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Frequently Asked Questions

Cost Preparation

Should I get traveler’s insurance to travel to Peru?
It’s always worth considering travel insurance that covers injuries or sickness in case something happens. You’ll be experiencing the great outdoors, weather and altitude – and regulations are constantly changing around COVID. The choice is entirely yours, but we recommend insurance.

Cancellations & Refunds
Cancellations made 30 days in advance have no charge. However, there are NO refunds/cancellations for special entry permits to the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

  • Machu Picchu has strict regulations. Once you have made your reservation, you cannot cancel the space that you have reserved. You also may not alter the name or date of the reservation. If you are unable to come on the date you have reserved, we cannot reimburse your payment because the permits are also non-refundable to Action Peru Treks!
  • Trek cancellations: If you cancel between 30 and 10 days before your trek, you must pay 50% of the total cost. If you cancel between 10 and 3 days before your trek, you must pay 80% of the total cost. If you cancel one day before your trek, you must pay 100% of the total cost.
  • In the unusual case you decide to you cannot participate (sickness, physical problems, etc.) you must still pay your share for the additional costs for transportation, lodging and food. On the last day of your scheduled trek, you may be able to rejoin the group and utilize the Machu Picchu tour permit (it will already be reserved and paid for.)

Altitude

What is altitude sickness, and should I be worried?
Cusco is about 10,800 feet above sea level. Any time you go above 8,000 feet, you can be at risk for altitude sickness. The air pressure that surrounds you is called barometric or atmospheric pressure. When you go to higher altitudes, this pressure drops and there is less oxygen available for your body to circulate. If you travel to a higher altitude than you’re used to, your body will need time to adjust to the change in pressure.

  • Most cases of altitude sickness are mild and can feel similar to a hangover. Symptoms tend to occur within hours after arrival at high altitude and include headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and sometimes nose bleeds.
  • Mild cases usually resolve in 1-3 days. Severe cases may require oxygen, medications, and moving to a lower altitude.  
  • Not everyone gets altitude sickness, and there is no way to know if you’re going to get it – and being in good physical shape does not reduce the risk!  Only once you arrive to a high altitude city, will you know if your body will be affected by the altitude usually within 12 hours.
  • Preparation is key!  Don’t let altitude sickness ruin one of the best experiences of your life! It’s always a good idea to plan time to acclimate to the altitude by arriving at least three days prior to starting a high energy activity (such as hiking the Inca Trail.) The most effective way to eliminate the risks of getting altitude sickness is the gradual acclimatization to the altitude.
  • Some over the counter medicines can provide relief and should be taken a few days before starting your trek. Chewing coca leaves or eating coca candies (readily available everywhere in Cusco) can also help with symptoms.
  • Drink plenty of water, avoid fatty meals, don’t partake in too much alcohol, and don’t plan to do any high energy activities the first two days in Cusco – or until you know how your body will do!

Meals

What is the food like on the treks?
Our experienced chefs make amazing cuisine in the middle of the mountains using minimal equipment!  They’re used to preparing dishes for people with different food restrictions or lifestyles, so please let us know your preferences and if you have any dietary needs. We provide complete meals and snacks during the treks, however, the last meal in Aguas Calientes is not included.


Climate

What is the weather like in the Cusco area, and what are the best months to visit?
Peru’s climate varies depending on where you visit. You can find information on climate anywhere in Peru, but here are the basics for the Cusco/Inca Trail area:

  • The best months to experience the Inca Trail are from May to September when the conditions are fairly dry and the weather is generally sunny.
  • June, July and August can be very cold at night so bring a good quality four-season sleeping bag (or rent one from us).
  • In the Andes there are two main seasons – wet and dry. The wet season runs from November to April and is usually warmer overall. The dry season runs from May to October and has hot clear days but cold nights.
  • The weather in Peru is difficult to predict. You can have beautifully clear hot days in the middle of the wet season and hail storms in the dry season – it’s one of the beauties of Peru!

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

Are Inca trail permits available?
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek can be found on “bucket lists” all over the world. With limited permits released each year, we do not want you to be disappointed! At Action Peru Treks, we want to take the stress out of arranging your trek on the Inca Trail.The maximum number of Inca Trail permits per day is 500, including trekkers and support staff. The Inca Trail is closed every February for annual maintenance. CONTACT US to find out if permits are available for the time you’d like to visit »

Trekking the 26 miles along the Inca Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are released early each year, however, with the popularity, we cannot guarantee your preferred date will be available, but if you can provide three (3) alternative dates to maximize your chance of getting the number of permits you want, we’ll make it happen, and we’ll ensure your camping experience is as authentic and comfortable as possible, with the highest quality camping equipment and excellent meals from our mountainside kitchen.

But of course, the jewel in the crown of this tour is our arrival at the lost city through the Gate of the Sun for your first views of the 7th wonder that is Machu Picchu. We guarantee this is a memory that will stay with you for a lifetime.

So, if you’re considering ticking the Inca Trail off your bucket-list this year, don’t risk leaving it until the last minute to book. Just complete our booking form, and we will take care of all the arrangements for you.

Please note that the Inca Trail is closed each February


Huayna Picchu Mountain

Is Huayna Picchu mountain included in my trek price? Will the guide be climbing Huayna Picchu with me?
Huayna Picchu is an optional add-on that many of our trekkers enjoy after the Machu Picchu tour. It costs extra per person to do this hike because it requires a separate permit. You would begin the hike after your 2-3 hour guided walking tour of Machu Picchu (around 10 AM). Huayna Picchu is a truly amazing experience.

  • Huayna Picchu Mountain is no longer INCLUDED with our treks with the exception of the  Moonstone Trek, Choquequirao 9 day Trek, Premium Inca Trail 5 Day/4 Night, and Machu Picchu Tour by Train 2 Day/1 Night.
  • You may ADD-ON Huayna Picchu Mountain in advance, but permits to hike Huayna Picchu are limited. If you would like to do this hike, we will need to purchase the permits as soon as possible.
  • The fee to climb Huayna Picchu mountain is currently $75 (USD) per person.
  • Your guide will NOT be hiking Huayna Picchu mountain with you (except for the 2-Day Machu Picchu tour by train.)
  • Duration: 45 minutes up, 30 minutes down
  • Difficulty: Moderate – not as difficult as the uphill climbs on the Inca Trail (if you can hike the Inca Trail, you will be able to hike Huayna Picchu!)

Tips for Tipping

At Action Peru Treks, we want every trek/tour to be an exceptional and unforgettable experience for everyone. Our trekking teams make that happen. We hire our guides, porters, horsemen and chefs not only for their experience and expertise, but for their personalities. These are the people who will walk with you every step of the way, making sure you’re safe, comfortable, and never go hungry! Hearing our customers express appreciation for the people they share their trek with is the best endorsement we could ask for!

Naturally though, many of our clients ask us about tipping at the end of their tour. Should they tip? If so, how much?

Unlike other tour companies, tipping at Action Peru Treks is 100% voluntary. We don’t expect it and you will never be pressured. If you feel our team made your trek/tour more special, we welcome and appreciate tips. Generally groups get together and give collective tips which are then shared between the Chef and all the Porters/Horsemen (including the head porter). Tips are usually given to the team on the last get-together of the trek. Our team will want to thank you personally for joining us (your guide will be able to advise when is most appropriate).

Here are some guidelines on how much and when to tip. Of course, you can tip more if you wish, but we put together a guide that may help.

  • Porters/Horsemen: 60 – 70 soles per group
  • Chef:  120 – 150 soles per group
  • Guide: 80 to 100 soles per person

Remember: Tipping is completely discretionary. If you don’t think tipping is warranted for whatever reason, then please don’t feel obliged to tip.


Gear and Clothing To Bring…

On every trail the gear required or suggested may differ and lists are provided on each trek. You’re always welcome to inquire further, but here’s a list of standard items we recommend you bring. Happy trekking!

  • Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after booking, bring both)
  • Backpack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (they can be rented from us if you would rather not pack one)
  • Weather appropriate clothing: (note the time of year you are travelling): sturdy trekking boots, thick socks, warm fleece jacket, a few shirts (long sleeve and short sleeve), sun hat, thermal underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket
  • Toiletries: toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel, hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, moisturizer etc.)
  • Sun protection; Sunscreen SPF 35+ recommended, sunglasses
  • Headlamp or small flashlight
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Something to read, as you will have some spare time at every camp
  • Trekking poles with rubber tips (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
  • Bug repellent
  • Necessary prescription medications and over-the-counter medications: allergy, pain reliever, and antacid
  • Extra batteries (note:  run down faster at high altitudes, bring spares for anything requiring batteries)

Extra Gear and Clothing

DonateWe genuinely believe that when our staff is treated well and everyone is equipped with quality hiking equipment, clothing, and anything else they may need to do their job the very best they can, everyone wins.  If you have equipment or clothing you may not use again, you can donate it to a porter! Headlamps, sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing – even warm socks (don’t worry – we’ll wash them) – are all greatly appreciated.

 

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