4 day Inca Trail Trekking Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can we go on the Inca Trail any day or are there fixed dates for the trek?

2. When is the best time to go on the Inca Trail?

3. Does the Inca Trail ever close?

4. How many persons in each group?

5. Can I trek the Inca Trail alone without a guide or travel operator?

6. Is it better to make a reservation for the trek in advance or to do it once in Cusco?

7. What are the on-going rates for the Inca Trail?

8. How can we be sure you have received our payment through Paypal?

9. Is there a student discount?

10. Is there any possibility of staying on for another day in Machu Picchu?

11. Will we get any special instructions before the Inca Trail?

12. Is the Inca Trail safe?

13. What about drinking water?

14. Are there toilet facilities along the trail?

15. Are there any showers available?

16. What kind of camping supplies will I need to bring?

17. Do we need to bring our own sleeping bags?

18. What kind of hiking boots should I wear?

19. How hard is the Inca Trail?

20. How can I prepare for hiking at high altitude?

21. Is it advisable to hire an extra porter and when should it be done?

22. Is it true that porters are exploited?

23. How much should I tip?

24. What about my luggage which I don’t need on the trek?

25. At what time will I be back in Cusco on the fourth day?

26. Will I be able to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain after finishing the trek?

27. Can I make a reservation without a passport?

28. What happens when Chaska Tours doesn’t get to the minimum (4) group-size?

  

1, Can we go on the Inca Trail any day or are there fixed date for the trek?

We have departures up to 3 times a week so you will almost certainly find a date which suits you. Sometimes we will ask you to move your departure day to be able to serve you.

 

2. When is the best time to go on the Inca Trail?

The dry season is best time for the Inca Trail as there is almost always fair weather. May is just about perfect for there is very little rain but the vegetation has not dried out yet. June, July and August are the height of the season and bookings must be made far in advance. The weather is bright, sunny and hot during the day, but temperature can drop below zero at night. November and December are rather nice but with a bit of rain. January and March fall in the rainy season and can be very wet at times, but it usually only rains in the afternoon and evening. 

 

3. Does the Inca Trail ever close?

The Inca Trail will be close during February every year for conservation and up-grading of the facilities. The Sanctuary Machu Picchu will remain open, as well as the train service between Cusco and Machu Picchu. 

 

4. How many go in each group?

Our typical group size is 6 – 10 people. Our maximum group size is 16 people. Typically we will have two groups a month in high season with the maximum; the other groups are smaller.

 

5. Can I trek the Inca Trail alone without a guide or travel operator?

No. Independent trekking was banned as of January 1, 2001. Trekkers must now use the services of a licensed tour operator or directly employ the services of a professional guide Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu can’t be purchased at the start of the trail, they must be bought in advance in Cusco. 

 

6. Is it better to make a reservation for the trek in advance or to do it

once in Cusco?

It is better if you make your reservation at least 3 months in advance. This is because the number of people allowed on the Inca trail has been drastically cut down (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). Advanced booking is particularly important if you are planning on trekking during the high season (June- September). 

 

7. What are the on-going rates for the Inca Trail?

Prices for the Inca Trail in 2009 are:

4 days / 3 nights USD $ 460- Adults

4 days / 3 nights USD $ 430.- Students with valid ISIC card

 

8. How can we be sure you have received our payment through Paypal? 

You will receive an email from Paypal confirming your payment within minutes after processing your transaction. On receipt of your deposit we will immediately process the reservation of your trekking permits and confirm your places.

 

9. Is there a student discount?

Yes, but only with a valid ISIC student card. In order to obtain your discount we need a copy of your ISIC student card at the moment of booking. Other Student cards are not accepted.

 

10. Is there any possibility of staying on for another day in Machu Picchu?

We have frequently clients changing their mind once they are in Cusco and deciding to spend an extra night at Machu Picchu Pueblo, so they can visit the Machu Picchu Sanctuary again or stay till closing time on day 4. To secure your train reservation on day 5 instead of day 4 and a hostal or hotel reservation it is best to let us know in advance. If you want to enter the Sanctuary again on day 5 you have to pay the entrance fee of $ 42.00 and will probably want to take the bus (roundtrip $ 14.00).

 

11. Will there be any special instructions before the Inca Trail? 

Before your departure for the Inca Trail, your guide will brief you at our office, providing extensive information about the Inca Trail and answering all your questions. Normally the briefing will be held at 5:00 PM one day before your departure. Please ask your contact at Chaska Tours the exact date and time of your briefing.   

 

12. Is the Inca Trail safe?

The Inca Trail is very safe provided you take basic precautions. Don't take any valuables with you on the trek. Don't leave anything outside your tent (including your shoes) at night or you may find it gone. Carry your money and passport in a money belt. Keep your cameras and such with you at all times, especially during meals. 

 

13. What about drinking water?

We will provide you with boiled water at meal times. Nevertheless, it is a

good idea to carry sterilizing tablets (MicroPur can be bought at

pharmacies in Cusco) should you wish to gather water from small

streams along the way. Another option is to carry bottled water, which can be bought along the way at km82 and km88, just before Wayllabamba, and at Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu. 

 

14. Are there toilet facilities along the trail?

There are reasonable clean toilet facilities in all of the larger campsites.  Otherwise, you can go off the beaten track and dig a hole and cover it up once finished. Be sure to take a plastic bag to take the toilet paper and dispose of it properly.  

 

15. Are there any showers available?

There are basic hot shower facilities are Wiñay Wayna (cost 5 Soles),

although they are not very clean.

 

16. What kind of camping supplies will I need to bring?

We will supply all basic camping equipment, but you should bring such personal camping supplies as a broad-rimmed hat, sun screen, insect repellent, toilet paper, a camera, and a lightweight plastic poncho just in case of rain (these go in Cusco for around US$ 1). Please also read our recommended packing list.

 

17. Do we need to bring our own sleeping bags?

You need to bring your own sleeping bag, or you can rent one at our office. Sleeping bags can be hired for USD $ 15.00 for the 4 days at our office) Our sleeping bags are Mummy model and rated -11 Celsius (14 Fahrenheit). They are washed after each usage and lifespan is maximum 22 usages.  You may want to bring your own pillow or pillowcase to fill with a sweatshirt. 

 

18. What kind of hiking boots should I wear?

This depends on how much and under what conditions you’ll be wearing them. If you’re only planning on using them for the Inca Trail during the dry season, then light-weight boots will be appropriate and easier on your feet.

 

19. How hard is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is a 43km (26 mile) hike through mountainous regions and is a challenge mainly due the high altitude.  The first, and steepest, climb takes you from around 2000m (6500ft) to over 4000m (13000ft) in a rather short span.  

20. How can I prepare for hiking at high altitude?  

The best way is to be in good physical shape and to build up your endurance and stamina through various exercises such as running. Nevertheless, since there is no way to prepare for high altitude and thin air, except by being there, we suggest that you spend some time in Cusco to let your body adapt to these conditions.

 

21. Is it advisable to hire an extra porter and when should it be done?

Our service includes porters to carry the food and the camping gear but you will have to carry your personal stuff (such as backpack, camera, sleeping bag, mattress, etc). Hiring an extra porter will make it easier for you, although it is not absolutely necessary. 

Please note that we can only arrange an extra porter who will carry your personal belongings at the time of your booking since we need to obtain a trekking permit for him. An extra porter can be hired for USD $ 100 and can carry 15 Kg at the most, which is generally sufficient for 2 people.

 

22.  Is it true that porters are exploited?

Chaska Tours is a licensed operator of the Inca Trail and follows the guidelines of the Inka Nan Porter Project and the The International Porter Protection Group in terms of fair payment and treatment of porters. All our porters are equipped with special made backpacks for carrying and provided down sleeping bags and down jackets on our treks.  For more information visit the following websites:

http://www.chaskatours.com/Inca-Trail/Inca-Trail-info/Porters-on-the-

Inca-Trail-3 

http://www.peruweb.org/porters)

http://www.ippg.net

 

23. How much should I tip?

It is custom to tip porters and other staff. The following is a good guideline to keep in mind. In a group trek, a fair tip for good service should amount to $15 to $20 for each porter, $25 to $ 30 for the cook, $35 to $50 for the guide and US$ 30 to $40 for the assistant guide. This amount would be divided among the group. But, if you had a personal porter, then that tip would be your sole responsibility. Our staff and porters are paid in a responsible manner.  Although customary, there is no obligation to pay tips.

 

24. What about my luggage which I don’t need on the trek?

We suggest you to leave all your luggage, which you don’t need during the trekking, behind in your hotel. Almost every hotel in Cusco has a safety deposit where you can store your luggage and do not charge for this service when you’ll return to the same hotel after your trek.

 

25. At what time will I be back in Cusco on the fourth day?

We normally include the Backpacker Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Poroy and this train leaves Aguas Calientes at 17:03 PM*. At approximately 20:30 PM this train arrives in Poroy. Since April 1^st 2009 this is the last station on the route and there is no train which will take you straight away to Cusco. From Poroy you can take a  public bus (especially for the train-travelers), which will take you in 20 minutes to the Cusco centre for 6 Soles (aprox. 2 US$) per person. When interested, we can also arrange a private transport from Poroy to your hotel in Cusco, the costs per person of this private transport are:

1 passenger:            20 US$

2 passengers:            10 US$

3 passengers:            7 US$

4 passengers:             5 US$

5 passengers:            4 US$

6 passengers:            3.50 US$

 

*All train-services depend on availability and sometimes it happens that we can’t get tickets for the Backpacker train directly to Poroy. Over the last years in 99 % we did get tickets for this train, but because of several changes in Peru Rail’s reservation policy it’s now more difficult to obtain these tickets far before your departure date. There for we can’t guarantee your seat in the Backpacker train to Poroy anymore and we reserve the right to reserve a different train and/or transportation to Poroy as mentioned in the 4 day Inca Trail program.

When interested we can also book a different train than the Backpacker train to Poroy which leaves Aguas Calientes at 17:03 PM. There is a more luxury train, called Vistadome Train, and this one leaves Aguas Calientes at 15:25 PM. With this train you’ll be in Poroy at approximately 18:45 PM. Just send us your request at the moment of reservation. The costs of this upgrade are 30 US$ and when choosing to return in any train different from the one we’ll include in our 4 day Inca Trail package you’ll lose the right of your transfer from Cusco city centre to your hotel.

You have to understad that Peru Rail has a monopoly service so we just have to accept this situation for the moment and hope you are also flexible and understanding in this matter, which is outside of our control.

 

26. Will I be able to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain after finishing the trek?

We can’t guarantee that you’ll be in time to climb this mountain. Per day there are just 400 persons allowed to climb the Huayna Picchu. When doing the Inca Trail you’ll arrive in Machupicchu between 07:30 AM– 08:30 AM. Machupicchu opens at 06:00 AM and there for it could be possible that on your arrival all the 400 tickets are already given out to the people who slept in Aguas Calientes and there for were able to enter Machupicchu before you.

 

27. Can I make a reservation for the Inca Trail without a passport (-number)?

No. We can only accept reservation with a passport-number. When you’re applying for a new passport, at the moment of making a reservation for the Inca Trail, you can send us your old passport-number and take this passport with you to Peru. If your old passport is not returned to you or you forget to bring your old passport with you on the trek you will not be allowed to start the Inca Trail and you will not be entitled to a refund. A photocopy of your old passport is NOT permissible, you have to bring your original old passport.

 

28. What happens when Chaska Tours doesn’t get to the minimum (4) group-size?

So far we operated all the Inca Trails by ourselves. Just in case we might not be able to reach the minimum of 4 persons we reserve the right to endorse our clients to another operator. We only work together with two operators which service and quality is about the same as we offer. Like this we can assure you a spot on the Inca Trail. We’ll never endorse you to a company of which we don’t know the quality of their service and that’s why we choose to only work together with two agencies in these cases of emergency.  

We cannot guarantee that porters used by other companies will receive the same treatment and high salary as provided by Chaska Tours, although we insist them to pay well to their staff.