Five years ago the Peruvian government proposed many changes to the administration of the Inca Trail in a bid to protect its fragile eco-structure from over-use.
Most of these proposals have been aimed at reducing the number of trekkers on the trail, improving the quality of the tour operators and offering a reservation system whereby trekkers will be forced to make their reservations many months (5-4) in advance.
The number of hikers allowed to trek the Inka Trail is strictly regulated, and space is limited (500 spaces per day). Inca Trail permits are issued for each individual trekker by full name, nationality, passport number, birthday, age and must be obtained 5-4 months before the day trek commences.
Our Company hast to elaborate new Frequently Asked Question to help our clients understand the new regulation for the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.
Can I leave booking the Inca Trail to the last minute?
Regulations brought in 2008, the Inca Trail (5, 4 or 2 days) is limited to 500 people per day (including Porters, Guides and cooks). We strongly suggest that you book in advance to guarantee a place on the date you want to leave. For Inca Trail treks in the high season is May,June, July, August and October. For 2010 we recommend making a booking between 5 and 4 months in advance. Earlier is better.
How can I book a place on the trail?
If you want to confirm your reservation:
Send us the following information:
- Full name
- 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
1.- 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).
2.- Decide whether or not you want an extra porter who would carry your personal belongings (the price of this service is $20 per day). 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 7 kilos each –costing $10 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.
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.
Is an extra porter really necessary and how many kilos do they carry for us?
An adventure does not have to mean pain and by hiring an extra porter that carries up to 14 kilos of your personal belongings you will definitely have time to enjoy, take your time and relax more. In addition, you will be creating a job for one more porter and thus helping us to help the local community.
In hiring an extra porter, you will only need to carry a daypack containing water, sun cream, insect repellent, snacks and a coat.
Are the porters treated well?
We believe our porters do a huge percentage of the work on the Inca Trail and deserve to be treated well. All our porters are trained and equipped with proper bags to carry the equipment, back supports, t-shirts for the day, body warmers for the cold nights, ponchos for the rain, drinks, snacks and plenty of food. Please see our section on our porters welfare but most importantly see them while on the trail.
Can I wait until Cusco to hire an extra porter?
No. we recommend let know us to hire a porter in advance at the same time you make your trek booking. Porters also have to pay entrance and their tickets need to be booked in advance because there is restriction of number of people permitted on the Inca Trail.
Unfortunately if you feel weakened by the effects of the altitude when you arrive in Cusco and feel it necessary to hire a porter at the last minute the new regulations make it impossible for us to arrange this.
Is the trek difficult, do I need to be fit?
The distance of the Inca Trail is 43km (26 mile) hike through mountainous regions. The highest pass reached on the second day is 4200m named Abra Warmy Wañusca. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude for that try to spend 2 nights in Cusco (3400m) prior to do the trek.
What if I am very slow or want to see or enjoy more?
As long as you arrive at the camps before it gets dark all is perfectly fine; the guides will keep you informed of distances and hours to be covered after every break, as an average people walk at a rate of 1.8 km per hour meaning a slow pace and resting while you are receiving explanation about the Inca sites and environment from our guide.
For groups of 9 or more people you will always have 2 professional guides ! 1 comes with the back person -if you the last you will never be alone and the other guide will be at the front. In case you have only 1 guide (for groups or 8 or less people) the guide always comes with the last person in the group.
Is there a minimum or maximum age limit for this trek?
Our Company does not accept reservations for children under age of 7 years old. All children under 18 years old must also be accompanied by an adult.
For trekkers over 64 years old we also ask you to bring a letter from your doctor confirming that you are fit to participate in the trek. Unfortunately if you fail to bring a letter from your doctor we cannot allow you to start the trek and your trek deposit cannot be returned, sorry.
What do I need to bring on this trek?
Backpack 65Lt - Sleeping bag -15ºC (can be hired from our office for US$5 per day) - Rain jacket or poncho (December - April) - Strong comfortable and waterproof footwear - One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below) - Sweater and jacket (something warm) - Bottle of water and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco) - Flashlight and batteries - Hat or cap to protect you from the sun - Sun block (sun protection cream) - Insect repellent - Toiletries, towel and toilet paper - Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, etc - Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries - Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek) - You also need to bring your original passport on the trail - Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail).
Can I use walking sticks or trekking poles on the Inca Trail?
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, rubbers protectors can also be bought in several shops in Cusco. You can buy wooden walking sticks in Cusco or in Ollantaytambo on the way to start the trek. Professional poles can be hired in Cusco for US$4 per day.
Where can I store the bags that I do not need to take on the Inca Trail?
Any bags that you don't need to take on the Inca trail can be left at your hotel in Cusco, all hotels have a luggage store and rarely charge for this service as long as you are returning to the hotel after the trek. You can also leave valuables in the hotel safe but remember to bring your passport and some emergency money.
What is the weather like along the Inca Trail?
Average weather conditions in Cusco and on the Inca Trail, see below:
Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?
Since the beginning of 2003 many new, flush toilets have been built along the Inca trail including all of the major campsites. This has helped a lot to improve conditions and to protect the environment.
What is the maximum group size?
Maximum size of group for the Inca Trail is 12 participants. For groups of over 8 participants we also employ an assistant guide to help out.
Can I stay an extra night at Aguas Calientes, what is the cost?
Yes, if you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes after the Inca Trail trek this can easily be arranged. We will purchase your train ticket to return to Cusco the following day. You need to let us know at the time of making the trek reservation so we can reserve your train tickets in advance.
Obviously if you stay an extra night then you will have to pay for your accommodation.
What happens if I arrive at Machu Picchu and then decide to stay an extra night, can I change my train ticket?
It is still possible to make changes to your return train ticket if you decide to stay an extra night at Aguas Calientes. You will have to take your train ticket personally to the train station in Aguas Calientes and ask them to change the return date of your ticket. You will probably be asked to pay an extra US$10 administration fee and changing the ticket will be subject to availability of spaces the following day. If you change your ticket for a cheaper service then you will not be refunded the difference!.
I don't have a passport can I still make a trek booking?
No. We require a passport number in order to buy the trek permits. If you don't have a passport then you can’t make a trek booking.
I do have a passport but it is out of date, Can I still make a trek booking?
Yes. You can make a trek booking using your old passport number.
If I change trek dates can I transfer my permit?
Both your trail permit and your trek deposit are non-refundable and non-transferable. To join a new trek date, we have to start the permit process all over again only if there is available spaces.
Do other companies have allocations of permits that I can purchase after your supply is sold out?
No. The park authority sells the permits on a first-come, first-served basis. The permit must specify for each trekker the full name, nationality, passport number, date of birth, and gender. Permits are not transferable, and the only change allowed on the permit is a full cancellation of one or more passengers. The result is that outfitters can buy permits only for passengers actually on their rosters; and once the 500 permits are issued, no more are available from any source.
Where are the other people in the group from?
You will find all our groups to be very mixed in: age, gender, nationalities (mostly English -speaking). There are cases when our groups consist of only older people and in other cases only younger people but as an agency we can't guarantee how old or where our tourists will be from.
What`s the Private Service?
It is a special service to close the group to just the people you bring with you! You could be honeymooners, a family, a group of friends, etc. It is normally a small group (but can also be a big group). Noone you don't know joins your group unless this is requested to share or lower the costs.
What about the food?
We have excellent trained cooks who will provide you with an incredible variety of dishes:
Breakfast: This varies depending on the difficulty of the day ahead. There will usually be a selection of some or all of the following - porridge, scambled eggs, pancakes, bread and jam. Drink-wise, you can have hot chocolate, coffee, English tea and/or a selection of herbal teas (chamomile, lemon grass or simply traditional coca tea).
*Lunch and Dinner: You will always have a bowl of soup followed by a main course (chicken, beef, fish etc. with rice or pasta). After this, a dessert and herbal drink will be provided.
Afternoon snacks (Happy Hour!): On finishing the trek every day we will have hot drinks, popcorn, biscuits, bread and jam, chocolate, milo, etc, etc)
Snacks: Before beginning the trek for the day, you will be given - a piece of fruit, a chocolate bar, a small packet of biscuits and some sweets.
*Vegetarian/special diet options are available on request
Do you have a vegetarian option?
Yes. We do provide vegetarin food on request. Please specify your dietary requirments when making your reservation.
Do you provide us with 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.
Where do I store the bags I don't need when I go on the trail?
All hostels and hotels in Cusco are accustomed to trekkers leaving belongings whilst on the trek and will have storage facilities at no extra cost.
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 get ill and 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!)
How Is the 2 days Inca trail ?
The shorter Inca Trail is for those trekkers with limited time on their hands or who just want to take things a little bit easier. This trail starts at km104 and ascends to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna before continuing on to MP. Since you don't have much time at MP on the first day most people spend the night at the town of Aguas Calientes and return to MP again the following day. This trail is subject to the Inca Trail regulations and trek permits must be reserved.
Is it possible to join a trekking group close to the trek departure date?
For all dates but those very early and very late in the trekking season, the answer is a resounding NO. Trekking permits sell out typically two months or more ahead of the trek date. The park authorities allow only 500 people to enter the park for any given day, including guides, cooks, porters, and paying customers. Each person who enters that day needs to be listed on a permit. From the end of March through the end of October, if you’re not on a roster two months prior to your trek, you’ll likely find that no permits are left. When that happens, you have two options – change your holiday dates, or trek outside the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. For an excellent alternate treks such as:
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