AMARUTREK EXPEDITIONS Q&A
Please read carefully the following as it will help answer questions about our services.
WILL I GET PICKED UP WHEN I ARRIVE?
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel by one of our representatives, please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to your arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange board with Amarutrek Expeditions on it. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot enter inside). They will be waiting for you right outside the terminal, be on the lookout for our orange sign!!!
WHEN WILL THE BRIEFING TAKE PLACE?
The briefing will take place the night before the trek departure at 6 pm at our office, which is located at A.v Antonio Lorena A-25 Int 5 Santiago, Cusco. If you have any question regarding how to get there or any other concerns, please contact us.
WHERE WILL MY LUGGAGE BE STORED?
We will store your luggage while you are are on your trek or tour. If you prefer to store it at your hotel, that is perfectly fine too. Our luggage storage service is free of charge. Make sure to take the items you will need for your trek or tour.
WILL THERE BE HOTEL PICK UP?
Yes, we will pick you up from your hotel through our private transportation. This is included within your trek or tour package. If you are staying at a hotel in the Sacred valley, we can also pick you up as well. Please let us know where you will be staying to coordinate pick up!
HOW DO I BOOK PERMITS FOR THE INCA TRAIL?
To book permits for Inca Trail, we will need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW link located on our homepage. You will need to provide all group participants information. (Full names, valid passport information, gender, date of birth, nationalities). This information is needed as each permit will be issued with each participants’ provided information. (NOTE: permits cannot be changed or transferred once issued).
We require a deposit of US$200.00 per person, in order, to purchase permit(s) for the Inca Trail. You can make your deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL links located at the top of our home page or you can click on the PAYPAL link on our booking page.
Once all of these steps have been met, we will send you an email confirmation of your permits and invoice.
CAN I PAY OFF MY REMAINING BALANCE IN CUSCO?
Of course! You can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) before your trek or tour starts. There are many ATMs located within the historical center of Cusco. You can also pay through PAYPAL but will have to pay their 5.5{09a695a951a181e383114da9027e5bc1c4678300c93575b8c1080a0d27810d37} service charge fee. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you will need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address amarutrekexpeditions@gmail.com.
DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour(students 18 & above need valid ISIC student cards – green). For example, if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before this trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
For children from the age of 2 to 11, the discount is $40.
For children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
Send us a copy at info@amarutrekexpeditions.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Once the permits have been purchased, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes, so it is out of our hands. Permits are not transferable or non-refundable so make sure your dates are exact and the information provided is correct. *** If you cancel your Inca Trail Trek, the deposit is not refundable.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT TO ENTER THE INCA TRAIL?
Yes, you have to bring your original passport (the one that was used to book the permit) as it is very important to be allowed entry on the Inca Trail. If you have renewed your passport, you will have to bring both the old and new one. This also applies to your train ticket also as an employee will check your passport before allowing you to board the train. If you have renewed your passport, please let us know to make the necessary changes to your train tickets.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE INCA TRAIL?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. You will encounter many different varieties of microclimates as you hike and it will depend on the location. We highly recommend you to bring a variety of clothing for these changes. Example: dress in layers, insulated waterproof jackets.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general, if you exercise regularly or spend a couple of days in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley, chances are you will acclimate normally(which is about 24 hours to 2 days). Items recommended for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN IF NEEDED. Our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour that you can book while you are acclimating. Check out our Day Tours on our Home Page.
WHAT DOES THE INCA TRAIL LIKE IN PEAK SEASON?
It will get crowded but with government regulations in place, there will be enough space for everyone. To improve your experience along the Inca Trail, we have the privilege of being the only tour operator camping at Llactapata. Where you have a great lookout point to Machu Picchu! However, if crowding is a concern, we recommend that you book your permits in advance(at least 5 to 6 months) or consider one of our alternative treks!
HOW MANY COOKS/PORTERS PER GROUP?
Each group will have 1 cook. The number of porters depends on the size of the group. For a group of 2 trekkers, there will be 4 porters, 4 trekkers will have 6 porters, 6 trekkers will have 9 porters, and 8 trekkers will have 12 porters.
WILL I GET A DUFFEL BAG?
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bags for you. Along with your food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as an insulated waterproof jacket, phone, camera, extra chargers/batteries, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medications, toilet paper, snacks, water, etc. A 30L to 50L backpack is sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT?
The Inca Trail is a 42km (24.4 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,217m/13,907ft. On the second day of the trek, we will hike up two mountains. The Trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit for this trek.
We recommend in preparation for the trek: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or exercise at a gym within the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimated to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
ARE THERE TOILETS ALONG THE TRAIL?
This question has been highlighted by most of our trekkers, especially by female trekkers, that require a private, clean and sanitary toilet. Amarutrek Expeditions provides toilet facilities that have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Our toilets are always set up at a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night, if you need to use the toilet it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the dirty facilities supplied by the government.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE