Amarutrek Expeditions wants you to enjoy your time while on our treks so we have compiled a suggested list of what you should pack or take for treks.

FUNDAMENTALS:

• Passport (valid, up to date and if renewed- bring both old and new one)
• Valid ISIC student card (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better like camelbaks enough for about 2-3L)
• Sturdy hiking boots (lightweight with good soles like KEEN,MERELL, ETC.)

DUFFEL ITEMS:

Porters will carry up to 7 KG or 15LBS of your personal items. This includes your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring or rent one). These two items will weigh about 3.5 KG or 7LBS.

• 2-4 t-shirts
• 2-3 hiking pants
• 5 sets of undergarments
• 5 sets of hiking socks
• 1 insulated waterproof jacket
• 2 hats (one for sunny and cold weather)
• Headlamp: essential
• Hiking boots
• Trekking pole with rubber tips. Metal tips are not allowed
• Quick-dry towel
• Small bottle or bar of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean – might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap
• Batteries and Chargers: There are no places to plug in while trekking
•  Plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty
• Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C or 14F

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen – 50 or more SPF
• Insect Repellent – 20{09a695a951a181e383114da9027e5bc1c4678300c93575b8c1080a0d27810d37} DEET
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toilet paper
• Personal medication

SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR DAYPACK:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you to rent a locker outside the citadel gates.

• 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.
• Hat for Sunny weather
• Rain gear like ponchos, waterproof clothing, etc
• Insulated waterproof jacket
• Camera and phone with batteries or chargers
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen and Insect repellent
• Snacks such as granolas or energy bars
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

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 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 TRAIL?

In this scenario, if you are unable to finish the trek due to a health reasons, Amarutrek Expeditions will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on our treks for any respiratory problems. In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.

Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they may continue their journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu with their group.

IS THERE HOTEL DROP OFF AFTER THE TREK?

Absolutely!  It is included in your package. After your trek is over, once in Cusco, we will drop you off at your hotel with your private transportation. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you off there too!

AT WHAT TIME ARE THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?

It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco. Therefore, you will take the train at 4:22 pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours to enjoy Machu Picchu! If you need to change your departure times, please contact us in advance to make the necessary changes as we cannot change tickets at the last minute.

 HOW MUCH IS THE UPGRADE TO VISTADOME?

The upgrade to the Vistadome train, which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling are priced at US $ 65 per person. This includes the transfer from Poroy(train station) to Cusco(your hotel). You will be offered some snacks and a dance show on board.  It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by private transportation. If you upgrade to the Vistadome train, the trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy takes 3.5 hours and then 25mins by private transportation to your hotel(Cusco).

HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO TIP?

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you throughout during the trek.  It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Amarutrek Expeditions destinations. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you feel, depending on your perception of the quality and length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.  You can also split tips between group members to go towards each of the staff members that partook in the trek or tour.

ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?

Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible touristic operator. We incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and help the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all of our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and its people.

Amarutrek Expeditions wants you to enjoy your trek to the fullest and we offer these additional options to enhance your Inca Trail trek!!!

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS :

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu(young mountain) is a mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu (old mountain).  It is a 45-minute exhilarating hike to its top.  You will be doing this hike on your own as your guide will direct you after the guided tour of Machu Picchu where to go. This is an additional option to add on and it $75 per person. If you decide this risk-taking hike is for you, let us know in advance as tickets sell out fast.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu mountain is a newer mountain that stands above the Machu Picchu ruins. It offers more stunning views than Huayna Picchu but takes an hour and a half to reach the top.  If you are lucky enough, you might be able to see the rare spectacled bear that lives in areas (off limits to the public). This is an additional option to add on and it $75 per person. It must be booked in advance as it sells out fast.

Vistadome Train

All our tours include the Expedition (Tourist) Train. This train is normally booked at 4:22 p.m., leaving Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome train is an upgrade option, that offers slightly larger seats, windows, and even some entertainment. Normally, the Vistadome train is booked for 4:43 p.m. and travels to Poroy, train station closer to Cusco. While there is an upgrade fee, we will still include your transportation back to your hotel. The price for this upgrade is $75 per person and must be booked in advance.

Extra Day at Machu Picchu

You will have a full day at Machu Picchu, arriving at the citadel around 6 AM and leaving no later than 2 PM in order to catch your 4:22 train. If you would like to visit Machu Picchu again the next day, this time on your own, we can arrange this.  It must be coordinated in advance and the prices are as follows:

Entrance ticket for Machu Picchu- $55 per person

• Original passport (and your original ISIC card if applicable)
• Travel insurance
• Comfortable shoes for hiking
• Waterproof gear
• Warm clothing, hat and gloves
• Long sleeve shirts and extra layers
• Comfortable pants or trousers
• Hat for the sun
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Mosquito repellent
• Toiletries
• Personal first aid kit
• Camera