FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
At UNO TRAVELER PERU we are convinced that all of our clients have countless questions before, during and after choosing any of our tours and hikes. In the same way, all of us at Uno Traveler Peru are happy to answer any questions or queries, so you can be sure that our company will take care of organizing everything so that our travelers have unforgettable, dreamlike trips.
WHICH TREK IS FOR ME?
We know that you want to have the best vacation you can in the magnificent country of Peru. We understand that you are hoping to find the perfect trek that will take you on an amazing experience to Machu Picchu. At Uno Traveler Peru , we do our best to help you choose which route is best for you, but no matter what trek you take with us, we assure you that you will have an amazing time. Below are descriptions of each tour and hike:
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN PERU?
The climate of Peru varies depending on where you visit.
It is usually quite warm on the coast, although during the winter (April-August) it can be cold in the morning and at night.
In the Andes there are two main seasons: wet and dry. The rainy season runs from November to April and is humid but generally warmer overall. The dry season runs from May to October and has warm, clear days but cold nights.
The only thing that can be said about the weather in Peru is that it is difficult to predict accurately. It can have wonderfully clear hot days in the middle of the rainy season and hail storms in the dry season – it is one of the beauties of Peru.
WHAT VACCINES DO I NEED FOR PERU?
You should always check with your local travel clinic regarding vaccinations. Generally, the usual vaccinations such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, etc. are recommended. If you are visiting the lowland jungle, yellow fever is recommended.
EXPERIENCE WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS IN CUSCO? CONFIDENCE
Cusco is located in the southeastern area of Peru and has one of the highest elevations of any city in South America (3,400 m / 11,200 ft). The city has a lot to offer, including historic sites, museums, restaurants, great nightlife, and shopping. Cusco is full of cobblestone streets, so good walking shoes are a must. You can easily walk from place to place, but taxis are plentiful and safe. The airport is only a 10-minute drive from the main square.
Cusco is also surrounded by the beautiful Sacred Valley, which is located a bit lower in altitude. Some people prefer to go down into the valley first, to slowly adapt to the altitude. The valley has many beautiful places to visit, including Pisaq , Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Maras/Moray, Tipon , and many others.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN CUSCO?
Cusco is known to have two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season is from May to September and the rainy season is from October to April. In recent years, the weather has not been predictable, so we have experienced rain during our dry season and sunshine during the rainy season. Be prepared for any type of weather.
The temperature doesn’t vary much throughout the year. Days will typically be between 15-20 degrees Celsius (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit). However, when the sun goes down, so does the temperature, due to decreased oxygen levels at this altitude. You’ll need a warm jacket for evenings in the city because it will drop to 1-5 degrees Celsius (35-40 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you are heading towards the Sacred Valley directly from the airport, expect warmer temperatures at both ends (about 10 degrees warmer).
NOTE: Don’t go by what you read on weather prediction websites regarding rainfall in Cusco. Cusco is also the name of the entire municipality, including the entire Sacred Valley, which includes many microclimates. These sites are never correct for the area. The region is too big and there are many weather changes. Be prepared for anything!
DO I NEED TO BE FIT TO DO ONE OF YOUR HIKES?
All of our treks (Inca Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, etc.) are moderately difficult, long and hilly. We highly recommend that you are relatively fit and acclimatized to the altitude (minimum of 2 days at altitude) before undertaking them. During the months (or at least a month) before your trip, you should get moderate exercise regularly. We want you to have an amazing experience and the fitter you are, the more enjoyable the treks will be.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN MY TRAVEL DATE APPROACHES?
Please visit the agency at least 48 hours before your tour to meet, finalize details, pay your balance and arrange your pre-trek briefing (if applicable – Inca Trail/alternative treks).
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE ON THE HIKES?
Many people comment that the food they eat on hikes is the best they get while in Peru.
The food offered on the hikes consists of:
Breakfast:
Refreshment
Lunch
Happy Hour
Dinner:
ARE THERE SANITARY SERVICES ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Bathrooms have improved greatly in recent years and all larger camps have bathroom blocks with flushing toilets and running water.
They generally stay pretty clean. If you need to use the bathroom between campsites, defecate well away from the trail and water supplies; dig a hole or cover your feces with a rock and carry the paper in a bag to deposit in one of the several receptacles found along the way.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THE INCA TRAIL?
Bathrooms have improved greatly in recent years and all larger camps have bathroom blocks with flushing toilets and running water.
They generally stay pretty clean. If you need to use the bathroom between campsites, defecate well away from the trail and water supplies; dig a hole or cover your feces with a rock and carry the paper in a bag to deposit in one of the several receptacles found along the way.
ARE THERE SANITARY SERVICES ON THE INCA TRAIL?
There is no age limit on the Inca Trail or any of our treks, but if you are over 60 or have health issues, we recommend you get a medical check-up before your trip. Please follow the advice given to everyone and make sure you acclimatise to the altitude and train for the trek. We have hosted children as young as 7 and people as old as 68 many times. Don’t worry, we are here to help you do it!!
Once I have booked my spot, can I change my dates?
Unfortunately, once your reservation is confirmed with the Inca Trail authorities (DRDC Reservation Office), it is not possible to change or postpone your departure date. You would need to make a new reservation with a new deposit for your new date (this date must be one that is at least 5 days before or after your previous departure date). Please note that this is not a decision of the agency, but a regulation of the local authority.
WHAT IS AN ALTERNATIVE TREK?
An alternate trek or hike is an option other than the Inca Trail. Because of the strict permit process for the Inca Trail, these first became popular for those who were unable to obtain a permit. Now, people recognize some real advantages of alternate hikes.
Compared to the Inca Trail:
Once I have booked my spot, can I change my dates?
Unfortunately, once your reservation is confirmed with the Inca Trail authorities (DRDC Reservation Office), it is not possible to change or postpone your departure date. You would need to make a new reservation with a new deposit for your new date (this date must be one that is at least 5 days before or after your previous departure date). Please note that this is not a decision of the agency, but a regulation of the local authority.
ARE THERE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE INCA TRAIL AND ALTERNATIVE ROUTES?
Of course, there are several differences between the Inca Trail and other hikes. One of them, the number of ruins you pass along the way. The main difference, however, is that the Inca Trail is the only hike that allows you to walk directly through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu. Everyone else must enter through the main gates of the citadel. Once inside, you can always walk up to the Sun Gate and get that view from above (for free), but it won’t be your first view of the ruins.
Alternative treks that end at Machu Picchu will result in a night spent in a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. Your day at Machu Picchu will begin with a bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the ruins (approximately 25 minutes), and these buses are on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is possible to hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, but you will still need to enter through the main gate.
Advantages of alternative walks:
Even though they are growing in popularity, you will likely be hiking in the Andes alone with your group. The roads are not crowded with tourists and you are visiting places that can only be reached on foot.
Also, for those interested in nature, these treks are often more beautiful. Each one offers something special, such as heading to the Salkantay Pass by the glaciers, local villages with Lares Trek. Treks like Choquekiraw or Vilcabamba visit other tremendous and important Inca citadels.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
Trekking packing list
Passport (must match the one you used to book with us)
ISIC Green Card valid for all those who have booked as students
Day pack (no more than 25L, or you will need to check for the Machu Picchu tour)
Water storage: camelback or bottles (two to three liters of water storage is recommended)
Lightweight, waterproof hiking shoes/boots
Sleeping bag (-10 degrees Celsius) – can be rented from us
Headlights
3-4 quick-drying t-shirts
1-2 layers of long sleeves
2 hiking/yoga pants
Clean underwear for every day
Wool
Warm jacket for the evenings
Comfortable shoes for camping.
Rain jacket and pants
Waterproof gloves
Sunglasses
Toiletries: toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand wipes, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, lipstick
Insect repellent
First aid: Band-Aids, mole skin, Diamox , Tylenol , any medication
Camera with batteries
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS AT MACHU PICCHU?
There is no off-season for Machu Picchu, so the ruins will always be crowded. It’s best to see them early in the morning before the big crowds arrive, but there’s no real way to avoid other tourists. The citadel is a huge area, with lots of terraces. Good running shoes or hiking boots are preferred for your tour. If you’re doing one of the additional hikes, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll want hiking boots with good traction.
Please note that you will need your original passport to enter the ruins. Large bags are not allowed in the park, so you will need to leave them at your hotel or check them in at the main gate. Park rangers are diligent about the rules, so be sure to be polite and respectful.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN MACHU PICCHU?
Many people are surprised to learn that Machu Picchu falls into a subtropical climate category. It’s filled with orchids, bromeliads, and a few 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 the Spanish never discovered it. It’s a considerably lower altitude (hotter and more humid) than Cusco and many of the other treks.
The weather changes often at Machu Picchu. Typically during the dry season (April-November) early mornings are hazy and can be chilly. Late in the morning the clouds clear and the sun comes out, so it can get quite warm. Layers that can be removed or added are best. Sun protection, bug spray, and a good hat are a must. Keep in mind, though, that it still sometimes rains in June and is sunny in December. A rain poncho is highly recommended no matter what season you visit. When it rains, the ancient stones can become slippery, so it’s helpful to have shoes with good tread and perhaps a rubber-tipped walking stick.
The rainy season is from mid-November to mid-April, with February being the wettest month. The Inca Trail is closed during February, although the ruins of Machu Picchu are still open.
Of course, the weather is unpredictable. No matter what month you find yourself in Machu Picchu, make sure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves.
WHAT WILL I BRING?
Everyone must bring their own day pack
Our team of porters will carry your duffel bags from camp to camp. These should be packed each morning and will be waiting for you at your overnight camp. You will need to carry your own backpack during the trek, so these backpacks should be as light as possible. You only need the essentials as described below.
Water carrier: At every meal, we will refill your water supply with fresh, clean water, but you should have a camel or water bottles to carry enough water for a few hours. You should always have between two and three liters of water to drink constantly. Hydration is the key to feeling good in the mountains.
Snack: We will provide you with a snack each day (piece of fruit, biscuit or chocolate). Feel free to bring some snacks as well, but do not overdo the quantity as this can add unnecessary weight.
Layers: Most hiking days will be warm enough for short sleeves, but certain parts of each hike are at higher altitudes (especially during the Lares hike) so will be colder. It’s always helpful to have a fleece in your bag. A hat and gloves are also recommended.
Rain gear: Although May through September are typically dry months, rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, and gloves, is always helpful. Rain can happen at any time.
Sun gear: Hopefully there will be more sun than rain. Make sure you have a sun hat and sunscreen. Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are almost always hot.
Bug spray: You’ll want a strong bug spray with deet in it .
Camera: Be sure to bring one with extra batteries. There is no place to charge electronic devices in the mountains.
Music: Whether it’s an iPhone or a Walkman, having something to motivate you during the tough parts of the hike can be helpful.
Toiletries and first aid supplies:
Toilet paper: While hiking, you may need to use the Inca toilets (go behind a bush). Make sure you have a small bag to dispose of used paper.
Wallet and passport: It is safest to have these items on your person.
As for the size of your day pack, Machu Picchu does not allow bags larger than 25 liters inside the citadel. This will be more than enough weight to allow for everything you will need while hiking. If you prefer a larger bag, it will not be a problem. You will only need to check the bag in Machu Picchu, in a secure area. It will cost you three or five soles, depending on the area you choose.
IS THERE A STUDENT DISCOUNT?
Uno Traveler Peru offers student discounts of $30 with a valid ISIC card. Please let us know at the time of booking that you have this card and send us a scanned copy for our records. University cards are not accepted.