Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
4D, 3N Group Hiking Tour

Inca Trail Highlights

1. INTRODUCTION

2. Highlights of the Inca Trail

   • THE TRAIL. Built in the 1450s by the powerful Inca Empire, the trail required the use of rocks which were transported from nearby quarries and delicately carved to fit in precision and meticulously.
   • NATURE. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu passes through a wide range of microclimates as a result of varying altitudes. Along this trail, travellers hike from high altitude puna to high brow of jungle.
   • INCA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES. The trail takes hikers along valleys and through mountain passes, and grants hikers access to the archaeological sites of Patallacta/Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Inti Pata, Winay Wayna, and Intipunku. The Inca Trail leads directly to Machu Picchu and offers the hike of a lifetime.
   • HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE. The Inca trail to Machu Picchu holds great significance as it is the only hiking trail that grants access to Machu Picchu. After hiking 3 days along valleys and through mountain passes, all hikers reach Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate – and important construction of Machu Picchu citadel.

    

3. Highlights of hiking with Alpaca Expeditions

   • LOCALLY OWNED COMPANY. Alpaca Expeditions is an 100% locally owned company in Cusco, Peru. Created by Raul Ccolque, Alpaca Expeditions is the only tour operator and agency founded by a former Inca Trail porter.
   • CAMPING EQUIPMENT. Alpaca Expeditions is considered a leading agent of change due to its implementation of top-quality equipment such as tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags and others.
   • FOOD. During your hike with Alpaca Expeditions you are guaranteed to put on some pounds. Our chefs have special yearly training to create unique meals while on the trail. Our food is prepared with fresh ingredients, and is served buffet style. Our services includes breakfast, snacks, lunch that will come with soup, main course ad hot drinks, happy hours with hot drinks upon your arrival to each campsite and dinners that include with soup, main course and deserts. We also provide all hikers with potable drinking water while on the trails.
   • SATELLITE PHONES. Alpaca Expeditions is the only company that has satellite phones availble along all its operating trails. Hikers have access to satellite phones to contact their love ones.
   • PORTABLE TOILETS. Alpaca Expeditions provides portable ecological toilets at each of its campsites and for the private use of our clients only.
   • PERSONAL PORTER. All of our hiking services include porter service which allows travellers to take 7KG of personal belongings on the trail. All belongings are carried by our porters.
   • HOTEL TO HOTEL SERVICE. Alpaca Expeditions offers hotel to hotel service to all of its travellers. All of our services begin with direct pick up from your hotel accommodation in Cusco and end with a direct drop off in Cusco.
   • FREE LUGGAGE STORAGE. Alpaca Expeditions offes free luggage storage for all extra bags and personal belongings.
   • TOP QUALITY SERVICE. We are the only company that has more than 8000 excellent reviews on TRIPADVISOR which speaks about our services and explains what kind of tour you will have with us.

    

4. Day by Day breakdown of the Inca Trail

   DAY 1.- CUSCO – KM82 – AYAPATA

   Hiking distance: 14km
   Trail head elevation: 2720m/8923ft
   Campsite elevation: 3300m/10829ft
   Hiking difficulty: moderate challenging
   Weather: Warm to cold
   Inca sites to see / visit: Ccanabamba & Llactapata

   DAY 2.- AYAPATA – DEAD WOMENS PASS- RUNKURACCAY PASS – CHAQUICCOCHA

   Hiking distance: 16 km
   Trail head elevation: 3300m/10829ft
   Campsite elevation: 3600M/11800ft
   Hiking difficulty: challenging
   Weather: cold
   Inca sites to see/visit: Runkuraccay & Sayacmarca

   DAY 3.- CHAQUICCOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA PASS – WIÑAYWAYNA

   Hiking distance: 10 km
   Trail head elevation: 3600M/11800ft
   Campsite elevation: 2680m/8792ft
   Hiking difficulty: challenging
   Weather: cold
   Inca sites to see/visit : Phuyupatarmarca, Intipata & Wiñay Wayna

   DAY 4.- MACHUPICCHU THE SACRED CITY OF THE INCAS

   Hiking distance: 5 km
   Trail head elevation: 2680m/8792ft
   Machupicchu elevation: 2400meters/7873ft
   Hiking difficulty: moderate
   Weather: warm

    

5. Which month is good to hike?

   Weather in Cusco is determined by two dominant seasons DRY SEASON and RAINY SEASON.

   Dry season is characterized by blue skies and sunny conditions. This season spans from April to October and is considered to be the best season for hiking in the Cusco region,

   In contrast, the rainy season spans from November to March and is characterized by rains. Rains are often torrential and short in duration and make for lush greenery and replenished flora and fauna.

   The Inca Trail closes for maintance on FEBRUARY each year. No groups are operated during this time of year.

    

6. Extra reasons to choose Alpaca Expeditions?

   • World Travel Awards winner for BEST TOUR OPERATOR in Peru for 2021.
   • Only company with ISO certicates (International Organization for Standardization ) Iso 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 21101 , ISO 45001 and CARBON FOOTPRINT certificate.
   • Ecofriendly Company.

    

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

1. Included

   • Professional Guides:All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional, and will ensure you are safe and happy.
   • Permits and Machu Picchu:In order to hike the Inca Trail, you must have a permit to enter the trail. This can only be obtained by licensed Inca Trail tour operators, like Alpaca Expeditions. As soon as we receive your details and deposit we will purchase your permits. These permits are given for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed, once they are confirmed. The only thing that can be updated is your passport number. The permit includes entrance to Machu Picchu.
   • Briefing:The night before your trek, you will have a trek briefing at our office with your guide and other trekkers in your group. At the briefing, you will receive your duffel bag, that will be with the porters while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and needs to include your sleeping bag and air mattress, if you have chosen to rent or bring one. Remember, layering your clothes is key.
   • A Porter for your Personal Belongings:We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. There is no additional fee for this. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your evening campsite. The duffel should not exceed 7kg which will include 4kg of clothes, 3 kg for your sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
   • Green Machine Porters: The men and women that make up our porter team are the most loyal, hardest working on the planet. They make magic happen, always with a smile and a helpful hand. They are responsible for carrying all the camping equipment and food, setting up and breaking down each campsite, assist the chef with all food preparation. By law, they can carry up to 20 kg max, which is a rule we take very seriously. For example, with a group of 8 trekkers there will be 15 porters.
   • Trekking Chef and Food: Our Porters are not the only ones making magic on the mountain. There is nothing comparable to what the Alpaca Expeditions chefs do on the mountainside. They will make prepare amazing meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, often starting with a nutritious soup and mostly serving family style. There will always be a protein, salad, assorted sides, and even amazing desserts. They will cater to all food restrictions and make sure everyone has enough to make it up the mountain. Please make sure that your Alpaca Expeditions booking agent knows of any food restrictions at time of booking.
   • Water: Water is the key to feeling good on the trek. Hydration helps battle any effects of the altitude, so be prepared with something that can hold at least 3 liters of water. We will provide water at each meal – boiling it, filtering it and then cooling it down to make sure all water is clean and ready to drink.
     * Water will not be provided until your first lunch when our porters will have the ability to prepare clean water. Please bring enough water for your first morning on the trail.
   • Equipment: Alpaca Expeditions uses the best equipment on the market including Eureka Timberline 4 person tents shared by only 2. Single tents are available ($30US). We have large dining tents for clients to enjoy their meals. Every client will receive a pillow for sleeping and foam sleeping pad to insulate you from the cold ground. All dining equipment including chairs and dishes are provided.
   • Hotel to Hotel Service: You will be picked up from your hotel the morning of your trek and driven to KM 82 in our comfortable, Alpaca Expeditions van. After the trek, we will drive you from the train station back to your hotel or Air BNB.
   • Transportation and Train Service: All your logistics are included in this trek including the bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes as well as your tourist class train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. This is a 2 hour trip and it will be another 2 hours by car back to Cusco. If you wish to upgrade to the Vistadome train, a train with larger windows and more comfortable seats, it will cost $75 per person.
   • First Aid:Your safety is our number one concern. All our guides are trained and re-trained every February by a medical doctor. They all carry first-aid kits and full oxygen tanks. If needed, we will get you off the trail as quickly and comfortably as possible to be taken directly to a clinic for treatment. While these situations are rare, we prepare for them.
   • Satellite Phones: While our guides can handle most first aid issues that happen on the trek, there are some that need a bit more attention. Every guide has a fully charged satellite phone with them when they leave for a trek. Being a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured that they are safe. Radios, which all our guides have, are limited in how far they can reach, so Alpaca Expeditions includes this feature to make sure that we can connect no matter where we are on the mountain. And they can be used by our clients for non-emergencies as well. While they are not cheap to use, they are available just in case you need to check in on the puppy you left at home with grandma.
   • Extras: We believe it´s the attention to small details that separates us from other tour companies. As we wrote earlier, every trekker receives a small pillow to sleep with, a foam mattress for insulation, a day pack cover to protect their things while hiking, and a rain poncho. We provide hot water bins each day to help our clients clean and feel good at night. We enjoy happy hour each evening to relax and unwind and discuss the days events. We will work very hard to create your best vacation.
   • Taxes and Fees:  All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden fees.
   • The Alpaca Difference: While the below list is less tangible, its equally important and part of everything we do and include at Alpaca Expeditions.

   • • Ethical and Responsible Treatment to our Porters: Most people would not be able to handle the challenges of these treks if it wasn’t for the porters helping with all the lifting, preparing and cheering. They are the backbone of our company and the reason why Raul Ccolque created Alpaca Expeditions to begin with. He began in this industry as a porter and understands their needs better than anyone. We are dedicated and promise a better life to every member of our Green Machine. This includes better salaries that they can live from so they do not need to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide all their gear including warm, down jackets, proper hiking boots, backpacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and pads and tents for them. We have a Porters House for our porters to sleep in the night before and after their trek since they often travel far from home. We include a medical doctor to work Monday through Friday at the Porters House to tend to our team and make sure they feel good and are looked after. And we support their families with helping their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to visit with the families, planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and it is appreciated by the more than 300 porters on our team.
     • Porters Trip: We love meeting all our clients, but our favorite trips are when our porters and their families become our clients. While our porters hike to Machu Picchu dozens of times per year, they never make it inside our famous citadel. We take 4 trips a year to bring our team inside and spend two days travelling around the important ruins and letting them touch and see the history of their ancestors.
     • Equality Matters: Another big difference is that we believe that we are all equal and every person contributes something different and beautiful to our team. We have always had female guides and have had female porters and chefs on our team since 2017. While the number are not equal yet, we are hoping for the day when we have 50/50 men and women working on the mountains as part of the Alpaca Expeditions team.
     • Sustainable and Responsible Tour Operator: Alpaca Expeditions is far ahead of our competitors on being a sustainable tour operator. We honor our planet by making sure there is no trace behind on any of our treks. We even include an extra porter to make sure they help clean the trash left from other groups. We use local products that are biodegradable and organic whenever possible.

   DAY BY DAY INCLUSIONS

    

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   DAY 1.- CUSCO – KM82 – AYAPATA

   • Briefing at our office the night before of your hike to provide the duffle bags
   • Pick up from your hotel to begin the hike
   • Storage if you have extra luggage
   • Breakfast on the first day
   • Drive to Km 82 in our AE bus
   • Porters bus to transport Porters
   • Entrance ticket to the Inca trail
   • Porters in general to carry your camping stuff
   • We will carry 7km/14pound of personal porter.
   • Snack for hiking
   • Lunch which will have appetizer, main course and hot drinks
   • Happy Hour with hot drinks
   • Tents to stay tonight for two people with from pads

   DAY 2.- AYAPATA – DEAD WOMENS PASS- RUNKURACCAY PASS – CHAQUICCOCHA

   • Wake up coca tea in your tent
   • Breakfast to begin the hike
   • Snack for during the hike
   • Complete lunch with soup, main course, and hot drinks
   • Drinking water in the morning, Lunch time and dinner time
   • Happy hour with hot drinks upon your arrival to the campsite
   • Dinner

   DAY 3.- CHAQUICCOCHA – PHUYUPATAMARCA PASS – WIÑAYWAYNA

   • Morning wake up hot drinks
   • Breakfast
   • Snack
   • Drinking water
   • 7kg of your clothes is carried by our team
   • Lunch Happy hour
   • Visit the Inca sites
   • Happy Hour
   • Dinner

   DAY 4.- MACHUPICCHU THE SACRED CITY OF THE INCAS

   • Early breakfast
   • Snack
   • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
   • Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel
   • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu citadel to Agaus Calientes
   • Expedition class train with great views
   • AE bus transfer back to your hotel in Cusco

    

2. Not Included

   • Rentals
     Every trekker needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but encouraged. If you don’t want to bring any of the above, they are all available for rent:
     Sleeping Bag: $25
     Inflatable Air Mattress: $20
     Walking Sticks (Pair): $20
   • Huayna Picchu
     Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Going back down is quite steep if you are scared of heights. You would do this after your tour of Machu Picchu. The cost is $75. Arrangements need to be made at least one month in advance due to popularity. Please understand that the weather is out of our control.

    

Price

1. Price per person

   • $795 per person

2. Student Discount

   • $35 off per person

   Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.

   Please send all to info@alpacaexpeditions.com.

   More Information about STUDENT CARD

    

3. Additional Items

   Below is a quick list of prices, but check our Additional Options section for more details.

    

4. Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute hike to the top. Even when you will do this hike on your own, your guide will still show you the trail entrance. This trek is an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you with advance notice. 

   Your tickets will be purchased to coincide with when you need to start the trail. Tickets are either for the First Session from 7-8 AM or Second Session from 10-11 AM. We purchase the Second Session for our clients for you to enjoy your tour of Machu Picchu before you begin. This window is only your start time, and you may take your time up and down, so no rush.

   • The ticket is $75 per person.

    

5. Machu Picchu mountain

   * Only possible to do if you have an extra day to visit Machu Picchu

   Machu Picchu mountain is the other mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers even more stunning views than Huayna Picchu but takes an hour and a half to reach the top. For this trek, it will be an additional entrance ticket that we can secure for you.

   Tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain are now also within a timeframe of when you can begin – which is between 9-10 AM. Due to this limited time frame, it is not possible to hike the Inca Trail and hike Machu Picchu Mountain. You can, however, schedule a second visit to the citadel on the next day.

   • This ticket is $75 per person.

    

6. Vistadome Train

   All our tours include the Expedition Train. This train is usually booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving from Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome Train is an upgraded train that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. Usually, the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, a train station closer to Cusco. While this is an upgraded fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel.

   • This train is $75 per person.

    

Travel Info

1. BRIEFINGS

   All briefings are done at our office at 6:30 PM the night before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Alpaca Expeditions office team. Briefings are approximately 30 -45 minutes long, and where you will receive your duffel bags.

   * 2D/1N Inca Trail Trek with HOTEL does not include a briefing. Our office staff will review all the details at your check-in time.

    

2. DUFFEL BAGS

   You will receive your duffel bags at your briefing. Your porters will carry them and have them returned to you at each campsite. They measure 66 cm long X 36 cm wide/2ft long X 1ft wide.

   Every duffel has a maximum weight of 7kg. Remember 4kg will be for your clothes and other personal items. The remaining 3kg will be for your sleeping bag and pad.

    

3. PICKUPS

   Alpaca Expeditions is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.

   Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through. They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off. HOTEL LIST HERE.

   Some treks will allow for pickups in the Sacred Valley, which is outlined below.

   The following chart refers to possible locations we can pick you up from when beginning the tour.

   Trek	Possible Starting Locations
   Inca Trails	Cusco, Urubamba, Yunahuara & Ollantaytambo
   Salkantay Treks	Only Cusco
   Lares Trek	Only Cusco
   Huchuy Qosqo Trek	Only Cusco
   Ausangate and Rainbow Treks	Only Cusco
   Day Tours	Cusco, Urubamba & Ollantaytambo

    

4. RETURNING TO CUSCO

   Leaving Machu Picchu requires a lot of logistics, which are all included in your tour.

   • From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a 25-minute bus down to the village. Buses are first come first serve and run all day.
   • You will take a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Your guide will give you your train tickets with train time. Make sure you get to the platform 30 minutes ahead of time.
     * Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo is 2 hours
     * Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy is 3.5 hours
   • Once you arrive to the train station, look for a gentleman wearing green with an Alpaca Expeditions sign. He will then drive you to San Francisco square, Cusco
     * Van ride from Ollantaytambo to nearby San Francisco square is 2 hours
     * Van ride from Poroy to nearby San Francisco square is 30 minutes
   • Once you arrive nearby San Francisco square, you will separate into separate pre-paid taxis and driven back to your hotel.

    

5. MACHU PICCHU ENTRANCE TIMES

   Machu Picchu now has two different time windows of when you can visit: either morning or afternoon. Your entrance ticket will be for only one session, morning session, and when your time window is over, the Rangers will ask you to leave.

   MORNING SESSION: 6AM – 12PM

   AFTERNOON SESSION: 12PM – 5:30PM

   ** If you have tickets to hike either Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will have some extra time until 2:30PM.

   If you would like to spend the whole day at Machu Picchu, we can add an afternoon session ticket to your booking for $50 per person.

    

6. HUAYNAPICCHU/MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN

   Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.

   Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance since it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 45 minutes to the top, and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM. Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin. 

   Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 1.5 hours to the top and another 1.5 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows – from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually purchase the second time window. 4 Day and 7 Day Inca Trail Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.

   Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.

    

7. HEALTH CONCERNS

   You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.

   You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. Alpaca Expeditions will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

   If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.

   If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.

    

8. GROUP TOURS

   Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are. Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.

    

9. STRIKES

   Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date. Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

    

10. LOST ITEMS

    You are responsible for your items throughout the Tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc. Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whos it is.

     

11. TIPS

    Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.

    Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is different per trek and listed below. For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card 😉

    Trek	Per Porter	Chef
    Inca Trails (4, 5 and 7 Days)	60 – 80 soles	150 soles
    2D/1N Inca Trail with Camping	50 soles	100 soles
    Salkantay Treks	100-120 soles	200 soles
    Lares Trek	100-120 soles	200 soles
    Huchuy Qosqo Trek	50 soles	100 soles
    Ausangate	100-120 soles	200 soles

    * These numbers refer to what each member of the Green Machine should receive after the group pools their money. This is just a reference guide.

     

12. TRAVEL INSURANCE

    Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip. Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

     

13. WEATHER

    Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

    Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

    It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.

     

14. ALTITUDE

    As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.

    With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.

    Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

    Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.

    Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.

    You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea. If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Alpaca Expedition guides are trained to help you get through it.

     

15. GETTING TO CUSCO

    The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

    The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic. Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

     

Packing List

1. ESSENTIALS

   • Passport
   • Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
   • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
   • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
   • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
   • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

    

2. FOR YOUR DUFFEL

   Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

   • 2-3 wicking t-shirts
   • 2-3 hiking pants
   • 4 sets of undergarments.
   • 4 sets of hiking socks
   • 1 Fleece
   • 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
   • 1 Rain jacket and pants
   • 1 sun hat
   • 1 wool hat
   • Headlamp: essential
   • Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
   • Comfortable shoes for camp
   • Walking boots
   • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
   • Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
   • Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
   • Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
   • Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
   • Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

    

3. TOILETRIES

   • Sunscreen
   • Face moisturizer
   • Bug spray
   • Handsanitizer
   • Wet wipes
   • Toothbrush and paste
   • Toiletpaper
   • Personal medication
   • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

    

4. INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS

   Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.

   • Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
   • Sunhat
   • Rain gear
   • Fleece
   • Camera
   • Music (IPhone)
   • Handsanitizer
   • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
   • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
   • Earplugs