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 find out in a simple, fast and practical way.
1. 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:
- First Installment can be paid online from the comfort of your home by making a Pre-Payment with a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank, using our safe and reliable money transfer system. The Pre-Payment will be made through a deposit of US$200 per person. (Click on the Reserve link)
- Second Installment: the balance 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.
3 steps to book:
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 to you immediately after the Pre-Payment is made.
⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you want to make the Pre-Payment by other methods such as: Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or any other one, let us know so we can send you all needed information for the Pre-Payment.
2. 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 old have a discount of US$100.00 only by sending online a scanned copy of the Passport at the moment of the Reservation.
- Students also have a discount of US$20.00 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).
3. WHY ARE TICKETS SOLD OUT SO QUICKLY?
According to the current Tourist Use Regulations, there are only 4,000 tickets available in total for this tour, so they are very limited.
These Regulations of Tourist Use of the area are written and controlled by the Ministry of Culture (branch of the Peruvian Government). The regulations are strict and once the 4,000 tickets for each day are sold, there is no option to purchase additional ones.
Now that you know the reason behind the great demand, it is clear that you need to reserve tickets as soon as possible, through a Tourism Agency Authorized by the Peruvian Government to operate, like ours, Incredible Peru Tours – IPT.
Remember to reserve your Excursion as soon as possible, since tickets are quickly sold for this magnificent tour.
4. WHAT WILL WEATHER BE LIKE IN MACHU PICCHU?
Weather is very unpredictable and it is impossible to say exactly what type of weather you will encounter during the Tour. No matter what month you travel, make sure to have waterproof gear like an impermeable jacket or a good rain poncho at hand.
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), the early mornings are cloudy and can be cold. As the hours pass the clouds clear and 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 touring is not recommended.
5. 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 US$200.00 are non-refundable, nor transferable, since this money will be invested immediately in all the Procedures and Reservations necessary for the realization of the Tour, as well as in the purchase of Permits and Tickets for 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).
6. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF MACHU PICCHU AND MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
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, led by our Professional Guide.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a large mountain next to the Archaeological Site of Machu Picchu (2,400 m.a.s.l.). This Mountain has an old Inca Trail to access its top, which is 3,000 meters above sea level. You can do this hike on your own in an average of 3 hours between going up and down the path. From its top you will have an impressive 360° panoramic view of the entire place.
As you can see it is an optional hike and it is possible to do it after visiting Machu Picchu on the 2nd day, because you can only enter the site in the morning; so we give you an additional Entrance Ticket for this Mountain.
The price of the Entrance to this Hike is US$80.00, and we recommend to reserve it at the time of your reservation, because spaces are very limited (only 400 people per day can climb this Mountain).
7. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN AND MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: The hike to the top takes approximately 45 minutes, along narrow and steep Inca stairs. Once at the peak, you can see the citadel of Machu Picchu and all its surroundings. This is the famous mountain in the background of every postcard 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 trek, you will find stunning views of the Machu Picchu ruins. The limited number of tickets is set by the Culture Ministry in Cusco, not by any travel agency. This is completely out of our hands, unfortunately. Tickets for this mountain are not transferable.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: The hike to its top takes approximately 1.5 hours. Once at the peak, you get a much higher vantage point, an amazing view of the Machu Picchu Citadel and all 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 ticket 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.
8. 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 commercial stores in the area.
Also, if you want to buy a souvenir or memories of the trip, you can do it in the Handicraft Market of Aguas Calientes village. You also have as an additional option to visit the Thermo-medicinal Baths of the village, 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, you should make sure to have enough cash.
9. 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 Cell: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or send us an email to: info@incredibleperutours.com, or also check the Contact Us link on this website.
10. 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.
