FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
FLIGHT INFORMATION
To Peru (Lima): All international flights arrive via Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. If your flight arrives late at night (after the last flight to Cusco), or if you would like to spend a few days in Lima, we are happy to arrange a hotel for you. Please contact us for more information.
ACCOMMODATION IN CUSCO
In order to become accustomed to Cusco’s altitude, (3400 meters / 11,000 feet), we always recommend our guests to arrive two or three days before beginning their tour. This also gives visitors plenty of time to explore the stunning historic city of Cusco. Please contact us for recommendations on suitable accommodations in Cusco, before and after your tour.
INSURANCE
PHYSICAL CONDITION AND ALTITUDE
Traveling at higher altitude requires a good level of general fitness. Our published tour itineraries include the hours trekked each day and the approximate altitude. As preparation, we strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least two or three days before the tour to acclimate to the higher altitude. You can find more information about traveling at higher altitude here:
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
PASSPORT AND VISA
CURRENCY
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol. Although you can sometimes use U.S. Dollars in stores and restaurants in Cusco, it is not guaranteed. Therefore, it is advisable to always carry soles on you. You can exchange your money in many places including the airport, in banks, or in currency exchange companies. You can also use your credit/debit card at ATMs across the country (there is often a fee to use a foreign card at Peruvian banks to withdraw money).
SPANISH LANGUAGE
You do not need to be fluent in Spanish to come to Peru, but it is good to learn some basic words and phrases, such as how to ask for directions, how to order in a restaurant, or how to ask for something in a store.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
To travel independently on our tours you must be at least 18 years of age. There are no upper age limits, however, all travelers are required to fill out a medical questionnaire and consider their health before participating. Our tours are also available to children over the age of 7 who are accompanied by an adult.
TRAVELLING COMPANIONS AND GROUP SIZES
GUIDES
All of our guides are educated in the field of tourism, have received first aid assistance training and are fluent in English. We also have guides who offer tours in Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Portuguese. All guides have excellent knowledge about local flora and fauna as well as Peru's history, geography and culture.
WHILE IN PERU
GETTING TO AND FROM CUSCO AIRPORT
The most common mode of transportation to and from the Alejandro Velaso Astete International Airport are taxis. Inside the airport near the baggage claim area, the official taxi company Llama Taxi can reserve a ride for you. These vehicles tend to be more modern than the unofficial taxis located outside the airport. A ride from the airport to the city center, Plaza de Armas or nearby hotels is around 45/55 soles ($15 USD).
TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSFER DURING TOURS
Transportation (car, bus or train) and transfers are included in the itinerary of our tours. On the first day, a member of the Peru Ecocamp’s staff will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco.
TREKKING TRAILS
All the trekking routes we select are well maintained and safe. You will be guaranteed an authentic trekking experience with stunning and unspoiled scenery. Each day’s trekking will be different, as we pass through a range of ecosystems.
DIFFICULTY OF THE SALKANTAY TRAIL
ALTITUDE SICKNESS AND ALTITUDE OF SALKANTAY TRAIL
DIETARY NEEDS AND FOOD AT THE ECOCAMPS
The food at our Ecocamps is undeniably a highlight of the trip. Our wonderful chefs prepare nutritious meals appropriate for a trek through the mountains. The food is locally sourced, even coming from the organic gardens in some of our camps. The menu is Peruvian inspired and will be sure to include quinoa, hearty soups, sublime Lomo Saltado and many fresh fruits and vegetables
SALKANTAY DURING THE RAINY SEASON
MACHU PICCHU TOUR
You will have a guided tour of the ruins that lasts approximately 2-3 hours, after which you will have 2-3 hours more to spend on your own. You will have the option to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu or simply stroll around the Incan Citadel and explore. You can take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes any time you like after the guided tour.
TIPPING AND EXTRA MONEY
At our Ecocamps, you can pay for extra services (relaxing massages, mountain bikes, horse riding, cooking classes, and alcoholic beverages) with your credit card. Tipping is appreciated by our local guides and staff, entirely at the individual guest’s discretion.