TripadvisorFaqs
Important information about the Inca Trail and alternative treks.
The briefing
The briefing will be at your accommodation at 6.00 pm one night before the trek or any tour you book.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course, during your trek or tour your important luggage can be stored in our office or at your hotel, wherever you feel confident and convenient!
If I want to cancel my reservation, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately No!!!
Deposits.
Our policy for our deposits for all our treks and tours is that they are 100% non-refundable. There are no exceptions due to the fact that GUIDING CUSCO spends a great deal of expense buying permits, entrance fees and making deposits for reservations or services, most of which are non-exchangeable, non-transferable and non-refundable by government regulation.
How 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 to Machu Picchu (students 18 years of age or older need a student ID). For example: if you book a trek when you are 17 years old but turn 18 before your trek, you must have a valid university ID in order to qualify for the student discount.
- University students must present a copy of their ID card with photo, the name of the university and the expiration date of the card. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
- For all students from 11 to 17 years old, the discount is 30 USD.
- For children from 2 to 11 years old, the discount is 40 USD.
- Children from 0 to 2 years old are free of charge.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of booking to obtain the student discount. Please send a copy to reservas@guidingcusco.com
Can I change the departure date after I have purchased the tickets?
Unfortunately the answer is NO (this applies to the Inca Trail and the rest of the tours). Once the permits or tickets have been purchased the government does not allow any changes, so we cannot change any departure dates after we have purchased the permits or tickets.
Tickets are also non-transferable and non-refundable. Be sure to book the correct dates. Double check the date on your booking form because we buy your permits as soon as we have your booking form and deposit.
Entrance fees especially to Machupicchu, Inca Trail, Machupicchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu are limited and we must purchase them immediately upon booking and deposit.
Permits are paid in full as soon as you complete your reservation and deposit, which means that you must purchase completely new permits if you change your dates. All permits and entrance fees sold by the Peruvian government are non-refundable and non-transferable.
For alternative treks, it may be possible to change your date for an additional fee. Please contact the office as soon as possible if this occurs so that we can assist you in this matter.
[ If you cancel your tour or trek, the deposit is non-refundable]
Do I need my original passport on the Inca Trail and alternative treks?
YES, you must bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent us to reserve your Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit, Machu Picchu entrance, train ticket or other entrance fees and reservations depending on your choice of trek.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or update your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport, keep a copy of your old passport.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport, but you will have to show both your old and new passports to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both, you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or board the train.
YOUR PASSPORT MUST BE VALID FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS FROM THE DAY YOU ENTER PERU. Most airlines will not allow you to board your flight if your passport has less than 6 months left from the date of entry to Peru.
What is the balance?
balance of payment. Arriving in Cusco you will have to make the total cancellation of your reservation at the end of the information provided by the staff in charge of giving you information before your trip. Cash is recommended.
But if you wish to pay by credit card you will have to pay a 5% commission for credit card payment.
What is the weather like on the treks and tours?
The weather is very unpredictable and is difficult to predict. You will have many varieties of weather as you go through the many microclimates and depending on the location, we recommend that you dress in layers to adapt to the different weather changes.
What about altitude sickness?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a minimum of 2 to 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will acclimatize quickly!
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCOA TEA and OXYGEN IF NECESSARY; our guides are trained to treat altitude sickness.
We recommend that you consult your doctor for the DIAMOX PILL, as it is recommended to treat altitude sickness.
What about toilets on the treks?
This has been very much appreciated by most of our clients, especially our trekkers, who want a private, clean and hygienic bathroom.
GUIDING CUSCO toilets have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Our bathroom is always installed at a comfortable distance from our camp. At night, if you need to use the bathroom, it is easily accessible and clean, unlike the facilities provided by the government.
How many people are there per group?
The maximum group size for all excursions is 8 people. Normally our groups are between 4-6 people. Guiding cusco specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized services.
Do you drop us off at our hotel after the hike or tour?
Of course we do. Included in our packages is pick up and drop off at your hotel upon return from your hike or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley such as Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will also drop you off there! 0 Also, if you spend the night in Ollantaytambo before your trek (if you are doing the Inca Trail), we will pick you up from there.
What time does the train leave Aguas Calientes?
It depends on the availability of the train (in high season it can be sold out), but the idea is that you have as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the breathtaking views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore, we normally book the train at 14:55 or 15:20. With this schedule, you will have plenty of time to enjoy Machu Picchu.
Vistadome Train Upgrade: How much does it cost?
The upgrade to the Vistadome train, which has slightly nicer seats, panoramic windows and roof windows. You will be offered some snacks and there will be a dance show on board. The price is 60 USD per person. There is a 2 hour train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cuzco by bus. Our clients are usually back at their hotel by 7 pm.
Tipping.
If you are satisfied with the services rendered, a tip – although not obligatory – is appreciated. Of course, you are free to tip as you see fit, depending on your perception of quality and the length of your trip. Remember that tipping is not mandatory and that you should only tip when you receive excellent service. Although it may not be customary in your country, it is of great importance to the people who will serve you during your trip. It is an ingrained custom in the tourism industry in many Guiding cusco destinations.
Are they sustainable?
Yes, we are a local operator of sustainable and responsible tourism, which incorporates the universal principles of tourism: protecting the environment and benefiting local communities while respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the places and the local people.