11)  Do I need to bring a sleeping bag if I am not hiking the Inca Trail?
12)  Can I drink the water in Peru?
13)  How long is the Inca Trail?
14)  What is the altitude of the Inca Trail?
15) How much can stuff I take on my trek?
16) What do the porters carry?
17) What do the llamas carry?
18) Do I need a sleeping bag? How warm?
19) Does my guide speak english?
20) What are the hotels like? What is a "hostal'?
21) Can I hike the trail by myself? Why do I need a guide?
22) What is the weather like?
23) Is South America dangerous?



The BIG question- How soon should I reserve my trip? 6 to 12 months in advance if you want to do the Inca Trail or Salkantay trek, 3-6 months for other treks.

1) No, malaria and yellow fever aren't a problem in the highlands areas, such as on the Inca Trail or our other treks.  We suggest typhoid and Hepatitis "A"  protection. Consult your physician.

2) Most people you will meet know some english, and your guide is builingual. But is is nice to be able to greet or to make a bargain.

3) Meals aren't expensive at local restaurants, but in some tourist places meals can be on equal cost as the US.

4) Yes! Please contact us! We'd love to see you again.

5) You may either get half off or in some cases a free trip!

6) It can get cold, even below freezing on the treks. Dress in layers, using moisture- wicking fabrics and have wind protection.

7) It can rain any time in Peru, it's just a lot more frequent in the rain season.

8) Many places wil accept credit cards, with passport ID. But you shoulldn't count on it.

9) There are ATMs (cajeros) in Cuzco, and in a very few places elsewhere. There are no ATMs at Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes, you will need to bring some cash. Latest-There is an ATM at Machu Picchu village (Aguas Calientes) but was unreliable on last visit.

10) We suggest typhoid and Hepatitis A . But please consult your physician.

11)  You can bring a sleeping bag, or rent one from us. We suggest at least a 20 degree F. bag.

12) Drink only bottled water in Peru, unless the hotel provides filtered water. Bottled water is availble everywhere.

13) About 27 miles.

14) Varies from under 9000 ft to nearly 14,000 ft.

15) On the Inca Trail, the porters will carry 7 kilos of your gear, or about 15 lbs. This includes your sleeeping bag and extra clothes. You can pay an extra porter if you need more, but most peole don't need this. On the other treks, you may bring more.
You carry only a small pack with your water and raingear, etc.

16) See #15

17) All the camping gear, kitchen equipment and your personal gear.

18)  A warm sleeping bag is essential. A lightweight 20 dgree F bag is perfect.

19) Our guides are university-educated in Peruvian history and culture. They speak good english, and some other languages.

20) We use three star hotels, hand-picked for location, cleanliness, charm, and friendliness. A "hostal " is a hotel with less tha 20 rooms,  not at all like the scary dorm-style european 'hostels".

21) It is illegal to hike the Inca Trail without a licensed guide. All guides must be licensed by the government of Peru.

22) It can be chilly at night in Cuzco, and on the Inca Trail near freezing is possible. It can be windy at the high passes. But the days will be generally warm and even hot the first day of the trail. The Amazon is tropical, with rain very possible.

23) You must practice the same precautions in Peru as you would anywhere. Crime is low in smaller rural towns, and in Cuzco you should not walk alone late at night off the main square. But don't do that in Denver either!

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