Frequently Asked Questions — Cusco, Trekking & Health

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Altitude & Acclimatization

How many days do I need to get used to Cusco?

At least 2 full days in Cusco before any strenuous activity. Your body needs time to adjust to 3,400 m (11,150 ft). Rest, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and keep the first day genuinely slow. Some people feel fine within 24 hours; others need 3–4 days — neither is a sign of weakness. Altitude sickness can hit anyone regardless of age or fitness, so patience is the best strategy.

Tip: Fly in, rest that afternoon, and save your first real activity for day 3.

What is the best way to acclimatize?

Gradual ascent and active rest is the proven formula. Sleep low, explore slightly higher during the day. On day 1 stick to flat walks. By day 2 you can visit Sacsayhuamán (3,700 m) and return to Cusco to sleep. Drink 3–4 liters of water daily. If possible, spend a night in the Sacred Valley (2,800 m) before arriving in Cusco — it eases the transition considerably.

How many days do I need before a multi-day trek?

2–3 acclimatization days for routes like Salkantay, Choquequirao, or the Inca Trail. For crossings above 4,600 m like the Salkantay Pass, a 3-day buffer is standard. Rushing the start because of a tight schedule is the most common reason people struggle on the trail — give your body time and it will reward you.

Tip: Our pre-trek days include light hikes that double as altitude training, so you arrive at the trailhead already adapted.

Does coca tea help with altitude?

Yes — it is the most traditional Andean remedy and genuinely useful. Coca leaf tea (mate de coca) contains mild alkaloids that support respiration and help the blood absorb oxygen more efficiently. It will not eliminate altitude sickness, but many travelers notice real relief from headaches, nausea, and fatigue. It is completely legal in Peru and available everywhere. Do not carry coca leaves out of the country — they are controlled abroad.

What natural remedies can I use against altitude symptoms?

A few plants that Andean people have relied on for generations:

Muña tea — a local Andean mint, often considered even more effective than coca for altitude symptoms. Ask for it at any market or restaurant.
Ginger tea — excellent for nausea and headaches.
Maca root — a natural energizer that many find helpful for the fatigue that comes with altitude.

For anything beyond mild symptoms, the most reliable options are ibuprofen (for headaches) and, if prescribed by your doctor before travel, Acetazolamide. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol — those two things alone prevent most cases of altitude sickness.

Tip: We are careful about recommending specific medications because every person reacts differently. Talk to your doctor before the trip — that conversation is worth more than any list we could give you.

How do I avoid altitude sickness in Peru?

Ascend gradually — the Sacred Valley at 2,800 m is a gentler first stop than Cusco at 3,400 m.
Drink 3–4 liters of water per day.
Avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours.
Eat light — your digestive system is already working harder.
Rest on arrival — do not book a tour for your first afternoon.
Avoid smoking.

Tip: About 25% of visitors to Cusco experience some altitude symptoms. Being fit does not protect you — pacing and preparation do.

Training & Fitness

Do I need to train before the trek?

Yes — and it genuinely matters. You do not need to be an athlete, but trekkers who arrive with some baseline fitness enjoy the experience far more. Start 6–8 weeks before departure: hike on weekends, build your cardio, and focus on leg strength (squats, lunges, step-ups). The challenge on routes like Salkantay is not speed — it is sustaining 6–8 hours of walking per day on uneven terrain for multiple days in a row, with the added load of altitude. The downhills are especially demanding on the knees, so strengthen accordingly.

Are there any training paths near Cusco?

Several, and they double as acclimatization hikes:

Sacsayhuamán trail — steep climb from the Plaza de Armas, 3,700 m. Short but challenging.
Pumamarca loop — 10 km above the Sacred Valley with excellent views.
Chinchero to Moray — 12 km through high-altitude agricultural terraces.
Pisac ruins trail — 5–8 km with good elevation gain.
Huchuy Qosqo — a 2-day warm-up that mimics Inca Trail terrain closely. One of our favorites.

Tip: We include a guided warm-up hike on our pre-trek day so you arrive at the trailhead already moving and confident.

Gear & Packing

What should I pack for a multi-day trek?

The key principle is: pack light, but pack right. Here is what matters most:

Footwear: Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots. Do not bring new boots — blisters at altitude are miserable.
Layers: A moisture-wicking base layer, a warm fleece or down mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell. Temperatures shift dramatically between dawn, midday, and night.
Rain gear: A quality rain jacket and rain cover for your pack. Even in dry season, mountain weather can change fast.
Trekking poles: Highly recommended (see below).
Sleeping bag: Rated to at least -5°C (23°F) for high camps.
Sun protection: Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, and a hat. UV radiation is intense at altitude.
Headlamp: Essential — early starts are dark starts.
Water bottle or hydration bladder: Minimum 2 liters capacity.
Personal first aid: Blister plasters, painkillers, anti-diarrheal tablets, and any prescription medication.
Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit for between meals.

Tip: We provide a detailed, route-specific gear list when you book. Everything on it is there for a reason.

What do I need to pack specifically for a 5-day trek?

For a 5-day expedition, everything above applies plus a few additions:

Enough clothing for the full duration — you will not have laundry access. Pack 2 sets of base layers and rotate.
Dry bags or zip-lock bags to keep electronics and spare clothing waterproof inside your pack.
Trekking towel — a compact microfiber towel.
Cash in small bills — some routes pass through small communities where you may want to buy drinks or snacks.
Ear plugs — if you are a light sleeper, shared camp environments can be noisy.
A book or journal — evenings at camp are quiet and often beautiful. Enjoy them.

One important note on pack weight: on most of our multi-day expeditions, a pack animal or porter carries your main duffel bag (typically up to 7 kg / 15 lbs). You carry only a daypack with your essentials. This makes a significant difference over 5 days.

Are trekking poles helpful?

Genuinely one of the most useful pieces of gear on any Andean trek. Poles reduce the impact on your knees during steep descents — which on routes like Salkantay can be several thousand meters of downhill in a single day. They also improve balance on loose scree and river crossings, and help conserve energy on long climbs. If you have never used poles before, we can show you the correct technique. If you do not own them, they are available to rent in Cusco for a few dollars per day.

What kind of sleeping bag do I need?

For most of our multi-day treks, a sleeping bag rated to at least -5°C (23°F) is the minimum. For high camps on routes like Salkantay (around 4,200–4,400 m), a bag rated to -10°C (14°F) provides a genuine margin of comfort. Synthetic fill performs better than down in wet conditions — important during the rainy season. If you prefer not to bring your own, quality sleeping bags are available to rent in Cusco. We specify the exact rating required for each route in our pre-departure gear list.

Oxygen & Medical

Do I need to bring my own oxygen?

No — you do not need to bring personal oxygen. Supplemental oxygen canisters are widely available at pharmacies and hotels in Cusco if needed during acclimatization. On the trail, your guides carry emergency oxygen as part of our standard safety kit. Personal oxygen canisters (like those sold for tourists) can provide short-term relief for mild symptoms, but they are not a substitute for proper acclimatization — they can even delay your body’s natural adjustment process if overused. The best approach is to acclimatize properly so you never need to rely on them.

Do the guides carry oxygen?

Yes — always. All Pachamama Expeditions guides carry a portable oxygen cylinder on every multi-day trek. This is a non-negotiable part of our safety protocol. The oxygen is reserved for genuine medical situations: a trekker showing signs of serious altitude sickness (severe headache, confusion, difficulty walking, persistent vomiting) who needs stabilization before a descent or evacuation. Our guides are trained to assess symptoms and make the call when oxygen is needed. If you ever feel unwell on the trail, tell your guide immediately — there is no shame in it and catching symptoms early makes all the difference.

Tip: We also carry a pulse oximeter to monitor blood oxygen saturation throughout the trek. It is a small device that clips to your finger — a useful early warning tool.

Logistics & Daily Life On The Trail

Can I take a taxi on the treks?

No — the trekking routes themselves are hiking paths, not roads. There is no vehicle access on routes like the Salkantay trail, Choquequirao, or the Inca Trail. The whole point is the journey on foot through landscapes that are unreachable any other way. However, taxis and private transport are used to reach the trailhead at the start of the trek and to return from the endpoint at the finish. On some routes there are optional shortcuts by vehicle at certain transitions — your guide will let you know what is available and whether it makes sense for your group.

What time is wake-up on the treks?

Early — typically between 5:00 and 6:00 AM. There are good reasons for this. The best light and the clearest mountain views happen in the first hours of the day before clouds build. More importantly, covering the most demanding sections in the cool of the morning is far easier than attempting them in the midday heat. Our cook will have breakfast ready when you wake. By 7:00 AM most groups are on the trail. Evenings tend to be early too — after a full day of hiking at altitude, most trekkers are genuinely ready for sleep by 8:00 or 9:00 PM.

Tip: Embrace the early starts. The Andes at dawn are something most people remember for the rest of their lives.

Is there electricity on the expeditions?

On most routes, no — and that is part of the experience. Remote campsites do not have power outlets. Some lodges on routes like the classic Salkantay lodge-to-lodge option do offer limited charging facilities. For camping expeditions, plan accordingly: charge everything (phone, camera, headlamp batteries) the night before departure in Cusco. A portable power bank is one of the most practical items you can bring — charge it fully and it will cover your phone and camera for several days. Solar chargers work reasonably well in the dry season. We will let you know what charging options are available on your specific route.

Tip: A power bank with at least 20,000 mAh capacity will cover most 5-day trips comfortably. Pack one.

Geography & Terrain

What is the highest point near Cusco?

Mount Salkantay at 6,271 m (20,574 ft) is the highest peak in the Cusco region and one of the most sacred mountains in the Andes. You do not climb Salkantay itself — it requires technical mountaineering equipment and experience. The Salkantay Trek crosses the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m (15,190 ft), which is the highest point most trekkers will reach. Within Cusco city, the surrounding hills reach approximately 3,700–3,900 m. The highest point on the Inca Trail is the Warmiwañusqa Pass at 4,215 m (13,828 ft).

Do we need climbing equipment?

No — for all standard Pachamama Expeditions routes, no technical climbing equipment is needed. Our treks are hiking expeditions on established trails, not mountaineering ascents. You do not need ropes, harnesses, crampons, or ice axes. Good waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles, and appropriate clothing are all the gear you need for the terrain. If you are interested in technical climbing routes or ascents of peaks like Ausangate or Choquequirao’s surrounding ridges, talk to us — we can connect you with specialist mountaineering operators.

Weather & Seasons

When is the best time to hike in Cusco?

The dry season (May–October) is the prime trekking window. Clear skies, dry trails, and panoramic mountain views are the norm. June, July, and August are the most popular months — ideal conditions but higher trail traffic. Our favorite months are May and September: dry, less crowded, and the landscapes are still lush from recent rains.

What is the dry and wet season in Cusco?

Dry season (May–October): Daytime 15–22°C (59–72°F), nights 0–5°C (32–41°F), mostly clear skies. Occasional frosts at high altitude.

Wet season (November–April): Regular afternoon and evening rains. January and February are the wettest months. Trails become muddy and some river crossings require more care. The Inca Trail closes in February for official maintenance.

Tip: Wet season trekking is absolutely doable with the right gear — trails are quieter and the scenery is dramatically green.

Can I hike in the wet season?

Yes — with the right preparation. Waterproof boots and a quality rain jacket are non-negotiable. Bring dry bags for electronics. Expect mud, shorter visibility on some days, and earlier sunsets. The Andes in wet season have a raw beauty — waterfalls at full volume, intense green valleys, almost no other trekkers. We run expeditions year-round and adjust routes when conditions require it.

Weather & Seasons

When is the best time to hike in Cusco?

What is the dry and wet season in Cusco?

Dry season (May–October): Daytime 15–22°C (59–72°F), nights 0–5°C (32–41°F), mostly clear skies. Occasional frosts at high altitude.

Tip: Wet season trekking is absolutely doable with the right gear — trails are quieter and the scenery is dramatically green.

Can I hike in the wet season?

Temperature & Climate

How cold does it get in Cusco?

Significant day-night temperature swings are the defining characteristic. Dry season: daytime 17–22°C (63–72°F), nights 0–5°C (32–41°F). Wet season: milder nights around 5–10°C (41–50°F) but persistent dampness. Always have a warm layer for evenings — even in summer it drops sharply after sunset.

How cold is the Salkantay route?

Considerably colder than Cusco. The Salkantay Pass at 4,630 m can see temperatures from -5°C to -15°C (5–23°F), and wind chill makes it feel colder. Camp nights at 4,200–4,400 m regularly fall below freezing. Proper layering is not optional here — it is what makes the difference between a miserable night and a comfortable one. We provide a full gear checklist with the exact specifications for your route.

Safety & Health

Is the Salkantay to Choquequirao route dangerous?

It is demanding and remote, but not inherently dangerous with the right team. The main risks are altitude-related illness, sudden weather changes, and the cumulative physical demands of high-altitude days back to back. The route crosses passes above 4,600 m and passes through areas with limited emergency access. With Pachamama Expeditions, our guides carry emergency oxygen, first-aid supplies, and satellite communication equipment, and are trained in wilderness first response. We have clear evacuation protocols and do not hesitate to use them.

Are the expeditions safe?

Safety is our first priority, not a disclaimer. Our guides are certified, local, and deeply familiar with each route. We run daily health checks including oxygen saturation monitoring. We maintain a strict no-push culture — if you show signs that require stopping or turning back, we stop or turn back, full stop. We recommend that all trekkers carry travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation from remote terrain.

Tip: Ask us about our emergency protocols before booking. We answer these questions openly and in detail.

Are there mosquitoes in Machu Picchu?

Yes. Machu Picchu sits in a cloud forest at 2,430 m with a warm, humid microclimate. Mosquitoes are present, more so during the wet season and at dawn and dusk. They are less of an issue at the ruins themselves (open and elevated), but more common in Aguas Calientes and near rivers. Pack insect repellent with DEET or picaridin — dengue is present in this zone, so this is a health consideration, not just a comfort one.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to visit Machu Picchu?

No — yellow fever vaccination is not required for Cusco or Machu Picchu. The yellow fever risk zone in Peru is the Amazon lowlands. Machu Picchu at 2,430 m sits just above the threshold. If your itinerary includes the Amazon jungle, vaccination is strongly recommended and may be required for onward travel. Always consult a travel medicine clinic before departure.