Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Golden Machupicchu?

With more than 15 years of experience organizing walks and tours, GOLDEN MACHUPICCHU is one of the main operators in Peru and has achieved an excellent record with our customers. Our goal is always to provide excellent service to each person and we are constantly looking for ways to improve to make your journey of an even better life.

Another very important reason to book with us is that you can guarantee that you will make a fair and ethical trip. GOLDEN MACHUPICCHU is the leader in sustainable tourism here in Cusco and so far is the only agency that has built a house for its porters.

Can I use plastic bottles during the Inca Trail and in Machu Picchu?

ZERO PLASTIC BOTTLES ON THE INCA TRAIL AND MACHU PICCHU AS OF DECEMBER 1

Due to new government regulations for the Inca Trail, YOU WILL BE PROHIBITED 100% FROM TAKING PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES. We believe that in the first days the new regulations imposed will NOT be 100% controlled, however, as the days go by, it will become stricter and stricter, so we suggest you buy your aluminum and plastic bottles to avoid any disappointment at the checkpoints of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

0.700ml ALUMINIUM BOTTLES: As a way to avoid any inconvenience with our customers, GOLDEN MACHUPICCHU offers 0.700 ml of aluminum water bottles for sale in the office for just 10 soles (USD3.00). Aluminum water bottles can also be purchased in many different stores around the main plaza. Also, if you are still at home and ready to fly to Peru for your trip, we recommend bringing aluminum water bottles or camel bags.

What is the climate like in Peru?

Peru’s climate varies depending on where you visit.

The coast is usually quite hot, although during the winter (April-August) it can get cold 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 humid, but generally warmer in general. The dry season runs from May to October and has warm, clear days, but cold nights.

The only thing you can say about the climate in Peru is that it is difficult to predict accurately. You can have beautiful clear and warm days in the middle of the wet season and storms with hailstorms in the dry season, is one of the beauties of Peru.

What vaccines do I need for Peru?

You   should   always   consult   your   local   travel   clinic   regarding vaccinations. In general, regular vaccines such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, etc. are recommended. If you visit the lowland jungle, yellow fever is recommended.

Do I need to be in shape to do one of your tours?

All our routes (Inca Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, etc.) are moderately difficult, long and mountainous. We strongly recommend that you be relatively fit and acclimated to altitude (a minimum of 2 days at altitude) before embarking on your journey. During the months (or at least one month) before your trip, you should exercise regularly and moderately. We want you to have an incredible experience and the fitter you are, the more enjoyable the walks will be.

How can I reserve a place on one of your tours / excursions?

Visit our booking page for more information!

Why do I need to send a deposit?

We use your deposit (non-refundable) to pay the official fees when making your official booking. For example, we have to pay entrance fees and taxes to tourists and porters (19%). We also use it to secure cooks, loaders and horses for our different walks.

How can I pay my deposit / closing balance?

Travel deposits can be paid with VISA or PayPal (no charge!).

1) Visa Credit Card: (only for Inca Trail reserve deposits) – we have an online payment system that you can use to pay with your credit/debit card.

2) PayPal: (for alternative excursions and Inca Trail and excursion booking deposits). To make your deposit through PayPal you need a PayPal account, the address to send your deposit is info@goldenmachupicchuperu.com

Final balances of all our trips must be paid in cash (Suns or U.S. dollars)

48 hours prior to departure at the latest. Payment must be made in cash at our office.

Final balances of itineraries must be paid 1 month prior to your trip.

What causes altitude sickness?

The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high and at the same time too fast. Over time, your body may adapt to decreasing oxygen at specific altitudes. This is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1 to 3 nights at a given altitude.

Prevention of altitude sickness:

The prevention of altitude sickness is divided into two categories: adequate acclimatisation and preventive medicines. Below are some basic guidelines for proper acclimatization. Start below 10,000 feet and walk up.

• Don’t overdo it or try harder for the first 24 hours.
• If  you  exceed  10,000  feet  (3,048  meters),  just  increase  the sleeping elevation by 1,000 feet (305 meters) per day and for every 3,000 feet (915 meters) of elevation gained, take a day off.
• If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude sickness, do not go higher until your symptoms subside.
• If symptoms increase, get down, get down, get down!
• Please  note  that  different  people  will  acclimatize  at  different speeds.
• Stay properly hydrated.
• Take it easy; don’t try too hard when you reach the height.
• Avoid  tobacco, alcohol, and other depressant drugs, including barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills.
• Eat a high-carbohydrate diet at altitude.

Preventive drugs (which require prescriptions):

* Diamox (acetazolamide) changes the acid balance that allows you to increase   breathing   and   improve   oxygen   absorption,   the   same mechanism as in normal acclimatization, but faster.

Dexamethasone (a steroid) is a drug that decreases pain and other inflammations, which helps reverse the effects.

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

The number of visitors to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is limited to 2500 per day, which is an attempt to comply with UNESCO recommendations. During July 2011, several visitors were unable to obtain an entry ticket when they arrived in Aguas Calientes. It is therefore recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season. Trains are usually full, so make your reservations in advance. You can book your visit to MP alone or a ticket that includes the Huayna Picchu hike. Watch out to increase that 2 hours of entry were enabled

How is the Inca Trail walk short 2 days and 1 night?

The shortest Inca Trail is for those visitors with limited time in their hands or who simply want to take things a little easier, but still travel the Inca Trail. This walk starts at km104 and climbs to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna before continuing towards MP. Since he doesn’t have much time in MP the first day, most people spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes and return to MP again the next day. This trail is subject to the rules of the Inca Trail and the permits of the Trek, must also be booked in advance.

Is there a waiting list?

There is no WAITING / CANCELLATION LIST. If any agency tells you they can do this, they just don’t tell the truth and are operating illegally! It’s as simple as if a passenger cancels their space is not given to anyone else – period!

Is it possible to enter with a different ID?

No, you must carry a valid identification (passport) with the name you used during your reservation to enter the park.

What’s an extra janitor? Do I need one?

We always ask if you would like the help of a personal doorman to carry your extra luggage (sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, clothes, etc.). This is a good idea if you’re not used to hiking. It helps you enjoy the trail more! You can then walk with your backpack with what you need for the day, such as water, sunscreen, raincoat, camera, snacks, and so on.

Discount for students with a valid ISIC card.

If you are a student with a valid ISIC (International Student Card), then you are entitled to a discount. (USD40.00). To claim this discount, you must provide the agency with a scanned copy of your card and travel with the card on the way. If you do not carry your card on the way, you will be obliged to pay the full fare.

What is the size of the group?

The maximum allowed group size is 16 with 22 goalkeepers. Normally, our group tours are between 8 (with 14 porters) and 10 (with 16 porters) on average.

What about the bathrooms?

Toilets  have  improved  a  lot  in  recent  years  and  all  of  the  larger campsites have toilet blocks with toilets and running water. In general,

they are kept fairly clean. If you need to go to the bathroom between camps, defecate well away from the road and water supplies; dig a hole, or cover your feces with a stone, and take the paper with you in a bag for placement in one of several containers along the way. There are hot showers at Wiñay Wayna on day 3, although they are generally unclean. Important: As a sustainable tour operator and to show how much we care about our porters, we do NOT take portable toilets.

What should I do as my walking date approaches?

Come to the agency at least 48 hours before your trip to meet, finalize the details, pay your balance and organize your pre-walk talk (if applicable – Inca Trail / alternative walks).

How’s the food on the walks?

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

A sample menu is as follows:

Breakfast – Oatmeal 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 while walking, this is something like a power bar + fruit or biscuits + fruit.

Lunch – Soup + a main course ranging from Sautéed Loin, Causa Rellena, Trout, Bolagnese Spaghetti, etc. served with rice and garlic bread.

Happy Hour – Every afternoon around 5pm we serve hot chocolate, tea, popcorn, cookies, bread and jam, etc.

Dinner: See the main dishes served at lunch.

What are our opening hours?

We are open from 9 am. to 1 pm. and from 3 pm. to 8 pm. (Monday to

Saturday) and from 4 to 8 pm. (sun).

Have a nice trip!