ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to trek´s start.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the trek, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is generally No. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. With alternative treks, we may be able to change dates for a fee depending on what has been already purchased. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE WILD ANDES TO LLACTAPATA AND MACHU PICCHU
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport you sent to us to book your journey, other entrances and reservations. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the trek and before boarding the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter, Machu Picchu or get on the train.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON THE TREK?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are between 2-6 persons.
HOW MANY COOKS AND HORSES FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of pack horses depends of the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, they will have 4 horses, 4 trekkers will have 6 horses, 6 trekkers will have 9 horses, 8 trekkers will have 12 horses.
HIKING INTO THE WILD ANDES TO LLACTAPATA AND MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During your trip, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.
ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE TREK?
It has been highlighted by most of our clients, especially by the female ones who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! Our toilet facilities have an individual tent and a “camping toilet with a seat.” Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite.
There are hot springs at Cocalmayo to soak in and relax on the 3rd day of your trip. Be sure to bring your bathing suit.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE WILD ANDES TO LLACTAPATA AND MACHU PICCHU?
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, our team will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we wil pick you up there!
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore we usually book the train at 14:55pm.
HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place 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 in advance.
87ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: 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 know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
