BEFORE THE INCA TRAIL/MACHU PICCHU TREK

Who is actually running the Trek?
The Adventure Travel Company and their G Adventures (formally GAP Adventure) will be responsible for all logistics representing our charity climb. Shawn  Dawson, Dream Mountains Founder will be your Canadian Team Leader.

The Adventure Travel Company was born out of Travel CUTS a little over ten years ago. A group of dedicated, adventurous employees wanted to promote and sell the type of travel that they loved to do themselves and were passionate about. Over the years our passion for this kind of travel has been contagious and it is the foundation for The Adventure Travel Company.

We believe in sharing our experiences, expertise and enthusiasm in adventure travel with as many people as we possibly can. We are committed to offering unbiased, experienced travel advice to people just like us. We are a culture of travellers who are passionate about the experience of travelling and the importance of immersing oneself in the country you are visiting to better learn to appreciate its people, cultures and wildlife.

We are constantly striving to be the best in customer service and to offer the widest selection of Adventure Trips in Canada. With offices from coast to coast and over 40 adventure travel suppliers under one roof, we ARE Canada’s home for Adventure Travel.

HOW LONG IS THE INCA TRAIL AND HOW MANY HOURS DO WE HIKE PER DAY?
The Inca Trail is 42 kms (26 miles) long. Campsites along the Trail are assigned by the INC (National Institute of Culture) and for this reason it is difficult to determine the distance to be covered in a day but expect to walk 6 to 9 hours per day for the first three days and approximately 2 hours on the last day. Hours walked will vary with distance covered and the fitness level of each hiker.

HOW DIFFICULT IS THE INCA TRAIL?
The Inca Trail is considered a moderate hike. It's not a technical hike but there are a lot of Inca staircases to walk up and down, and the altitude may affect some individuals. We recommend the rental of a wooden walking stick locally from our office in Cuzco as it will help with your balance and reduce the load on your knees. It is worth noting that if you are looking to bring your own walking stick that metal-tipped walking sticks are not permitted on the trail as they can harm the fragile environment. Additional equipment like sleeping bags and air mattresses are also available for rent from the G Aventures office in Cuzco.

IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS COMMON? AND HOW HIGH IS THE INCA TRAIL?
It's impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cuzco (3249m), taking it easy and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Inca Trail is 4200 meters. You will sleep at 3600 meters for one or two nights.

WHEN DO WE REACH MACHU PICCHU AND HOW MUCH TIME DO WE SPEND THERE?
The time at which you will reach Machu Picchu depends on the campsite assigned for your third night on the Trail. Many groups will reach the sun gate at approximately 6:00am (the hike begins at approx. 4:30am) and will enter the site 45 minutes later but this cannot be determined in advance. After a bit of time to catch your breath and freshen up after the hike you will receive a two hour guided tour followed by some free time to explore the area on your own before the group travels by bus to Aguas Calientes where we catch the train back to Cuzco.
Train schedules vary.

DO PORTERS CARRY OUR LUGGAGE WHILE ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Yes! In Cuzco you will be provided with a large stuff sac in which you can place up to 6kg of personal items. Our porters will carry these bags, along with your tent and sleeping bag while you hike the Inca Trail. (please note they will be weighed before we leave Cuzco). Items not required while on the trail can be stored safely at our hotel in Cuzco. All you will be required to carry is a daypack containing items you will need during the day (Water, camera, sunscreen,
rain poncho, etc..).

HOW COLD DOES IT GET ON THE INCA TRAIL (WILL I NEED TO BRING HATS AND MITTS)?
The altitude means it can get quite chilly, especially during the Andean winter (May - September) when the temperature can drop to below zero degrees (Celsius) at night. It can still be cool at other times of the year and so we recommend bringing thermal underwear and a warm sleeping bag. You can purchase warm, inexpensive and locally made hand-woven mitts and
gloves in Cuzco.

WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION IS USED ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Three-person tents are used to accommodate two same-sex travellers. There are a few places where permanent but very basic toilet facilities exist and when they are not available our team will set up portable toilet tents. Trekkers are provided with a bowl of hot water (and a hot drink) every morning in their tent.

IS A SLEEPING BAG AND MAT INCLUDED?
Sleeping bags are not included and so we recommend bringing a compact three-season sleeping bag. A popular alternative is to rent a sleeping bag in Cuzco which can be requested through your representative or tour leader at the start of your tour or by letting us know at time of booking. They are clean, warm and cost approximately USD$15 (for all three nights). Some renters
may choose to bring a sleeping bag liner or sheet. Foam mats are provided however some travellers also bring their own self-inflating mat (ie. a Thermarest).

IS PURIFIED WATER AVAILABLE ON THE TRAIL?
Bottled water can be purchased on day 1 and on the evening of day 3 of the Inca Trail however we discourage trekkers from purchasing bottles as it increases the amount of garbage that must be packed out. We recommend that you bring a refillable water bottle as boiled water will be provided in the morning at breakfast, at lunch and every evening after dinner.

WHAT TYPE OF FOOD WILL WE GET ON THE INCA TRAIL?
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDES AND PORTERS?
Tipping is at your discretion but always appreciated. To make things easier we will budget $150 per trekker for whole trip.

IS A VISA REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL TO PERU?
A visa is not required to enter Peru

DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS?
Please consult your local travel doctor for vaccination information

MEAL BUDGET
Allow $5-$7 US for meals not included.

MONEY EXCHANGE
Debit and credit cards are very useful for cash advances, but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs.). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will work in all of the ATMs in Latin America due to their affiliation with certain card systems. Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a
credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

Am I able to visit other parts of Peru or South America after the trip?
Absolutely! Darren at The Adventure Travel Company can arrange trip extension, contact him for more details.