We will pick you up between 03:00 hrs. – 03:15 hrs. Then we are going to set out on a drive through the South Valley. The drive takes around 2 hours to get Pitumarca District where we are going to stop for breakfast.  After that we are going to drive you 1.5 hours more to Quesiuno community (4,326 m / 14,189 ft.), where we are going to start with the trekking of 3 hours approx. long to the rainbow mountain (most of the way is going up). In the way up we are going to be able to enjoy amazing landscapes of herds of alpacas and llamas, the Ausangate Mountain, many red mountains and traditional local houses. When we finally reach our goal the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,466 ft.), you will have time to explore the area and take pictures. We will spend approximately  30 minutes to 1 hour (depend of the weather conditions and our group conditions).

After the amazing view of the landscapes on the top we are going to down to the beginning of our trekking point, that take  2 hours approx. (Quesiuno community) where we are going to take our transportation to Pitumarca District  to have lunch. Then you are going to be drive to Cusco, and drop you off at your hotel.

Included:

• Pick up from you hotel.
• Round trip transportation in our bus (bed sit).
• 1 Breakfast 
• 1 Buffet lunch (eat as much as you like!)
• Hot drinks.
• Snacks.
• Professional Tour Guide.
• Assistant tour Guide (only for 9 people or more)
• First Aid kit and Oxygen bottle.
• Entrance fee.
• Horse for emergencies.

Not included:

• Alcoholic drinks and others not mentioned on the list
• Walking stick USD 5.00 (each).
• Dinner.
• Rain poncho (can be bought anywhere in the city or along the trail).
• Horse for entire trip (USD 40.00)

What you need to take:

• Daypack, warm clothes (scarf, sweaters, rainjacket, gloves)
• Walking boots.
• Walking sticks
• Rain poncho
• Sun hat + sunglasses.
• Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• Suncream
• Extra money, minimum 250.00 soles (USD $80.00)

Level of difficulty:

• Moderately difficult/Challenging.

ESSENTIALS:

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Handsanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toiletpaper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

PassportValid, STUDENT card (if you booked as a student)Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)Good daypack (the smaller, the better)Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

• Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
• Sunhat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (IPhone)
• Handsanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

We run this tour only as a Private Service

USD 90.00 per person for a Group of 2 people (prices reduce if there are more people in the group)

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)

The Rainbow Mountain of Peru, also known as Winicunca, is stunning and can be seen on the spectacular Ausangate area. This trip that allows you to see the Rainbow Mountains requires a trek of at least 6 days (3 hours each way up and down the mountain) .

On this trek you will see quaint villages, beautiful adobe style houses, herds of llamas and alpacas and you will have magnificent views of the Ausangate Mountain (6,385 m / 20,945 ft.), the highest mountain in Cusco region.