FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Here you will find the most Frequently Asked Questions by 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 be well informed 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. Our staff will provide you with water during the Hike. So don’t worry!… There will always be clean and safe drinking water.
2. WHAT MEALS WILL I HAVE DURING THE TOUR?
We understand how curious you are about the quality of food you will have during the trip. For your peace of mind we include all meals and snacks during the trek.
For lunch we will give you a tasty and nutritious Lunch Box. For dinner you will have the option of eating at a good restaurant in Aguas Calientes village, buffet style. There you can choose between: Cream of corn, Mushrooms Cream, Cream of Asparagus, Pastas, Pizzas, Fried trout, Red Meat, Chicken, Boiled Vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.
All the testimonials and comments made by our clients guarantee and confirm that our meals are excellent.
All the food is made with fresh ingredients, which are bought in the local market in Cusco City the day before the tour and then prepared by our cook. We do not use any canned or rehydrated food. Everything is fresh, healthy and delicious!
If you have special dietary needs, no problem! We are prepared to cater for vegetarians, vegans, celiacs and persons with any type of food allergy at no additional cost, so you will always be well fed throughout the trip.
3. HOW DO I BOOK THIS SHORT INCA TRAIL?
Booking this Tour with us is really very safe, easy and practical, you will also have Payment Advantages such as Paying your 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 USD $200 per person. (Click on the Reserve link)
- The Second Installment will be paid upon arrival in Cusco City, personally at our Main Office located at Historic Downtown up to 1 day before the Tour.
⇒ To Reserve your Full Day 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: PayPal, Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or any other, let us know so we can send you all the required information for making 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 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 the 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 of age, only by sending a scanned copy of the Passport at the time of Reservation.
→ University Students: For young people up to 25 years of age, only by sending a scanned copy of the Current University Card. We accept all University Cards from all Universities in the World (Students aged 26 and over are considered Adults).
5. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE?
Tips are not mandatory, there is no exact amount. Only if you want, at the end of the tour you can give a tip to the Guide. As you can see, this is something extra and totally voluntary, really what you consider fair will be highly appreciated by the Service Personnel.
6. 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 Tour. No matter what month you do the Inca Trail, make sure you have waterproof clothing at hand such as a rainproof jacket or a good rain poncho.
Many people are surprised to learn that the Inca Trail has a subtropical climate. The route extends into 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 feet, 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), the early mornings are cloudy and can be cold. As the morning hours pass 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 downpours, so during this month the Inca Trail is closed.
Also consider that when it rains the old stones that are on the path become slippery, so it is very important to wear hiking boots with a good tread and perhaps a rubber-tipped cane.
7. 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 will be very well evaluated and cared for, which will allow you to continue with the hike. In addition, all our staff are prepared in case of Emergency. After being treated, if 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 always come first.
8. IF I ALREADY PAID MY FIRST INSTALLMENT AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REFUNDED?
Unfortunately No. 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 USD $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 (Organization 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://incredibleperutours/es/terminos-y-condiciones/
9. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MACHU PICCHU ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND THE MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
Our Tour includes the Entrance Ticket to the Archaeological Site of Machu Picchu. This implies a guided tour of about 2 hours through the most interesting places of Machu Picchu, which will be led by our Professional Guide.
Now 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 feet). This Mountain has an old Inca Trail to reach its top, which is 3,000 meters above sea level. You can do this walk on your own in an average of 3 hours going up and down the Hill. From its top you will have an impressive 360° panoramic view of the entire Urubamba Valley.
As you can see it is an optional hike; and if you want, it can be done after visiting Machu Picchu, since you can only enter it in the morning; so if you decide to visit it we will give you an additional Entrance Ticket for this Mountain.
The Entrance price to this Hill is US$70.00 dollars, and we recommend you book it at the time of reservation for the Inca Trail, because permits are very limited (only 400 people per day can climb this Mount).
10. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN AND THE MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: It is located next to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, the walk to the top takes approximately 45 minutes, along the narrow and steep Inca stairs. Once at the summit, you can see the Machu Picchu citadel and its surroundings. This is the famous peak in the background of every iconic photo of the citadel. For its 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 trek, there are stunning views of the Machu Picchu ruins. As you can see it is an optional hike; and if you want, it can be done after visiting the citadel, since you can only enter it in the morning. So if you decide to visit it we will give you an additional Entrance Ticket for this Mountain. The limited number of tickets is set by the Ministry of Culture in Cusco. The Entrance price to this Mountain is US$70.00 dollars, and we recommend you book it at the time of reservation to the Inca Trail, since permits are very limited (only 400 people per day can climb this Mount). Tickets are not transferable.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: The hike to its top takes approximately 1.5 hours. Once there, you get a much higher vantage point, so you have an amazing view of the Machu Picchu Citadel and its entire surroundings. This trek 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 when purchasing 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.
11. 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 Aguas Calientes.
Also, if you want to buy a souvenir or memories of the tour, you can buy them at the Handicraft Market in Aguas Calientes village. You also have as an additional option to visit the Thermo-medicinal village Baths, 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 you have enough cash.
12. WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO BATHROOM SERVICES?
Yes, you will have the chance of accessing these services. In the Train Stations, at the beginning of the hike (Km. 104), in the places where you will have lunch and when you arrive at Machu Picchu.
13. WHAT TIME WILL WE RETURN TO CUSCO CITY?
The return trip to Cusco City will be by Tourist Train which leaves Aguas Calientes village at 9:45 pm. The ride takes 1 hour and 45 minutes and destination is the Ollantaytambo Train Station. There, our transportation will be waiting for a two-hour trip back to Cusco City. So you will be arriving at around 11:50 p.m.
14. IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, CAN I CONTACT INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate talking to us.
Contact us whenever you want, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will be very happy to assist you, call us at Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or send us an email to: info@incredibleperutours.com. You can also check the Contact Us link on this website.
15. 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:
- Very good location of Our Travel Office that allows better coordination at any time. We are located at Cusco City’s Historic Downtown, just 1 block from the Main Square.
- 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 certified as an Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this gives our clients support and safety. This 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 tour 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 Tourism Guides, Cooks and Porters in the region. Our Service Staff, locally known as “The Steel Team” are highly trained to attend all types of groups, families, friends, couples and all those who love outdoor activities.
- High Quality Equipment for your Trek. From a simple trekking pillow to the most sophisticated hiking pole, going through the most comfortable sleeping tents and the best quality feather sleeping bags that guarantee a good rest. We buy new equipment and apply with a 2-year rotation, constantly looking for the best brands that are the most comfortable and safe for your tour.
- 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, there is the possibility of providing vegetarian or special diets according to your needs, free of charge.
- Sure and guaranteed departures. We are the only Tour Operator that guarantees all 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 extra charge. 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 eco-friendly company, committed to the environment and to the sustainable use of natural resources, we think Tourism must have a minimal impact. One important measure is that our kitchen staff use biodegradable dishwasher detergents. In addition, we constantly take part 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 service and support. Call or e-mail our contact center from anywhere, anytime.
16. WHY ARE TICKETS FOR THE INCA TRAIL SOLD OUT SO QUICKLY?
According to the current Regulations of Touristic Use of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, only 250 places are offered for each day for this route; figure in which visitors are counted, as well as all the Attention Personnel of Authorized Travel Agencies such as the Guides.
These Regulations of Touristic Use of the area are supervised and controlled by the Ministry of Culture (branch of the Peruvian Government). These regulations are strict and once the 250 permits for each day are sold, there is no option to purchase additional tickets.
Now that you know the reason behind the great demand, it is likely that you need to reserve permits as soon as possible, through an Authorized Tourism Agency approved by the Peruvian Government to operate on the Inca Trail, like ours, Incredible Peru Tours – IPT.
Remember to book your Tour as soon as possible, since as you can see permits are limited and they sell out very quickly.
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 trip 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 at Machu Picchu... Welcome!
