be made through a deposit of US$200 per person. (Click on the Reserve link)
- The Second Fee will be paid upon arrival in Cusco City, personally at our Main Office located in our Historic Downtown up to 1 day before the Tour.
⇒ To Reserve your 2 Days/1 Night Inca Trail, just follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Fill out the Reservation Form: It is in the Reserve link.
2. Pay the First Installment (Pre-Payment): We accept all cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank and of any company: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.
3. Print your Travel Coupon (Voucher): We will send it immediately after you have made the Pre-Payment.
⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you wish to make the Pre-Payment by other means such as: Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or some other methods, let us know so we can send you all the required information to make the Pre-Payment.
4. ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS?
Yes, for this Tour we offer discounts and special rates for infants, children and students.
- Infants under 2 years of age in the company of their parents travel free.
- Children between 3 and 8 years of age have a discount of USD $100.00 only by sending a scanned copy of the Passport at the time of Reservation.
- Students also have a discount of USD $40.00 in the following cases:
→ School and College Students – For young people between 9 and 17 years old, only by sending a scanned copy of the Passport at the time of Reservation.
→ University Students – For young people up to 25 years old, only send a scanned copy of the Current University Card to validate. We accept all University Cards from all Universities in the World (Students aged 26 and over are considered Adults).
5. WHY ARE PERMITS SOLD OUT SO FAST?
Unfortunately, many travelers are unaware of the 500 permits daily limit for this route. Furthermore, most hikers are unaware that this limit applies not only to travelers who enter the famous route every day, but also to all service personnel required by authorized agencies such as: guides, cooks, and porters.
These service personnel are of vital importance for the excursion since thanks to them, you will be supplied with everything needed such as: food, accommodation, tents, etc. The guide will keep you safe and informed during the hike.
So, due to this regulation, the tickets required for a group of travelers will need to be always Double (Travelers + Agency Service Personnel).
Now that you know the reason behind the great demand, it is clear the need to reserve your permits as soon as possible, so for this you will need a Tourism Agency Authorized by the Peruvian Government to operate the Inca Trail, like ours Incredible Peru Tours – IPT.
6. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE, COOK AND PORTERS?
Tips are not mandatory, there is no exact amount. Only if you wish, at the end of the tour you can give tips for the tour guides, cooks and porters. This is something additional and totally voluntary, really what you consider fair will be highly appreciated by the Service Personnel.
7. WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU?
Weather is very unpredictable along the Inca Trail, it is impossible to say exactly what type of climate you will encounter during the Trek. No matter what month you travel to the Inca Trail, make sure to have waterproof clothing on hand such as a rainproof jacket or a good rain poncho.
At night temperature tends to drop especially the second night, since the Campsite is located at more than 3,600 meters above sea level/11,800 ft.
During the day, many people are surprised to learn that in the 1st and 2nd day the Inca Trail has a subtropical climate. The area extends within the High Forest, known as the Cloud Forest or Mountain Forest, which is full of exuberant vegetation with the presence of orchids, ferns, bromeliads and some mosquitoes.
Machu Picchu is located at 2,400 meters above sea level/7,900 ft., it is a considerably lower altitude (hotter and more humid) than Cusco City and many other places. In Machu Picchu the temperature could reach 25 degrees Celsius. It is surrounded by high mountain peaks, often shrouded in mist. This is perhaps one of the reasons why the Spanish never discovered it.
During dry season (April to November), early mornings are cloudy and can be cold. As the morning hours pass the clouds clear and the sun rises, so it can get quite hot. Sun protection, insect repellent and a good hat are essential. However, keep in mind that sometimes it can be rainy in June and sunny in December.
During rainy season (mid-November to mid-April), rainfall is very constant. However, don’t be surprised if in this season some days are sunny. February is the month with the most pourings, so during this month the Inca Trail is closed.
Remember a rain poncho is highly recommended, no matter what season you decide to travel. Also consider that when it rains the old stones on the path become slippery, so it is very important to wear shoes with a good tread and perhaps a rubber-tipped cane.
8. WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET ILL FROM ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Don’t worry! All our Guides are trained in case you get sick with this condition. All our Guides carry an oxygen tank and a First Aid Kit, this ensures that you are very well evaluated and cared for, which will allow you to continue with the hike. In addition, all our staff are prepared in cases of Emergency. If after being treated, you still feel very bad and cannot continue with the trek, the Guide will make the best decision whether to continue or return. For us your Safety and Health come first.
If you have to go back, don’t worry, there is still the option to meet up with your group, go to the village of Aguas Calientes and from there up to Machu Picchu very early on the 2nd day, to meet again with your group at the Entrance Zone for Machu Picchu and not miss the opportunity to tour this site. There will be some additional charges.
9. IF I ALREADY PAID MY FIRST INSTALLMENT AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REFUNDED?
Unfortunately we will not be able to make any type of refund or date changes for Tours that are paid in Installments. All Pre-Payments of US$200.00 are non-refundable, nor transferable, since this money will be invested immediately in all the Procedures and Reservations required for the Tour, as well as in the purchase of Permits and Tickets for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. These procedures will be carried out at the Ministry of Culture of Peru (Branch of the Peruvian Government Managing the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu).
We understand that unexpected things happen that are out of your control, but we cannot make exceptions. You can read more about our Change and Cancellation Policies on this link: http://inca-trail.tours/es/terminos-y-condiciones/
10. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF MACHU PICCHU AND THE MOUNTAIN OF MACHU PICCHU?
Our Tour includes the Entrance Ticket to the Archaeological Site of Machu Picchu. This means a guided tour of about 2 hours through the most interesting places of Machu Picchu, which will be led by our Professional Guide.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a large mountain that is next to the Archaeological Site of Machu Picchu (2,400 m.a.s.l./7,900 ft). This Mountain has an old Inca Trail to reach its top, which is 3,000 meters above sea level/9,800 ft. You can do this walk on your own in an average of 3 hours between going up and down. From its top you will have an impressive 360° panoramic view of the entire place.
As you can see this is an optional path; you can do it after visiting Machu Picchu on the 2nd day, since visitors only enter it in the morning; so we will give you an additional Entrance Ticket for this Mountain.
The Entrance price to this Mountain is US$80, and we recommend to reserve it at the time of reservation to the Inca Trail, since permits are very limited (only 400 people per day can climb this Mountain).
11. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN AND THE MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: The hike to the top takes approximately 45 minutes, along the narrow and steep Inca stairs. Once there, you can see the Machu Picchu citadel and its surroundings. This is the famous peak in the background of every iconic photo of Machu Picchu. At the summit, Huayna Picchu is always a top item on most Machu Picchu visitor lists, which means you usually need to book months in advance. Only a limited number of people can hike this mountain each day. Throughout this hike, you will have stunning views of the Machu Picchu ruins. The limited number of tickets is set by the Culture Ministry in Cusco, not by us. This is completely out of our hands unfortunately. Tickets for this mountain are not transferable.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: The walk to its top takes approximately 1.5 hours. Once there, you get a much higher vantage point, enjoying an amazing view of the Machu Picchu Citadel and its surroundings. This hike is a great alternative to Huayna Picchu. Ideal for those who don’t want the hassle of fighting for a ticket, or were unable to obtain one. Technically, permits for Machu Picchu Mountain are also limited to 400 per day, but they rarely sell out. We simply need to reserve a when we purchase your entrance tickets. This hike is great because it will also take you high up like Huayna Picchu, which offers great views. This trek has an easier incline (also making it accessible for those who fear the heights of Huayna Picchu), but the path is much longer, making it just as challenging in its own way.
12. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY TO MY TOUR?
Yes, if you want to buy snacks such as cookies, dehydrated fruit, chocolates, etc. or additional drinks such as sodas, beers or an energy beverage, because it is possible to buy these products in small stores in the area.
Also, if you want to buy a souvenir or memories of the trip, there is the Handicraft Market of the Aguas Calientes village. There is also an additional option to visit the Thermo-medicinal Baths of the village on the 2nd day, the Entrance Price is 20 soles. For all this we recommend that you take between 150 and 300 Peruvian soles. You may not need to spend any of this money, but in case of an Emergency, make sure to have enough cash.
13. WILL I HAVE THE CHANCE TO TAKE SHOWERS DURING THE ROUTE? WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO BATHROOM SERVICES?
Yes, the campsite has shared showers and toilets.
14. WHAT TIME WILL WE RETURN TO CUSCO?
We work with two train schedules: Departures at 4:20 pm or 6:20 pm, that will take us back to Ollantaytambo village. (Travel time by train: 2 hours)
In Ollantaytambo a Touristic Bus will be waiting to take you back to the Cusco City (Travel time by bus: 2 hours)
15. IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, CAN I CONTACT INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can contact us anytime, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will be very happy to help you, call us at: WhatsApp +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or send an email to: info@incredibleperutours.com, or also check the Contact Us link on this website.
16. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
There are very good reasons to book your excursion with us, let’s see some:
- Excellent location of Our Travel Office that allows better coordination at any time. We are located in Cusco City’s Historic Downtown.
- Excursion organized by an Authorized Peruvian Tourism Agency. We are 100% local workers. We are very proud to be Peruvian and have the great opportunity to share our culture with you, with more than 15 years of experience organizing the best tours to the most incredible tourist destinations in our region. We have all our documentation updated and valid, complying with all the procedures and regulations before the Local Government, thus being a Travel Agency recognized as an Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2020, this provides support and trust. It also guarantees our seriousness and commitment to your satisfaction, which will be met with great responsibility and enormous pleasure.
- The Best Price for your trip and without hidden charges. Getting the best price is great and getting the best value is even better. We provide an All Inclusive Service trip at an affordable price, giving you the best Offers. We save you the search time with our Low Price Guarantee. How did we achieve this?… Simply because we are the Direct Tour Operator managing business costs locally and employing local people to conduct your trip and without any intermediary.
- Travel with Experts: The best Tourist Guides, Cooks and Porters in the region. Our Care Staff, locally known as “The Steel Team” are highly trained to serve all types of groups, families, friends, couples and all those who love outdoor activities.
- High Quality Equipment for your Trip. From a simple trekking pillow to the most sophisticated hiking stick, going through the most comfortable sleeping tents and the best quality feather sleeping bags that guarantee a good rest. We buy new equipment every year, with a 2-year rotation, constantly looking for the best brands that are the most comfortable and safe for your trek.
- Excellent meals – All included. You don’t have to worry about food, because we include all meals during the whole Trek. Our cook will impress you with the quality of the food prepared in a small tent and small kitchen. Everything is prepared with fresh ingredients, we do not use canned or dehydrated food. In addition, we can prepare vegetarian or special diets according to your needs free of any extra charge.
- Confirmed and guaranteed departures. We are the only Tour Operator that guarantees all the departures, since we Operate 100% of our Treks. Other agencies hope and wait to have enough clients to start with a Tour. Even if we only have a single traveler for a Travel Date, this trip will be operated by us at the prices listed on this website and without surcharge. Normally our groups are small and with an average of 4 to 8 people.
- We treat our travel staff in the best way and are committed to the social projects of our region. We practice good treatment for our workers. That is why we provide Inca Trail tickets, accommodation, transportation, uniforms and good food for all our staff. The cooks and porters have paid Health Insurance and all of them have reasonable salaries according to the work they do. We are also committed to social projects that sponsor benefits for children in local communities in Health and Education, helping to improve their living conditions.
- We practice Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. We are an ecological company, committed to the environment and to the sustainable use of ecological resources, Tourism must have a minimal impact. One important contribution is that our kitchen staff use biodegradable dishwasher detergents. In addition, we constantly participate in Cleaning Campaigns of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Personalized Service and Support. When you ask a question, we will always reply. We are here to help provide personalized care and support. Call or email our contact center from anywhere, anytime.
17. IS THE INCA TRAIL FOR ME?
Definitely YES, The Inca Trail is one of those things that no one should miss the opportunity to do, at least once in their life; be a Woman or a Man, Young or Old, have Good or Bad Physical Condition… The Inca Trail is simply for EVERYONE…
Finally, while you wait for this fabulous trek, we invite you to join us on a virtual journey over the Peruvian Andes, in one of the most beautiful hikes in the World… Now! Breathe, imagine and dream that you are almost on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu… Welcome!
