IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information carefully as it will help you with any questions about our services and the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will be held the night before the trek at 6 p.m. at our office, located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Yes! During the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel, whichever is more convenient. Please pack only what you need for the trek!
HOW TO BOOK THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL?
FIRST, to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, please fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or using the link BOOK NOW. Be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group) as we cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit without it:
- Personal information (full name, exactly as on your passport)
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of Birth (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
We require copies of every participant’s passport to book Inca Trail permits!
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our homepage or our booking page.
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 to withdraw money. You can also 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 info@samtravelperu.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, no. Once permits are purchased, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes. If you need to change your trek date, the fee is $100 because we have to buy a new permit. Permits are also non-transferable and non-refundable. If you cancel your Classic Inca Trail trek, the deposit is non-refundable.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You must bring your original passport, and it is crucial that it matches the passport number you provided for your Classic Inca Trail permit. Your passport will be checked when entering Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and when boarding the train. If you are renewing your passport, send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit, and we can update it with your new passport when you receive it. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and difficult to forecast. We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to the rapidly changing weather conditions.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Generally, if you exercise regularly and spend a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you should acclimate normally. It usually takes between 24 hours to 2 days. The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN, if needed. Our guides are trained to handle altitude sickness. See our detailed information about altitude sickness under FAQs.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 people. Our groups typically range from 2-6 people. INCAS EXPEDITIONS specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters depends on the group size: 4 porters for 2 trekkers, 6 porters for 4 trekkers, 9 porters for 6 trekkers, and 12 porters for 8 trekkers.
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before your trek, you will receive a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. The weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Porters will carry your duffel bag, along with food and camping gear. Note that there will be no access to the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you will need a day backpack to carry personal belongings such as a warm jacket, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of porters and animals. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you have more than 7 kilograms, you will need to carry the extra weight in your day pack. This 7 kg limit includes 2 kg for your sleeping bag and 1 kg for your sleeping pad (foam or air), leaving about 4 kg for personal gear.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42 km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude is 4,217m/13,907ft. On the second day, we will climb two mountains. The trek is quite challenging, so you should be well-prepared and healthy before starting. Aim to be moderately fit and engage in regular exercise. In preparation, try walking 15 km/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) before starting the trek.
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE TRAIL?
Our clients particularly appreciate the private, clean, and sanitary toilet facilities! INCAS EXPEDITIONS provides a tented individual toilet with a seat. Check out the picture illustrating how we set up our camping toilet on the trek using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up at a comfortable distance from the campsite. If you need to use the toilet at night, it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the government-supplied facilities.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
If you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, INCAS EXPEDITIONS will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory issues. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick-up can be arranged at your own expense (travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds if you are unable to complete the trek. Generally, those who need assistance off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and, if they recover quickly, continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK?
Absolutely! Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included with all our packages. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?
It depends on train availability, but the goal is to give you as much time as possible at Machu Picchu and to enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco. Therefore, you will take the train at 2:55 or 3:20 p.m., depending on availability.
HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service offers nicer seats, panoramic windows, and a ceiling. You will be provided with snacks and a dance show on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request this in advance.
TIPPING
If you are happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it is significant for the people who take care of you during the trek. It encourages excellent service and is a common practice in many INCAS EXPEDITIONS destinations. You are free to tip according to your perception of the quality and length of your trip. Remember, tipping is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable, and responsible tourism operator that follows universal tourism principles: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to understand and respect the places and people we visit.
