Important Info for Trekkers

BOOKING THE INKA TRAIL (AND OTHER TRAILS IN THE CUSCO REGION):

Did you know that only 170-220 companies are chosen each year by the Peru government to book and operate the famous Inca treks of Peru? These companies must meet specific and high standard requirements of staff, services and equipment each year. Inka Sites Adventures has had been awarded license to operate these treks every year since 2008, leading our passengers by experienced, attentive and knowledgeable guides, professional chefs that provide delicious four-star trail menus, and maintaining only new (or like-new) quality hiking and camping equipment.Travellers may book their Inka Trail Trek with any international or Peruvian agency; however most of them send their passengers to do the trek under the operation of one of these licensed companies.

There are thousands of tourism agencies in Peru, and many more international ones, many operating solely by webpage. Many are legit, but not all. Be careful in whom you give your money to; we suggest checking out company credentials or doing a little research before booking with just any company. Because the Inka Trail and other Incan treks are regulated (see more below), the government expects a high standard from the companies and people that operate the treks, as well as strict control on how these trails are booked. Full legal names, date of birth, Passport number, and Nationality are required to book a space for the trek. Once the date has been confirmed, changes and cancellations cannot be made (in accordance with government regulation). The Inka Trail is often booked up months ahead and especially through the high-season, so you will want to plan your trek well in advance.

That said, there is often space in closer proximity to departure dates for the other trails like Ausangate, Lares, Choquequirao, etc.

(see more available treks on our home webpage).When you book with us, we require a deposit of a minimum of half of your total to be paid at point of booking, with the remaining total paid 10 days before arriving to Cusco. (You can read more about our requirements in our Terms & Conditions).

HIKING THE INKA TRAIL AND OTHER REGULATED TRAILS:

The Inca trails in Peru are famous, with seasoned and adventurous hikers the world over interested in accomplishing these historic routes. Because the trials were once the paths of the Incas, some dating to pre 15th century, the government takes precautions in preserving and protecting the trails and the people who hike them. These trails are well regulated, with only 500 people permitted each day (hikers and workers), only guided by approved guides, and meals on the trail only cooked by approved chefs. Equipment must also be 3 or 4 season standard and in good condition. Restrooms are provided along the way; however they are usually portable, provided by each company.

That said, First-class camping can be accommodated with hot-water showers, massage therapists, and extra porters for carry-free hiking.The client’s Passport (used for booking) must also be physically shown at point of check-in for the Inka Trail, other trekking trail heads, and for entrance to Machu Picchu.

Inka Sites Adventures provides a top-notch hiking experience with 4-star trail menus, professional chefs, experienced bilingual guides, all entrance tickets and all transportation from the beginning of your tour to the end (to and from your hotel). With our services, you can expect to be fed well, have access to lots of potable drinking water, have roomy tents, warm water for washing before each meal, cheerful and helpful staff, and experienced staff should anything go wrong. We can also cater to specific menu or allergy requests, and can provide camping and hiking equipment for rent (hiking poles, sleeping bags, etc.) Many agencies offer their Treks online for much less, but be aware that that often means one or more of the following: no English speaking, professional and experienced guide, they use less porters (meaning the porters are carrying heavy loads and paid the most minimum of wages), sometimes doesn’t include the Machu Picchu entrance and will not include all transportation necessary from your starting and ending points. Always be aware of what is included in the Total price!

Inka Sites Adventures always meet with our passengers a day or two days before your departure date, in a briefing with your tour guide. He will go over the route, expectations, what to pack, and answer any questions you may have. We want our travellers to feel safe, informed and excited to travel with us.

Booking Peru’s Famous Inca Trail

Is hiking the world famous Inca Trail one of your dreams- on your bucket list? If you are considering planning this trip, there are a few important things to be aware of…
Here are 5 points that will help you better plan and be prepared!

1) Plan Your Trek Months Ahead of Time!

Many people don’t realize that the Inca Trail books up months ahead of time. There are limited entry spaces available for each day, and it is a strictly-regulated trail. The Peruvian government controls who is on the trail at all times, and you can only enter with a registered guide. There are less than 220 registered travel companies that have authority to book the Inca Trail every year. Inka Sites Adventures have been proud to be one of these authorized companies for the past 13 years.
Sometimes travelers arrive to Cusco city and want to book the Inca Trail that same week. This is not possible. Travelers who have done so have likely been led falsely by unlegitimate travel agencies that actually take them on alternate trails to Machu Picchu: trails that are equally beautiful and challenging (such as Lares or Huchuy Qosqo), but are not the Inca Trail, and do not feature the original Inca archaeological sites that make the Inca Trail the famous trail that it is. Don’t be disappointed, and don’t be fooled- book ahead!*You yourself can check the government website to see when spaces are available for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu:
http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/
(Click on Consultas, from there you can choose Inka Trail from the drop-down list, then choose your month to see the availability).

2) You Need Your Original Passport

Internationals will need their original Passport to not only book the Inca Trail (and Machu Picchu and some other treks and tours), but also to pass through the control point to enter the trail. If you are awaiting a new passport number, at the time of booking you can book with an old passport number, a driver’s license number or national identification number. When you come to Peru, you will need to show the original identification used for booking as well as your current passport. Photocopies are not accepted: only the originals must be provided at check-point.
(South American travelers can use their DNI cards if they have entered Peru with the same piece of ID.)
Many people worry about fraud or identity theft. In Peru, this is the manner in which the government has set out to control booking and entry, being that the Passport is world-recognized, and they and each travel agency take measures to protect your information and identity.

3) Students can get a Discount

With a Student International Identity Card (known in Peru as an ISIC Card) students can receive a discount of *$35 on the Inca Trail 4 Days, 3 Nights or $20 on the Inca Trail 2 Days, 1 Night, or $20 on the 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour (*as of 2019). The validity date must be current for the time of travel in order to be accepted for discount (if your tour date is August 2-5, the validity date on the card must cover that time, in the same year,even if you booked in February with a valid date that expired in June, for example). There are some other versions of ISIC Cards like Mastercard or Visa types that are not accepted for discount. See Below:

NOT an acceptable card for obtaining discount

Read more on the ISIC website or on wikipedia for more info about or on how to obtain this international student card.
Children are also applicable for different discounts on travel and entrances, just check with your travel agent prior.

4) Weight Restrictions & Porters

There is no weight restriction for hikers carrying their personal belongings on the Inca Trail, althoughwe always recommend not to bring more than 7 kilos, and only the bare necesities. Inka Sites Adventures provide porters who carry all of the food, cooking ware, dining tent, and passenger tents and sleeping mats, etc. included your overall tour cost. You can also book a personal porter to carry your belongings. In this case, the restriction is limited to a maximum of 10 kilos per person, or if two people share a porter, 7 kilos per person. These guys are strong and accustomed to hiking the trail, but remember that they are people who need to care for their bodies, too. We take the weight restrictions very seriously. You can book a personal porter with us for *$180 for the 4 Day IncaTrail tour (*as of and through year 2019). We also provide duffel bags for our clients who order a personal porter.

5) Altitude Adjustment

Cusco city is located at 3,400 meters (11,200 ft) above sea level. The 4 day Inca Trail starts at 3,000 meters in altitude and the highest point is 4,200 meters above sea level. Travelers are highly advised to take at least two days upon arrival to Cusco to let the body acclimatize naturally. Not all people will experience altitude sickness (in fact, most won’t), but effects can range from very mild to quite severe. Make sure to read up on altitude sickness and be prepared with anti-altitude medication if desired.

Things to know:
high altitude

The altitude in Cusco is around 11 200 ft (3400 m).

It is common to experience minor symptoms of altitude sickness upon arrival and the first day or two after, such as headaches or feeling tired.

Acclimatizing:

-Get lots of rest upon your first day or two of arrival.
-Don’t over exert yourself, try to keep your first day without much actiivity
-Hydrate with lots of water. The locals here suggest that coca tea helps with acclimatizing (available on your Peru flight, and everywhere in the Andes). Camomile and anise tea are also good choices.
-Avoid heavy, gaseous or fatty foods and colas, coffee, alcohol & sleeping pills in the first couple of days.
-Eat a high carbohydrate diet, many snacks or small meals throughout the day & avoid large meals.
-Ibuprofen will help with headache.

We advise you talk to your doctor about preventative altitude sickness medication. However be aware that only about 20 % or less of the population are affected by moderate to severe effects.

Some people experience moderate to severe symptoms of Altitude Sickness which may include:

-Severe headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, increasing weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath at rest, inability to walk, decreased mental ability, lips turn blue.

If symptoms are moderate to severe, getting extra oxygen is the first and most helpful treatment. Most hostels, hotels, and travel companies keep oxygen handy, but can also direct you to a tourist clinic for medical help. Oxishot bottles can be purchased over-the-counter at most pharmacies, as well as a medicine called Sorojchi Pills.

*People who suffer from altitude sickness can make plans to travel directly to the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu after arriving in Cusco. There is quite a decent in altitude in the Sacred Valley (2,800 m.a.s.l.), and in Machu Picchu the altitude is only about 8,000 ft (2450 m).

Thank you for choosing Inka Sites Adventures… Happy travels!!!!