What is the best time to arrive in Cusco?

In order to allow the maximum amount of time to get used to the 3,399 meters above sea level (11,152 ft) altitude in Cusco, it is best to arrive on a morning flight. This allows plenty of rest time and hydrating time (preferably with a mate de coca) prior to starting off with an afternoon Cusco and Surroundings City Tour. But, your tour will be adjusted to whatever time you arrive in Cusco.

What is the best time of the year to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?

Any time of the year is good to visit Cusco. The rainy season (December through early April) provides landscapes that glow in emerald green against blue skies, but are not recommended for the Inca Trail hike. Whereas, the dry or summer season (Mid-April through November) is perfect for the Inca Trail hike, but the landscape is dryer. There are also other colorful activities that take place during the dry season, especially in the month of June.

If I were to reserve a complete tour through your agency, when do the services start?

Unlike most travel agencies in Cusco, we provide complete services from the time we pick you up at the airport at the beginning of your adventure, to the time we drop you off at the airport after we say ‘thank you’ and ‘see you soon’. Our complete services include:

• transportation to/from the airport to your Cusco City center hotel or other lodging accommodations,

• pick ups/drop offs from your hotel for all tours,

• restaurant and activity recommendations,

• 24/7 medical services for an additional cost, if needed,

• a professional and bilingual guide for all tours,

• 24/7 communication with a guide or member of our staff for questions throughout your visit,

• professional drivers on modern buses for all tours,

• some meals as described throughout our site and additional documents,

• any additional help that you may need during your stay,

• and, friends for a lifetime.
  

What type of clothing and shoes do you recommend for those of us who will hike the Inca Trail?

Sturdy and water-proof shoes are recommended and layers that will keep you warm and may be taken off throughout the day. Once you sign up, you will receive a more comprehensive list of items you will need. And, for those not hiking the Inca Trails, comfortable and light-weight clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

If I fall in love with Cusco, may I extend my stay and add other tours not previously planned?

Of course! You may add any of the Additional Adventures listed, for an additional cost.

What is the Tourist Ticket or Boleto Turístico?

Remember: If you travel with us, all of this will be included. One less thing to worry about.

The tourist ticket is the entrance ticket required to enter 13 different tourist sites. Some are archeological sites and some museums. It is valid for 10 days and it costs S/. 130 per person, or approximately US $34 at the current exchange rate. This tourist ticket allows you entrance to the Cusco Cathedral, the Religious Art Museum, the Church of San Blas, the Regional History Museum, Saqsaywaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, the Pachacutec Monument and the Performances of Andean dance and live music.

Or, you may purchase a partial tourist ticket. There are three (3) different partial tickets offered at S/. 70 per person or approximately US $18 at the current exchange rate.

Partial ticket 1 allows you entrance to: Tambomachay, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Saqsaywaman. Valid for 1 day.

Partial ticket 2 allows you entrance to: Museum of Regional History, Museum of Contemporary Art, Coricancha Museum (but not the Coricancha itself), Museum of Popular Art, Native Music and Dance Center, The Pachacutec Monument, Pikillacta and Tipon. Valid for 2 days.

Partial ticket 3 allows you entrance to: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and Moray. Valid for 2 days.

Bear in mind that there are separate entrance fees to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trails etc.

What is Cultural Tourism?

Cultural tourism is an alternative option to the common mass tourism and a sustainable alternative for travel. Cultural tourism itineraries will take you to unique destinations where you will be able to share experiences with the local people of villages that provide this type of experiences.

Are all meals included in the packages?

Some meals are included, as noted throughout the site and other documents. In general, breakfast is included with your hotel stay.

How do you handle medical emergencies?

The City of Cusco has three 24-hour emergency medical facilities that are available, for an additional cost. We will make sure you have immediate access to one of them, if necessary.

Will you be available to help me at all times, for any reason?

You will have access to our bilingual personnel 24/7 during your entire trip. We are here to make your adventure a trip to remember ~ forever.

How can I avoid getting altitude sickness?

There are a few things one can do to try to avoid getting altitude sickness. First and foremost, everyone should be very well hydrated and should hydrate throughout the trip. Second, one can take medication for it starting 3 days prior to arriving in Cusco which is located at 11,152 feet above sea level. That is very high and the air is very thin, so plan ahead. Third, one can drink some coca leaf tea as soon as you arrives at the hotel. It is available at almost every hotel and if not, you can ask for a cup. Fourth, you can always find some ‘muña’ and smell it. Muña is a plant of the mint family and will help, plus it smell like the Andes.