FAQ
chock full of all kinds of helpful infoAltitude
Cusco is at 11,089 feet/3380 meters so if you are or think you are susceptible to altitude sickness please be sure to arrive 2-3 days prior to your trek, rest the first few days in Cusco, drink plenty of water (and coca tea, a local remedy), and eat lots of carbohydrates. These three things help prevent and combat altitude sickness. Please consult your doctor if you have concerns about being at altitude. There are many medications that they can provide (example: anti nausea medication, diuretics, etc). Machu Picchu is actually lower (8,000 feet/2430 meters), but if you choose to trek there, the mountain passes can go up to over 17,000 ft/5200m.
Are tour dates flexible?
YES. Please contact us if you are not able to travel on the set departure dates. Most tours can be arranged on alternative departure dates for a minimum of two travelers (less ok with extra fee).
Are these trips a good choice for solo travelers?
Absolutely!! Our tours tend to attract a great mix of solo travelers, families, friends, etc. We can often match you with a roommate if desired, to save on single supplement costs or you can request a private room if you prefer.
Can I drink the water in Peru?
The tap water is not safe to drink in Peru. Bottled water is readily available at tourist sites, hotels, local shops, and restaurants. Don’t forget to use bottled water when brushing your teeth as well! Ice is not always made with boiled/ bottled water. Order your beverages without ice (“sin hielo”) or ask your tour leader if the ice is safe in a particular restaurant. You can also bring iodine tablets or other filtration systems if you like, though on the trek we provide filtered/boiled water for you to drink.
Can I extend or change my stay?
Absolutely! You can arrange this on your own or we can help you book extra days in Cusco. Let us know how you would like to customize your trip and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Climate
Weather varies a lot and changes quickly, the dry season (winter) is from the end of April to beginning of November (hot, dry days, cold, dry nights) and the wet season (summer) is from November to April (most rain Jan/Feb). Temperatures don’t vary too much between these seasons but the amount of precipitation does. If the sun is out it can be quite warm, but in the shade it gets rather cool very quickly. Temperatures change rapidly and you will need layers as you hike during the day. At night it is cool in the city and quite cold in the mountains, often below freezing especially on the higher altitude treks. Bring layers, a warm jacket, a warm sleeping bag and/or liner, and rain jacket/gear. You can still get rain/snow in the mountains in the dry season, especially if there is an el niño storm on the horizon. Weather has been changing a lot the past few years so come prepared as mountain conditions are always unpredictable
COVID 19 Practices
We take your health and that of our staff very seriously. We adhere to the recommended rules as outlined by the Peruvian Government, including border closures, trail closures, face-covering orders, quarantine orders, negative COVID19 test results, and the eventual need for proof of COVID19 vaccination. We have instituted a number of increased hygiene precautions for food preparation and treks/tours outlined below. Face coverings will be worn at all times by the guide/staff and are required of guests in towns and ruin sites and anywhere else it is mandated per Peruvian rules. Social distancing will be observed to the best of our ability, especially along the trail if you wish to remove face coverings while hiking. Increased hand hygiene will be practiced and temperatures checked daily. Anyone exhibiting COVID19 symptoms will need to self-quarantine.
Machu Picchu has been declared a Safe Travels destination. In line with the good news that Peru is opening to a wider range of international visitors, we have updated our safety protocols to help keep you safe while you are travelling with us.
Trips will take place in small groups (8 people per group, including guide), and according to the instructions we receive from the Ministry of Tourism. All of our transport will continue to be private services.
Our guides, drivers, and representatives:
- Will wear masks and use antibacterial gel at all times
- Will be monitored continuously with temperature and symptom checks. If anyone has symptoms, they will be obliged to rest and recover, and substituted with other staff members
We will ensure social distancing by:
- Keeping 1-meter distance between passengers when boarding vehicles.
- Restricting physical contact between our staff and customers.
To add to your packing list:
- Cloth or medical face masks
- Face shields
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
- Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) for surfaces
- Digital thermometer
We recommend the following steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:
- Always maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others
- Avoid crowds
- Wear a face mask and a face shield
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Do not travel if you are feeling sick
- Disinfect your hands often. It’s especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds
- If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry
With our updated protocol, we hope to offer you a safe stay without compromising on our excellent service. We will continue adapting our standards according to the recommendations of health experts.
The Inca Trail 2D is open again as of Nov 2020 with a capacity of 150 people per day (down from 500).
We do not have confirmation as yet for the Classic Inca Trail 4D but we will keep you posted. There are vulnerable communities along this trail and they are being closely monitored by the Peruvian Government.
The minister has informed that only 675 people will be allowed inside Machu Picchu per day, which is 30% of its capacity pre-pandemic.
Visitors will enter in groups of 8, with a tour guide, and will need to maintain a distance of 1.5-2 meters apart. Visitors will only be permitted entry when accompanied by a professional guide and have their tickets booked through a registered travel agent, such as Killa Expeditions.
Right now a Negative PCR test is required to enter Peru and many countries also require a negative PCR test upon re-entry as you depart from Peru. This is true even if you are vaccinated. This is subject to change but it does mean that you MUST obtain a negative PCR test 72 hours or less prior to departure from country of origin as well as when departing from Peru.
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- Tests in Cusco take 12-18 hours to come back.
- Clinics have varying hours (usually 8am to 6pm weekdays, Saturday’s 8-1pm and closed Sundays). You will need to plan ahead in terms of dates of your trek, time needed to take the PCR test in relation to departure date and time to collect results
- Results are given in Spanish on a paper certificate. They will not email results or provide them digitally
- Yes we can help you with getting a PCR test but please be aware we are limited by what clinics are able to provide.
All of the above information is subject to change. Right now Peru has opened its borders to most countries but we recommend checking specifics for your country as these are updated regularly.
Wishing you happy and safe travels!
Customs
Peruvians tend to be hospitable and strong willed. Families are very important and tend to be the focus of social life and women traditionally stay in the home. Official languages are Spanish, Quechua and Aymara, but there are over 40 local ethnic languages. Most people speak Spanish and one native language. You will find more English speakers in the educated classes. Most city-dwelling Peruvians are catholic. The indigenous people have mixed beliefs of Christianity and native religions. Peruvian culture has a strong mix of Spanish colonial residual factors and a recognition and pride with local cultures.
In terms of greetings, people will shake hands and/or kiss on the cheek for the first time. When people get to know each other better, men often pat each other on the back, and women kiss each other on one cheek. If you do not know someone really well or are first meeting them, you should address them by “Señor” or “Señora” and their last name. Ask before using first names. Professionals are addressed by their titles and last names.
Peruvians tend to gesture a lot when communicating and conversations can become very lively and animated when they get really into something. People tend to stand close to each other and maintain strong eye contact. In the city they usually wear well put together western style clothing out in public. It is considered sloppy to wear dirty or old clothing outside the house. Guides tend to wear hiking gear.
There is a strong difference between the rural and urban lifestyles in Peru. In the countryside, people heavily depend on what season it is, and they typically perform manual labor (farming, etc). Many of the people who live in the rural parts of Peru have farms and herd llamas or alpacas (occasionally cattle). All types of festivals (there are many of these), like religious holidays and weddings, are communal celebrations that are shared with entire villages. Peruvian meetings don’t tend to start on time, and their overall sense of time is different. They are less hurried in general, especially compared to the United States.
Dietary Needs
We are able to cater to any dietary requirement. We often cater for vegetarian and vegan preferences as well as gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and many other allergies and preferences. Just let us know in advance!
Do I need a visa/passport?
Travelers will all need a passport valid for at least 6 months after they depart.
Passport: For any trek/tour involving Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, we will need a photo/snapshot of each persons passport bio page in order to tickets/permits in your name (Peruvian Government Requirement). Please note that each traveler is responsible for knowing the re-entry rules for their country of residence/citizenship. Many countries require 6 months of passport validity beyond the final date of travel. Please ensure that your passport is up to date and meets your country and residency requirements. We can use an old/expiring passport to book your tickets but we will need a copy of the updated passport as soon as you receive it in order to update your tickets.
Visa’s: Most countries are allowed to obtain a visa upon entry at immigration. Very few countries require a visa to be granted in advance. Please note that each traveler is responsible for finding out and obtaining a visa prior to entry if required. Please also note that tourist visas are for 90 days or less (typically) and you must show proof of return travel. Entry requirements change with surprising frequency. It is each traveler’s responsibility to check with the consulate for the most up-to-date visa information and for finding out and obtaining a visa prior to entry if required.
Do tour rates include international flights?
Tour rates do not include international flights. We find that it is usually less expensive for travelers to book these separately and this also allows you the flexibility to choose the schedule and routing that is most convenient for you. We can help you arrange these flights with various airlines.
Flights/Getting to Cusco
Peru might seem like an exotic destination, but it is closer than you think! Only a 5 hour flight from Miami to Lima, 6 hours from Atlanta, 7.5 hours from NYC and 8.5 hours from Los Angeles. There are no direct flights from foreign countries into Cusco City. You can fly from another major hub (example: Lima,
Electricity/Outlets
Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. In some places they have 110v, 50 cycles but not everywhere and there are often power surges for any outlet. If you travel to Peru with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 60 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Outlets in Peru generally accept 2 types of plugs: If your appliance/device plug has a different shape, you may need a plug adapter. It is not a bad idea to also have a surge protector if you plan to bring expensive electronics. Depending on how much you plan to travel in the future, it may be worthwhile to get a combination voltage converter and plug adapter.
Food - Is the food safe to eat in Peru?
Food in Peru, when prepared correctly is not only safe but delicious too! They have some of the world’s most beautiful and delicious produce ever! That being said, Peru carries a host of germs that foreign travelers are not used to. It is generally advisable to avoid eating street food and eat fruit you can peel and fruits and veggies that you know have been washed well in boiled/filtered water or peeled in a hygienic kitchen. Nicer restaurants do a good job of food preparation but it is often a good idea to still avoid salads. On the trail we make sure that all food is prepared in a hygienic manner and wash all fruit/vegetables in boiled/filtered water. In case you do end up with stomach upset from eating something on the streets or in a restaurant it is a good idea to stay hydrated and bring medicine with you such as antacids, indigestion pills, and antibiotics for travelers diarrhea. Talk with your doctor prior to your trip to discuss the best medications to bring with you if you choose to do so.
Health
Vaccinations – recommend bringing all boosters up to date (MMR, tetanus, etc)
For Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu there are generally no vaccinations required. If you are going to the jungle or any other higher risk area you may need: yellow fever vaccine, medicine for malaria, typhoid vaccine, etc.
Click here for updated info: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/peru.aspx
Common problems might include upset stomach, diarrhea, or rarely travelers diarrhea. Be careful what you eat and only drink bottled or boiled/filtered water.
Altitude sickness is also something to watch out for, see more info under Altitude above.
How concerned should I be about the altitude?
Altitude affects each traveler differently and until you have visited an area with high altitude, it is impossible to predict how your body will react. For this reason, we recommend having at least 2 or 3 days to acclimatize in Cusco before beginning your trek. Starting off with an acclimatizing hike to the ruins above Cusco or a tour of the Sacred Valley is often very helpful as well. This time allows your body to begin acclimatizing (though full acclimatization would take several weeks) and provides travelers a good indication of how they will feel once they begin hiking. Travelers commonly report mild altitude symptoms such as fatigue, headache, or light-headedness during their first day or two at elevation. Many Cusco hotels have oxygen available for travelers feeling the effects of the elevation. Severe altitude sickness and HAPE and HACE is rare. In this case, the best treatment is to go down to lower elevation as soon as possible. We have never had a traveler that had to be evacuated to low altitude. Many severe cases of altitude sickness are the result of a pre-existing condition that is aggravated by the altitude. It is important to ask your doctor whether or not travel to high altitude is advised, especially if you have a pre-existing heart or lung condition such as high blood pressure, asthma, angina, etc. You might also want to ask your doctor about prescription diuretics that many travelers swear by to help them adjust to the altitude more readily. Newer research has also suggested that anti-inflammatory medications taken regularly are useful in preventing altitude sickness. Please note we are not medical professionals so please consult with your medical doctor prior to any high altitude trip.
How far in advance should I book?
You can book your tour at any time but generally the earlier you book, the better. Booking early (4 months or more recommended) is especially important for travelers visiting during the height of the dry season, June to August, as many of these departures fill up months in advance. Travelers visiting outside of these busy months can often book a bit more last minute, though 2-3 months notice is still recommended. For the Inca trail it depends on permit availability and currently it is recommended to book 4-6 months in advance. Further, we usually recommend that you wait to book your international flights until after your tour is confirmed. The sooner that we arrange your tour, the sooner that you can take advantage of flight deals as they become available. We are often able to accommodate last minute travelers as well (some even departing in less than one week!!), so give us a call and we will do our best! For last minute bookings, it helps to be flexible and organized. Your first choice may not be available for your selected dates, but we can recommend some other similar options that would be equally interesting! Since airlines usually require a passport number to book internal flights, have this number ready to speed up the booking process.
How much should I budget for tips?
Tips are not required but are highly encouraged. Guides, porters, horse handlers, cooks, and other trekking staff all work for a set wage per trip. They are not on salary and many of these employees have families back home and travel great distances to get to work. Many have farms that they tend to in the off season, working on treks only to help their families financially. While tipping is not required, it is highly encouraged, as these dedicated professionals work very hard to bring you a pleasant, culturally and historically interesting experience. Your guide will explain the typical tipping system should you choose to partake in it.Tipping amounts vary widely, though some travelers report that ~$5-$10/ day for your guide and ~$1-$3/ day for your driver is common. Other travelers tip their guides 10% of the trek cost and chip in $5-10 dollars each for the staff. Still other travelers opt to bring small gifts from their home to give to service providers or local children along the way. And sometimes trekkers end up leaving their gear with guides if they wish.
How safe is Peru?
Peru has a stable government and tourism has boomed in recent years. With the added tourist dollars, the government has made a concerted effort to keep travelers and their valuables safe. There have been no terrorist attacks in Peruvian tourist areas in over a decade and the activities of the Shining Path are generally assumed to be isolated to a remote area of the Department of Ayacucho that most travelers would never visit. Travelers should take the same precautions that they would in a major city in the US. Pay attention to the advice of your tour leader and hotel reception and take common-sense precautions such as not going into unfamiliar areas alone, especially at night. Petty theft is common in busy tourist areas such as airports, markets, and other tourist sites
Inca Trail Permits
The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail, or Camino Inca, is the most popular of all treks to Machu Picchu. It can be hiked year round, except in February when it is closed for repairs. It ends at the Sun Gate, the Incan built entry into Machu Picchu, on the fourth day. This trail is part of the Machu Picchu UNESCO World Heritage Site (so named in 1983) and is protected by the Peruvian Government as it is threatened by over-hiking. Because of
Is travel / medical insurance recommended?
Absolutely!!! In fact we require it – with a minimum of $250,000.00 USD medical evacuation coverage. There are many companies that provide reasonably priced insurance for trip cancellation, medical expenses, medical evacuation, lost bags, etc. Make sure to check their high altitude trekking policy to ensure that the plan you purchase covers the type of high altitude activities you’ll be participating in. Also be sure to arrange for trip cancellation/medical insurance coverage as Killa Expeditions is not responsible for these problems or costs incurred. Be aware that many insurance companies only cover trips before you have left and they only cover trips where you are returning to your country of residence within a specified time frame. Check their policy prior to purchase. Once you have this insurance please email us a copy of the policy and coverage.
We personally use World Nomads for our travel insurance and really like their policies. Their standard coverage includes high altitude hiking up to 6000m (well within the altitude maximums on our treks).
List of Local Activities
Carnivals take place in the different Cusco villages, where locals dance and drink. The city of Qoya celebrates Carnavalesco.
Holy Week: People honor Holy Week by processing in the streets with various religious iconography. El Señor de los Temblores (The Lord of Earthquakes), the city patron, is also taken out in procession on Holy Monday.
Second Week in May: Vigil and Adoration of the Cross.
Last week in May – first week in June: the International Beer Festival. Famous national/international artists participate.
June 1: Corpus Christi, another Catholic procession.
June 18 and 19: Qoullurity and Quispicanchis, Catholic Festivities
June 24: Inti Raymi, The ancestral Fiesta del Sol (sun festival) in gratitude for having had a good harvest.
July 15: Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen in Paucartambo. This town celebrates by honoring mamacha Carmen (mama Carmen).
July 28: Independence Day in Peru (Everything is closed and quiet on this day). Marches/parades occur a few days prior.
November 1: All Saints Day. Small religious procession.
November 2: Day of the Dead. To the rhythm of bands of musicians, families visit the cemeteries to recall their dead. They take with them a home-made bread for the occasion, guaguas, shaped as baby dolls.
December 24: Santuranticuy. A popular fair where artisans from various regions exhibit and sell their works in the plaza.
Machu Picchu Tickets and Hikes
Important update about Machu Picchu entrance times and Extra Hike Tickets: The Peruvian Government announced changes to Machu Picchu entrance times, tickets, and extra hikes in 2019. Below is a summary:
Machu Picchu Entrance Times: in 2019 they changed to 3 time slots with only 2800 people allowed to enter Machu Picchu each day (down from 4000 in 2018)
- First Entrance: 6am to 10am
- Second Entrance: 9am to 1pm
- Third Entrance: 12pm to closing
- Note: there will potentially be 4-5 entrance times in future years
- Due to COVID19 – current capacity in Machu Picchu is has been varying based on outbreak numbers. Expect reduced capacity in 2021, extra hike closures, and difficulty obtaining time slots – we recommend booking early
- Wayna Picchu Mountain Hike: most popular and well known. It is a slightly shorter hike than the other one and is the mountain you see in the famous shots of Machu Picchu. It is very steep and slippery in several spots. Some parts of the trail are extremely narrow stone steps/paths and in some
areas there are only chains to hold onto. Other areas there are wooden ladders to ascend/descend over steep drops. From thetop you can see the city from above on a clear day – and see how it was built in the shape of a Condor. This hike also has the Temple of the Moon if you choose to hike around the back to see this small ruin. This one takes about 50 minutes to hike up and 45 minutes down (not including time to explore at the top or Temple of the Moon). - Machu Picchu Mountain Hike: this one is slightly longer and less steep than Wayna Picchu. It has stunning views of the
ruin city, Urubamba river below, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. Fewer people do this hike so you’ll encounter fewer tourists. This one can take about an hour and ten minutes to hike up and about an hour back down. It is higher than the other mountain and has more areas on top where you can sit and relax.
Main Attractions in Cusco
Plaza de Armas known as Huacaypata, means to cry. Tradition says that it was designed by its founder, Inca Manco Cápac, as the symbolic center of the empire. There, Túpac Amaru and his wife, Micaela Bastidas and their children were executed for fighting against Spanish oppression.
The Temple of Sacsayhuamán: within walking distance (uphill) from the center, it has big walls of monumental stones distributed in zigzag formation and in three platforms that have an average of 360 meters (1,181 ft). There are stones of as much as 9 mt (30 ft) long and 5 mt (16 ft) wide and from 1 ton to 300 tons in weight.
Tambomachay: known as the Baños del Inca (Baths of the Inca). Clear running water still flows through the stairways, and it is said to have been a sanctuary for water worship.
Puca Pucará: Red Fortress formed by terraces, stairways, turrets, urns, vaulted niches and platforms.
Q’enko Ceremonial Spot: Built in rock, it is said to have been an Inca worship site. There are passages, canals, and stairways with stone engravings representing the puma, a sacred animal.
Barrio de San Blas: The quarter of San Blas is located a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. It is well-known for housing the workshops of the most important Cusqueño artisans, such as, the Mendivil family, Olave and Mérida. The local church has a famous 400 year old pulpit, beautifully carved from one solid piece of wood.
Qoricancha or The Temple of The Sun: constructed during the rule of Inca Pachacutec. This is where Inti Raymi begins.
Churches and monasteries: the Cathedral, San Francisco, Santo Domingo, Santa Catalina, San Pedro, Santa Clara, La Compañía, San Cristóbal and La Merced are the most important.
La Merced houses a famous 1720 gold monstrance weighing 22 kilos, encased with 1,805 diamonds and other 615 precious stones, such as rubies, topazes, and emeralds.
Among the mansions, the most outstanding are, Casa de los Cuatro Bustos, Casa de los Marqueses de San Juan de Buena Vista y Rocafuerte, Palacio del Almirante, and Casa Solariega, where the Inca Garcilazo de la Vega was born.
Sacred Valley: The sacred Valley is a lush agricultural valley. It is a pleasant and peaceful place with a very nice climate. Most of the fresh fruit and vegetables sold in Cuzco come from the Sacred Valley. There is also a wonderful selection of ancient Inca sites, colonial villages, and the salt mines. Some of the sites in the Sacred Valley include: Pisac (which has ruins and a wonderful market), Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Chincheros, Maras, Moray, Salineras (Salt Mines), and further south Andahuaylillas, Tipon, and Pikillakta. The real charm of this location lies in the rugged mountains which surround this fertile ground. The valley has the Urubamba River running through it which further adds to its rustic beauty.
Machu Picchu
Main attraction in Peru. 70Kms Northwest of Cusco and is actually lower than Cusco. Constructed around 1450 in the Inca empire and abandoned less than 100 years later. Multiple theories prevail but the presence of so many temples and ritual structures indicate it had spiritual significance. It was mostly lost to the world because of jungle overgrowth. In 1911, American historian, Hiram Bingham discovered it again with the help of locals and brought this lost city to the worlds attention. He thought it was a temple for girls but now is seen as a royal retreat. It was constructed in classic Inca architectural style of polished dry stone walls of regular shape. Temples were more carefully constructed using the quarry on site and no mortar (technique called imperial). They still don’t know how they moved and placed these enormous stones. There are more than 100 flights of stone steps, many carved from one block of granite.Their Khipus (writing/counting system) has not been translated. Llamas roam freely over the site and have ear tags with names on them and are there to keep the grass short. Machu picchu is in the middle of a tropical mountain forest and is high above the Urubamba valley and river. It is set on a precipice with a 600 meter drop There is an urban sector and rural sector. The site has 140 constructions (temples, sanctuaries, parks, residences, guard house, agriculture storage and it is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Money
Currency in Peru is Nuevo Sol. US and Euro money is widely exchanged. Travelers checks are less prevalent these days. Also, avoid bringing USD bills that have tears (no matter how small they are), fold marks, and ink marks. Businesses will reject them because the Banks do not accept them. Exchange rates vary with the market and banks. Certain areas are known for better rates. Try changing money on Avenida el Sol by the Plaza de Armas in Cusco. Do not change money with individuals on the street, they could have counterfeit bills. Check the going rate first as one store might offer a better exchange rate. Taking money out of ATMs in Peru usually results in a 3-5 dollar charge in addition to your withdrawal charge. Using credit cards in Peru often results in a 3% charge by your card in addition to any commission charged by the store. Ask first! Most major credit cards are accepted, Visa being the most widely used. For the current exchange rate use the currency converter to the right (change the currency menu for your country).
Packing and Weather: What to Bring (for your trek, tour, and Peru in general):
Weather on treks and in Cusco
The weather varies a lot across Peru, having 28 climates and 84 of the worlds 104 ecosystems. Cusco is set high up (3,380 mts, 11,089 ft) in the Andean Mountain Range and the dry season (winter) is from Mar/April to October/November with the wettest part of the year (summer) being December through March. The weather for trekking is pretty much the same year round, with the main difference being the amount of rainfall. During the dry season, most days are dry and clear, but high-altitude mountains always have the potential for rain and/or snow so it is essential to come prepared for all types of weather regardless of the time of year.
Treks such as Ancascocha, Ausangate, Rainbow, Lares, Salkantay are all very high altitude, therefore the weather can be quite cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 20F/-7C. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind, if the weather is rainy or cloudy it will be colder, and that the weather can change in an instant, particularly when up at the high-altitude passes. It is often quite windy at the top of the passes as well. As with any high-altitude trek you’ll need to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
Treks such as Choquequirao and Inca Trail are not as high altitude as others in the region, therefore the weather is warmer overall. The nights on this trek are usually around 50F/10C. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-80F/15-26C. Keep in mind if the weather is rainy or cloudy it will be colder. As with any high-altitude trek you’ll want to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and appropriate sun/rain protection.
Cusco weather: Cusco is always very cold at night due to the high altitude. It is regularly around 40F/4.4C at night so bring a nice warm jacket for nighttime walking in town. It is warmer in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes as these areas are lower altitudes than Cusco and the trek.
What to bring: for your trek
Everything you need for the day should be kept in your daypack that you carry because all the items you leave with your porter will not be available to you until the evening at the campsite. It is recommended not to hike in cotton or jeans in the event of rain as cotton takes a very long time to dry. It is also recommended to bring true hiking boots or trail running shoes as regular running shoes do not get very good traction, especially when it has rained.
- Sleeping bags and walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
- Recommend a sleeping bag rated for 20F/-7C or below for this trek
- Sleeping bag liner (for your sleeping bag if you wish)
- Mattress pad – while we provide a mattress pad, being rested is essential for a great hiking experience and we find that sleep habits are very individualized. Therefore we recommend bringing your own pad that you know you are comfortable sleeping on, as well as any other sleep items you might want to have (camp pillow, etc).
- Sunscreen: the sun is very strong in Cusco
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
- Hiking shoes/boots with good, grippy tread
- Trekking poles (if you like hiking with these)
- Optional: microspikes in case of excessive snowfall (rare)
- Hiking pants (or shorts) and shirts (layers)
- Layers – long underwear and/or warm sleep pants for cold nights
- Hand warmers if you wish
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf and thick warm socks (or you can buy a traditional Peruvian hat and scarf – they are beautiful!)
- Daypack and rain cover
- Rain gear – rain jacket and rain pants (optional for the pants), can buy an inexpensive poncho before the trek
- Cash for tipping porters (USD or Peruvian Soles are fine), cooks, horsemen, guides, buying items along the trail, for in town, emergencies, etc. Note: Cash should be in perfect condition (ripped, damaged bills of any kind are NOT accepted anywhere in Peru)
- Swim suit, flip flops, towel for any hot springs you may visit (not every trek/trip has this) if you wish to go
- Sandals
- Torch/flashlight/headlamp (and batteries)
- Insect repellent for the Machu Picchu portion of this trip
- Hand sanitizer and face covering (for COVID-19 Pandemic)
- Extra snacks if you wish (beyond snacks provided by us)
- E.g. if you have a favorite protein bar as Cusco doesn’t sell items like this
- First aid kit, including blister protection (though your guide will have one, you may wish to carry one of your own)
- Personal medication and toiletries you might want/need
- Camera, extra memory cards, batteries and solar panel/power bank
- Water bottle or water bladder to refill
- Passport (must be valid 6 months past your final travel dates for most countries)
- Copies of passport (keep copies separate, give to travel friends to keep, etc)
- Power plug adapter
- Travel lock(s) approved by TSA (or they cut them off – US only)
- Tickets, itinerary, emergency contact information
- Any medications you currently are taking or need/may need (see suggestions below)
- Small quick-dry pak towels and/or compostable wipes for a quick wipe down at the end of the day
What to bring: medications – medications are optional and depend on your specific needs
- Antibiotic for travelers diarrhea or UTI
- Antibiotic for a severe bacterial infection
- Medication for upset stomach/indigestion
- Medication for prevention of altitude sickness (requires a prescription from your physician and has contraindications for certain people and potential side effects)
- Anti-inflammatory medication (some people find this is useful for prevention of altitude sickness as well. Speak with your physician for more information)
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Anti-nausea medication for motion sickness/altitude sickness if needed
- Cold/flu medication
- General pain killer/fever reducer
- Vaccinations – recommend bringing all boosters up to date (MMR, tetanus, etc)
We have blogged about what we bring and you can use it as a general guideline if you wish: What To Pack For Peru Trekking
View latest travel advisories and recommended vaccinations and medications for the regions you plan to visit. For Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu there are generally no vaccinations required. If you are going to the jungle or any other higher risk area you may need: yellow fever vaccine, medicine for malaria, typhoid vaccine, etc. Click here for updated info: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/peru.aspx NOTE: Please consider visiting your doctor several weeks before your trip to discuss any health restrictions you may have, medications he/she might recommend for you personally, and to seek more information about any vaccinations or medications recommended for Peru (or any of your other destinations). Additionally: speak with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter and/or prescription medications alone or combined.
What to bring on the Trail/Day Hike/Tour
On the trail you should carry a day pack with your camera, water bottle or bladder, snacks, cold weather clothing and rain gear or poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season – May to October) and anything you will need before dinner as horses do not walk alongside you. A recommended packing list is sent after you book the trip and can be found below under the “what to pack for your trek” tab. Your bag will be waiting for you at every campsite. We will provide you with a duffel bag for extra luggage to be carried by horses. Yes we do offer luggage storage and most hotels/hostels in Cusco also offer this service.
Peru Info
Peru covers 1,285,220 km2/496,226 square miles (approximately the combined size of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado), and borders Ecuador and Columbia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast, and Chile to the south. It’s coastline is along the Pacific Ocean. It has over 50 mountains over 18,000 feet and over 1600 glaciers, 12,000 lakes, and 262 river basins. Many of these places have not yet been explored. Peru is considered one of the top five most biologically diverse nations in the world. Peru has 84 of the 104 life zones in the world and nearly all the climates (28). It’s always a great time to visit Peru because it has so many different climates (from desert to tropical rainforest to snow capped mountains) that there is always a destination to be visited year round. Peru’s coastline (12% of the country) has many secluded natural beaches that are great for surfing. In the highlands (28% of the country), the Andean mountains, you can find Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world, and of course numerous treks, many of which end at Machu Picchu. The Amazon rain forest covers nearly 60% of Peru and it’s headwaters originate in Peru. Peruvian Amazon is home to the rare pink river dolphin (boto). Poverty evel in Peru is around 36% with main economic activities including agriculture, fishing, mining, textiles and tourism. The Peruvian population, estimated at 29 million, is multiethnic, including Amerindians, Europeans, Africans and Asians. The main spoken language is Spanish, although a significant number of Peruvians speak Quechua or other native languages. This mixture of cultural traditions has resulted in a wide diversity of expressions in fields such as art, cuisine, literature, and music. People in Peru drive on the right side of the road. There were several prominent Andean civilizations in Ancient Peru; Mochica, and Chimu in the north, Tiahuanaco, Wari and Paracas in the south and most notably, Inca, whose empire (‘Tawantinsuyo’ – ‘Four Regions Sun Empire’) was captured by the Spanish conquistadores in 1533. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces were finally defeated in 1824. Much of post-independence political life in Peru has been dominated by traditional ruling elites and military rule. In 1980, a democratic government, led by Alan García Pérez, came into power. However, after an ambitious economic plan failed, Peru experienced many financial problems and there was a growth of violent rebellion. After Alberto Fujimori’s election as President in 1990, there was a dramatic improvement in the economy and progress in curtailing terrorist activity. In 1995, he was re-elected for a second term as President with a resounding majority. However, his increased reliance on authoritarian measures and an economic slump in the late 1990s saw his popularity decrease. He won a third term of office in the elections of 2000 amidst much controversy – 3 consecutive terms as president is not permitted – and there were also accusations of fraud. He was finally ousted as leader in November of that year due to corruption allegations and international pressure. A caretaker government oversaw new elections in 2001 and Alejandro Toledo was elected as President. Read more about Peru here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peru
Lima Francisco Pizarro founded Lima on 18 Jan 1535 at the banks of the Rimic River. The name “Lima” comes from the native language Quechua and means “that who speaks”. The city grew in size and importance as the Conquistadors conquered the region. It was the commercial and cultural center of South America in the 16th and 17th Centuries. The silver mines were established in the 17th century. Political upheaval resulted in an independent Peru in 1821. Peru has had an uninterrupted republic since that year. Lima is one of South America’s most interesting cities. It is the capital city of modern Peru. There are over 8 million inhabitants (29% of the total population) and the government is working on a 30% unemployment rate among the populace. Like Mexico City, many of the rural dwellers have moved to the city hoping for jobs, education for their children, and a better future. And, like Mexico City, none of these are available for the most part. The crime rate is high, pollution is significant, and poverty abounds. Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro are some of the nicest suburbs of Lima and popular destinations for tourists. These areas are very metropolitan with big buildings, fancy restaurants and are sprinkled with icons from the USA (McDonalds, Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King, and even Kentucky Fried Chicken). Miraflores is right on the beach and there are large and well-maintained parks along with a large local market.
Cuzco
The beautiful city of Cuzco is located in the legendary Huatanay Valley. It has a history of human inhabitants for several thousand years. This city is tucked away high in the Andes at an altitude of over 11,000 feet. This was the location of the administrative, cultural, and military headquarters for the vast Inca Empire. This empire stretched across much of modern Lima and included lands in Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, and Columbia. No one could match the Inca power or culture. Several Inca Temples and very large administrative buildings were located in Cuzco. Their unequaled ability to work with stone is evident throughout the city.
The Spaniards came to Cuzco and conquered the local Incas over 10 to 15 years. This was accomplished in part by use of “advanced” weapons and the use of body armor brought from Europe, new diseases introduced by the Spanish, and civil war that broke out amongst the Incas. The Spaniards wanted to establish their religion and acquire as much gold and silver as possible. They did this and also destroyed the Inca temples, using the stones to make their churches. Usually, they built the churches on the Inca foundations. It is interesting to note that when earthquakes came, the Spanish built buildings collapsed while the Inca buildings and foundations stood solid. Modern Cuzco is a thriving tourist community. There are approximately 500,000 inhabitants plus the very active tourist trade. There are several tourist companies, new age spiritual centers, and Spanish language schools located in Cuzco.
The Inca leaders designed Cuzco to be in the form of a puma. The puma represents one of the three Inca laws – (1) the snake (don’t steal) , (2) the puma (don’t lie), and (3) the eagle (don’t be lazy). Murdering someone was not against the law. The snake also represents the underworld from where all mankind came. The puma represents this earthly life, and the eagle represents the upperworld or after life. The head of the puma is up on the hill in Sacsayhuaman. One jagged wall represents the puma’s teeth.
Report/Feedback Form
After each trip or tour, your guide will provide you with a survey report to fill out about your overall satisfaction. Please be honest and make suggestions where you feel they are warranted, but please do be realistic and keep in mind you are in a foreign, developing country with different cultural values and not everything you have grown accustomed to and expect in your country is available here. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Safety
Cusco is a safe city, but keep in mind that Peru is a third world country and tourists attract attention so keep your personal belongings and valuables secured in your bags in your hotel or keep your purse, wallet, etc in front of your body, especially in crowded places. Do not flash your money around after changing money, going to an ATM, or when paying for something. As is the case in most cities, it is best not to walk alone at night. Take only marked taxis, and remain alert when walking on the streets, as it is best to remain vigilant. For more information, visit your country’s government updates on travel abroad. For more general safety advice visit this website:http://www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/tips/security.html. Additionally please be aware that cars/buses have the right of way at all times on the streets in Peru. Always look both ways and be careful when crossing the streets as they will not slow down for you.
Taxes
Peru tends to charge a 19% tax for Peruvian Citizens. If you are staying in Peru for more than 60 days you will be subject to this tax as well. Not every hotel, store, etc charges this even with the extended stay.
Taxi Use
Airport Taxis or City Taxis: If you are taking a taxi anywhere in Peru by yourself or with others, agree on the price beforehand and tell the driver to bring you straight to your hotel/hostal or other destination because you already have a reservation/appointment. Tourist information booths at the airport and independent taxi drivers receive commissions to persuade you to go elsewhere by using any means. This is especially true in Lima. In Lima, it is best to have a hotel pre-booked for this reason and to only take taxi’s that have been sent by your hotel. In Cusco make sure the car is marked as a taxi. ALWAYS arrange the fare before getting into the taxi. While Uber is now in Peru we are unsure how safe this service is here.
Tipping
Guides, porters, horse handlers, cooks, and other trekking staff all work for a set wage per trip. They are not on salary and many of these employees have families back home and travel great distances to get to work. Many have farms that they tend to in the off season, working on treks only to help their families financially. While tipping is not required, it is highly encouraged, as these dedicated professionals work very hard to bring you a pleasant, culturally and historically interesting experience. Your guide will explain the typical tipping system should you choose to partake in it.
Time Zone
Peru is five hours behind GMT (same as EST). They do not observe daylight-savings time so during these months (April-October), Peru is on Central standard time so no jet lag from the US!!!
Toilets
Interestingly, most businesses in Cusco will not allow you to use their restrooms. Keep this in mind as you are walking around. You must buy something at a restaurant if you want to use their bathroom. There are a few public toilets in local markets, on the streets, however most of these require a small fee (50 cents in soles) and some give you some toilet paper but others do not. It is best to bring some toilet paper and tissues with you at all times. Be advised that many toilets in Peru do not have toilet paper, soap, or paper towels available (mostly in local places). Please carry hand sanitizer or wipes with you at all times as well. Your hotel and more touristy places will have these items, as will fancier restaurants.
Please note that toilets in more remote areas are often squat toilets (a hole in the ground where you stand on either side of the hole and squat over it) and often not very clean. Bring some hand-wipes or soap/hand sanitizer.
Bathrooms on the treks: on all of our treks we bring a portable toilet with a toilet tent and toilet paper. Certain treks will have a few bathrooms along the way, such as the Inca Trail (Day 1 and at at certain campsites though this varies) and Salkantay Trek but only on certain days. Please be aware that these toilets tend not to be very clean and often won’t have all the amenities you might be used to having in a bathroom. Other treks are more remote and therefore the only toilet will be the portable toilet we bring. The toilets we bring will be set up for overnight camp and at lunch stops but while you are trekking between camp and lunch and lunch and camp there will be no dedicated place to go to the bathroom. In order to comply with Leave No Trace principles we highly recommend bringing a trowel to dig a cathole in which to go along the trail and a baggie to pack out any toilet paper used. The toilet paper/baggie can be placed in our garbage bags we have available at each camp and lunch stop.
Tourist Ticket or Boleto Turistico:
The Cusco City tourist ticket can be purchased as a day pass for a certain site or set of sites or as a 10 day pass that includes most of the main sites located in the Cusco region. All of our tours/treks include the entrance fees to any sites visited, however, you can also opt to upgrade to the 10 day tourist ticket and explore the other sites as well! It works out much less expensive this way. If you plan to stay in Cusco for several days and/or plan to do several tours you can upgrade to the 10 day tourist ticket when you book your tour.
The 10-day tourist ticket includes the following sites:
- Sacsayhuaman
- Q’enko
- Puca Pucara
- Tambomachay
- Pisac Ruins
- Ollantaytambo Ruins
- Chinchero
- Moray
- Tipon
- Pikillacta
- Cusco Center of Native Art (Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo)
- Inca Pachacuteq Monument/Museum (Monumento Pachacuteq)
- Qoricancha Museum (Museo de Sitio de Qoricancha)
- Contemporary art museum (Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporaneo)
- Popular Art Museum (Museo de Arte Popular)
- Regional History Museum (Museo Historico Regional)
Note that this ticket does not include:
- Qoricancha aka the Santo Domingo Complex (10 soles entry fee)
- Main Cathedral (25 soles entry fee)
- Maras (10 soles entry fee)
- Andahuaylillas (10 soles entry fee)
- Salineras aka Salt Mines (10 soles entry fee)
Typically people visit these sites in specific groupings, for example:
- Cusco Four Ruins: Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, Puca Pucara, & Tambomachay
- Sacred Valley Tour: Pisac, Chinchero, & Ollantaytambo (plus Urubamba which does not require an entry fee)
- Maras, Moray & Salineras Tour
- Tipon, Pikillacta & Andahuaylillas Tour
- Cusco City Tour: San Pedro Market, main plaza, some of the above museums, and our city tour also includes Qoricancha and the Main Cathedral.
What age is appropriate?
We have had travelers age 6-90 on our Peru tours. However, we often encourage families traveling with young children to book private departures so our most common travelers are age 20s-60s. We tend to get a wide variety of ages on most of our departures.
What immunizations/vaccinations are recommended/ required?
No immunizations are currently required for visiting Peru. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers to the Peruvian Amazon. This vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before your arrival in Peru. WHO has determined that a yellow fever vaccination is valid indefinitely once you have had one shot. Travelers must bring along their International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) as proof of vaccination. However, those who are only visiting the Andean Mountains do not need this vaccination. Please note that some countries, such as Costa Rica, require a yellow fever vaccination if traveling directly from Peru. Please check with the Center for Disease Control for information for your onward travel from Peru. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended on most of our Peru excursions. Malaria preventatives are also recommended on our Amazon journeys. For the most current information, please consult your doctor and/or check out the Center for Disease Control web-site at www.cdc.gov.
When to Go
High season is May – September (the busiest months being June to August), which corresponds with the dry season here in Cusco and the summer holidays in North America. You will encounter tourists from all over the globe. Low season is November through mid-April and the trails (particularly the Inca trail) are less crowded. However, be prepared for rain and potential snow/hail. Depending on the severity of the weather, some roads may be impassable, train tracks may be damaged, and/or landslides may occur that make your previously booked trip impossible. The company is not responsible for inclement weather or other unforeseeable circumstances (strikes, landslides, etc) but we’ll do all we can to arrange another trip.
What are your Booking Terms?
Please review our booking terms carefully.
- The minimum number of trekkers required for departure is 6 for the price quoted online (7 for 4 Day Inca Trail). If the minimum is not met within 2 weeks of departure, Killa Expeditions reserves the right to offer the 1-2 paid trekkers the option of 1) paying the difference to take a private trek, 2) transferring their payment to another trek with more trekkers booked, or 3) cancel the trek and provide a full refund. Please contact us with questions.
- At the time of booking only a deposit is charged. The trek deposit is required to secure your spot on a trek and is non-refundable. It is used to purchase non-refundable items such as train tickets, Machu Picchu entrance tickets, etc. The balance of the trek is due within 60 days of departure.
- Cancellations: Initial deposit is non-refundable. You may cancel your booking by notifying Killa Expeditions or Agent used and the applicable cancellation fees shall be determined based on when the request is received by Killa Expeditions or Agent. (a) Cancellation received 60 days or more before departure of the first Product to depart in relevant booking: 60% of the Product total shall be refunded to you (Inca Trail excepted where 25% of the Inca Trail product total shall be refunded to you). (b) Cancellation received 59-30 days before departure of first Product to depart in relevant booking: an amount equal to 25% of the total Product shall be refunded to you. (Inca Trail excepted where no refund is payable). (c) Cancellation less than 30 days before departure of first Product to depart in relevant booking: no refund shall be payable to you.
- Travel Medical Insurance: is required to depart on any trek (including emergency evacuation coverage and high altitude hiking). We also suggest travel interruption insurance in the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Killa Expeditions is not responsible for losses incurred due to any travel interruption (ex: weather/natural phenomena, missed/delayed/canceled flight, acts of war/terrorism, pandemics/epidemics, strikes, etc.), passport, visa, family emergency, or illness/medical issues.
- For Full Terms and Conditions please see the policy linked at the bottom of our website in the footer. It is also available to read during the checkout process. https://killaexpeditions.com/terms-conditions-peru/
How does payment work?
You can book your trip online using our secure booking site or over the phone. If you customize your trip we can send an invoice with customizations via email. Once you have booked you can log in anytime to view your invoice, make payments, answer reservation questions, and more. We accept all major credit cards or bank wire (no booking fee) as well as paypal (incurs a 5% fee). We can accept cash if you are already in Cusco.
Deposit: A 400 USD deposit will be charged to your card when you book the trek. This allows us to purchase time-sensitive items such as train tickets and entrance fees. This is non-refundable.
Payment of Balance: The balance of the trek is due 30 days (changing to 60 days prior starting 2020) prior to departure and will be auto-debited via the booking software system on that date. If you wish to pay early, or use a different card to the one you have on file, you may do so by clicking on the reservation number in your confirmation email and entering the pin that was provided to you in the original confirmation email. If you wish to make other arrangements (e.g. pay cash in Cusco), please contact us. Please note if you book your trip within 30 days of departure, the balance of the trek will be auto-debited the next day. If you do not wish this to happen please contact us.
Don't Be Shy
If we didn’t answer all of your questions, feel free to drop us a line anytime.