Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu

Important Information

Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu.

ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

We will pick you up from the Cusco airport and take you to your hotel in Cusco. Please let us know your flight details at least 14 days before arrival. Our representative will be holding an orange sign reading ORANGE Nation outside the arrivals. You must exit the terminal to find our representative as they cannot enter. (Please let us know if your hotel is in the Sacred Valley so we can make the necessary arrangments). 

THE BRIEFING

The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

ABSOLUTELY! During the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free.

QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

FIRST, to book your Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.

Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase an Huchuy Qosqo Trek Machu Picchu entraces and train without the following information:

• Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
• Gender
• Passport number
• D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
• Nationality
• SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Lares trek Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many ATMs  within the historical center to withdraw money.  You can also pay by PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service charge, charged by PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address orangenationperu@gmail.com. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

• According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
• All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
• For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
• Children under the age 2 are free.
• All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.
• Send us a copy at the time of booking

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Yes, but with some restrictions. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought, the government does not permit any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.  If you cancel your Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

DEFINITELY! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us a COPY of your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it with a COPY when you get your new passport, for a fee of $25 USD per person.  

We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you.  You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train.  If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train.

Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

The weather is very unpredictable and usually is divided in two big seasons: dry and wet. As the zone of Cusco forms part the Peruvian Andes, the dry season is considered from May to November mostly sunny days, with minimum percentage of rain or bad days. But the rainy season usually is from December to April with hail storms, snowy, cloudy days and not much visibility on the mountains. During the winter season (June– August) the places get warmer days but cold at night; Summer season (December– March) usually the trail gets wet, muddy and difficult to walk.

Travelers visiting Cusco should be prepared for the quick change of temperatures and climates even in winter, but much more in summer season. Due to the global warming the weather conditions in the Andes is becoming very changeable and very unstable. It can be very cold at the high altitudes of this trek.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

For some visitors, the first hours in Cusco can be summarized as: shortness of breath, a discomfort in the body, dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, even vomiting. As great connoisseurs of natural medicine, the Incas used coca leaves to counteract soroche, quechua for high-altitude sickness.

Don’t do anything other than rest

If you travel from Lima to Cusco, the effect can be immediate. This lack of oxygen, scientifically known as hypoxia, begins to manifest itself at 7,874 ft (2,399 m) above sea level. That’s why right after landing in Cusco, visitors can feel fatigued and have difficulty walking. It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay hydrated

How do people feel after a night of drinking? Thirsty. That’s how you’ll feel when you arrive in Cusco. As already stated, the body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip to Cusco. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

Discovering coca

No one knew better the effects of high altitude than indigenous peoples. Coca is the best natural medicine to combat altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its curative powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. It contains iron, vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, among other nutrients. Coca makes it easier for your bloodstream to absorb oxygen, suppresses hunger, combats fatigue, headaches and can ease your stomach. Try drinking coca tea, which is found in the lobbies of most hotels in Cusco.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 10 people. Our groups are usually between 2-6 people. ORANGE NATION Peru specialises in SMALL and PRIVATE groups to provide a personalized service.

HIKING HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO  MACHU PICCHU

You will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG the night before the Trek to pack your clothes for the next 3 days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14lbs. Your pack horse will carry your duffel bag, food and camping gear. PLEASE NOTE that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day as the horses will always be ahead of the group. You will need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc.  A 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Hucuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is a 20 km/12 hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude is 4,200m/13,779ft.  The Trail is easy to moderate.  You have to be moderately fit. In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?

OF COURSE!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you there too!

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is a large part of the tourism industry across many ORANGE Nation destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tour operator that incorporates the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know, understand and respect the places and the indigenous people.