FAQs

How can I pay my deposit / final balance?

1. For Treks: USD $300 per participant, per Trek, payable to Llama Path at the time of booking the Trek. If a Client wishes to do Wayna Picchu Mountain, or Machu Picchu Mountain, the deposit will be $385 for all Inca Trail treks, or $325 for any alternative treks e.g. Salkantay.
2. PLEASE: Make sure to add the fees associated with your PayPal / visa transaction. Otherwise Llama Path will be sending you a receipt indicating the exact amount we received from you and the amount of the balance to be paid upon you arrival in Cusco.

Deposits for treks can be paid using VISA or Pay Pal .

1) Credit card Visa (only for Inca Trail reservation deposits) - we have an online payment system which you can use to pay with your credit/debit card.

2) Paypal: (for alternative treks and Inca Trail and tour reservations deposits). To make your deposit by Paypal you need a Paypal account, the address to send your deposit to is deposits@llamapath.com

Final balances for all our treks need to be paid in cash (US Dollars) 48 hours prior to departure at the latest. Payment must be made in cash at our office.

Final balances for itineries should be paid 1 month prior to your trip.

Why choose Llamapath?

With over 15 years of experience organising treks and tours, Llama Path is one of the top operators in Peru and has built up an excellent record with our customers. We always aim to offer an excellent service to each and every person and are constantly looking for ways we can improve to make your trip of a lifetime even better.

Another very important reason to book with us is so that you can guarantee that you will be going on a fair and ethical trip. Llama Path is the leader in sustainable tourism here in Cusco and it is so far the only agency to have built a house for their porters.

Can I use plastic botles during the hike ?

IMPORTANT NOTICE :

ZERO PLASTIC BOTTLES ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU FROM DECEMBER 1ST:

Due to New goverment regulations for the Inca Trail it will be 100% PROHIBITED to TAKE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We believe that in the first days the new enforced regulations may NOT be 100% controlled however as the days go it will be more and more strict therefore WE KINDLY suggest you getting your aluminum plastic bottles to avoid any dissapointment at the check points along the Inca Trail and in the Machu Picchu citadel.

ALUMINUM 0.700ml BOTTLES:

As a way to avoid any inconvenience with our clientes Llama Path offers 0.700ml aluminum water bottles FOR SALE at the office for as liitle as 10 Soles (USD3.00).

Aluminum water bottles can also be bought in many different shops around the main square.

Also, if you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your trek we recommend you bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags.

* Some other reasons to travel with Llama Path:

Through this 15 years we have trained and worked with lots of guides, porters and chefs. Now a lot of our staff is exported to other companies; it’s not a surprise to ask anyone of them “who have you been working for?” And the answer comes evident: Llama Path.

Moreover a lot of our exguides set up their on companies primarily following the ideas of Sustainable Tourism we have practiced right from the beginning to these days. A few examples here:

Raúl Qolque worked as an assistant and guide for Llama Path for several years and now together with his American wife runs Alpaca Expeditions.

Miguel Góngora; one of our best guides ever runs now his own sustainable company Evolution Treks.

Flavio Huamani, runs a small family responsible company mainly especilizing in Luxury Treks to Machu Pucchu.

Renzo Serrano, runs now his own company Qaypi Tours.

Marco Salas, one of our most enthusiastic assistant guides and guide runs now Happy Gringo Tours travel Agency.

The list could go...

We are happy to know we are doing and leading the right way.

Thanks for choosing Llama Path.

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.

What vaccines do I need for Peru?

You should always consult your local travel clinic regarding vaccines. In general the regular vaccines such as Tetanus, Diptheria, Polio etc are recommended. If you are visiting the low-land jungle then Yellow Fever is recommended.

Do I need to be fit to do one of your treks?

All of our treks (the Inca Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate etc.) are moderately difficult, long and mountainous. We highly recommend that you are relatively fit and acclimatised to altitude (a minimum of 2 days at altitude) before undertaking them. During the months (or at the very least, one month) before your trip, you should take regular, moderate exercise. We want you to have an amazing experience and the fitter you are, the more enjoyable the treks will be.

How can I book a place on one of your treks/tours?

Check out our booking page for more information!

Why do I need to send a deposit?

We use your deposit (Non-refundable) to pay official fees when making your official reservation. For example, we need to pay tourist and porters entrance fees and taxes (19%). We also use it to secure cooks, porters and horses for our different treks.

How can I pay my deposit / final balance?

Deposits for treks can be paid using VISA or Pay Pal (with No Fees!).

1) Credit card Visa (only for Inca Trail reservation deposits) - we have an online payment system which you can use to pay with your credit/debit card.

What's altitude sickness?

What Causes Altitude Illnesses :
The primary cause of altitude illnesses is going too high too quickly. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen at specific altitudes. This is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1 to 3 nights at a given altitude.

Prevention of Altitude Illnesses:
Prevention of altitude illnesses falls into two categories, proper acclimatization and preventive medications. Below are a few basic guidelines for proper acclimatization. Start below 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and walk up.

Do not over-exert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours.
If you go above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), only increase your sleeping elevation by 1,000 feet (305 meters) per day and for every 3,000 feet (915 meters) of elevation gained, take a rest day.
If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude illness, don't go higher until symptoms decrease
If symptoms increase, go down, down, down!
Keep in mind that different people will acclimatize at different rates.
Stay properly hydrated.
Take it easy; don't over-exert yourself when you first get up to altitude.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills.
Eat a high carbohydrate diet while at altitude.

Preventive Medications (requiring prescriptions):

* Diamox (Acetazolamide) changes acid balance which allows you to increase breathing and improve oxygen uptake - the same mechanism as in normal acclimatization , but faster

* Dexamethasone (a steroid) is a drug that decreases brain and other swelling, helping to reverse the effects.

Is the number of visitors to Machu Picchu limited like those of the Inca Trail?

The number of visitors to the archeological site of Machu Picchu has a limit of 2500 per day, which is an attempt to keep in line with UNESCO recommendations. During July 2011, several visitors were unable to secure an entrance ticket when they arrived at Aguas Calientes. Therefore, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season. The trains are usually full so make your reservations in advance. You can book your visit to MP only or a ticket including the Huayna Picchu trek.

Important information on entry times to Machu Picchu:

From 1 July 2017, entry times to Machu Picchu are organized into sessions: 6 am to 12 pm and 12 pm to 5 pm. For our treks, we use the first entrance time where possible.

Hows`s the shorter 2 day 1 night Inca Trail?

The shorter Inca Trail is for those visitoros with limited time on their hands or who just want to take things a little bit easier but still trek the Inca Trail. This trek starts at km104 and ascends to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna before continuing on to MP. Since you don't have much time at MP on the first day, most people spend the night at the town of Aguas Calientes and return to MP again the following day. This trail is subject to the Inca Trail regulations and trek permits must be reserved in advance as well.

Is there a waiting list?

There is no such thing as a WAITLIST / CANCELLATION LIST. If any agency tells you that they can do this, they are simply not telling the truth and are operating illegally! Its as simple as if a passenger cancels their space is not given to anybody else - period!

Is it possible to enter with a differente ID?

No, you need to carry a valid ID (passport) with the name you used during your booking to enter the park.

What's an extra porter? Do I need one?

We always ask you if you want the help of a personal porter to carry your extra luggage (sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, clothes, etc). This is a good idea if you are not used to hiking. It helps you enjoy the trail more! You can then walk with just your daypack carrying whatever you need for the day like water, sunblock, rain jacket, camera, snacks, etc. Keep it light!

Student discount with a Valid card.

In order to obtain this discount you must have a valid University Student card (and be NO older than 25 YO). It is important you scan and e-mail this to us at the time of booking and that it is valid on the date you are booked on the Inca Trail/alternative trek (you will need to show the real University card upon your arrival here in Cusco and in Machu Picchu).

What's the group size?

The maximum allowed group size is 16 with 22 porters. Normally our group tours are between 8 (with 14 porters) to 16 (with 22 porters) in average.

Please note that the minimum number of people required to operate the tour is 4.

What about toilets?

Toilets have improved a lot in the last couple of years and all of the larger campsites have toilet blocks with flush toilets and running water. On the whole they are kept pretty clean. If you do need to go to the toilet between campsites then defecate well away from the trail and water supplies; dig a hole, or cover your feces with a rock, and take the paper with you in a bag to deposit in one of the several bins along the way. There are hot shower facilities in Wiñay Wayna on day 3, although they are usually unclean.

Important: As a sustainable tourism operator and to show how much we care for our porters we do NOT take portable toilets.

What should I do as my trek date approaches?

Please come by the agency at least 48 hours prior to your tour to meet, finalise details, pay your balance and organise your pre-trek talk (if applicable - Inca Trail / alternative treks).

How is the food on the treks?

Many people comment that our food they eat on the treks is the best they get whilst in Peru.

A sample menu is as follows:

Breakfast - Porridge, toast, butter, jam, pancakes, fruit salad, yogurt with hot chocolate, coffee and a variety of teas.
Snack - Every day you are provided with a snack to eat whilst trekking, this is usually something like a power bar + fruit or biscuits + fruit.
Lunch - Soup + a main course ranging from Lomo Saltado, Causa Rellena, Trout, Spaghetti Bolagnese etc. served with rice and garlic bread
Happy Hour - Every afternoon around 5pm we serve hot chocolate, tea, popcorn, biscuits, bread and jam, etc.
Dinner - See the main courses served at lunch.

Where are we located?

Our office is in Calle Cuychipuncu 257.

What are our opening hours?

We are open from 9am - 1pm and 3pm - 8pm (Mon - Sat) and 4pm - 8pm (Sun).

Have a nice trip !

How challenging is the Salkantay Trek?

It is a very difficult question to answer , choosing the right route to visit Machu Picchu as all treks have their own advantages , the question for you is , what do you want to see ? If your answer is to see Inca ruins the Inca Trail is the option for you, but if you are interested in seeing lagoons,glaciers, Andean landscapes and even visit hot springs the Salkantay is the option for you, both treks are difficult and what makes it difficult is the altitude for that reason we recommend to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days in advance before doing the tour in order to adjust to the altitude.

The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular ways to get to Machu Picchu. Less famous than the iconic Inca Trail

The Salkantay is around 74 km (46 miles) long and is most commonly done in 5 days with the 5th day being the visit to Machu Picchu.

The Salkantay Trek is a moderate to difficult hike. It is a long hike that takes most people around 4 days to complete. The entire hike is at high elevations, so it is not suitable for those who suffer from altitude sickness. With that said, those of all ages with a decent level of fitness should be able to complete this hike.

The main difference is that the Salkantay Trek is through the mountains reaching nearly 5,000 m (16,404 ft) above sea level, whereas the Inca Trail is walking on ruins much of the way.

Day 2 is the most challenging day that takes most people around 9 hours. It climbs 600 meters (1969 ft) in elevation and then descends 1,780 meters (5840 ft) over 22 kilometers (13.7 miles). This is a full (challenging day of hiking.) but, it is also rewarding and beautiful.

If you like a challenge, the outdoors, and hiking then you’ll love the Salkantay Trek.

Please read this blogg https://www.llamapath.com/en/blog/hiking-to-machu-picchu-with-llama-path-5-day-4-night-salkantay-trek