How and when do we book the flights?
We will be booking our flights together. We will be in contact with you and let you know what flight should be booked. We will most likely be flying out of Las Vegas but possible SLC. We will be flying into Cusco Peru. You are responsible fåor the price of the flight. We will be in contact with you in the next couple of months about how and when to book the flight.
Should I buy Travel Insurance?Absolutely. Travel insurance is required for the trip.
Will I need money on the trip?Once we arrive in Peru everything will be provided for you except for souvenirs, snacks, tips (50$ if you’d like) and for a COVID test to get back into the USA (if that policy is still in effect by July).
If you don’t want to bring your own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and walking stick you can rent those items from our tour guide at an additional price.
What is the weather like in Machu Picchu?
Many people are surprised to learn that Machu Picchu falls into a subtropical climate category. It is filled with orchids, bromeliads and some pesky insects. Also known as the Cloud Forest, Machu Picchu is surrounded by higher mountain peaks, frequently shrouded in mist. This is perhaps one of the reasons that the Spanish never discovered it. It is considerably lower altitude (hotter and more humid) than Cusco and many of the other treks.
The weather changes often in Machu Picchu. Typically, during the dry season (April-November) the early mornings are foggy, and can be chilly. In the late mornings, the clouds clear and the sun comes out, so it can get quite hot. Layers that you can peel off or add on, are best. Sun protection, insect repellent and a good hat are essentials. However, please keep in mind that sometimes there is still rain in June and sunshine in December. A rain poncho is highly recommended, no matter what season you visit. When it rains, the ancient stones can become slippery, so having shoes with a good tread is helpful, and perhaps, a rubber-tipped walking stick. When we are at high elevation it gets really cold.
What will I be carrying in my daypack?
We will have porters that will carry your duffel bags from campsite to campsite. These need to be packed up each morning, and will be waiting for you at your evening campsite. You will need to carry your own day pack while hiking, so these packs should be as light as possible. You only need the essentials as outlined below.
Water Carrier: At each meal we will refill your water supply with fresh, clean water, but you need to have a camel back or water bottles to carry enough for a few hours. You should always have between two and three liters of water to drink constantly. Hydration is the key to feeling well in the mountains.
Snack: Each day we will supply a snack for you (piece of fruit, cookie or chocolate). Feel free to also bring some snacks of your own, but don’t overdo the amount because this can add unneeded weight.
Layers: Most of your hiking days will be warm enough for short sleeves, but certain portions of each trek are at higher altitudes, so they will be colder. A fleece is always handy to have in your bag. Hat and gloves are advised, as well.
Rain Gear: While May through September are typically dry months, rain clothes including a jacket, pants, and waterproof gloves, are always useful. Rain can happen any time.
Sun Items: Hopefully there will be more sun than rain. Be sure you have a sun hat and sunscreen. Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are almost always hot.
Bug Spray: You will want a strong insect repellent with deet.
Camera: Be sure to bring one with extra batteries. There is no place to charge electronics, in the mountains.
Toiletries And First Aid: Hand sanitizer, band-aids and Tylenol are always advised.
Toilet Paper: While trekking you may need to use the Incan Toilets (go behind a bush). Make sure that you have a small bag to dispose of any paper used.
Wallet And Passport: It is safer to keep these items on your person.
As far as the size of your day pack – Machu Picchu does not allow bags larger than 25L inside the citadel. This will be more than enough weight to allow for everything you will need while hiking. If you prefer a bag that is larger, it will not be a problem. You will just need to check the bag at Machu Picchu, at a safe area. It will cost three or five soles, depending on which area you choose.
What will I be eating each day?
We have hired a company to guide us on these trails. This company will have porters that will carry our main duffle bags each day and also cook our meals! They provide chefs that will prepare all of our meals on the trail. The food will be made by a chef in a small tent, on a stove. The professionally trained chefs prepare the best breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. After completing each day’s trek, you will enjoy a social happy hour, before being treated to a delicious buffet dinner, that will undoubtedly exceed all your expectations of food on the Inca Trail.
All food is prepared from fresh ingredients, purchased in the Cusco local market. The porters transport the food and the chefs prepare it. We do not use any canned or re-hydrated food. It is all fresh, healthy and delicious!
Do you have special dietary needs? No problem! We can cater to vegetarians, vegans and all food allergies.
There is plenty of water provided during each trek. We take tap water from each campsite and boil it for 15 minutes, so it is safe to drink. You only need to carry enough water to get you to each stop. You can refill your bottles at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There will be up to five eating opportunities a day, beginning with a big breakfast, a snack, tremendous lunch, afternoon hot chocolate, and finally, dinner.
You will be treated like royalty when you’re on the Trail!
Below is a sample menu:
Breakfast – Scrambled eggs, pancakes, omelettes, oatmeal, cereal, fruit salad, toast, orange juice, milk, hot chocolate
Snack – Fruit, cookies, cereal, chocolate, candies
Lunch – Corn or mushroom soup, chicken and rice, sausage, fried fish, ceviche, steak, beans, fried rice, french fries, boiled potatoes, vegetables, salad
Happy Hour – Popcorn, fried wontons, hot chocolate
Dinner – Stuffed chicken, vegetable tortillas, pizza, spaghetti, pork cutlet, sauteed vegetables, salad
Should I tip the guides?
Yes please bring $50 to tip our guides. There will be over 50 different Peruvians that will help us on this trip. These people include English speaking guides, horseman, porters, chefs, and others to help with the campsite. You will be AMAZED when you see the very short porters carrying packs that are as big as them up the steep inca trail!
Is the hike hard?
The hike is quite challenging and you should be in good shape before the hike. We will be hiking around 50 miles during the 7 days in high elevation. Although it will be challenging we will only be carrying our day packs during the hiking portions of the trail. If you a not physically fit right now please start training today to be able to hike the required distance. You will find the itinerary of each day at the bottom of this list. It is required that a physician gives you the okay before you come on the trip.
What else do I need to know?
We will have trip leaders that will be in charge of taking pictures of the trek so you can live in the moment and enjoy each activity to the fullest without worrying about getting good pictures. We will make all of the pictures available through an app called PhotoCircle. Having said that you are more than welcome to bring your own camera and/or GoPro!
Each morning we will have time for scripture study and journals. Each night we will have a fireside. You are going to come away from this trip with an increased connection to God and yourself!
