Aditional information
Important Info:
Welcome to Cusco! You will be met at Cusco airport and transferred to your hotel. Please provide your full flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange INCA EXPEDITIONS board at the arrivals terminal.
The Briefing: A briefing will be held the night before the trek at 6 pm in our office, located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 207 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Can I Store My Luggage at Your Office? Yes, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel during the trek.
How to Book the Choquequirao Trek: To book your trek, fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or use the provided link.
Please have the following information ready for each participant:
- Full name (as per passport)
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
A deposit of $211.00 per person is required to secure a permit for the trek. You can make the deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our homepage or booking page.
Balance Payment Options:
To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay the balance in cash at our office (either in US dollars or Peruvian soles). There are many ATMs in the historical center of Cusco for cash withdrawal. Alternatively, you can pay by VISA or PAYPAL online, though a 5.5% service fee will be added by VISA and PAYPAL. For PAYPAL payments, log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address: incasexpeditions@gmail.com.
Changing the Departure Date:
You may change your departure date with some restrictions. Please contact our office as soon as possible if you need to make a change. Note that the deposit is non-refundable if you cancel the trek.
Passport Requirement:
You must bring your original passport, and it should be the same passport number used when booking the trek. If you’re renewing your passport or changing your name, send us your old passport information so we can secure your permit. We can update it with your new passport number or name for a fee of $25 per person. If you prefer not to pay this fee, bring both your old and new passports to Peru.
Weather:
The weather on the Choquequirao Trek is unpredictable. We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Bring warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
Altitude Sickness:
To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, exercise regularly and spend 2-3 days acclimating in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. Recommended remedies include water, coca tea, and oxygen if needed. Our guides are trained to assist with altitude sickness. For more information, you can refer to our Altitude Sickness link. We also offer Cusco City and Sacred Valley tours for acclimatization.
Group Size:
Our groups are capped at 8 people to ensure a personalized experience. Typically, groups range from 2-6 people.
Number of Cooks and Pack Horses:
- 1 cook per group.
- Number of pack horses varies with group size: 4 for 2 trekkers, 6 for 4 trekkers, 9 for 6 trekkers, and 12 for 8 trekkers.
Hiking and Packing:
The night before the trek, you will receive a small duffel bag for packing clothes, with a weight limit of 7 kg (14 lbs). Your duffel bag, along with food and camping gear, will be carried by pack horses, so you won’t have access to it until the end of each day. Use a day backpack (30-50 liters) for personal items like warm clothes, rain gear, camera, snacks, and water.
Difficulty Level:
The Choquequirao Trek is challenging but not impossible. Fitness is important, and being in good shape will enhance your experience. If you do not regularly exercise, consider doing extra walking or hiking before your trip. The trek is rated from moderate to difficult.
Toilets on the Trek:
We provide clean and private toilet facilities with an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. The toilet is set up a comfortable distance from the campsite and is accessible at night.
If Unable to Finish the Trek:
If you cannot complete the trek due to health issues, we will assist with transportation to the nearest town. Oxygen is carried on the trek for respiratory issues. In extreme cases, helicopter evacuation can be arranged at your expense (travel insurance required). No refunds are given if you cannot finish the trek.
Post-Trek Drop-Off:
We provide drop-off at your hotel after the trek, including those in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo or Urubamba). If you stayed in Ollantaytambo before the trek, we will also pick you up from there.
Tipping:
Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated if you are satisfied with the service provided. Tips motivate our staff to deliver excellent service and are a common practice in tourism. Tip according to the quality of service and the length of your trip.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Indeed, we are dedicated to sustainability as a local and responsible tourism operator. We adhere to universal tourism principles, which involve protecting the environment and benefiting local communities while respecting their cultural and religious practices. All our local staff are trained to understand and honor these places and their inhabitants.
