Technically yes! However, we highly recommend to go with a support team and guide to have a good experience and travelling without worries.
Few days of acclimatization before you start a trek is very important as it will help to reduce the risk of you getting altitude sickness on your trek.
Considering you are an experienced hiker, the distances and heights listed in the trek itineraries will seem short, but we need to consider that many of the treks involve steep climbs and descends which makes a difference to how hard a trek can be.
If you are thinking to stay in Cusco, exploring the city, taking a sacred valley tour or just relaxing, besides your multi-day trek. Please Contact us. We will arrange the best itinerary to help you acclimatize since Cusco is located in a Region with different heights.
Absolutely yes! You know your child(ren) best.
If they are active and like to hike, definitely they will be more than happy with these options. However, it helps a lot if they have some hiking experience so they have an idea what to expect.
Some companies recommend 8 years as minimum age.
According national regulations, the Inca Trail only closes during February.
Salkantay, Lares, Huchuy Qosqo, Ausangate, Choquequirao and other short treks don’t close.
There is no road to Aguas Calientes which is the village at the base of Machupicchu, however there are 2 ways to get there:
30 min. from Cusco hotel to Poroy train station.
2 h. from Cusco hotel to Ollantaytambo train station
30 – 40 min. from any other hotel in Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo train station.
30 min. from Poroy train station to Cusco hotel.
More info? please do not hesitate to contact us info@overandestravel.com
Machupicchu park is daily open from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm considering last entry around 4:00 pm.
You must be at the control point/trail head, between the time specified with your ticket and your passport. A ticket is valid only for a specific timeslot.
Buses are running every 15 min between 5:30 am to 5:30pm or more often at peak times, the only bus company is Consettur, so no other vehicles can be found except for ministry of culture vehicles.
*The bus ticket is valid for any time, any seat and any bus during day
You can hike to Machupicchu from Aguas Calientes, approximately it takes 1 h. and 30 minutes but this is a steep uphill hike, the hiking trail cuts through the switchbacks, this trail is over 2 miles. On the way down it is a little less time.
Walking sticks are not allowed in Machupicchu, unless you are over 60 or have a doctor´s note saying you need to use them, in case you bring them into the site they must have the rubber tips.
Cusco city and associated destination are busy almost all year around.
Tends to be June – August, coinciding with European and North American Holydays.
Machupicchu opens all year around, but during April to November receives a high tourist traffic. However, afternoons are the quietest periods to visit.
According your activities, you will need different clothes/equipment, however here we list some essentials and important stuff you should bring with you.
* A complete trekking pack list for each trek can be found on our different tours – treks.
Normally we do not place a limit on luggage in Cusco, however there are different treks where we have limits due to the different regulations given by the national institutions in charge of the national parks.
The trains have a luggage limits 5 kilograms or 11 lbs. although rarely this is enforced, so we highly recommend to bring an overnight backpack and day pack with you, and the extra luggage you can store in your hotel or in our office in Cusco.
highly recommended a small day pack, with essentials for three or four hours. If you overnight in Aguas Calientes or you are part of a trek and you have a big backpack, luggage or duffle bag, you can store in your hotel.
Depending on if there are porters or horses carrying the equipment, the limits are the following.
You need to consider the extras in case you rented:
Sleeping bag 2 kg/4 pounds.
Inflatable sleeping matrass 1 kg/2 pounds.
Due to the location in the Andes, Cusco Region has only two season:
Dry season | Rainy season |
---|---|
Between May to October | Between November to April |
Machupicchu located in the cloud forest, surrounded by mountains frequently shrouded in mist, specially mornings. Due to its location is more humid and hotter than Cusco.
Machupicchu has a very unstable weather, during dry season at mornings typically is foggy, during day is very clear, but during rainy season frequently is foggy.
You can find good climate charts on www.accuweather.com
There are no required vaccinations for Peru. For those who are thinking to visit the jungle; yellow fever inoculation and Malaria prophylaxis are recommended.
We strongly recommend consulting with a travel health professional for a better information and advices.
Let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. We will always inform to our guides, chefs, restaurants and hotels, and we will make sure everyone is well aware about it.
Some doctors prescribe acetazolamide (Diamox) which is very helpful to prevent the symptoms of the altitude sickness. Talk with your doctor if this is a good option for you.
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The national currency is the Nuevo sol. Although in some hotels, restaurants and big markets nearby to the main square do accept US Dollars. But in small supermarkets or to buy small items you need the Nuevo sol.
A better place to exchange money with good rates will always be in-country, especially in the exchange houses than in the banks. Generally, dollar bills must be in pristine conditions, otherwise they will be rejected or exchanged for a lower rate.
At the moment to change or receive any money check carefully for any tears and rips as well for validity, unfortunately false bills are relatively common in Peru.
Tipping is not obligatory in Peru. However, is a kind gesture, gratefully received after you experience a special time on your tour.
People often tip guides, drivers, waiters and hotel staff, but on your tours you may wish to tip them at the end of your tours instead of each day. You can tip in US dollars or Soles.
*Tips are not included in the price of the tour.
There are 2 options to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket – BTG:
Boleto Turistico General | Duration | Attractions included |
---|---|---|
BTG S/130.00 | 10 days |
Circuito I – Saqsayhuaman
Circuito II – Cusco and South Valley
Circuito III – Sacred Valley
|
Boleto Parcial I – BTCP I S/ 70.00 | 1 day | Circuito I |
Boleto Parcial II – BTCP II S/ 70.00 | 2 days | Circuito II |
Boleto Parcial III – BTCP III S/ 70.00 | 2 days | Circuito III |
Important: These entrances are not included in the Boleto Turistico General.
There are two train companies:
Peru rail has three different train types and the biggest variety of schedules.
Expedition | Vistadome | Hiram Bingham – HB |
---|---|---|
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Overandestravel use this service as part of our standards. |
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Inca rail offers three train categories; Premium economy Class, First Class and Presidential Service (Inca Princess Train). This last one with armchairs, meals and space for only 8 passengers. *this service is charter only.
This company only runs trains from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes – Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Therefore, if we book the tour from October to April it may be possible to enjoy the sunrise. Otherwise the sun will be up before you arrive.
Machupicchu opens at 6:00 am
MONTHS | SUNRISE TIME |
---|---|
MAY – SEPTEMBER | 6:45 AM – 7:15 AM. |
OCTOBER – APRIL | 5:45 am – 6:00 am |
If you have more questions, please feel free to e-mail us using our page contact us