Further Information
Peru
Inca Trail
This document has been compiled by our challenge leaders. Please do take into account your own
personal preferences and common sense! We welcome feedback on how this document can be improved
upon your return from your challenge.
Peru is in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil,
on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.
The Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in South America and is rated by many to be in the top 5 treks in
the world. In just 43km it manages to combine beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, sub-tropical
jungle and of course, a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels. The final destination of the trail Machu Picchu, the mysterious ‘Lost City of the Incas’ - is one of the world’s most important archaeological
finds and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Machu Picchu, meaning ‘Old Mountain’ in Quechua, is a pre-Columbian 15th-century Inca site located 2,430m
above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80km
northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows.
The sunniest and driest months to do the trek are between June and September, but this means the route can
be quite busy. The months of April, May and October and November may be cooler, with fewer walkers on the
trail. Trekking during these months we are rewarded with more flowers and especially orchids
Wet
Average Temperature °C Relative
Average
Days
humidity
Average
Record
Precipitation
Month Sunlight
(+0.25
(hours) Min Max Min Max am pm
(mm)
mm)
Jan
5
7 20 3 28 79 40
163
18
Feb
4
7 21 2 27 85 37
150
13
March
5
7 21 2 26 84 31
109
11
April
7
4 22 -4 26 87 33
51
8
May
8
2 21 -4 26 89 29
15
3
June
8
1 21 -5 25 91 23
5
2
July
8
-1 21 -9 25 95 23
5
2
Aug
8
1 21 -5 25 90 24
10
2
Sept
7
4 22 -1 27 80 26
25
7
Oct
6
6 22 -1 29 73 27
66
8
Nov
7
6 23 1 28 71 26
76
12
Dec
5
7 22 1 27 75 33
137
16
The above information is obtained through BBC weather
Global Adventure Challenges
Red Hill House, Hope Street, Chester, CH4 8BU
Tel: 01244 676454 Fax: 01244 683962
Email: [email protected] Web: www.globaladventurechallenges.com
Peru
Inca Trail
GMT -5 hours
The food in Peru is quite similar to that experienced at home. Most restaurants offer a wide range of dishes.
The staple diet is potato, together with rice and meat and there is a wide variety to choose from. A sample
menu would be soup, stuffed peppers, chicken, rice, chips, fish and pasta salad. All meals (breakfast, lunch
and dinner) are included throughout the itinerary with the exception of dinner on day 7 and lunch on day 8 –
this is free time in Cusco for you to do as you wish.
This is a demanding trek with some strenuous ascents. The terrain can be very rough, as there are many
steps of differing heights to be negotiated – there are some very steep descents too, on the original Inca steps.
No knowledge of technical climbing is needed as this is a trek, but walkers need to be in good physical
condition. The most challenging day by far is the second day we are on the Inca Trail – we climb up to Dead
Woman’s Pass from 2,800m to 4,200m above sea level! The tip today is to go at a slow, steady pace.
The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this challenge. Trekking training tips can be found on our website to
put you in the right direction and Global Adventure Challenges can offer training days and weekends to help
you prepare - please contact us at [email protected].
A typical day on the Inca Trail will consist of waking up around 7am and being served breakfast in the mess
tent (also known as the dining room!). We collect our snacks for the day and set off trekking. There are plenty
of opportunities to stop, have a rest and take photos. The group may stretch out a little along the trail so this
will also allow us to re-group.
Our hot lunch is served on trail in the dining room and we normally spend around 45 min to an hour at lunch,
depending on our progress. There will also be opportunities to re-fill water bottles.
Following lunch we are back on the trail, trekking towards camp for the night. The campsites will be fully
erected when we arrive and hot drinks will be served. There will be hot water provided for washing at the
tents, to freshen up before dinner. There will be time for to relax and chat before getting our heads down for
the night.
We don’t have scheduled rest stops but we will stop for water and snacks whenever needed and this depends
entirely on the dynamics of the group. Drinking water will be provided whilst trekking and is perfectly safe to
drink as it has been boiled and filtered. It is your decision if you want to further treat the water using iodine etc,
but this is not necessary. There are opportunities to purchase bottled water along the trail at some sections,
but these are few and far between and it can be quite expensive. It is better from an environmental point of
view to avoid using bottled water if possible.
Global Adventure Challenges
Red Hill House, Hope Street, Chester, CH4 8BU
Tel: 01244 676454 Fax: 01244 683962
Email: [email protected] Web: www.globaladventurechallenges.com
2
Peru
Inca Trail
It is not safe to drink the water from the taps in Peru and while in Cusco you should only use bottled water for
drinking, brushing teeth, etc - no singing in the shower!
It is worth investing in a good pair of walking or hiking boots and appropriate socks. New boots must be worn
in before the trip; once they have conformed to the shape of your feet there is less likelihood of getting blisters.
To avoid blisters, keep your feet dry and wear socks made with fibres which draw moisture away from your
skin. Stay clear of pure cotton. Don't lace shoes too tightly or loosely.
If you prefer, you can hire a sleeping bag in Cusco for an additional fee of approximately US$30. This is
arranged locally on arrival in Cusco and it is not necessary to pre-book.
Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be issued with a kit bag – this is for you to fill with items needed for the actual
Inca Trail (5kg max. weight). Inflatable sleeping mats for camping are also provided.
As mentioned above, you will be issued with a kit bag in Cusco and this is for you to fill with items needed for
the actual Inca Trail (5kg max. weight) – your main piece of luggage with items you do not need for the trek will
be left in a secure room at the hotel in Cusco. Porters will carry your kit bag from one camp to the next on the
Inca Trail. You will carry your own day pack with essentials – sunblock, camera, tissues, snacks, etc.
Leave valuables at home if possible. One main important rule – if you don’t need it, don’t bring it! We suggest
you take all personal and valuable items, including your passport, with you on trek in your day pack – make
sure you put them in a plastic bag to stop them from getting wet if it rains!
Confirm immunisations recommended for use in Britain are up to date, especially those for children and adult
boosters of tetanus.
It is highly recommended you consult your Doctor about what immunisations are required for Peru the immunisations given below are a guide only:
Courses or boosters usually advised – hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever (for those visiting rural/jungle areas
below 2,300m).
Vaccines sometimes advised – diphtheria; tuberculosis; rabies; hepatitis B. Anti-malarials may also be
required if you are extending your stay in Peru.
You must discuss your own particular needs and contra-indications to vaccines or tablets with your
doctor or practice nurse
Global Adventure Challenges
Red Hill House, Hope Street, Chester, CH4 8BU
Tel: 01244 676454 Fax: 01244 683962
Email: [email protected] Web: www.globaladventurechallenges.com
3
Peru
Inca Trail
There will be a comprehensive First Aid Kit carried with the group at all times. All Global Adventure
Challenges leaders are 16 hour Outdoor First Aid qualified and a local English speaking doctor will accompany
us whilst we are on the Inca Trail.
If any injury is considered to be threatening, the satellite telephone will be used to request the immediate
launch of the rescue helicopter at Helicuzco to evacuate the injured to hospital. This can be done in relatively
quick time, with the least distress to the patient.
If the patient is comfortable, and it is felt to be an easier option, the guides and porters make a stretcher and
the porters can transport the patient to the railway line to take the train, or if closer, directly to the village of
Aguas Calientes.
There are no set rules regarding acclimatisation to altitude, whether you will be affected or at what height. In
most cases, symptoms are mild and include fatigue, shortness of breath, slight nausea and headache. The
best way to adjust to altitude is to walk slowly and rest as often as possible – in addition, drink lots of water
and replenish your salt intake using re-hydration sachets. If anyone experiences serious problems, they will
be transported to a lower altitude. It is normal to feel slightly out of breath as soon as we arrive in Cusco as fly
from sea level to over 3,000m. The highest point of our trek is 4,200m.
We will have a strong support crew that will consist of registered Inca trail guides, support guides and a doctor.
This is in addition to the many porters we have joining us! Further details of our guides will be sent to you
closer to departure.
Whilst in Cusco we will stay in a comfortable hotel in twin rooms, en-suite – we pair you up with another same
sex member of the group of approximately the same age. Whilst camping on the Inca Trail, we will be staying
in spacious 3 person tents (2 trekkers per tent for extra comfort), which are erected and taken down for you.
If you require a room/tent to yourself, please let us as soon as possible – please note, there will be a single
supplement to pay prior to departure.
Whilst we are on the Inca Trail, there are camping toilets available at each campsite and also one will be set
up at the lunch stop. If you need to go whilst you are between lunch stops and the camp site, it’s a matter of
finding the nearest bush! Please do not leave any paper lying around the trail – take it with you and please
dispose of it appropriately at the lunch stop or in camp.
Bowls of warm water will be issued for washing on arrival at camp.
Global Adventure Challenges
Red Hill House, Hope Street, Chester, CH4 8BU
Tel: 01244 676454 Fax: 01244 683962
Email: [email protected] Web: www.globaladventurechallenges.com
4
Peru
Inca Trail
One golden rule to staying healthy whilst on trail is to keep your hands clean! This is very important in order to
avoid stomach upsets – wash your hands wherever and whenever possible, especially before eating. If
washing facilities aren’t available use antibacterial hand gel or wipes.
High factor sunscreen is a must – preferably factor 25 as a minimum! The sun will burn you more quickly whilst
at altitude.
Generally, the Inca Trail is safe, but care must be taken on foot. Our guides will have radios of small
frequency to remain in constant contact with the group if it gets divided over the day while trekking. Should
anything happen at any time, all members of staff will be informed immediately. A satellite mobile telephone
for communication with Cusco is carried if an evacuation is deemed necessary. For others who may be
suffering short-term breathlessness, oxygen is available, as is a comprehensive medical kit with a doctor!
Currency is the Nuevo Sol or Soles in plural, referred to as the Sol. Please note this can only be obtained
once you are in Peru. If you are taking cash, we suggest you take US Dollars, which can easily be changed
once you are there. There are ATM machines available in Cusco. We suggest you take approximately £150
spending money (and a credit card for emergencies) – but this depends on how many presents you want to
buy for friends and family!
Costs are in Nuevo Soles:
Beer - S/7
Coke - S/5
Coffee/tea - S/5
Lunch - S/30
Dinner - S/60
Every participant must be covered for the activities throughout the itinerary. A comprehensive travel insurance
policy is available through Global Adventure Challenges at a cost of £53.70. A travel insurance application
form will be sent to you approximately 14-16 weeks before departure. If you are opting to use your own
personal travel insurance, then details regarding your policy should be sent to Global Adventure Challenges
before you travel.
There is currently no departure tax due when leaving Cusco or Lima.
Global Adventure Challenges
Red Hill House, Hope Street, Chester, CH4 8BU
Tel: 01244 676454 Fax: 01244 683962
Email: [email protected] Web: www.globaladventurechallenges.com
5
Peru
Inca Trail
Tipping your local guides is appropriate, customary and always appreciated. Your guides work in teams and
evenly split all gratuities they receive. Your gratuity should reflect the quality of service you received and
anything special your guides did to enhance your trip. As a guideline, we recommend 100–150 Soles ($30$50) from each participant for the porters and cooks and 50–70 Soles ($17-$25) from each participant for the
Head Guides. The tips for the porters and cooks will be given on the last night of the Inca Trail and the tips for
the Head Guides should be given at our celebratory meal in Cusco.
We hope you find the above information useful – remember this is a general guide and all tipping is at your
discretion and voluntary.
Always ask before taking photos of local people, do not point cameras in their faces. Do not give sweets to
children as it encourages them to beg and creates problems for future travellers. It also leads to dietary and
dental problems, which they cannot afford to deal with - what seems like generosity is sometimes not. Feel
free to take little gifts though, such as colouring pencils for the boys and maybe little hair clips for the girls. If
you feel you want to give something, make a donation to a local school or hospital – ask your guides about
making such donations.
·
·
·
·
Try and drink the local Cocoa Tea upon arrival in Cusco – it helps many people to acclimatise better
Take it steady upon arrival in Cusco and do not exert yourself – you are at altitude and must take
things slowly for at least the first 24 hours
If you do not have walking poles already, why not buy a traditional walking pole made out of wood
whilst you are there – it also makes a lovely souvenir!
Ponchos can be purchased locally and are fantastic for waterproofing your clothing – they are only
approximately 3 Soles each (about 50p!). They are also big enough to cover your day pack too!
It is very unlikely you will come across any weird and wonderful creepy crawlies whilst on this challenge.
Telephone signals are strong whilst in Cusco but you will lose signal when you are trekking on the Inca Trail.
If you would like to stay in Peru after the challenge we can arrange an extension for you. Please submit your
request for an extension with the relevant dates by email to [email protected] as
soon as possible. There is a £60 + VAT charge for having your return airline ticket extended. Please note all
extensions are strictly limited, subject to availability, given on a ‘first come first served basis’, and the final
decision always rests with the airline. Your request will be placed on a list in order of receipt and we will
contact you approximately four months before the date of travel to confirm whether the extension is possible.
Global Adventure Challenges
Red Hill House, Hope Street, Chester, CH4 8BU
Tel: 01244 676454 Fax: 01244 683962
Email: [email protected] Web: www.globaladventurechallenges.com
6
Peru
Inca Trail
In our overseas destinations we work with small local ground handlers that employ local guides, using as
much infrastructure as we can locally, to boost economy and income. We aim to ensure that all local guides
involved with our events are given a fair wage in accordance with appropriate local standards and each of our
challenges is designed using the knowledge of local people.
We believe that we need to preserve and respect the locations in which our challenges take place in order for
future generations to experience the same fantastic times and views as we do. More information regarding
our Responsible Tourism policy can be found on our website.
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Full country name: Republic of Peru
Area: 1.28 million sq km
Population: 29.5 million
Capital City: Lima
Currency: Nuevo Sol
People: 54% Indian, 32% Mestizo (mixed European and Indian descent), 12% Spanish descent, 2%
other
Language: Spanish, Aymara, Quechua,
Religion: Over 90% Roman Catholic, small Protestant population
Government: Constitutional Republic
Major Industries: Pulp, paper, coca leaves, fishmeal, steel, chemicals, oil, minerals, cement, auto
assembly, steel, shipbuilding
Major Trading Partners: USA, Japan, UK, China, Germany, Columbia
Climate/Temperature: June to August is the dry season in the highlands, the wettest months being
January to April. The sunny months are from late December through to March
Please note that the information above is correct at the time of going to publication
Global Adventure Challenges
Red Hill House, Hope Street, Chester, CH4 8BU
Tel: 01244 676454 Fax: 01244 683962
Email: [email protected] Web: www.globaladventurechallenges.com
7