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. 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 during the trip. For your peace of mind we include all meals and snacks during the trek.

For the first lunch we will give you a tasty and nutritious Box Lunch.

For dinner on the first day and lunch on the second day, you will have the option of eating at a good restaurant in the village of Aguas Calientes, where it is possible to choose what you want to eat. There the options are: Cream of corn, Cream of Mushrooms, Cream of Asparagus, Pastas, Pizzas, Fried trout, Meat, Chicken, Boiled Vegetables, Salads, Omelets, etc.

All the 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 in the local market in Cusco City the day before the hike 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 to vegetarians, vegans, celiacs and any type of food allergy at no additional cost, so you will always be well fed throughout the trip.

3. HOW DO I BOOK MY TOUR?

Booking this Tour with us will really be very secure, easy and practical, you will also enjoy 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 USD $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 Cusco City’s Historic Downtown up to 1 day before the Tour.

⇒ To Reserve your 2 Days/1 Night Short 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 want to make the Pre-Payment by other companies such as: PayPal, Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or some other wiring methods, let us know so we can send you all the required information.

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 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 wish, at the end of the tour you can give a tip to the Tour Guide. This is something additional and totally voluntary, really what you consider will be highly appreciated by the Service Personnel.

6. WHAT WILL 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 weather you will encounter during theTour. No matter what month you do the Inca Trail, make sure to have waterproof clothing on hand such as a waterproof 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 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.

Also consider that when it rains the old stones paving 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 are 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 for you 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 realization of 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 Change and Cancellation Policies on our website: 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 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.). There is an old Inca Trail to access its top, which is 3,000 meters above sea level. You can do this walk on your own in an average of 3 hours between going up and down the Mountain. From its top you will have an impressive 360° panoramic view of the entire place.

As you can see it is an optional path; and if you want, do it after visiting Machu Picchu on the 2nd day, since visitors can only enter it in the morning. So if you decide to visit it we supply an additional Entrance Ticket for this Mountain.

The Entrance price to this Mountain is US$70.00, and we recommend reserve it at the time you make the reservation for the Inca Trail, since 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 hike to the top takes approximately 45 minutes, along the narrow and steep Inca stairs. Once at the summit, you can see the Machu Picchu site and all 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 precious item on most Machu Picchu visitor lists, which means you usually need to book months in advance. Only a certain number of people can hike this mountain each day. Throughout this trek, you will wonder with stunning views of the Machu Picchu ruins. As you can see it is an optional path; and if you want, do it after visiting Machu Picchu on the 2nd day, because you can only enter it in the morning. So if you decide to visit it we will supply 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, and we recommend you reserve it at the time of booking for the Inca Trail, since permits are very limited (only 400 people per day can climb this Mount). Tickets for this hike 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, it’s 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 the Machu Picchu Mountain are also limited to 400 per day, but they rarely sell out. We simply need to reserve a space 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 fruits, chocolates, etc. or additional drinks such as sodas, beers or an energy beverage, since it is possible to buy these products in small commercial stores in the area.

If you want to buy a souvenir or memories of the tour, you can buy it in the Handicraft Market in Aguas Calientes village. You also have as an additional option to visit the village’s Thermo-medicinal Baths, the Entrance Price is 20 soles. For all this we recommend taking 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.

12. WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO BATHROOM SERVICES?

Yes, you will have access to these services. In the Train Stations, at the beginning of the Trail (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?

The return trip to Cusco will be by Touristic Train which leaves Aguas Calientes village at 9:45 pm. The ride lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and we will arrive at the Ollantaytambo Train Station. There, our transportation will be waiting to take you for a two-hour trip back to Cusco City. So you will be arriving in Cusco 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 to contact us.

You can talk to 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 an email to: info@incredibleperutours.com, or 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 in 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 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 – 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 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 tour and without any intermediary.
• Travel with Experts: The best Tourist Guides, Cooks and Porters in the region. Our Service 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 walking 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 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, we can prepare vegetarian or special diets according to your needs, free of extra charge.
• Confirmed and guaranteed departures. We are the only Tour Operator that guarantees all departures, because 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 eco-friendly company, committed to the environment and to the sustainable use of natural resources, Tourism must have a minimal impact. One important feature 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 service and support. Call or e-mail our contact center from anywhere, anytime.

16. WHY ARE PERMITS FOR THE INCA TRAIL SOLD OUT SO QUICKLY?

According to the current Regulations of Tourist Use for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, only 250 permits are offered each day for this trek; figure in which visitors are counted, as well as all the Service Personnel of the Authorized Travel Agencies, such as the Guides.

These Regulations for Tourist Use of the area are supervised and controlled by the Ministry of Culture (branch of the Peruvian Government). The norm is strict and once the 250 permits 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 permits as soon as possible, only through a Tourism Agency Authorized by the Peruvian Government to operate the Inca Trail, like ours Incredible Peru Tours – IPT.

Remember to book your Trek as soon as possible, for you can see tickets 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 treks in the World… Now! Breathe, imagine and dream that you are almost on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu… Welcome!