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INCA TRAIL PERMITS ARE GOING FAST! BOOK YOUR INCA TRAIL 2027 TODAY!
Frequently Asked Questions
Peru is a year-round destination, and the best time to visit depends on the regions you plan to explore and the activities you want to enjoy.The Andes, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and trekking: April through October generally brings sunnier days and less rain, making this the most popular season for hiking. June through August usually has the driest weather, but it can also bring larger crowds and colder nights. April, May, September, and October often provide a good balance of favorable weather and fewer visitors.The rainy season in the Andes: November through March usually brings more rain. The landscape is greener, and popular destinations may be less crowded, but rain can affect trails, roads, flights, and outdoor activities. The Inca Trail is normally closed throughout February for annual maintenance and conservation.The Amazon: The rainforest is warm and humid throughout the year. April through October generally has less rain and may offer better conditions for walking and land-based activities. During the wetter months, higher river levels may allow boats to reach areas that are less accessible during the lower-water season. The coast and Lima: December through March is generally warmer and sunnier.The coastal winter, especially from May through November, is cooler and often cloudy or misty.Weather varies by location, elevation, and year. Conquer Peru can help you choose travel dates that fit your preferred destinations, activities, and travel style.
Every traveler must carry a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Peru. If your passport has less than six months of validity remaining, renew it before traveling.Tourists traveling on passports issued by the United States, Canada, or Australia generally do not need a tourist visa for a short visit to Peru. Visa requirements vary according to nationality, passport type, and purpose of travel.Before register for a tour review Peru’s official resources:Check Peru’s visa requirements by nationalityReview Peru’s official tourist visa information
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.
Conquer Peru strongly recommends that every traveler purchase comprehensive travel insurance as soon as possible after booking. Unexpected events can happen before or during a trip, and appropriate coverage may protect you from expenses related to trip cancellation or interruption, travel delays, lost or delayed baggage, medical treatment, and emergency evacuation.Review each policy carefully to understand its coverage, exclusions, benefit limits, and claim requirements. Make sure the policy covers your destination and all planned activities, including trekking and travel at high altitude where applicable.You may explore coverage from these providers or an insurance company of your choice:World NomadsTravel GuardTravelex Insurance ServicesSquaremouth for comparing policiesTravel insurance is provided by an independent company. Coverage and claim decisions are determined solely by the insurance provider.
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
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.
We recommend traveling light and bringing one carry-on suitcase or travel bag and one small personal item or daypack.Unless your itinerary states otherwise, flights arranged by Conquer Peru are booked with carry-on baggage only. Checked baggage is not included. If you would like to check a bag, please notify us before departure. Airline approval is required, and additional baggage fees will be the traveler’s responsibility.Airline baggage size, weight, and item limits vary according to the airline, aircraft, route, and ticket type. These rules and fees may change without notice. Travelers are responsible for reviewing and following the baggage requirements for every flight on their itinerary.Keep your passport, travel documents, medication, electronics, money, and other essential or valuable items in your personal item or carry-on bag. Do not place essential medication or irreplaceable items in checked baggage.Trekking programs may have separate weight and size limits for duffel bags carried by porters, horses, or other support staff. The specific allowance and packing instructions will be provided before departure.
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.
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!
Yes. Conquer Peru can accommodate many dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets.Please provide complete information about your dietary restrictions, food allergies, and medical requirements when booking. Early notice gives our team, hotels, restaurants, cooks, and other local providers time to plan your meals.Food choices may be more limited in remote areas and along trekking routes. Although we will make reasonable efforts to meet your needs, we cannot guarantee an environment free from allergens or cross-contact. Travelers with severe allergies should consult a healthcare professional before traveling, carry any required medication, and discuss their needs directlywith their trip leader and guides.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. All travelers hiking the Inca Trail must have an official permit and enter with an authorized tour operator and licensed guide.The classic Inca Trail is limited to 500 entries per day. This total includes travelers, guides, porters, cooks, and other support staff, so the number of permits available to hikers is limited.Permits can sell out quickly, especially during the popular travel season. We recommend choosing your preferred and alternate travel dates and booking as early as possible. Permit availability is controlled by Peruvian authorities and cannot be guaranteed until the reservation is confirmed.Conquer Peru can check availability and arrange the required permit as part of your Inca Trail booking. Travelers must provide accurate passport information because permits are issued using the traveler’s personal details. Changes may be restricted after a permit is purchased.The Inca Trail is normally closed throughout February for annual maintenance, conservation work, and environmental recovery. Permits are not issued for hiking during the closure.Additional temporary closures may occur because of severe weather, safety conditions, government decisions, or other circumstances beyond Conquer Peru’s control.
The Classic Inca Trail is rated Challenging. The trek covers approximately 43 kilometers (26 miles) through mountainous terrain and reaches an elevation of about 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level.The second day is generally the most demanding, with a long, steep ascent of approximately 1,200 meters (3,900 feet). Travelers should also be prepared for high altitude, stone steps, uneven and slippery trails, changing weather, and several consecutive days of hiking.You do not need to be an expert hiker, but you should be in good physical condition and prepare both physically and mentally. We recommend regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training, hill climbing, and practice hikes for several weeks or months before departure. Arriving in Cusco early to acclimatize is also strongly recommended.If you have concerns about your health, fitness, or ability to travel at high altitude, consult a healthcare professional before booking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Registering for a Conquer Peru trip is easy. All payments are processed through WeTravel, the secure platform we use to manage trip reservations and payments.Click the “Book Now” button next to the trip description and pay the required $500 deposit through WeTravel to reserve your place. After we receive your deposit, we will email your confirmation. As your departure date approaches, we will send additional updates, including your itinerary and packing list.A second payment equal to 50% of the trip price is due 120 days before departure. The remaining balance must be paid 30 days before departure. If you book within 30 days of departure, full payment is due when your reservation is confirmed.If you need to arrange another payment method, please contact us before making your reservation.Failure to make a payment by its due date may result in cancellation of the reservation under the cancellation policy below.Phone: (425) 217-7325Email: reservations@conquerperu.com
We understand that emergencies and unexpected circumstances may require you to cancel your reservation. Because Conquer Peru pays suppliers and makes arrangements before departure, the cancellation policy below applies to all reservations.Your initial $500 deposit is nonrefundable, except when Conquer Peru is unable to secure your booking or cancels your trip.Cancellation refunds are calculated as follows:Cancellation charges are based on the date Conquer Peru receives your written cancellation request:90 days or more before departure: Refund of all payments made, excluding the $500 nonrefundable deposit.60–89 days before departure: Refund of 50% of all payments made after the $500 nonrefundable deposit is deducted.59 days or fewer before departure: No refund will be issued.Nonrefundable Inca Trail permits; airline tickets, supplier charges, and payment-processing fees will also be deducted from any refund when applicable.Refunds will be returned through the original payment method when possible. Processing times may depend on WeTravel, the traveler’s bank, and other payment providers.No refund will be issued for any unused part of a trip, including arriving late, leaving early, missing transportation, declining an included activity, or being unable to participate because of incomplete travel documents.
Verbal notice is not accepted as a valid cancellation. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by email:Email: reservations@conquerperu.comThe effective cancellation date is the date Conquer Peru receives your written request.
Refunds are not provided for unused portions of a trip, including arriving late, leaving early, missing an activity, or choosing not to participate in an included service, missing transportation, or being unable to participate because of incomplete travel documents.
Reservation transfer requests are reviewed individually and are subject to availability, supplier policies, permit restrictions, and the replacement traveler’s ability to participate safely. Certain reservations, including issued Inca Trail permits and airline tickets, are nontransferable. Additional fees may apply.
Conquer Peru may cancel a trip because of insufficient enrollment, safety concerns, government restrictions, severe weather, or other circumstances that make operating the trip impractical or unsafe.If Conquer Peru cancels a trip because minimum enrollment is not reached, travelers will be notified at least 45 days before departure and will receive a refund of payments made to Conquer Peru, including the deposit.Conquer Peru is not responsible for separate expenses travelers incur when preparing for a trip, such as airfare, visas, equipment, vaccinations, or additional accommodations. Conquer Peru may also modify an itinerary when reasonably necessary because of weather, trail or road conditions, transportation disruptions, safety concerns, government actions, or other circumstances beyond its control.
Conquer Peru welcomes travelers from different cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, identities, and levels of travel experience. Some guests are taking their first international trip, while others are experienced travelers. You may travel alone, with a partner, with friends, or with family.Throughout the trip, you will travel with your group, a Conquer Peru trip leader, and local guides. Shared experiences create opportunities to meet new people, learn about Peru, and build lasting friendships.Our itineraries may also include personal time so travelers can relax, explore, or recharge. Where the itinerary and safety requirements allow, you may choose which optional activities you would like to join. Required group meetings, transportation schedules, and safety instructions must be followed.We ask every traveler to arrive with an open mind, a respectful attitude, and consideration for local communities and fellow participants. Conquer Peru welcomes people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship statuses, abilities, and backgrounds.Travelers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Most Conquer Peru trips involve considerable walking, and some include hiking at high altitude or over uneven terrain. Each trip is assigned one of three activity levels: Moderate, Energetic, or Challenging. Review the activity level and daily itinerary before booking to make sure the trip is appropriate for your health, fitness, and experience.Moderate: Expect regular walking, usually on city streets, established paths, and mostly level terrain. Some days may include stairs, hills, or uneven surfaces. Optional activities may include: biking, horseback riding, or short hikes. Energetic: Expect active days that may include extended walking, hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, swimming, or other outdoor activities. Some activities may take place at high altitude or on steep and uneven terrain. Travelers should exercise regularly and be comfortable remaining active for several hours.Challenging: Expect physically demanding activities such as multi-day trekking, long or steep hikes, camping, rafting, or cycling. These trips may involve high altitude, changing weather, remote locations, and consecutive active days. Travelers should exercise regularly and follow a trip-specific training plan for several weeks or months before departure.If you have a medical condition, an injury, concerns about altitude, or questions about your ability to participate, consult a healthcare professional before booking. Please contact Conquer Peru if you need more information about the physical requirements of a specific itinerary.
Absolutely! Many travelers join Conquer Peru on their own. Group travel offers a great opportunity to explore Peru while meeting people who share your interest in culture and adventure.Solo travelers may be paired with another traveler of the same gender when shared accommodations are included. If you prefer your own room, a private room upgrade may be available for an additional fee.If you are traveling with a friend, partner, or family member and would like to share a room, please provide that person’s name when booking. Room arrangements and private upgrades are subject to availability.
Absolutely! Conquer Peru can arrange many of our listed trips as private experiences. We can also create a customized itinerary in Peru based on your group’s interests, travel dates, activity level, preferred accommodations, and budget.Private and custom trips are available for:Family vacations and reunionsGroups of friendsBirthday celebrationsAnniversariesHoneymoons and babymoonsBachelor and bachelorette tripsSchool, university, or educational groupsCompany and organization retreatsHiking and adventure groupsLuxury vacationsOther special occasions
When available, group members can register and make payments individually through WeTravel.Your trip may include a Conquer Peru trip leader and experienced local guides, depending on the itinerary.Contact us to begin planning your private or custom Peru experience.Phone: (425) 217-7325Email: reservations@conquerperu.com
Responsible travel means exploring Peru in a way that respects local communities, cultural traditions, wildlife, and the environment. Conquer Peru aims to create meaningful travel experiences while reducing the negative effects tourism can have on the places we visit.Whenever practical, we work with local guides, locally owned businesses, accommodations, restaurants, and service providers. This helps keep tourism income within the communities that welcome our travelers.We encourage travelers to:Carry a reusable water bottle and use safe refill stations when availableAvoid single-use plastics and bring reusable travel itemsDispose of waste properly and leave natural and archaeological sites as they were foundStay on designated trails and follow all park regulationsConserve water and electricity at hotels and campsRespect local customs, sacred places, and photography restrictionsAsk permission before photographing local peopleAvoid touching, feeding, disturbing, or purchasing products made from wildlifeSupport local artisans and purchase responsibly produced goodsFollow the instructions of guides, park staff, and community hostsSmall choices can make a meaningful difference. We ask every Conquer Peru traveler to help protect Peru’s natural beauty and cultural heritage for local communities and future visitors.
Conquer Peru respects your privacy and takes reasonable measures to protect the personal information you provide to us. We do not sell your personal information.We may collect information you submit through our website, reservation forms, emails, waivers, and payment platform. This may include your name, contact details, travel preferences, passport information, emergency contact information, dietary or medical needs, and other information required to arrange your trip.We may share necessary information with trusted service providers involved in your booking, including WeTravel, hotels, airlines, transportation companies, guides, tour operators, insurance providers, and government or park authorities. We share only the information reasonably neededto process payments, secure reservations, operate the trip, protect health and safety, or comply with legal requirements.If you choose to subscribe to our newsletter, we may use your email address to send news, travel information, and special offers. You may unsubscribe at any time by using the link in an email or contacting us.Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to operate properly, understand website use, and improve the visitor experience. Third-party websites and services are governed by their own privacy policies.Conquer Peru may update this policy periodically. Material changes may be announced on our website or sent to the primary email address associated with your reservation.To ask a privacy question, update your information, or request removal from our marketing list, contact us at reservations@conquerperu.com.
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