Frequently Asked Questions about the Inca Trail.

Can I trek the Inca Trail alone without a travel operator?

No. Since 1st January 2001 trekking independently has been prohibited. The regulation, however, was not enforced until early 2002. You will necessarily to hire an operator to get all the permissions, the entrance tickets for the trail MUST be bought in Cusco well in advance only through a licensed Inca Trail operator. They cannot be purchased at the start of the trail.

What about the weather?.

In Cusco dry season starts in April to October, the days are usually sunny and hot but temperatures drop abruptly after 5-6 pm until 7-8 am.
Weather is very changeable from November to March and heavy rains are expected being the wettest month December to March although is not as cold as it is in the dry season

Could I make a reservation for the trek in advance or wait until arriving in Cusco?

The numbers of persons permitted on the trek has been dramatically reduced it is advisable to make a reservation 8-10 weeks in advance. This is particularly important if you are planning on arriving in Cusco during the peak season (June-September).

Why do I need to send a deposit?

We use your deposit (Non- refundable) to pay official fees when making your official reservation. For example, we need to pay tourist and porters entrance fees and taxes (19%). We also use it to secure cooks, porters and horses for our different treks.

What about the train back to Cusco?

Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo backpacker (to Ollanta) Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 13:37pm and being the 9:20pm the last train. Llama Path will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus).

Please Note: train times are subject to change depending on Peru rail timestable and availability

What options are there to pay the deposit?

(for alternative treks and for Inca Trail reservations) is the safest and fastest way to wire money (especially when availability is changing very quickly and reservations need to be made ASAP!). You can send money from anywhere in the world in a few minutes or online through www.westernunion.com.

Once I have booked my place on the trail, can I change my departure date?

No. Unfortunately once your reservation is officially confirmed with the Inca Trail Authorities (INC Reservation Office) it is not possible to change or postpone your departure date. You would need to make a new reservation with a new deposit for your new date (this date needs to be one which is at least 5 days before or after your prior departure date). Please note that this is not an agency decision but a local authority regulation.

Do you provide us drinking water?

Yes. We provide you with water that has previously been boiled or at least 5 minutes (you do not need purification tablets). Therefore, you only need a bottle of water for the first part - till lunch time - of the first day and then from there on we will re-fill your bottles all the way to Machu Picchu or to the end of your trek.

Are there many toilets along the Inca trail?

Toilets have improved a lot in the last couple of years and all of the larger campsites have toilet blocks with flush toilets and running water. On the whole they are kept pretty unclean. If you do need to go to the toilet between campsites then defecate well away from the trail and water supplies; dig a hole, or cover your faeces with a rock, and take the paper with you in a bag to deposit in one of the several bins along the way. There are hot shower facilities are Wiñay Wayna on day 3, although they are usually pretty unclean.

Where do I store the bags before the Machu Picchu guided visit?

There is a storage near the control gate where tourists leave their personal belonggings,please note that you can only visit Machu Picchu with a small daypack and without food ( walking sticks are not allowed either unless is really necesary i.e. age of tourists etc.) ; this storage service is sometimes free and sometimes you get charged 3 soles ( you are in Peru) !

What if I need to turn back?

We have a very low rate of people turning back once on the trek.Our priority is to help you complete it; all our guides are properly trained and carry a first aid kit and a bottle of oxygen for emergencies. Please do not think about this (you are in good hands!)

Should I hire an extra porter. When ?

Our service includes porters for carrying the food, tents, dining tent and cooking equipment. However, during the Inca Trail you will have to carry your personal stuff (such as backpack, camera, etc) your sleeping bag and pad (both provided by us if needed). Hiring an extra porter may make the trek more enjoyable since you will walking withouth all that extra weight.
Each porter can carry up to 18 kilos and you must ask for him to us or to your operator when booking your Inca Trail. The etra porter cost is 80.00 USD

Can I stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, it is depend of you,but you have to tell us befote to but your train tickets back to Cusco.
The extra night in Aguas Calientes is not including.

How about vegetarian meals?

We can provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets with no extra cost. Just let us know at least 2 days prior to trek departure.

can I rent sleeping bag in cusco ?

If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have standard sleeping bags in our office for rent. The price is US$12 per person for the 4 day trek.

Are there a luggage storage .

When you go on the trek it is best to leave any luggage that you are not going to need behind in Cusco. Nearly all the hotels in Cusco provide a secure luggage deposit. Put any valuables in their safe. Very rarely do hotels charge for this service especially if you are returning to the same hotel after the trek. If there are any problems with your hotel we can arrange to store your luggage at our office.

Time of arrival in Cusco after returning from the trek ?

Unless you plan to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, you will return to your hotel in Cusco for approximately 8:30pm on the 4th day of the trek, it is subject to availability of PERURAIL . (the monopoly train company)

What is the best time to do the inca trail ?

The 'dry season from April to October seems to be generally considered preferable, at least as far as weather. It's mostly dry but it can rain at any time. Remember the dramatic temperature range. At higher altitudes, it's sunny during the day and cold and windy at night.

How can I book a place on the trail?

• Full name
• Gender
• Date of birth
• Passport number (it is important that we receive the passport number that you will use whilst on the trek; please advise if you think you will change your passport before you do the Inca trail)
• Nationality

b. Confirm whether you are a student (it is necessary to have a valid ISIC card to qualify as a student) and if so scan and email it. (We need to present a copy of your card now and you will also need to take the original on the Inca Trail. If for any reason, you will not have your original card when you are going to enter the Inca Trail, please advise us as soon as you know this - the Inca Trail authorities are extremely strict and will not allow you to enter the Inca Trail if you have booked as a student but do not have your original card at the time of entering).

c. Decide whether or not you want an (1) extra porter who would carry your personal belongings (the price of this service is USA$ 90.00). By hiring a porter you will only need to carry a very small day pack. (Please note, you can also share one porter between two people - up to 8 kilos* each (8kl. includes sleeping bags and mats)–costing USA$45.00 each.) We provide you with a duffle bag in which to put your belongings that your extra porter will carry. If you do not hire a porter, you will carry your personal belongings including sleeping bag and sleeping mattress.

Please note that sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, clothes, etc are carried by the tourist if no extra porter is hired.