Your Complete Guide to Visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Andes

At Champions Peru Travel, we are committed to ensuring the success of your adventure by providing thorough preparation. Whether you are joining us for the Classic Inca Trail, exploring the Sacred Valley, or hiking to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, understanding what to expect will allow you to enjoy Peru to its fullest.

Best Time to Visit Peru

Peru's diverse climates make it a year-round destination, with the best time to travel depending on your itinerary:

Dry Season (May – October): The optimal season for trekking is characterized by sunny days, clear nights, and exceptional visibility for photography. This product is ideal for the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, and Rainbow Mountain hikes. Due to the potential for temperatures to drop to freezing in high-altitude camps after nightfall, it is advisable to pack warm gear.

Wet Season (November – April): Expect afternoon showers, greener landscapes, and fewer tourists. The Short Inca Trail is an ideal destination for this time of year, as it is less prone to precipitation. Machu Picchu is open year-round, and the rainy season often brings mystical, cloud-covered mountain views.

Arriving in Cusco

The majority of visitors arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) by air.

From Lima: Direct flights take approximately one hour and run multiple times daily.

From Abroad: International flights often connect via Lima, though some seasonal direct flights are available from La Paz, Santiago, or Bogotá.
Our team is pleased to offer private airport pick-up and hotel transfers, ensuring a seamless start to your journey. We also advise booking accommodations close to the historic center for convenient access to restaurants, markets, and attractions.

Altitude and Acclimatization

Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), and it is important to note that altitude sickness can affect individuals regardless of their fitness level.

Acclimatization Plan: Please reserve the first two days of your trip to explore lower-impact sites, such as the Sacred Valley. After that, you will begin your trek.

Please find below some prevention tips: It is important to stay hydrated, rest when needed, avoid alcohol, and enjoy coca tea, a traditional Andean remedy.

Emergency Preparedness: Our guides are trained in first aid and carry oxygen tanks on all treks.

Inca Trail Permits & Reservations

The Peruvian government has implemented regulations to protect the Inca Trail.

Please note that availability is limited. Permits are limited to 500 per day, including guides and porters. These can sell out six to eight months in advance.

Booking Process: Once we receive your passport details and deposit, we will manage the entire permit application process.

Alternative Routes: In the event that permits are unavailable, we offer a selection of equally spectacular treks, including the Salkantay, Lares, and the Short Inca Trail.

Packing Essentials

While we provide high-quality camping equipment, a successful trek depends on smart packing:

The following clothing items are essential for optimal performance in cold weather conditions: thermal base layers, fleece jackets, down jackets, waterproof shells, quick-dry shirts, and convertible pants.

Footwear: The boots have been worn in and offer adequate support for the ankles. They are suitable for hiking, while the sandals are appropriate for camping.

Accessories: Trekking poles are available for rent.
A hat, gloves, and sunglasses with UV protection are provided.

Hygiene & Health: These include biodegradable soap, personal medications, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and insect repellent.

Electronics: The equipment includes a power bank, camera, and headlamp with extra batteries.
Please note that we provide duffel bags for the transport of equipment by porters. Therefore, clients will only need a small daypack for essentials.

Travel Insurance

To ensure a worry-free travel experience, it is advisable to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before arriving in Peru. Please be sure to look for coverage that includes the following:

Medical evacuation from remote areas is a service we offer.

The provision of hospital care and emergency treatment

Trekking and high-altitude activities are both possible.

Please be advised of the following policies regarding trip cancellations, delays, and lost luggage:
Providers such as World Nomads and Allianz are well-regarded among trekkers.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel

At Champions Peru Travel, we are committed to the principle that tourism should serve to protect and enhance the destinations we love.

Local Employment: All of our tour guides, chefs, drivers, and porters are local, hailing from Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Environmental Action: We spearhead annual clean-up campaigns and reforestation projects in the Andes.

Community Support: The Sacred Valley library provides free access to books, computers, and the internet for local children.
By choosing us, you will make a direct contribution to local livelihoods and environmental conservation.

Additional Travel Tips

Currency: The Peruvian sol (PEN) is the official currency of Peru. When visiting markets, it is recommended to bring small bills and be prepared to tip.

Language: Spanish is the official language, while Quechua is predominantly spoken in rural areas. Our guides are fluent in English.

Safety: Cusco is generally safe; however, it is advisable to use common sense in busy areas and to keep valuables close.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in urban areas, but remote trekking routes often have limited or no signal. This provides an opportunity to disconnect and appreciate the natural surroundings.

Please be advised of the following health precautions: While there is no requirement for vaccines, it is advisable to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever, particularly for individuals planning to travel to the Amazon region.

Why Plan Your Trip With Champions Peru Travel?

We are local experts with global standards. We are local residents who are intimately familiar with these trails. We can help you create a memorable experience. From airport pick-up to your last view of Machu Picchu, you'll be in the hands of passionate Peruvians committed to giving you an authentic, safe, and life-changing experience.