Travellers Information

Acclimatization & The Rhythm of Altitude

A journey through the high Andes requires a shift in pace. The thin air at elevations like the Salkantay Pass demands deliberate movement and respect for the terrain. To allow your body to adapt naturally, we strongly require that you spend at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco before the trailhead. Walking at a slower pace, staying well-hydrated, and allowing your body to rest during these initial days is the most effective preparation for the trail.

Understanding the Altitude: Soroche

Some travellers barely notice it; others meet it in the form of headaches, dizziness, or a loss of appetite. Altitude sickness — known locally as soroche — is a natural part of the Andean experience, and nothing to fear when met with respect. A tea brewed from coca leaves, as the people of this region have sipped for centuries, is a trusted remedy for its first signs. Those who wish may also discuss preventive medication with their physician before departure. Above all, three things matter: a slow pace, plenty of water, and an open conversation with your guide the moment something feels unusual — our teams are trained to respond early.

Weather & The Logic of Layering

In the mountains, climate is experienced as a series of transitions. Within a single day, the environment shifts from the sharp, freezing winds of the glacial passes to the heavy humidity of the cloud forest. Preparing for this means packing with the layering system in mind. Rather than one heavy coat, rely on a combination of breathable base layers, an insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), and a dependable waterproof outer shell. Expect cold nights at our high campsites, where temperatures regularly drop toward freezing.

Gear for the Trail

Beyond dressing in layers, a few details make a real difference on the trail: a headlamp for early departures and dark nights at camp, trekking poles to ease the strain on your knees during steep descents, a sleeping bag rated for temperatures near freezing, and strong sun protection — the high-altitude Andean sun is more intense than it appears, even on overcast days. A reusable water bottle rounds out the kit, and lightens our shared footprint along the way.

Physical Preparation

Our routes do not demand technical climbing, but they do require physical endurance and steady intention. You will be walking between 6 to 8 hours daily over uneven, steep, and rocky paths. Preparing your body with regular hiking, cardiovascular training, or stair climbing 2–3 months prior ensures that your energy can be focused on the landscape rather than the exertion.

The Demands of the Route

So that you can gauge, realistically, what lies ahead: our routes require no climbing experience, but they do call for a solid baseline of fitness and the willingness to walk for several hours a day on uneven terrain at altitude. Those who hike or run regularly will find themselves well prepared. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, particularly cardiovascular, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor before booking.

Insurance & Requirements

Because we travel through remote, high-altitude regions where logistics require absolute certainty, a comprehensive travel insurance policy is mandatory for all trekkers. Your policy must explicitly cover high-altitude trekking up to and include medical evacuation. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, as it is required for national park permits and entry to Machu Picchu.

Safety & Emergency Care

Our guides are trained in first aid and in recognizing the signs of altitude sickness, and every tour carries communication equipment for emergencies. Should a medical evacuation become necessary, we coordinate immediately with local rescue services — one more reason why insurance with explicit evacuation coverage is not a formality, but a genuine safeguard for you.

Entry Requirements, Visas & Permits

Most nationalities do not require a visa for tourist stays in Peru — a valid passport is generally sufficient for stays of up to 183 days. Because entry requirements can change, we recommend confirming current regulations with the relevant Peruvian embassy or consulate before departure. For routes such as the classic Inca Trail, permits are strictly limited and often booked out months in advance; at the time of booking, we will need the full passport details of every participant.

Health & Travel Preparation

A good journey begins with good preparation of the body. Yellow fever vaccination is not required for Cusco itself, though it may be recommended or required for routes that reach deeper into the jungle — we advise checking with a travel medicine specialist well ahead of time. A small personal first-aid kit with pain relievers, remedies for travellers’ diarrhoea, and blister plasters has proven its worth on the trail. Tap water should be avoided throughout the journey; we provide boiled or filtered water on all our tours.

Money, Payment & Tipping

In the mountains, cash is what counts. The Peruvian Sol is the local currency, and beyond the larger towns there is neither card payment nor ATM access — we recommend withdrawing or exchanging enough cash in Cusco to cover your entire trekking period. Tipping, too, is part of the culture here: it is customary, and is expected by guides, cooks, horsemen, and porters as a meaningful acknowledgment of their work. On request, we’re happy to share a guideline so you can navigate this comfortably on the ground.

Connectivity on the Trail

Part of this journey’s experience is a deliberate distance from the digital world. Across much of the route there is no mobile signal and no way to charge devices. We recommend informing important contacts in advance and preparing for several days without connectivity — an experience many of our travellers later describe as one of the most valuable parts of the trip.

The Best Time for the Trail

The dry season, from May to September, is considered the ideal time to travel, with clear days and stable conditions on the passes. The rainy season, between November and March, brings lusher, greener landscapes, but also slicker trails and a higher risk of route closures. Each season has its own character — we’re glad to help you decide which best suits your journey.

Cultural Presence & Community

The paths we follow are shared spaces, deeply tied to the daily lives of the families who cultivate these valleys. We move through the land as guests, keeping our footprint minimal, respecting local customs, and supporting the communities that host us—from the horsemen on the high passes to the coffee producers in Lucmabamba.

For more useful information, please see our FAQ.