Inca Trail Faq Eng Upd 26-03

8/12/2019 Inca Trail Faq Eng Upd 26-03

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Frequently asked questions about the 4 day Inca Trail

How many kilometers / miles is the Inca Trail?

Day 1 = 10.4km or 6.46 miles, Day 2 = 9.71km or 6.0335 miles, Day 3 = 12.2km or 7.580 miles, Day 4 = 3.8km or2.361 miles. Total distance: 36.1km or 22.431 miles (based on a Garmin Etrex GPS).

Can I do it? Is it for everybody?

On the Inca Trail you see people between 14 and 70 years old, it all depends on your fitness level. There are a lot ofstairs, but you also have ample time to complete each portion of the trek each day so you can go at your own pace. Ifyou do not have any trekking experience or high-altitude experience we recommend hiring a personal porter to helpwith your gear and rent trekking poles. (We have original Black Diamond hiking sticks that you can rent from LokTravel).

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness or soroche (sorojchi) is the effect of high altitudes on humans,caused by acute exposure to low oxygen levels at high altitudes. It can effect anyone (old, young, fit, unfit) at an altitudeabove 2,400 m.a.s.l. (about 8,000 feet). There are many side effects of altitude sickness, including headaches, nauseavomiting, stomach sickness, dizziness, insomnia, dehydration and loss of appetite. Everyone will feel the effects oaltitude on their stamina, but not everyone has the other side effects. If you do not have any experience being ataltitudes above 2,400 m.a.s.l. its best to play on the safe side; give yourself 2-3 full days before doing any high-impact

activities (trekking, biking, etc.). There are various medications and steps you can take to prevent altitude sickness andhelp with the effects including drinking lots of water in the weeks leading up to your trip, taking aspirin daily a weekbefore arrival, and taking coca products. Ask your doctor before travelling if you are concerned!

What weather should I expect on the Inca Trail?

We always advise wearing layers, as temperatures can change quickly in the Andes and there is usually a significantchange in temperature in the sun or shade. In the dry season (June-October) during the day there are sunny skies andwarm temperatures but temperatures can drop below 0C at night time. Highs between 20 to 30C, lows from 5 to5C and the chance of rain is very low (September -November the rainy season may begin, depending on the year)During the rainy season (December-April) you should always come prepared for rain you might get lucky and have 4days of sunshine, but on the other hand there could also be rain during parts of some or all days. The rain season isalso summer in South America, so night time temperatures will not normally drop below 2C, day time highs can beup to 25C in the sunshine.

What do I need to carry?

Your sleeping bag, mattress, water, clothing, camera and anything else you want to bring on the trek if you hire apersonal porter he can help with this.

Do I need to hire a personal porter?

Whether or not you hire a personal porter is up to you, but it is strongly recommended if: you have no trekkingexperience and you are concerned about your fitness level, you have old injuries which may be aggravated whiletrekking, you do not want to be weighed down by a backpack, you are not confident with your footing (there are a lot ostairs).

What does a porter cost?

Full porter price: 110usd (can carry 14kg). Half porter price: 60usd (can carry 7kg).

Can I hire a personal porter when I arrive to Cusco or the morning I begin my trek?

No, Porters also need passes for the Inca Trail and these must be purchased at the time of your booking.

Do we always sleep in tents?

Yes, 3 nights in tents.

How many people sleep in each tent?

2 people in 1 tent. With Loki travel you can rent a personal tent for US$10.

Do I need trekking poles?


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Trekking poles are highly recommended but if you have never used them beforeyou wont know the difference. You canrent trekking poles from Loki Travel. Remember if you bring your own you will have to buy rubber protectors to coverthe tip of the poles; metal tips are not allowed on the Inca Trail as they damage the rock.

Do I need to bring water for the whole trek?

You will need to bring a water bottle (1-1.5 liters recommended) to use for the trek. On the trek you can buy watersnacks and other drinks from local families,. Hot drinks are always served with meals, and if there is extra boiled wateryou can use this to fill your water bottle also but dont just count on this. We recommend bringing Micropur tablets

for purifying stream and spring water which you will encounter on the trek in case there is not enough boiled water togo around.

Can I have vegetarian meals?

Yes, not a problem you will need to let us know when you book if anyone in your group is vegetarian.

Are food allergies catered for?

Yes. We often have clients who have food allergies (wheat, nuts, etc.) and special dietary requirements. You must giveus these details at time of booking so that we can make allowances. If you have a serious allergy you must let us knowalong with details about what medication you need to take in case of an attack. Talk to your doctor before the trek ifyou have serious allergies or illness. Loki Travel will not accept any responsibility for problems due to your speciadietary requirement.

I have a serious medical condition (asthma, diabetes, other), can I still do the trek?

You must inform us at the time of booking if you have a serious medical condition. You also must talk to your doctorabout your risks before making your booking to see if you are at a high risk for complications. The Inca Trail is in aremote area, and although guides carry basic first aid kits there are no hospitals nearby and it could be up to a full daybefore you can have medical help in case of emergencies. Loki Travel will not accept any responsibility for problemsdue to your medical condition.

What kind of shoes do I need?

Good ankle support hiking boots are recommended. Make sure your shoes have an anti-slip sole (Vibram is the mostwell know material used by popular hiking boots brands) because it can be very slippery on some parts of the trail.

Will I get to see the sunrise in Machu Picchu?Normally you will be getting your first views of Machu Picchu at around 6am. There is never a typical sunrise in Machu

Picchu, as the sun first has to rise over the mountains before it hits the ruins. As long as there is not too much mist orclouds you should see the first light over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.

Im a studenthow does this work?

You will receive a US$40 discount if you have a valid International Student Card (ISIC is the ONLY student card which isaccepted for the discount). You need to apply for the discount with your ISIC card number at the time of making yourreservation; the status cannot be changed after your Inca Trail pass has been purchased. You will need your originaISIC card to enter the trail. Be careful; they check for fake ISIC cards at the gates and fake card holders will be deniedentry to the trail!

How far in advance do I need to book the Inca Trail?

During the end of November, December, January and March you often book to leave within a week or two (dependingentirely on availability). From April till October you need to book sometimes up to 6 months in advance. February the

Inca trail is closed. You can check for availability from:http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/ - click on the consultastaband from here you can check the month and day you want to do your Inca Trail.

Can I change the date for my Inca Trail after making a reservation?

Once you have sent your details and the deposit we try to purchase your Inca Trail pass as quickly as possible so as toavoid leaving you without. If you make a reservation far in advance (more than 6 months) however we may not haveyour passes as quickly. Unfortunately if you need to change the date you will lose your deposit or partial deposidepending on individual cases and how much notice we are given.

Why cant I trek the Inca Trail in ebruary?
http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/


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The Inca Trail is closed for the entire month of February to allow for reparations and cleaning. The last Inca Trail groupdeparts on the 31stof January (so, finishes the trail on February 3rd) and the trail re-opens on the 1stof March eachyear.

Why cant I book Huayna Picchu with my Inca Trail pass?

This is a new rule from the government; Huayna Picchu passes are only available for purchase with the general MachuPicchu entry ticket and there is a special entry ticket for the Inca Trail which does not allow this add-on. When you dothe Inca Trail you are among the only people who enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (rather than the general public

entrance) and you receive a special Machu Picchu tour from there. If you want to purchase a Huayna Picchu pass youwill need to buy a new entry ticket for Machu Picchu as well (total US$61 per person) note that depending on thespeed of your group you may actually have to sacrifice part of your Machu Picchu tour in order to climb Huayna PicchuAsk us if you really want to climb Huayna Picchu otherwise we do not recommend it for the Inca Trail.

If a date is full is there a chance someone will cancel so I can buy their pass?

Inca Trail passes are 100% non-refundable and 100% non-transferable to other travelers. Once a pass is purchasedin someones name thatpass is blocked only for that person. The government enforces this to avoid the possibility foragencies to purchase lots of passes in advance and then be able to sell them afterwards.

If I cancel my tour will I get a refund?

The US$250 (and personal porter full price, if you book one) is used directly to purchase your entry ticket for the IncaTrail, Machu Picchu, company porters and return train tickets. If you cancel or change your date after making your

reservation you lose the entire $250 deposit.

Can I make a booking without a passport?

You need a passport (valid 1 month after trekking date) in order to make an Inca Trail booking. The absolute ONLYexception is for nationals of countries in South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, etc.) who can travel (enter Peru) onlywith their DNI (ID card) - it is possible to make a reservation with this card.

My passport is expired, can I make the booking anyway?

No. You must wait until your new passport arrives. We cannot reserve your space without the new passport number

I had to renew my passport

can I trek with my new passport?

You MUST bring along both of your passports (the expired one and the valid one not photocopies) to enter the trail. Iyou do not have your old passport we will need to make an application to the government to change your passpor

number. Note this is a very complicated process and there are additional fees involved. We will need at least aphotocopy of your old passport, and if you do not at least have a photocopy it may be impossible to change your IncaTrail pass. In the case that you have lost your old passport you will need to plan to be in Cusco a week prior to the trekso that we can try to change your Inca Trail pass.

If I cancel my booking do I get a refund of my deposit?

No, the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. When we receive your deposit we purchase your Inca Trailpass, train ticket and reserve your place in the group. As the passes are non-refundable and non-transferable we donot get any refund for them either, and often we need to depart with a smaller group on the trek (depending on howmuch notice we are given with your cancellation) which is economically destructive as well.

If there is too much rain or another problem which is out of my control will I be able to hike on a different date or get a

refund?

No, there are no refunds on Inca Trail passes for ANY REASON; even if the government closes the trail due to extremeweather conditions they do not offer a refund for the passes. We at Loki Travel would help to organize another tour toget you to Machu Picchu but any additional costs (train, etc) would be assumed by you.

What is the best time of the year to hike the Inca trail?

April to October is the dry season so there is less chance of rain but during the dry season the trail is fully bookedevery day (500 people a day including porters/guides/cooks) November, December, January and March less crowedbut is the rainy season so dont forget your rain gear!

How do we get back to Cusco and is this transport included?


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With the service we offer you return with a train which leaves Aguas Calientes at 9.30pm to Ollantaytambo in theSacred Valley, from there it is about 2 hours by car/van so you will arrive in Cusco at about 00.30am.

Can I come back earlier to Cusco?

Yes, you have the option of the 4.22pm train arriving approx. 8.30pm in Cusco, price: US$12.

My friend wont be doing the Inca Trail but wants to meet me in Machu Picchu is this possible?

Yes, this is not a problem at all. We are offering a two day by train tour to Machu Picchu which would be a good option

and we can organize with the guide so that your friend could meet your group in Machu Picchu at around 8 or 9amThe only issue MAY be that your friend would have to wait to find your guide if your group is delayed. The other optionwould be that your friend does the Machu Picchu tour with one of our guides for the by train tour and then you canarrange to meet afterwards to explore Machu Picchu together after your tours. Ask us for more info.

What is the right price for the Inca Trail? You can find the Inca Trail with prices up to $800 online

There are many factors affecting the price, including: Group size: private groups can be very expensive compared totreks booked in pool service with groups of maximum 8 people or maximum 16 people ; Return to Cusco there aretickets from US$45 to over US$100, depending on departure time and service. It may also be the case with extremelyinexpensive tours that the return train is not included in the price. In general everybody walks the same trail, stays atthe same campsites (toilets are very basic in campsite 2 and 3) the food is very good even with the cheaper optionsWhat happens is that the cheaper options have shared groups meaning you will be in a group where people paid aldifferent prices because often they all booked with different agencies. Some agencies ad extras to the price they

charge such as free gear, a shower when you finish in Aguas Calientes, etc. More expensive agencies in general havegroups with people who booked only with them, but this is not always the case, as we have discovered there are manypeople selling the Inca Trail online for an extremely high price but with no extra benefits be cautious and askquestions!

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Inca Trail Faq Eng Upd 26-03