Frequently Asked Questions Travel In Peru
1. How long does it take to get to Peru?
To Lima on a non-stop flight:
From Miami From New York From Los Angeles
5 1/2 hours _8 hours 8 1/2 hours.
2. How do I get around Peru once I'm there?
With the exception of Nazca, you fly to all the major destinations even if you go between some of them by surface travel.
3. What are the most important places to visit once there?
Lima deserves 2 to 3 days to have time to visit the excellent museums and begin shopping.
After Lima, the most important places to visit and the average stay are:
- Cuzco and Urubamba Valley and Machu Picchu.
- Plains of Nazca.
- The Amazon and Iquitos.
- Trujillo and Chiclayo's Lord of Sipan.
- Kuelap, Chachapoyas.
- Arequipa.
- Puno.
4. When is the best time to visit Peru?
Lima is temperate all year so other destinations often are the determining factor. The Amazon is hot and humid all year, with the heaviest rains December through April. Cuzco, at 11,600 feet altitude, and Machu Picchu (at only 8,000 feet) are generally cool to cooler, depending on cloud cover, winds and seasons: on a cloudless day in July, the coldest month, shirt sleeves may well suffice but on a cloudy windy day in January, a light jacket might be needed.
For more specific weather information on selected cities, click here.
5. Is it safe to travel in Peru?
Despite the December 1996 terrorist seizing of the Japanese Embassy and the ensuing hostage situation, tourists have never been a target of any terrorist group. The Sendero Luminoso is no longer active; the Tupac Amaru were devestated by the Peruvian government's retaking of the Japanese Embassy. So the bottom line is: Peru has its share of petty thievery against tourists and normal everyday crime, but if you follow the universal rule of "normal precautions" (don't flash money, jewelery, camera equipment; don't go out alone at night; don't venture into less than desireable neighborhoods) you will probably be as safe as anywhere. If you like to walk and explore crowded, colorful, bustling Indian markets, you should take extra precautions from pick-pockets - use a leg sock, in-clothing pouch or some other hidden compartment for your valuables and excess cash, keeping in your pockets only what you expect to need that day.
6. What entry documents do I need?
U.S. citizens need a valid passport and an entry form-tourist card which is provided by your air carrier either at the ticket counter when checking in for your flight to Peru or once on-board. (NOTE: Other nationalities should check with the nearest Peruvian Consulate to determine correct entry requirements).
7. What other countries can I visit at the same time?
Peru is generally visited one of four ways:
- As a single destination - going only to Peru and visiting multiple places within the country.
- In conjunction with Ecuador, for a two country Andes and Indian program.
- In conjunction with Ecuador and Bolivia for an "Andes and Incas" program.
- As part of an Arund South America multiple country program.
Frequently Asked Questions Inka Trail
1. How long is the Inca trail and how many hours do we hike per day?
The Inca Trail is 43 kms (27 miles) long and depending on which campsites are used the approximate hours hiked per day are:
- Day 1: 5 hours.
- Day 2: 8 hours.
- Day 3: 7 hours.
- Day 4: 4 hours.
2. How far in advance do I need to make a trek reservation?
As far in advance as possible. The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail during 2006 (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). We therefore recommend that you try to make your Inca trail reservation as far in advance as possible as soon as you know the dates of your international flights. The list of available trek spaces is shown on our Inca trail main page and is updated 2 or 3 times a week. As long as dates are shown available then you can make a trek booking. Dates that have been crossed out have been closed either because they are fully booked or because the limited number of trek permits remaining on this day have dropped to a dangerously low level so we have stopped taking further bookings (even though the group is not full) and have had to buy the trek permits for the group. We have included recommendations below as a guide as to when to make a trek booking.
- Nov, Dec, Jan & March: Reservation should be made at least 2 months in advance.
- April, May, Sept, Oct: In 2007 most trek permits were sold out between 2.5 and 3 months in advance. In 2007 we therefore recommend making a reservation at least 3.5 months in advance, although 4 months is recommended.
- June, Jul, Aug: In 2007 most trek permits were sold out 3.5 months in advance. For 2007 we recommend making a trek booking between 4 and 5 months in advance. Earlier is better.
3. What about payment, do you need a deposit?
After we have confirmed your trek booking you will need to pay a trek deposit of US$ 120.00 per person. The deposit can be paid by Western Union money transfer or by bank transfer. The remaining balance needs to be paid at least 2 days prior to the trek departure date. Payment is to be made in cash (US$ dollars or local currency).
4. Can I use trekking poles / walking sticks on the Inca Trail?
Many people like to hike with trekking poles or walking sticks. This is fine as long as the poles will not cause damage to the stone paving along the Inca Trail. If the trekking poles have metal spikes then these must be protected by rubber tips. We recommend bring some spare rubber tips with you. Rubber protectors can also be bought in several shops in Cusco. Wooden walking sticks are obviously fine. You can buy wooden walking sticks in Cusco or in Ollantaytambo on the way to start the trek where we will stop for a short while. The sticks cost just a couple of dollars and are taken from renewable sources and do not add to deforestation of protected Andean forests. Metal trekking poles can also be hired in many equipment hire shops in Cusco for about US$ 3.00 per day.
5. Should I hire an extra porter?
An extra porter can be hired for US$ 75.00 for the 4 day trek (includes porters entrance fees, meals, transport and wages). If you hire the services of a third of a porter you can give him a maximum of 6kg (13lbs) to carry which is usually sufficient for your sleeping bag (about 2kg), mattress (0.5kg) and change of clothes (about 3.5kg). However the porter will not walk at your side during the trek so you will still need to bring a day pack to carry essential items such as water, snacks, camera, warm sweater and rain jacket. When you pay the trek balance in our office in Cusco we will give you a bag so that you can pack your items in that you will give to the porter on the day of the trek.
6. How difficult is the Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike. It's not a technical hike but there are a lot of Inca staircases to walk up and down, and the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend purchasing a wooden walking stick while in Peru as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. We ask that you not use a metal tipped walking stick as it can harm the fragile environment along the trail.
7. Is altitude sickness common? And how high is the Inca Trail?
It's impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cuzco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Inca Trail is 4200 meters. You will sleep at 3600 meters for one or two nights.
8. Is it possible to skip the Inca Trail even if the tour includes it?
Yes! If you do not wish to hike the Inca Trail please advise us at the time of booking (it is very difficult to make these arrangements once you have already confirmed). If you choose not to hike the trail you will spend two nights in Cuzco and then take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes for the third night. At sunrise you will rejoin your group at Machu Picchu. You may also choose to book a trip that includes the slightly higher and scenic Lares Trail. This popular 3-day and 2 night trek, ends in Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night and catch the early buss to Machu Picchu.
9. When do we reach Machu Picchu and how much time do we spend there?
You will reach Machu Picchu at sunrise on Day 4 (the hike begins at approx. 3am). After viewing the sunrise you will be met by a local guide who will take you on an informative 3-hour tour of the ruins. After the tour you will have a few hours of free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cuzco.
10. How cold does it get on the Inca Trail (will I need to bring hats and mitts)?
The altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May - September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven mitts and gloves in Cuzco.
11. What type of accommodation is used on the Inca Trail?
Three-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travellers. There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent.
12. Is a sleeping bag and mat included?
Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. A popular alternative is to rent a sleeping bag in Cuzco. They are clean, warm and cost approximately US$ 10.00 (for all three nights). Some renters may choose to bring a sleeping bag liner or sheet. Foam mats are provided however some travelers also bring their own self-inflating mat (ie. a Thermarest).
13. What type of food will we get on the Inca Trail?
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
14. How much should I tip the guides and porters?
Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated. A good rule of thump is anywhere from US$ 2.00 - US$ 10.00 dollars per day for the porters.
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