DAY 1: CUSCO – AUSANGATE – ANANTA

We will start by picking you up from your hotel at 04:00 a.m. The car will depart from Cusco to the beginning of the journey, approximately 3 to 4 hours of travel; where we will have our breakfast before starting the trek. While we will be advancing, we will arrive at the first pass of Pucaccocha, from here we will be able to observe the majestic Ausangate glacier and its glistening lakes. We will stop for lunch on the way, in the afternoon, we will arrive at our camp in Ananta where we will have dinner and rest.

• Distance: 14km/ 8.7 miles
• Elevation: 4200m-5000m
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours

DAY 2: ANANTA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO

We will get up very early to consume our delicious breakfast, it is an important day because we will reach our goal, reach the “Mountain of Colors”. We will begin the ascent towards the mountain of colors, arrive there you will be able to enjoy the fascinating landscapes, you will be able to explore, take time to be able to cross the place and take good photos. We will conclude the trip with lunch before traveling to the city of Cusco. Our transport will be waiting for us to return to Cusco.

• Distance: 18km/ 11 miles
• Elevation: 5000m-5200m-4200m
• Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Includes:

• Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. At this time, we will provide you with the duffle bags which will be carried by our horses. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM 01 or 02 Days before the trip begins.
• Professional English Speaking Tour Guide.
• Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 8+.
• Pickup and drop off from any hotel in Cusco
• All transportation.
• 1 Breakfast, 2 Boxed Lunch, 2  lunch , 1 Dinner. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food please let us know.
• Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the trek when you need to bring your own).
• Trekking poles
• Dining tent, chairs & tables
• Private toilet
• Taxes
• Oxygen bottle.
• First aid kit.
• Entrance to fee for the Rainbow Mountain.

Does not include:

• Tips for your crew
• Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING.

• Original Passport
• Hiking Boots
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts (quick dry)
• Comfortable Trekking Pants
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen (SPF 35+)
• Toiletries and hand sanitiser
• Personal medication
• Camera and film
• Flashlite with spare batteries (or a environmental friendly option)

CONSIDERATIONS:

As you embark on a trip of a lifetime, we want to make sure you are fully prepared. Our treks are challenging and often take place in rugged and isolated terrain. Hikers should be reasonably fit and healthy. Remember you are trekking at a high elevation (anywhere between 4200m (14,000ft) and 5100m (17,000ft)), you should be rested up to start this journey. We highly recommend spending at least two to three days in Cusco or similar elevation to acclimatize prior to your trek, and drink plenty of water while in elevation. If you are concerned with the altitude or have never trekked in high altitude before please consult your doctor for proper advice to prevent altitude sickness.

OPTIONAL Items to bring*

• Small presents for kids of villages along the trail such as school supplies, second hand clothes, etc. (Please no candies!)

MULTI-DAY TREK

• Day pack with Rain cover
• Trekking shoes (we recommend Gortex)
• Camping shoes/ sandals- to wear in the evenings
• Extra socks (wool is best)
• Hiking pants and shirts- layers
• WARM CLOTHES- mornings and evenings are cold
• - Thermal base layer
• - Fleece and Sweater
• - Insulated Jacket
• - Stocking hat, gloves, scarf
• Rain Jacket or Poncho
• Rain pants
• Camping pillow
• Torch/ headlamp
• Sunhat and sunglasses
• Sun cream
• Lip Balm
• Reusable water bottle or Bladder
• Personal snacks (optional)
• Personal medications
• Camera/ extra battery
• Cash (if you'd like to purchase souvenirs

Why choose Inca Footsteps?

With many years of experience organizing treks and tours, Inca Footsteps is one of the top operators in Peru and has built up an excellent record with our customers. We always aim to offer an excellent service to each and every person and are constantly looking for ways we can improve to make your trip a lifetime memorable experience.

Another very important reason to book with us: You can guarantee that you will be going on a fair and ethical trip. Inca Footsteps is the leader in sustainable tourism here in Cusco We work with Local people that live along the trails we are going so we can really see the heart of our Andean Inca Culture by walking with Locals.

How is the weather in Peru?

Peru’s climate varies depending on where you visit. On the coast it is usually quite hot although during the winter (April-August) it can get chilly early in the morning and at night. In the Andes there are two main seasons - wet and dry. The wet season runs from November to April and is wet but usually warmer overall. The dry season runs from May to October and has hot clear days but cold nights.

The only one thing you can say about the weather in Peru is that it is difficult to accurately predict. You can beautifully clear hot days in the middle of the wet season and hail storms in the dry season – it’s one of the beauties of Peru.

What vaccines do I need for Peru?

You should always consult your local travel clinic regarding vaccines. In general the regular vaccines such as Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio etc, are recommended. If you are visiting the low-land jungle then Yellow Fever is recommended.

Do I need to be fit to do one of your treks?

 All of our treks (the Inca Trail, Salkantay and Ausangate etc.) are moderately difficult, long and mountainous. We highly recommend that you are relatively fit and acclimatized to altitude (a minimum of 2 days at altitude) before undertaking them.  During the months (or at the very least, one month) before your trip, you should take regular, moderate exercise.  We want you to have an amazing experience and the fitter you are, the more enjoyable the treks will be.

How can I book a place on one of your Treks/tours?

Check out at info@incafootsteps.com for more information!

Why do I need to send a deposit?

We use your deposit (Non-refundable) to pay official fees when making your official reservation. For example, we need to pay tourist and porter’s entrance fees and taxes (20%). We also use it to secure cooks, porters and horses for our different treks.

How can I pay my deposit / final balance?

Deposits for treks can be paid using Western Union or Pay Pal.

1. Western Union: We prefer to receive deposit through Wester Union  simply because we are  100 %  Local company , So the agencies which are using   MasterCard and Visa Payment on Line is because they are not 100% local company be aware of that if you want to travel with a 100% local agency with no international partnership in anyway.
2. Paypal: (for alternative treks and Inca Trail and tour reservations deposits). To make your deposit by Paypal you need a Paypal account, the address to send your deposit to is deposits@incafootsteps.com

Final balances for all our treks need to be paid in cash (Soles or US Dollars) 48 hours prior to departure at the latest. Payment must be made in cash at our office. 

What’s altitude sickness?

What Causes Altitude Illnesses: 

The primary cause of altitude illnesses is going too high too quickly. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen at specific altitudes. This is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1 to 3 nights at a given altitude.   

Prevention of Altitude Illnesses: 

Prevention of altitude illnesses falls into two categories, proper acclimatization and preventive medications. Below are a few basic guidelines for proper acclimatization. Start below 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and walk up.    

• Do not over-exert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours.   
• If you go above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), only increase your sleeping elevation by 1,000 feet (305 meters) per day and for every 3,000 feet (915 meters) of elevation gained, take a rest day.     
• If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude illness, do not go higher until symptoms decrease.    
• If symptoms increase, go down, down, down!    
• Keep in mind that different people will acclimatize at different rates. 
• Stay properly hydrated.
• Take it easy; do not over-exert yourself when you first get up to altitude.    
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills.     
• Eat a high carbohydrate diet while at altitude.    

Preventive Medications (requiring prescriptions):

• Diamox (Acetazolamide) changes acid balance which allows you to increase breathing and improve oxygen uptake - the same mechanism as in normal acclimatization, but faster.
• Dexamethasone (a steroid) is a drug that decreases brain and other swelling, helping to reverse the effects.

Is the number of visitors to Machu Picchu limited like those of the Inca Trail?

The number of visitors to the archeological site of Machu Picchu has a limit of 3,300 per day between foreign tourists and national tourists, which is an attempt to keep in line with UNESCO recommendations. During July 2011, several visitors were unable to secure an entrance ticket when they arrived at Aguas Calientes. Therefore, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season. The trains are usually full so make your reservations in advance. You can book your visit to MP only or a ticket including the Huayna Picchu trek.

Hows`s the shorter 2 day 1 night Inca Trail?

The shorter Inca Trail is for those visitors with limited time on their hands or who just want to take things a little bit easier but still trek the Inca Trail. This trek starts at km104 and ascends to the Archeological site of Wiñay Wayna before continuing on to MP. Since you do not have much time at MP on the first day, most people spend the night at the town of Aguas Calientes and return to MP again the following day. This trail is subject to the Inca Trail regulations and trek permits must be reserved in advance as well.

Is there a waiting list?

There is no such thing as a WAITLIST / CANCELLATION LIST. If any agency tells you that they can do this, they are simply not telling the truth and are operating illegally! It’s as simple as if a passenger cancels their space is not given to anybody else - period!

Is it possible to enter with a differente ID?

No, you need to carry a valid ID (passport) with the name you used during your booking to enter the park.    

What’s an extra porter? Do I need one?

We always ask you if you want to be help with a personal porter to carry your extra luggage (sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, clothes, etc). This is a good idea if you are not used to hike. It helps you enjoy the trail more!

 You can then walk with just your daypack carrying whatever you need for the day like water, sunblock, rain jacket, camera, snacks, etc. Just to keep it light!

Student discount with a Valid ISIC card.

If you are a student until 25 years old. Peruvians and foreigners students only Pre-Grade with University student card get from the same University, like credit card material (with 4 request print it, 1) University Name, 2) Student Name 3) Student Picture 4)Expiration Date.) Once you arrive to Machupicchu you have to show the original ones. Then you are entitled to a discount. (USD20.00). In order to claim this discount you need to provide the agency with a scanned in copy of your University student card. If you do not have your card with you on the trail you will be obliged to pay the full fare.

What’s the group size?

The maximum allowed group size is 12 with 19 porters. Normally our group tours are between 6 (with 14 porters) to 10 (with 16 porters) in average.  

What about toilets?

Toilets have improved a lot in the last couple of years and all of the larger campsites have toilet blocks with flush toilets and running water. On the whole they are kept pretty clean. If you do need to go to the toilet between campsites then defecate well away from the trail and water supplies; dig a hole, or cover your feces with a rock, and take the paper with you in a bag to deposit in one of the several bins along the way. There are hot shower facilities in Wiñay Wayna on day 3, although they are usually unclean.

Important: As a sustainable tourism operator and to show how much we care for our porters we do NOT take portable toilets. 

What should I do as my trek date approaches?

Please come by the agency at least 48 hours prior to your tour to meet, finalize details, pay your balance and organize your pre-trek talk (if applicable - Inca Trail / alternative treks).

How is the food on the treks?

Many people comment that our food they eat on the treks is the best they get whilst in Peru.

A sample menu is as follows:

• Breakfast - Porridge, toast, butter, jam, pancakes, fruit salad, yogurt with hot chocolate, coffee and a variety of teas.
• Snack - Every day you are provided with a snack to eat whilst trekking, this is usually something like a power bar + fruit or biscuits + fruit.
• Lunch - Soup + a main course ranging from Lomo Saltado, Causa Rellena, Trout, and Spaghetti Bolognese etc. served with rice and garlic bread
• Happy Hour - Every afternoon around 5pm we serve hot chocolate, tea, popcorn, biscuits, bread and jam, etc.
• Dinner - See the main courses served at lunch.

NOTE: If you are vegetarian or vegan do not worry we also have those options, please let us know in advance to make sure you will be feed as vegetarian

Where are we located?

Our office is located at Av. Garcilazo 180 Office 102 (right in front of post office).

What are our opening hours?

We are open from 9:00 am – 13:00 pm and 15:00 pm – 19:00 pm (Mon - Sat)

02 DAY – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN /VININCUNCA TREK

This new tour 02 Day – Rainbow Mountain /Vinincunca Trek, will captivate you with its beautiful landscapes and small towns that await mysteries. Our only company will be the curious Alpacas, Llamas and Vicunas that we will observe along the way. On the way, we will have a combination of incredible landscapes, snow-capped and colorful mountains. We will enjoy an amazing night with a sky full of stars and the Milky Way that will leave you bewildered. This is a new alternative for those who wish to have an adventure that will leave you breathless.