FAQS
1.-Altitude
Cusco is at 11,089 feet/3380 meters so if you are or think you are susceptible to altitude sickness please be sure to arrive 2-3 days prior to your trek, rest the first few days in Cusco, drink plenty of water (and coca tea, a local remedy), and eat lots of carbohydrates. These three things help prevent and combat altitude sickness. Please consult your doctor if you have concerns about being at altitude. There are many medications that they can provide (example: anti nausea medication, diuretics, etc). Machu Picchu is actually lower (8,000 feet/2430 meters), but if you choose to trek there, the mountain passes can go up to over 17,000 ft/5200m.
2.-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.
3.- WEATHER
Cusco is located in the andes. Weather in the Andes can be unpredictable changing from hot and sunny to rain, wind and cold. we have just two seasons such as: dry season and rainy season. dry season starts from May to october and rainy season starts from October to April. However, this day the weather has been very unpredictable thanks to the global warming. Hikers should be prepared.
4.- FOOD
Our company takes pride in preparing many types of Peruvian food during your trek and you are not going be hungry. If you have any allergy to any food or you are vegetarian, you have to notify us of your request at the time of booking. It is not going be a problem for our professional chef to prepare any dietary needs.
5.- GROUP SIZES
Magical Peru Expedition groups depart with a minimum of 2 guests and maximum 10 guests. For groups of over 7 people we provide an assistant guide to help out. However, if you are more than 10 people (large group trips available) we accommodate you.
6.- SOLO TRAVELER
Solo travel is one of the best ways to learn about yourself and see the world. We’re a great option.
But it doesn’t mean you have to be alone – or that you have to figure it all out on your own. In fact, more than 70% of our travelers are solo travelers.
We Keep You Safe
Does the thought of being alone abroad make you a bit nervous about safety? That’s where we come in…
Safety is our number one priority and we have years of experience leading groups in more than a dozen places in peru.
Plus, all of our experience guides are CPR certified, carry first aid kits, and have been routinely tested in safety precautions.
Our staff speaks the local language, will know where it’s safe to go out at night, and are trained to go with experts during adventure activities like glacier walks, zip-lining or surfing.
7.- ACCOMMODATIONS
Three-person tents are provided for two guests in multi-day trek. We usually spend the night in remote villages.
8.- TIPPING
Magical Peru Expedition guides and staff are paid, based on the number of days they spend in the trail and tours. While Gratitude is not required but if you feel your guide make special your trip, it is greatly rewarded.
9.- STUDENT DISCOUNT
If you are student, Magical Peru Expedition provides you student discount of $20 with a valid ISIC card. Please notify us of your request at the time of booking that you have ISIC card and send us a picture of this card. Remember University cards are not accepted.
10.- IS TRAVEL INSURANCE RECOMMENDED?
Absolutely!!! In fact, we require it – with a minimum of $500,000.00 USD medical evacuation coverage. There are many companies that provide reasonably priced insurance for trip cancellation, medical expenses, medical evacuation, lost bags, etc. Please be sure to arrange for trip cancellation/medical insurance coverage as Magical Peru Expedition is not responsible for these problems or costs incurred. Be aware that many insurance companies only cover trips before you have left and they only cover trips where you are returning to your country of residence within a specified time frame. Check their policy prior to purchase. Once you have this insurance please email us a copy of the policy and coverage.
11.- WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE DO YOUR GUIDES HAVE?
Magical Peru Expeditions has professional, knowledgeable, dependable and experienced guides, who all are well trained from our Government. All of our guides have spent years exploring the mountains and studied in Universities of Cusco. All guides speak fluent English and have a great knowledge of the various trekking routes. Our Guides will have the pleasure of guiding you in the most beautiful trails in the Andes, which will enhance your holiday experience and make it a real success. Our guides are trained in first aid and know how to do in any emergency situation. And most importantly our guides are very friendly and enjoyable and want to share with you the faith of Peru.
12.-Taxi Use
Airport Taxis or City Taxis: If you are taking a taxi anywhere in Peru by yourself or with others, agree on the price beforehand and tell the driver to bring you straight to your hotel/hostal or other destination because you already have a reservation/appointment. Tourist information booths at the airport and independent taxi drivers receive commissions to persuade you to go elsewhere by using any means. This is especially true in Lima. In Lima, it is best to have a hotel pre-booked for this reason and to only take taxi’s that have been sent by your hotel. In Cusco make sure the car is marked as a taxi. ALWAYS arrange the fare before getting into the taxi.
13.-Tourist Ticket or Boleto Turistico:
The Cusco City tourist ticket can be purchased as a day pass for a certain site or set of sites or as a 10 day pass that includes most of the main sites located in the Cusco region. All of our tours/treks include the entrance fees to any sites visited, however, you can also opt to upgrade to the 10 day tourist ticket and explore the other sites as well! It works out much less expensive this way. If you plan to stay in Cusco for several days and/or plan to do several tours you can upgrade to the 10 day tourist ticket when you book your tour.
The 10-day tourist ticket includes the following sites:
- Sacsayhuaman
- Q’enko
- Puca Pucara
- Tambomachay
- Pisac Ruins
- Ollantaytambo Ruins
- Chinchero
- Moray
- Tipon
- Pikillacta
- Cusco Center of Native Art (Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo)
- Inca Pachacuteq Monument/Museum (Monumento Pachacuteq)
- Qoricancha Museum (Museo de Sitio de Qoricancha)
- Contemporary art museum (Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporaneo)
- Popular Art Museum (Museo de Arte Popular)
- Regional History Museum (Museo Historico Regional)
Note that this ticket does not include:
- Qoricancha aka the Santo Domingo Complex (10 soles entry fee)
- Main Cathedral (25 soles entry fee)
- Maras (10 soles entry fee)
- Andahuaylillas (10 soles entry fee)
Salineras Salt Mines (10 soles entry fee)