Frequently Asked Questions

We know you will have many questions about our adventures and have tried to answer the most common ones here.  However, if not we certainly would love the opportunity to answer any additional questions you might have!

What is the weather going to be like in Peru? 
The average high temperature in Cusco during the month of April is 66 degrees Fahrenheit while the overnight low is 43 degrees (68 and 44 degrees in October). Temperatures will be about five degrees warmer in Lima and nighttime temperatures will be about 10 degrees colder on the trek. You should expect excellent hiking weather but with cool nights.

What if the weather is bad during our trip? 
We plan our trips around the best weather based on historical weather patterns. There are days, however, when Mother Nature just doesn't cooperate.  We consider it part of the adventure!  We will be prepared for rain, wind and sun during the trip, but if conditions are dangerous, we will alter our plans accordingly.

What is the best time to be traveling to Machu Picchu and Cusco? 
The dry season, which is important when hiking, runs from mid-April through October. The tourist season, when the area is crowded, runs from June through August.  Therefore, we prefer the shoulder seasons of April, May, September, and October when the crowds are smaller and it is still dry.

What is the best way to get to Peru and where do we meet? 
We will send you information about flights to Peru after you book your trek.   Depending on which trek you book, we meet in either Cusco or Lima, Peru.   You are responsible for getting to and from Lima or Cusco.   Our group treks provide airport-to-airport service and our local agency will meet you at the airport in Lima and transfer you to our hotel. 

How high do we trek and will I be able to deal with the altitude? 
The highest altitude we reach on our Classic Inca Trail trek is 13,860 feet. This is not comparable to similar heights in North America as we are much closer to the equator and the climate is much milder. Nevertheless, the effects of altitude are the same and you will feel them: light headache, possible nausea, dizziness, etc.  We do not expect you to have any prior experience with altitude. On our Royal (Original) Inca Trail trek, the highest altitude we reach is in Cusco at 11,220 feet.  You should have limited  effects on this version of the trek.  Click here for more information about altitude and acclimatization.

What happens if I do not adapt well to the altitude? 
The solution to altitude problems is always to descend. If you have symptoms of altitude sickness on the trek that do not go away, we will make the decision to evacuate you. This generally means turning around (if you are not over the highest pass) or continuing on to our destination (if you have crossed the pass). Thousands of people hike the Inca Trail each year and most do not have serious issues.

What should I do if I want to extend my vacation in Peru? 
There are many other things to see and do in the country and we will make recommendations in our Pre-Departure Packet. The Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines, and the coast are all possible destinations.

Do I need a passport and visa? 
You must have a passport valid for at least six months upon entry to Peru.  If you do not have a passport, you should call your local Passport Agency (in the phone book) now to get the process started.  North Americans and most Europeans receive a travel visa to Peru upon entry at the airport.

Do I need to get immunizations? 
No immunizations are required for entry to Peru.  However, you should still consult with a travel doctor about what immunizations you should have.  Recommended shots might include:
::  Tetanus & Diphtheria  You should have been immunized as a kid but these shots require a booster every 10 years.
::  Hepatitis A  You should strongly consider getting a shot to prevent this food- and water-borne disease.
::  Hepatitis B  This is a blood- or semen-borne disease that you are at risk of contracting if you have sex, have a blood transfusion, or come into contact with infected needles (possibly in a hospital).

Am I fit enough to do this? 
This trek has been completed by hundreds of thousands of people.  Chances are good you can do it too, provided you are not extremely overweight or have other health isses that preclude you.  If you are not currently physically fit, you may need to establish a training regimen to make your trip more enjoyable.  Mental perserverance also goes a long way in helping you achieve your goal of completing the Inca Trail!   Click here for an explanation of our difficulty level rating and here for an overview and comparison of all our treks (including difficulty levels).  The hiking will be challenging for some people and quite moderate for others.  While being in shape is not a predictor of how you will do at altitude, it will certainly help you on the hikes themselves.  We recommend you start working out several months in advance of the trip if you are not already doing so. You should be aware that you likely will experience some mild forms of altitude sickness such as slight headaches or an upset stomach.  Additionally, you should be aware that you are traveling to a developing country where sanitation and services are not up to the standard you experience at home, although we make every effort to ensure your good health while you are with us.

For what type of people would you recommend these Treks? 
People looking for a challenging and culturally interesting vacation.  Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places on the earth and is that much better after having spent four days walking there on the Inca Trail. If you are active, willing to brave a foreign culture, and looking for a little adventure, come join us in Peru!

What if I don't have anyone who will sign up with me? 
Not a problem! Many participants on our Group Treks sign up entirely on their own and our guides are trained to make sure everyone fits in. 

What is your average participant like? 
The average age of participants on our Group Treks is 47 years.  Most are between the late 20s and early 60s, although the range is about 10 to 76.  The gender gap is fairly evenly split with slightly more women than men. About 40% of participants sign up alone, 40% sign up with a partner, and 20% as a family.  Most importantly, however, is this: most people who join us for the first time are nervous about the "group tour" experience but most alumni rate it as one of the best parts of their vacation.  You'll never know until you try.

What are your payment and cancellation policies? 
Click here to see this information.

What are the hotels and meals like? 
We stay in excellent hotels and prefer local, centrally-located inns over chain hotels or luxury retreats isolated from the local culture.  We eat in nice restaurants and offer you both reknowned restaurants and small cafes in an out-of-the-way street.  Giving you a quality, authentic experience is our goal.

Do you recommend travel insurance? 
In most cases, absolutely! Click here for more information.

Will you help me make my travel arrangements? 
You are responsible for getting to and from the trip location and this transportation is not included in the trip price.  Your Pre-Departure Information will include more details on where and when we meet and how best to get there but you are responsible for making your own travel arrangements.

What will I need to pack?
Your Pre-Departure Information will include a very detailed packing list for you!

Where can I get more information about this trip?  
Contact us for a detailed itinerary that we can email to you. Or simply ask us the questions you want answers to! We welcome your phone calls or emails (see our contact information here).

What is your Privacy Policy?
If you provide us with information via one of our online forms, we will use that information only to communicate with you.  We will not sell or share your private information with any other parties (with the expception of necessary information to our Peruvian partners).