Aditional information
IMPORTANT INFO
Please review the following information carefully, as it will answer many of your questions regarding our services and the Ausangate Trek.
WELCOME TO CUSCO
Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you will be met and transported to your hotel. Ensure you provide us with your complete flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange INCA EXPEDITIONS sign at the exit from the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
A pre-trek briefing will be held at 6:00 pm the night before your trek at our office, located at Calle Punacchupan 196, office 201 (second floor)
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Absolutely! During the Ausangate trek, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel, depending on what is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE TREK
FIRST, to book your Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, complete our booking form by clicking on the BOOK NOW button on our homepage or follow this link to BOOK NOW.
Be prepared with the following information (FOR EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an entrance ticket for the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek without this information:
- Full name (as per passport)
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, a deposit of US$211.00 per person is required to secure a permit for the Ausangate Trek. You can make this deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL icons on our homepage, our booking page, or use this link for payment via VISA or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) in Cusco. There are many ATMs in the historical center for withdrawing money. Alternatively, you can pay by VISA or PAYPAL online, but a 5.5% service fee will apply. To pay through PAYPAL, log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address incasexpeditions@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER TICKETS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED?
Yes, but with some restrictions. Please contact our office as soon as possible if you need to alter your date.
Note: If you cancel your Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, the deposit is non-refundable!
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TREK?
The weather can be highly unpredictable and varies depending on the altitude and microclimates you encounter. For the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, we recommend bringing very warm clothing and high-quality rain gear in your day pack, as it can be quite cold at higher altitudes.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON THE TREK?
If you exercise regularly and spend 3 days acclimating in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you should be fine. The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN if needed. Our guides are trained to address altitude sickness. For more information, click this link: Altitude Sickness.
We offer Cusco City Tours and Sacred Valley tours that you can book during your acclimatization period. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 people, although most of our groups consist of 2-6 participants. INCA EXPEDITIONS specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups, providing a personalized service.
HOW MANY COOKS/PACK HORSES FOR THE GROUP?
There is 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses varies with the group size: 4 horses for 2 trekkers, 6 horses for 4 trekkers, 9 horses for 6 trekkers, and 12 horses for 8 trekkers.
HIKING THE TREK
The evening before your trek begins, you will receive a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. The weight limit is 7 kg/14 lbs. Your team of pack horses will transport your duffel bag along with food and camping gear. Note that you won’t have access to your duffel bag items until the end of each day, as the horses will always be ahead of the group. For the trek, you need a day pack large enough for personal items such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 40-liter backpack is usually adequate.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
Yes, the trek is challenging, with most of the trail situated above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). Good physical condition and experience with hiking are necessary.
In preparation, try walking 15 km in a day or visit a fitness club in the months leading up to your trek. It’s also crucial to be well acclimated to the altitude; spending at least 3 days in Cusco (3,350 m/11,047 ft) before starting the trek is recommended.
WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE AUSANGATE TREK?
Our clients greatly appreciate having access to private, clean, and sanitary toilet facilities. INCA EXPEDITIONS provides a camping toilet with a seat within a private tent. For a visual of our camping toilet setup, follow this link: picture of toilet tent. The toilet is always located at a comfortable distance from the campsite and is readily accessible and clean at night.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE AUSANGATE TREK?
In the rare event that you cannot complete the trek due to a health issue, INCA EXPEDITIONS will assist in arranging transportation to the nearest town for medical help. We carry oxygen on the trek for respiratory issues. In severe cases, we can arrange a helicopter evacuation at your own expense (travel insurance is required). Please note that no refunds will be provided if you are unable to complete the trek.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE AUSANGATE TREK?
Absolutely! As part of the package, we will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco on the last day. If your hotel is located in the Sacred Valley, such as Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there as well!
TIPPING
If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is appreciated though not mandatory. While tipping may not be customary in your country, it holds significant value for those who have cared for you during the trek. It motivates them to continue offering excellent service and is a common practice in the tourism industry in many of our INCA EXPEDITIONS destinations. You may tip as much as you deem appropriate based on the quality and length of your trip. Remember, tipping is voluntary and should only be given for exceptional service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable, and responsible tourism operator. We adhere to universal tourism principles, which include protecting the environment, benefiting local communities, and respecting their culture and religion.
