FAQ

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.

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 

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. 

• • 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!

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.

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. 

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.

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, Quitos, Buenos Aires, etc) or take a bus. The main airlines that fly to Cusco from Lima are LATAM, Avianca, Peruvian Airlines, Viva Air, and LC Peru. Customs: No visa required for Americans, Europeans, Australians, and Japanese citizens visiting Peru, however you must present your valid passport to be stamped (good at least 6 months beyond your travel time for US), along with immigration paperwork you get on the airplane. You need not declare anything unless you are bringing something weird in like livestock or things to sell. Explain that you are a tourist visiting for 30-90 days (for example) and they will stamp your passport accordingly. For other countries, please consult the Peruvian Embassy for travel visa requirements. Some knowledge of Spanish is usually helpful. See this link for travel Spanish phrases: http://www.travelphrase.com/EnglishSpanish.htm

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 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 so be aware of your valuables and don’t leave them unattended. Monetary scams also sprout up occasionally so beware of any offers that sound too good to be true. Your tour leader is from the local area and is an excellent source of information and advice. Check out the US State Department travel advisories for the latest information at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_998.html