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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know to plan your perfect adventure to Machu Picchu and Cusco.
Answers to your most important questions
We've compiled the most frequent questions from our travelers to help you plan with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our tours
Yes, we offer completely private tours for families, couples, or small groups. Benefits: flexible itinerary, exclusive guide, personalized schedules, pace adapted to your group. Includes: private transport, certified bilingual guide, entrances included. Prices range from $200 USD for 2 people on day tours to $1200 USD for private Inca Trail.
Tours & Services
Huayna Picchu is the iconic mountain behind Machu Picchu. Only 400 people per day can climb (200 in each time slot: 7-8 AM and 10-11 AM). Must be booked 2-3 months in advance. The hike takes 1.5-2 hours round trip, is steep and not recommended for people with vertigo. We can include these tickets in your tour.
Tours & Services
Several ways: 1) Train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then bus to the citadel (most popular). 2) Classic 4-day Inca Trail. 3) Alternative treks like Salkantay or Choquequirao. 4) Car + train combo via Hidroeléctrica (budget option). We recommend the train for comfort and spectacular views.
Transportation & Access
For Machu Picchu: 2-3 months in advance, especially during high season (June-August). For Inca Trail: 6 months minimum as spots are limited. For other tours: 2-4 weeks is usually sufficient. During special seasons like Inti Raymi, book 4-6 months ahead.
Planning & Booking
Day tours: $80-150 USD. Inca Trail 4 days: $600-800 USD. Private tours: $200-400 USD per day. Includes entrances, guide, and transport. Not included: flights to Cusco ($300-600), hotel in Cusco ($30-200/night), additional meals ($15-40/day), tips ($10-20/day), and personal expenses.
Planning & Booking
In Cusco: excellent WiFi in hotels and restaurants, good mobile signal. In Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes): WiFi available in hotels and some restaurants. At Machu Picchu citadel: no mobile signal or internet (complete digital disconnection). During trekking: no communication. We recommend informing family/friends about periods without communication.
Logistics & Practical
Cusco is at 3,400m and Machu Picchu at 2,400m. Tips: arrive 1-2 days early to acclimatize, stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol first few days, eat light, consider coca tea. Mild symptoms (headache, fatigue) are normal. If you have severe symptoms (vomiting, breathing difficulty), descend immediately and seek medical attention.
Health & Preparation
PROHIBITED: outside food, selfie sticks, large tripods, drones, smoking, pets, large backpacks (storage available). MANDATORY: entrance ticket, original passport, be accompanied by official guide. HOURS: 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM. Specific circuits according to ticket purchased. Maximum 2,500 visitors per day.
Rules & Restrictions
Official currency is Peruvian Sol (PEN). USD is also accepted in many tourist places. Rate approx: 1 USD = 3.7 PEN. You can exchange at: exchange houses in Cusco center (best rate), banks, hotels (less favorable rate). Bring cash in small bills. Credit cards accepted at main restaurants and hotels.
Logistics & Practical
Essentials: original passport, sunscreen SPF 50+, hat, layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottle, camera with extra batteries. For treks: trekking poles, waterproof clothing, headlamp. For weather: warm clothes for mornings (can be 5°C) and light clothes for midday (up to 25°C).
Health & Preparation
PeruRail: Expedition (standard), Vistadome (panoramic), Hiram Bingham (luxury). Inca Rail: The Voyager, The 360°, The First Class. Prices range from $65 to $500+ USD round trip. All arrive at Aguas Calientes. Vistadome offers best value with panoramic windows and included service.
Transportation & Access
For Machu Picchu by train: basic level, but prepare for 2-3 hours walking on uneven terrain. For Inca Trail: moderate-high level, need to walk 6-8 hours daily. For Salkantay: high level, more challenging terrain. We recommend training with walking or cardio 2-3 months beforehand, especially for trekking.
Health & Preparation
INCLUDES: certified professional guide, archaeological site entrances, transport per itinerary, some include meals (check each tour details). NOT INCLUDED: flights to Cusco, hotel in Cusco (we can recommend), guide tips, personal expenses, travel insurance (highly recommended). Each tour has specific inclusions detailed in the description.
Tours & Services
The dry season (May to September) offers less rain and clearer skies, but it's high season. The rainy season (October to April) has fewer tourists and greener landscapes, though there may be precipitation. We recommend May, June, and September for the best balance of weather and crowds.
Planning & Booking
Cusco has two seasons: dry (May-September) with sunny days and cold nights, and rainy (October-April) with rains mainly in afternoons. Temperature in Cusco: 5-20°C. At Machu Picchu: 10-25°C. Mornings are always cold, midday warm. Bring layered clothing and always a raincoat, regardless of season.
Logistics & Practical
We maintain small groups for a personalized experience: maximum 12 people for regular tours, maximum 8 for multi-day treks. We also offer private tours for families or groups preferring exclusivity. Small groups allow better interaction with the guide, access to more remote locations, and lower environmental impact.
Transportation & Access
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