Where to exchange money?

We recommend exchanging money in Peru in exchange offices or banks, it is better to have local currency in hand. The exchange rate is more beneficial in Peru than in the USA, Europe or Brazil. You can exchange money at the destination airport (Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, etc.). Dollars are widely used throughout South America. We recommend that you exchange the amount of money you need to get to your next destination, in many places that work in the area of tourism (restaurants, travel agencies, hotel) you Can pay with dollars for services, but the exchange rate is different, you can also use ATMs to withdraw money in many cities, but these are not available in remote places like the field during the excursions; In that case, it is advisable to have extra money available.

How much do we need money?

It depends on which country you are traveling in: Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, things are more "economic" than in Argentina, Chile and Brazil. But overall, the level of spending in South America is lower than in U.S.A. or in Europe and you can buy things like food, clothing, etc. At very low prices. A lunch in Peru, for example, can cost $ 8.00 in Tourist Restaurants, but if you like to have a more local food you can go to the market and have a lunch paying 15 soles that are like $ 5, can pay for a bottle of 1 liter of water 3 soles but the prices are not always the same and can be higher in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)

How much should I tip and for whom?

This is a sensitive issue and deals with this differently in each country. Both in Peru and the rest of South America, but tips are optional, but it is considered as an act of gratitude for your tour guide or service. Generally speaking, you should tip for the service you receive.

What voltage outputs do you have? - 110 or 220 V?

The voltage in Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina is 220 V, in Ecuador it is 110 V. The type of connector depends on the country, and you may need an adapter. Hotels usually offer adapters for guests, should not have them, you can always buy one from a city market.

SECURITY AND HEALTH

What are the conditions for personal safety?

As far as travel insurance, just avoid putting on fine jewelry and keeping your belongings close to you at all times. As you will travel with us, you can feel completely safe from all the staff that will accompany you throughout your journey.

What precautions should we take with bottles of water and fruit in Peru?

We recommend that you only drink bottled water. You will find many brands in supermarkets and small shops, and all are reliable. There are 2 types of water: no gas, no carbon, Normal and gas, which has carbon.

Altitude sickness: Recommendations

It is very common to suffer altitude sickness when traveling to places like Cusco, Peru (3,326m / 10,975ft), Puno, Peru (3,809m / 12,496ft), La Paz, Bolivia (4,058m / 13,313ft), or Quito , Ecuador (2,850m / 9350ft). Symptoms include headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness and insomnia. It is difficult to determine who suffers from altitude sickness, as there are no specific factors related to the susceptibility to altitude sickness.
Prevention is the best treatment: before traveling to any destination in Alturas, stop eating too much. Avoid fatty foods and opt for easily digestible foods. Drink lots of water. Once in the city, they do not make much physical effort until their body gets used to the altitude.

Personal documents

Personal documents such as passports are very important, upon arrival you will receive at the Peruvian migration authorization a 90-day stay permit that you must save until you return to your home country, just as that authorization must be shown In your hotel at the time of admission. The passport or ID number must be included in your entrance ticket to the places you will be visiting Machu Picchu, if you book your trip using your passport number and subsequently change document by another, we recommend bringing both documents To find otherwise the government of Peru could deny us the visit.

Can you do the Inca Trail without a tour operator?

No. Since January first of 2001, it was forbidden to undertake this walk independently. However, the regulations are not strictly enforced until the beginning of 2002. You must contact an operator to obtain licenses; tickets to the Inca Trail in Cusco must be purchased in advance and only through an operator of the Inca trail. Tickets cannot be purchased at the entrance point of the Inca Trail.

Should I make a reservation for the Inca Trail in advance or hope to get to Cusco?

Because the number of people allowed per day has been greatly reduced, it is advisable to book in advance 5-6 months at least. This is particularly important if you are planning to arrive in Cusco during high season (May to October)

What is the best time to do the Inca Trail?

The "dry" season from April to October seems appropriate to make the Inca Trail, at least when the weather is concerned. In general, it is dry, but it may rain in the "dry" season any time from April to October. Consider the wide range of temperatures. At the time the weather is sunny during the day and during the cold and windy night.

How hard is the Inca Trail?

The walk is physically demanding, but requires no technical skills. The difficulty comes in largely repeats steps ascending and descending, and height. The ascent to the first open lanes for about 2000 to over 4000 m.a.s.l. In a relatively short length, followed by a decrease of about 1500 m.a.s.l.
After the second pass (3500 m.a.s.l) usually walking becomes easier.

How to get water?

Terra Peru Adventures provides boiled water to fill your bottles at meal times, although the water is always clean be sure to always use your water purification tablets and follow the instructions. Micropur purification tablets can be purchased from most pharmacies in Cusco. With these pills, you should wait 40 minutes before drinking. We recommend bringing a bottle of water of at least 1 liter capacity.
You can bring the bottled water of Cusco, buy at Km 82, before arriving Wayllabamba.

How are the bathrooms?

Bathrooms have improved considerably in the last two years and in all fields you will find WC with water. Current toilets have improved a lot in the last couple of years and all of the larger campgrounds have gleaming blocks of toilets and running water. Usually they are kept clean.
There are facilities for bathing in Wiñaywayna (day 3)

Should I hire a personal Porter? When?

Our services include service loaders for loading food, tents and cooking equipment. However, during the Inca Trail you must carry your personal material (backpack, camera, water, etc.) sleeping bag and mat. Hiring a personal porter can make it more enjoyable to walk and walk without any extra weight.

What is Huayna Picchu?

When buying tickets from Machu Picchu you see how one of the options includes entrance to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu. Huayna Picchu is a mountain located within the lands of Machu Picchu, from where there is a spectacular view. You can climb a very steep and very narrow path, but it is in good condition and has adequate security measures, so that under normal physical conditions should not assume that you have bigger problem. Of course prepared to get bored, the climb is arduous, but the effort is worth it.