PERU CULTURAL 8D/7N

TOUR INFO

The majority of the altitude points on the Inca Trail are lower than the altitude of Cusco (3400m/ 11,155ft,) making Cusco the perfect place to acclimatize for several days before your trek.

The Classic Inca Trail begins at a place called Kilometer 82, at 2,600/ 8520ft. From Km 82, the trail gently descends for the morning, before making an afternoon ascent to Yuncachimpa, at 3,152m/ 10,341ft.

The second day of the Inca Trail is the most challenging, as the trail climbs to over 4,200m/ 13,780ft to summit the Dead Woman Pass. At this point, you will most likely feel the effects of the altitude as there will be less oxygen in the air. From the pass, the trail will descend for several hours to the camp of Caquiccocha, at 3,600m/ 11,811ft.

From Chaquiccocha, the trail will gently descend to the Sun Gate, onwards to Machu Picchu at

2,400m/ 7874ft.

Group Services:

You will be joining a group of trekkers who come from all over the world, providing you a great opportunity to make new friends and have fun. Our Group Services have set dates and require at least 4 persons to open the group. Groups with four or more persons will pay the set expedition price. In the case that a group does not have four or more persons, the price will be divided among participants.

Private Services:

We also offer exclusive tours, arranged just for you and your party. You choose the departure date, group size and the duration of the trek. Our Private Services accommodate your physical pace and your food preferences. Private Services means enjoying quieter campsites and meeting fewer travelers along the route. All private groups include additional services, such as extra porters/wranglers to carry your personal belongings, and extra blankets and pillows for ultimate comfort.

Why Choose Southern Peru Explorers?

Our Approach

Often times, tour agencies here in Cusco only serve as intermediaries who connect visitors with a third party tour company. At Southern Peru Explorers, we are proud to say that we operate all of our own treks, enabling us to uphold the highest tour standards, minimize miscommunications, and give you the personalized service that you deserve.

Our Values

We are also proud to say that we value and treat all of our staff, paying our porters, chefs, wranglers, and guides, on average 20% higher than other tour companies. We supply our staff with all the necessary supplies for treks, such as ample food, sleeping bags, clothing, boots, and back support. And, we also guarantee our staff a minimum number of treks per month, and a stable income throughout the year, helping to relieve some of the uncertainties that can arise when working with other tour agencies during low season.

Our Guides

Southern Peru Explorers has great guides! We recruit some of the best guides in the region, all backed by years of experience, proper licensing, updated certifications, and excellent client reviews. We have guides that specialize in bird watching, spiritualism, flora & fauna, archaeology, history, architecture, and anthropology. These same guides also run our traditional treks, giving you a rich overlay of thematic expertise in addition to the general explanations you will receive. All of our guides are fluent in English and Spanish, and we can provide guides that speak French, German, Italian, Chinese and Japanese upon request. Most importantly, all of our guides are trained in Advanced First Aid & Rescue to ensure your utmost safety on the trails. We also limit our groups to 12 people to ensure that you’ll receive personal attention and not feel lost among the crowd.

Our State-of-the-Art Equipment

Southern Peru Explorers uses top-of-the-line equipment from brand names such as North Face, Doite, and Eureka. We frequently test, maintain and renew our equipment to ensure your comfort and safety, no matter the weather conditions.

Our Food Quality and Safety

On our treks, we provide you with snacks and tea in addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We are attentive to your dietary restrictions and preferences and we’re happy to accommodate a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, Atkins diet, etc. at no additional cost. We do not pack processed and packaged junk foods, but instead prepare dishes with quality, natural ingredients from the area. All of our chefs are trained in HACCP hygiene practices and cook with purified water to keep you safe and healthy throughout your trek.

Our Commitment to the Environment

Southern Peru Explorers adheres to a strict, leave-no-trace policy. We use biodegradable soaps, dishwashing liquids, and garbage bags. We pack out every single thing that we carry in and we participate in trail-cleaning initiatives year-round.

We’re Legit

Southern Peru Explorers operates lawfully. Many tour operators do not declare all of their sales or alter their earnings to avoid paying certain taxes. Here at Southern Peru Explorers, we pay an 18% sales tax, a consumption tax, and a 30% income tax.

Our Reviews

Southern Peru Explorers has satisfied customers. On our Trip Advisor page, you can read many testimonials and reviews from content customers with wonderful memories. We have been operating since 2013, proving our consistency and reliability in the services we provide.

Our prices reflect the integrity of our services. By supporting responsible tour companies like us, you are promoting the preservation of the land and helping rather than hurting local communities.

Inquire Now- Book Now

To hike the Inca Trail, you must have a permit, which we will obtain for you. The first step to booking your trek is to make sure government permits are still available for your desired start date.

The Availability Calendar below is an interactive tool provided by the Peruvian Government for all tour operators who are authorized to operate on the Inca Trail. The maximum number of Inca Trail permits per day is 500. The support staff is included within these five hundred, meaning that approximately 200 permits are allocated for tourists and the remaining 300 are for cooks, porters, and guides.

This Availability Calendar is updated in real time. Availability information here corresponds to the Classic Four Day Trek. You just need a permit for your start date. If permits for your desired date are Sold Out, we recommend that you make a reservation for the following year, or that you consider an alternative trek to get to Machu Picchu, such as the Short Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed for maintenance during February each year and is reopened to the public on March 1.

In selecting your permits, here are some things you should take into account:

• All Inca Trail operators and agencies share this same calendar, updated in real time by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.

• The number of availabilities can change rapidly. Agencies usually reserve 30 spaces. Do not be surprised if available spaces become sold out quickly.

• The availabilities shown are for the Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek, The Classic Inca Trail 4 Day Trek, and the Inca Trail 5 Day Trek.

• Availability is exclusively administered by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.

• The Inca Trail is closed for maintenance for the entire month of February and reopens to the public on March 1.

PERU CULTURAL  8D/7N

WHAT TREKS ARE AVAILABLE IN PERU?

The notorious Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is just one of the many breath-taking treks available here in Peru. While the Inca Trail is subject to various restrictions and limited access, there are alternative treks, such as the Salkantay Trek and the Lares Trek, that are easier to arrange and are just as rewarding.

HOW DO I BOOK A TREK WITH SOUTHERN PERUVIAN EXPLORERS?

We seek to make booking with Southern Peruvian Expeditions a piece of cake. Send us an email via our contact form on our website including all of the details of your party on one form. We will be in touch with you shortly regarding a 50% deposit we ask per person, which can be made separately or together. Once we receive your deposit and details, we will reserve your permits, and then send you a confirmation email regarding your trip with an attached invoice.

HOW DO I GET A PERMIT FOR THE INCA TRAIL?

Only authorized Inca Trail tour operators like Southern Peruvian Explorers can secure permits from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Once we reserve your permit, your name and start date cannot be altered under any circumstance; we will only be able to change your passport number.

To change your passport number, the Ministry of Culture requires a copy of your new passport and old passport. If you do not have your old passport, a government-issued ID with the same name will be accepted.

HOW DO I GET TO CUSCO?

Most visitors arrive in Cusco by plane. The Cusco airport is a domestic travel airport only, so if you are coming directly from abroad via Lima, it is imperative that you claim your bags in Lima and re-check them for Cusco. Five airlines fly roundtrip between Lima and Cusco: LATAM, Avianca, Star Peru, Peruvian, and Sky. We recommend LATAM and Aviana, as they tend to be the most reliable and accommodating when there are flight cancellations and delays.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN CUSCO?

Cusco is full of beautiful and unique hotels, hostels and AirBNBs. The choice is truly yours. That being said, there are parts of the historic center that are difficult, if not impossible to navigate by car. We will let you know in advance if we cannot pick you up from your accommodation, in which case, we will arrange another meeting point. We are also happy to provide a list of hotel recommendations per request.

WHAT IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS? HOW CAN I PREVENT IT?

Cusco sits at 3399m/ 11,152ft above sea level and the majority of our treks are located at similar, if not, higher altitudes. Because of this, some guests experience symptoms of altitude sickness as their body adjusts to the change in altitude. A general, but not an exhaustive list of symptoms include headaches, exhaustion, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting.

To help acclimatize to the altitude here in the Andes, we recommend that you get sufficient sleep, drink plenty of water, eat easily-digestible foods, drink coca tea with a little bit of sugar added, and take it easy on physical activity for the first few days. You can also ask your Doctor about the following medications to help with altitude acclimatization: Diamox, Sorochi, and Grovol. All of these medications can be found in Peruvian drugstores.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY?

If you would prefer to stay in the Sacred Valley, we recommend that you stay in Ollantaytambo, a beautiful town that is located on the way to the Inca Trail. We will pick you up in Ollantaytambo, about an hour and a half after collecting our guests in Cusco. Nonetheless, it is imperative that you attend the pre-expedition briefing that we give in Cusco. If you are considering staying in the Sacred Valley before your trek, please contact us to arrange an expedition briefing time that suits your plans.

CAN I SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES?

Yes, please let us know one month in advance so that we can purchase your train ticket for the following day. The return train ticket is included in the expedition cost, however, you are responsible for all additional costs incurred, such as food and lodging.

WHAT TYPE OF ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ARE USED IN PERU?

Most hotels and homes in Peru have electrical outlets that are suitable for the standard US outlet and the South American outlet.

DURING THE TREK

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK?

Most of the treks in Cusco are considered to be moderately difficult. While being relatively fit can help you get the most out of your experience and complete your trek comfortably, we believe the largest factor to consider is the altitude. The majority of our treks are above 3000m/ 10,000ft sea level We strongly recommend that you acclimatize in Cusco for at least two days before departing on your trek. If you want to train for your trek, we suggest that you do stair exercises and use the treadmill on the steep incline.

DO I NEED HIKING BOOTS?

The Inca Trail involves climbing down ancient Inca-made steps that vary in height. To give extra support to your ankles, we suggest that you pack light hiking boots that cover and protect the ankles.

SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS?

Like sturdy hiking boots, the use of walking sticks will lessen the impact on your knees and feet as we walk down many many Incan stairs. Walking sticks will also come in handy during our steep ascents! If you choose to bring walking sticks, make sure that the sticks have rubber tips on the ends. If not, the park ranger will not permit you to use them. You can purchase rubber tips here in Cusco, in case you forget yours at home!

WHAT IS THE WEIGHT LIMIT FOR LUGGAGE ON TREKS?

At the briefing, we will give you a personal duffel bag to pack all of your personal belongings. This duffel will be carried by our team of porters, and thus should not exceed more than 7kgs /15.4 lbs, including your Southern Peruvian Explorers sleeping bag and air mattress. You will not have access to your duffel bag during the day, so all personal items needed for hiking (e.g. water bottle, camera, extra layers, sunglasses, sunscreen) should be packed in a personal day pack.

WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE?

All luggage that is not necessary for the trek should stay in Cusco. The majority of hotels and hostels here in Cusco will store your luggage at no extra cost to the guest. We are also willing to store your luggage at our Southern Peruvian Explorers headquarters, located at Calle Garcilaso 265.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER?

Generally speaking, the dry season runs from April to September, and the rainy season is from November to February. March and October are typically transitionary months, with both rain and intense sun. That being said, the climate patterns here in Peru have been changing drastically in the past few years. Prepare for both sun and rain by packing a brimmed hat, sunscreen and a waterproof layer. The temperatures here in Cusco remain relatively consistent all year, with cold mornings and evenings. Pack a fleece and down layer to keep warm at night and for the start of our hike each morning. By mid-morning, when the sun is bright, you will most likely want short sleeves for hiking. We recommend that you pack layers, both in your duffel and your day bag so that you will always have options.

IS IT CUSTOM TO TIP GUIDES AND PORTERS? IF SO, HOW MUCH IS RECOMMENDED?

On the final day of your trek, there is a tipping custom. All hikers will put their tips together to give to the guide and to the chef. The chef is responsible for distributing the money equally among all of the cooks and porters. We advise that you tip between $30 and $75, according to the level of service you believe you have received.

If you have additional questions that we have not addressed here, please contact us directly using the contact form on our website!