Question 1

When is the best time to travel to Peru?

Accepted Answer

If your travel dates are flexible, is better to go in the dry season, from May to October. If you plan on hiking, the best months to visit are April, May, June, September, and October. Early in the dry season is ideal for visiting the Amazon too, and taking advantage of more Peru travel packages across the various regions.

Question 2

What type of passport and visa documents should I have prepared?

Accepted Answer

Passports: In order to visit Peru, you are required to have a valid passport for at least six months from date of departure, containing at least two blank pages.
​
Visas: All passport holders should verify with their travel agent or relevant consultant concerning visa entry requirements. Travelers from the US, the UK and Canada do not require visas. Please ensure that you have all the necessary visas prior to departure.

Question 3

If I don't have a passport can I still make a trek booking?

Accepted Answer

No. We require a passport number in order to reserve the trek permits. If you don't have a passport then you cannot make a trek booking.

Question 4

Do I need to have traveler's insurance?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend that you have your own travel insurance prior to departing on one of our treks. Please note that the non-refundable deposit should be able to be recuperated through a travel insurance claim in the case of accident or illness. We are often asked to provide more information about travel insurance but believe it's best if you contact insurance companies in your own country to learn more about what your travel insurance offers.

Question 5

Do I need to have any vaccines?

Accepted Answer

Vaccines are necessary or recommended depending on the region you will be visiting and any alerts that have been issued. Check this website for information based on your own health and travel plans. 
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/clinician/none/peru

Question 6

How far in advance do I need to make a trek reservation?

Accepted Answer

As far in advance as possible. The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). We therefore recommend that you try to make your Inca trail reservation as far in advance as possible as soon as you know the dates of your international flights.

Question 7

What kind of luggage do I need?

Accepted Answer

In this security-conscious era, airline luggage restrictions may change without notice. Also, luggage limits vary depending on ticket class, plane size, destinations, etc. It is always best to confirm with airlines for specific limitations. It’s highly recommended to travel light. One strong, medium size suitcase and carry-on bag per person should be adequate. We recommend that you carry your daypack or smaller luggage by hand on the plane, including important documents, medicines and any other valuable items.

Question 8

What should I plan to bring on my trip to Peru?

Accepted Answer

The best piece of advice is to take half the clothing you think you will need. In a pinch, there are many markets to buy clothing and ample laundromats. The lighter you pack the better, leave space for souvenirs! 
Once you decide on a tour package, we will send you a detailed itinerary and list of recommended items based on the activities you'll be doing.

Question 9

Do I need to speak Spanish to participate in the trips?

Accepted Answer

No! Our expert tour guides speak proficient English, and all of the aspects of each trip can easily be navigated as a non-Spanish-speaker. Don't let language barriers keep you from your dream trip!

Question 10

I have diet restrictions. Can I be accommodated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Conquer Peru is also well aware of the various diet restrictions that travelers may have. Don't fear! Peruvian food is flexible and accommodations can easily be made to adapt to a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diet. Please let us know with plenty of advanced notice so that we may plan your meals. ​

Question 11

What kind of social customs should I be ready for?

Accepted Answer

Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Visitors should follow normal social courtesies and the atmosphere is generally informal. Dress is usually informal, although for some business meetings and social occasions men wear a jacket and tie. Life is conducted at a leisurely pace. Depending on the context, hugs and light kisses on the cheek are also quite common.

Question 12

What currency do I need in Peru?

Accepted Answer

While Peru uses its own monetary unit, the Nuevo Sol, it is wise for travelers to carry some US dollars just in case. If you bring US dollars, it is best to bring medium – to high denomination cash bank notes. If dollar bills are marked or damaged, they will not be accepted in Peru. It is best to carry an ATM card, ATM machines are generally available in major Peru’s cities. Major credit cards from international providers are often accepted in shops and restaurants, though you may be charged a fee.

Question 13

What should I bring to a homestay?

Accepted Answer

You may have a chance to visit a local community on your program. If you would like to distribute small gifts to the children, items such as pens, regular or colored pencils, small crayon packages, blank notebooks or notepads, barrettes or hair clips, t-shirts, or hotel toiletries are greatly appreciated.

Question 14

Should I buy a Tourist Ticket to pay in advance for entrance to sites?

Accepted Answer

Officially known as the Boleto Turistico Unico (BTU), this visitors' ticket costs 130 Peruvian Soles (approx. US $47) and 70 Peruvian Soles for students with an ISIC card (approx US $25). The ticket is valid for 10 days and can be bought at the OFEC office at Avenida Sol 103 office 102 (Mon-Fri 8am-6.30pm , Sat 8am-2pm) or at any of the sites included on the ticket (listed below). 
 
Places included on the tourist ticket are: 
Santa Catalina Convent and Art Museum
Museo de Historia Regional (Casa Inca Garcilazo de la Vega)
Museo Palacio Municipal de Arte Contemporaneo
Museo Arqueologico Koricancha (but not Koricancha itself)
Museo de Arte Popular
Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo
Monumento Pachacutec
Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman​, Q'enko, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara
Pisac, Ollantaytambo​ and Chinchero. These sites are normally visited as part of the Sacred Valley day tour.
Entrance tickets to the Cathedral (US $3), Koricancha / Qoricancha /Temple of the Sun (US $1.80), San Blas church, the Inka Museum (US $3), Museo de Arte Precolombino (US $4.60), Museo de Arte Religioso del Arzobispado (US $3) and La Merced (US $0.90) are sold separately.

Question 15

Permits for the Inca Trail?

Accepted Answer

Anyone considering the Inca Trail hike anytime in the first half of 2022 should start nailing down dates. Only 500 permits are allowed for each day of the year, and only 200 of these are given to hikers – the rest are for guides and porters. In recent years, permits for the month of May were depleted in a few hours on opening day. Groups planning to hike in April, May and June 2022 should reserve their dates now as these months typically sell out quickly. 
We have access to to permit availability information to help you make decisions about travel dates and can arrange permits for you. This is good news for people who are ready to plan their trips to Peru in 2022, as we can confirm flights and hotels without worry that they won't be able to synchronize with their hiking dates. 
 
***Conservation projects are held during February of every year. The Inca Trail remains closed and no Inca Trail Permits are issued to visitors during this whole month.

Question 16

How difficult is the Inca Trail?

Accepted Answer

While the Classic Inca Trail is a popular trek, it still is a 43 km (26 mile) hike through a high altitude region. The maximum altitude reached is 4200m above sea level. On the second day of the trek you will climb 1200m upwards, which is a hard climb. Even though our website rates the Inca trail as “moderate” this is a comparison to other treks in the region NOT because its easy! The Inca Trail is a relatively challenging trek and you should be well prepared (phyiscallly and mentally) prior to trekking.

Question 17

Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?

Accepted Answer

Many new, flushing toilets have been built along the Inca trail including all of the major campsites. This has helped  to improve sanitary conditions on the trail although conditions are still not always perfect. Each toilet block has cold running water. We recommend that you bring hand-sanitizer to use after visiting the public toilets. Every evening we will provide you with a bowl of warm water to wash with.

Question 18

How much time should I allow in Cuzco before my hike? (Altitude & Acclimatization)

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend that you acclimatize for 2-3 days in a high place (like Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Arequipa or Lake Titicaca) before attempting any of these hikes. Altitude can affect anyone at moderate to high altitude (generally anything over 3,000 meters). Altitude sickness is caused by lack of oxygen, and there is up to one-third less oxygen in the Andes than at sea level. No one understands why some people are affected and others are not. Age, level of fitness and strength is no indication of how well you will fare at high altitudes. Be aware that altitude sickness can be serious, so if your guide advises you to rest or descend, please do as instructed.

Question 19

I'm not a very strong hiker. Can I still trek on one of these trips?

Accepted Answer

Our number one trekking tip is … Go at your own pace. It's not a race. Most of our tours have adequate time for you to take it easy along the trail. We also find it's more enjoyable to stop and rest frequently, to admire the landscapes rather than arrive at camp early and sit in your tent.​

Question 20

What is included in each travel package?

Accepted Answer

Check out "our packages" section and view specific trips to get a general sense of each package, and feel free to request more detailed information at any time.

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CONQUER PERU

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to travel to Peru?

What type of passport and visa documents should I have prepared?

If I don't have a passport can I still make a trek booking?

Do I need to have traveler's insurance?

Do I need to have any vaccines?

How far in advance do I need to make a trek reservation?

What kind of luggage do I need?

What should I plan to bring on my trip to Peru?

Do I need to speak Spanish to participate in the trips?

I have diet restrictions. Can I be accommodated?

What kind of social customs should I be ready for?

What currency do I need in Peru?

What should I bring to a homestay?

Should I buy a Tourist Ticket to pay in advance for entrance to sites?

Permits for the Inca Trail?

How difficult is the Inca Trail?

Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?

How much time should I allow in Cuzco before my hike? (Altitude & Acclimatization)

I'm not a very strong hiker. Can I still trek on one of these trips?

What is included in each travel package?

CONQUER PERU

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to travel to Peru?

What type of passport and visa documents should I have prepared?

If I don't have a passport can I still make a trek booking?

Do I need to have traveler's insurance?

Do I need to have any vaccines?

How far in advance do I need to make a trek reservation?

What kind of luggage do I need?

What should I plan to bring on my trip to Peru?

Do I need to speak Spanish to participate in the trips?

I have diet restrictions. Can I be accommodated?

What kind of social customs should I be ready for?

What currency do I need in Peru?

What should I bring to a homestay?

Should I buy a Tourist Ticket to pay in advance for entrance to sites?

Permits for the Inca Trail?

How difficult is the Inca Trail?

Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?

How much time should I allow in Cuzco before my hike? (Altitude &amp; Acclimatization)

I'm not a very strong hiker. Can I still trek on one of these trips?

What is included in each travel package?

How much time should I allow in Cuzco before my hike? (Altitude & Acclimatization)