Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Cusco Land Expeditions
Welcome to FAQ Page
1. Machu Picchu & Trekking
The Classic Inca Trail (4 days) is a historical and archaeological route that follows original stone paths built by the Inkas, entering Machu Picchu directly through the famous Sun Gate (Intipunku). The Salkantay Trek (5 days) is a rugged adventure trek focused on dramatic mountain vistas, pristine glacial lakes, and high passes; it is the absolute best scenic alternative when Inca Trail permits are sold out.
This is our premier budget-friendly option designed for backpackers and economical travelers. We travel by bus from Cusco through the spectacular high brow of the Amazon to the Hydroelectric station. From there, we enjoy a flat, scenic 3-hour hike (11 km) along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes town (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
Your packing list must include: well-broken-in trekking boots, high-quality thermal layers for cold nights, a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, a headlamp, and a 30L daypack. Trekking poles with rubber tips are highly recommended to protect the ancient trails; you can rent them directly from our office in Cusco.
2. Planning & Bookings
Due to massive international demand and strictly limited daily government permits, we highly recommend booking the Classic Inca Trail or Huayna Picchu mountain 4 to 6 months in advance. For popular day tours (like Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain) or alternative treks like Salkantay, booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance is usually sufficient.
It is mandatory to carry your physical, Original Passport at all times. Digital photos or photocopies are not accepted at Machu Picchu or Inca Trail checkpoints. If you booked your tour with a student discount, you must also present your valid, physical original university ID card.
Absolutely! At Cusco Land Expeditions, our professional mountain chefs are experts at accommodating specialized diets. We offer high-quality vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific menus at no additional cost. Please inform us of your dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Yes, we highly recommend carrying cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN). While most places in Cusco city accept credit cards, local communities, mountain campsites, and rural routes only accept cash. You will need it for tipping porters and guides, using public restrooms, buying snacks, bottled water, or local souvenirs.
3. Jungle & Adventure Tours
Pack lightweight, quick-dry, long-sleeved shirts and long pants (light colors are best to avoid attracting mosquitoes). Bring strong insect repellent, a sun hat, binoculars for birdwatching, and dry bags to protect your cameras and electronic equipment from tropical humidity.
Absolutely. Safety is our core priority at Cusco Land Expeditions. We work exclusively with certified professional adventure guides and utilize top-tier safety gear (including high-buoyancy life jackets, modern helmets, and full-suspension bikes) that strictly meet international safety standards.
4. General Destination Info
The dry season (April to October) delivers clear blue skies and sunny days, which is excellent for photography and high-altitude trekking. The rainy season (November to March) showcases the Andes at their greenest and most vibrant, offering milder night temperatures and significantly smaller crowds at the major archaeological sites.
We are a fully licensed, highly trusted local tour operator based directly in Cusco. We possess deep, firsthand knowledge of our territory, offer customized itineraries, and travel in small groups. Furthermore, we guarantee fair wages and ethical treatment for our porters and field staff, while maintaining a strict commitment to eco-tourism and nature conservation.
5. Payments & Booking Policies
We secure booking slots and government permits through a secure PayPal deposit representing 50% of your total tour price. Please note that PayPal transactions entail an 8% processing fee covered by the client. The remaining 50% balance is easily paid in cash (USD or PEN) at our Cusco office during your pre-tour briefing session.
Cancellation policies depend strictly on your booked itinerary. Peruvian government regulations dictate that official Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and tied to your passport number. For alternative multi-day treks or single day tours, we offer flexible rescheduling alternatives upon early notice, subject to availability.
6. Altitude & Health
Cusco sits at an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,154 feet). To prevent altitude sickness, we strongly advise arriving in Cusco at least 48 hours prior to starting any strenuous trek. During your first days, rest, avoid heavy meals, stay well-hydrated, and drink traditional coca tea. All Cusco Land Expeditions guides are fully certified in wilderness first aid and carry emergency medical oxygen tanks on all excursions.
Both hikes are considered moderate-to-high difficulty due to the extreme altitude, as both destinations exceed 4,200 masl (13,779 ft), with Rainbow Mountain reaching 5,200 masl (17,060 ft). They do not require technical climbing skills, but proper acclimation in Cusco for at least 2 days is mandatory to complete them safely.
For our expeditions into the Amazon rainforest at Manu National Park, the Yellow Fever vaccination is highly recommended. It must be administered at least 10 days before your arrival in the jungle. We also recommend packing high-concentration insect repellent (DEET).
Ready to Plan Your Next Adventure?
Contact us online or by phone at +51 946 311 749 and one of our Travel Specialists will be happy to assist you.
We are an experienced travel agency, with quality and reliable services, we thank your trust deposited to provide a quality service
About Us
Photo Gallery
© All Rights Reserved – Cusco Land Expeditions Updated To 2026.
