Salkantay Trek and Short Inca Trail 5D/4N (Camping)

• Extra tickets need to be purchased to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
• There are limited number of spaces available per day, so we recommend requesting booking the tickets in advance
• Once the mountain tickets are sold out for that day, there are no options available for extra tickets
• The cost to climb the Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain is $ 75 USD per person. This will be added to the total cost
• Those hiking Inca Trail that wish to do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, will also be charged an extra $ 75 USD
• IMPORTANT: Before requesting tickets to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, check availability by contacting us!

Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Classic Inca Trail
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6 pm at your hotel “Any location in Cusco City”
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free. Please pack what you will need for the trek!
FOR BOOKING THE TOUR
We require a deposit of 30% of the total cost per person, in order, to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail.  You can make you deposit by VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
The balance has to be paid in cash the date and time of the briefing. (we accept US dollars or Peruvian soles). We have many ATMs within the historical center of Cusco.

MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately Once permits have been bought the Peruvian government does not allow any changes so we can’t change any date after the permit has been bought. Permits are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek, the deposit is not refundable.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number, you sent to us to book your Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit. Your passport will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and when you board the train. In case, you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. If so, please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend to always dressing in layers as it is easier to adjust to different climates.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days. The recommended remedy for altitude sickness is to drink a lot of WATER and COCA TEA.

HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS FOR THE GROUP?
You will have 1 cook per group. The number of porters will depend on the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will have 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 8 porters, 8 trekkers will have 10 porters.
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you will need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc.  A 30 to 50L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT? DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 42km (24.4 miles) hike through the Andes within the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is at (4,217m/13,907ft). On the second day of the trek, we will climb two mountains. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE TRAIL?
Along the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, in all the camping sites and lunch points, you will find our private flushing toilets.
“Machu Picchu Viajes Peru” toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite.  At night if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
You will also find there sinks and water pipes to wash your hands after you use the facilities.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to health reasons, we will assist you to go to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory problems. (Travel insurance is required and recommended). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey towards Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. Therefore, you will take the train at 4:22pm (Expedition or Inca Rail Train).

TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip.

Where does the tour start and end?

• All our tours start with a pick-up from the door of your hotel. We pick up our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco. We recommend staying near the historic center of Cusco, as it will make it easier for us to locate your hotel.

  All our tours end at your hotel, meaning that after the tour we will provide transportation back to your respective hotel in Cusco.

How can I prevent altitude sickness?

• Altitude sickness, also known as soroche, can cause some discomfort during your visit, such as dizziness, tiredness, or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and heavy foods before your activities.

  To reduce symptoms, we recommend acclimatizing for at least one day in the city of Cusco before starting your tour. Drinking coca leaf tea (a natural plant traditionally used by the Incas) is also a good option to help relieve altitude symptoms.

How is the accommodation?

• For all tours that include hotels, we offer 3-star and 4-star category hotels with spacious and comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, hot showers, and buffet breakfast. If you prefer a higher category accommodation, you can request an upgrade by email for an additional cost.

What is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?

• The dry season, from April to December, is considered one of the best times to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu. During these months, there is less chance of rain, making the trails more accessible and allowing you to enjoy better landscapes and take great photographs. On the other hand, the rainiest months are January, February, and March.

Which are the coldest months in Cusco, Peru?

• The coldest season in Cusco is from May to July. During these months, the sun can be strong during the day, but temperatures drop significantly after sunset or when staying in shaded areas. At night, temperatures can fall below zero, so it is important to bring warm clothing and jackets.

How far in advance can I request the tour?

• We recommend booking tours several weeks or months in advance, as train tickets and Machu Picchu entrance tickets have limited availability. Do not wait until the last minute to book your tour, as spaces may no longer be available.

During the trip to Machu Picchu, where will large luggage be stored?

• The train companies operating to Machu Picchu do not allow passengers to bring luggage weighing more than 7 kilograms. For your visit to Machu Picchu, we recommend carrying a small and light backpack for your comfort. The rest of your luggage can be safely stored at your hotel in Cusco or at our office in Cusco, where we also provide luggage storage service.

Very important if you want to book the Short Inca Trail (km 104):

• This tour includes the Short Inca Trail (km 104) to Machu Picchu, which has a daily limit of spaces available. If you wish to book the Short Inca Trail, we recommend doing so in advance. Generally, booking 2 to 4 months before your travel date is a good timeframe to secure your preferred date. The daily limit for the Short Inca Trail is 200 people, so we recommend confirming your reservation as soon as possible.

When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?

• The best time of year to hike the Inca Trail is between May and October, with August and September being among the best months. During this period, the trail is usually dry and the weather conditions are pleasant. During the rainy season, from November to April, the trail can be wet and make the hike more challenging.