All passengers require the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. 

All passengers MUST bring:
1.   Passport
2.   Vaccination Certificate
3.   Travel Voucher
4.   Travel Insurance Policy

Please note: It is essential that Kumuka has full details of where you will be staying in Cusco on the night before your tour starts (hotel name and telephone number) so that we can pass these on to our local partners in Cusco. Local conditions (climatic, political) occasionally mean that we need to change tour departure times or transfer times at short notice, therefore it is essential that our local partners in Cusco are able to contact you in Cusco. We are unable to issue vouchers for this tour until we have received details of your Cusco accommodation. We strongly suggest that you organise pre-tour in Cusco with Kumuka Worldwide.

Looking for a trip that includes the highlights of the Incas but with a little more action? On our 8-day Cusco Action package, you will discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the traditional markets of Pisac. We’ll make an excursion on horseback to visit the magnificent archaeological park of Sacsayhuaman, set high on a hill above Cusco, as well as the fine Inca Ruins of Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambo Machay shrine. Our white water rafting trip takes place at Cusipata, one of the most scenic, yet least visited sections of the Urubamba River which flows from the high Andean ranges down through the Sacred Valley, passing Machu Picchu and into the Jungle. And to round it all off, there is a 4 day Inca Trek through the Andes, culminating in a guided visit to the fabled citadel set high in the Andes, Machu Picchu.

Rafting

We enjoy a full day rafting adventure on the Urubamba River. The Urubamba river runs from the high Andean ranges down through the Sacred Valley, passing Machu Picchu and on into the jungle. Our rafting trip takes place on the Cusipata section of the upper Urubamba river. Cusipata is a one of the nicest sections in the Urubamba river for rafting activities, as it is less crowded, very scenic and cleaner than the Urubamba - Ollanta section in the Sacred Valley.  The road journey is a scenic one and a half hour trip to the Cusipata section of the Urubamba river, with a quick stop en-route in Urcos for a restroom break if needed.

Arriving at the river we gear up with wetsuits, helmets, waterproof jacket and life jacketand the guide runs through a safety briefing and information for beginners.  You can leave your day pack on the bus.

We spend approximately two and a half hours on the river running class II, III  plus and introductory type rapids. Some rapids are technical so our expert guides will scout ahead, indicating appropriate directions / commands.  Finally, we arrive at the end of the rafting section, after heaps of fun and adrenaline, ready for a great picnic lunch with hot and cold drinks.

A skilled kayaker also kajaks alongside the rafts. Please note that rapids are generally Class 2 and 3 although these can swell to Class 4 following rain. This rafting excursion is geared towards those who have some previous rafting experience although if you consider yourself strong and fit, you may also decide to undertake this trip. You will be asked to sign a disclaimer locally before departing for the excursion. 

Departure to Inca Trail or Lares Trek. Clients will be booked on one of these 4 day treks to Machu Picchu depending on permit availability and their preference. Kumuka will advise you on availability at the time of booking.

Inca Trail. Ollantaytambo to Wayllabamba.  You will be picked up from your hotel at 5.30am (all details will be confirjmed at the briefing with the local operator). Don’t forget to bring your passport along as this is crucial and you will be refused entry to the Inca Trail without it. We drive for approximately 3 hours to the head of the trail, enjoying breakfast en-route. On this first day we trek for around 2-3 hours through spectacular scenery as the trail continues to climb steadily upwards from 2380m to 3000m, simultaneously enjoying magnificent views of Mount Veronica in the distance, before stopping for lunch. After our break we hike for a further 3 hours towards the picturesque village of Wayllabamba, camping near here for our first night.

OR

Lares Trek. Cusco (3,350m) – Lares (3,100m) – Quishuarani (3,700m)
Early morning rise. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel (between 5.30-6am)and we drive through the Sacred Valley turning off at the town of Calca to head to Lares village – the drive takes around 3 hours. Once we arrive into the town we go up to the Hot Springs where we can relax and enjoy these beautiful outdoor hot springs. Lunch is provided here.  Our bus awaits us during this time and we then continue our journey for around 20mins to the start of the trail known as PASCANA.  From here we start our hike to Quishaurani.  Here we meet up with our horseman and pack the horses.  The trek will take us around 2.5hrs.  When we arrive our campsite would have been set up for us.  In the free time that we have we can meet some of the locals “campesinos” and see some weaving techniques.  This is a lovely day filled with great landscapes and the opportunity to visit several Andean villages.  (Lunch, Dinner)

Should you wish to participate in optional mountain biking on Day 4, instead of the included Sacred Valley trip, please consult our local operator for further information. A supplement will be payable locally and the mountain biking excursion is subject to availability.

Inca Trail. Pacamayo to Winaywayna.  An exceptionally beautiful day trekking along a paved Inca Trail. Today should be easier on your lungs as there are a lot more descents than ascents! Leaving our campsite we ascend steeply, passing the ruins of Runkuracay believed to have been a resting place for couriers on the Inca Trail hundreds of years ago. We cross the Abra de Runkuracay Pass, situated at 3500m, descending into another valley. At this point the trail changes from being a dirt track to the original flagstoned Inca Trail. We pass Sayacmarca ruins and the trail undulates. We cross a third pass at Puyupatamarca, and descend via around 2000 stone stairs to our campsite at Winaywayna at 2700m. There is a hostel near our campsite where you can enjoy a hot shower (5 Soles) as well as a bar and restaurant where you can purchase bottled water. We recommend you take care of your personal belongings at this particular campsite as all groups camp here together.

OR

Lares Trek. Cancha Cancha – Huaran (2,800m) – Ollantaytambo (2,700m) – Aguas Calientes.

After a delicious breakfast we start our easy hike today. We will walk down hill for approx. 5 hours hiking to the village of Huaran. From there we take local transport to the town of Ollantaytambo – a beautiful well preserved Andean town. Depending on your train time, you will have some time to explore before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in South America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary.

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
   

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. It must be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate.

PLEASE NOTE IF YOUR TOUR INCLUDES THE INCA TRAIL, KUMUKA MUST HAVE YOUR FULL NAME, PASSPORT DETAILS AND DATE OF BIRTH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR TREKKING PERMIT. ALL PERMITS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
   

Porters carry all tents, cooking equipment and food. They do not carry your personal belongings. Personal porters are included in the price you pay to carry up to 7kg only.

You will still need to carry with you a daypack with your camera, water bottle, snacks, a fleece or something warm and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as porters do not walk alongside you. Your bag will be waiting for you in your tent at the campsites.

A rice sack to protect your backpack can be provided although these are not water proof so we advise you to use plastic bags to protect your gear. The porters have large ponchos to cover them and the bag.

Please note there are fines if you give an excess of 7 kgs so it is advisable to underpack rather than overpack.

Tipping is entirely at your discretion although it is commonplace for trekkers to tip their guides and porters on the Inca Trail. We recommend you carry approximately USD50-60 to cover the tipping tradition.

The Inca Trail is closed to trekkers for the month of February every year. If you wish to visit Machu Picchu during this month, you can still do so by the Lares Trek or on our “2 Day Classic Train” trip.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your South America trip. Country  entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Compulsory Inoculations: Yellow Fever for Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru but ONLY if arriving from an infected area.

Recommended Inoculations: Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio.

We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling and that you know your blood group in case of emergency.

Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

Security:  Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in South America, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES.
Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care.
Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.

Packing List:  BACKPACK
SLEEPING BAG 
WALKING CLOTHES : LAYERS 
FLASH LIGHT 
CAMERA AND EXTRA FILM 
SUNPROTECTION : SUNSCREEN : SUN HAT : SUNGLASSES 
THERMALS : WOOL SOCKS : AND WOOLEN HAT FOR COLD NIGHTS
INSECT REPELLENT 
RAIN PONCHO : GOOD RAIN GEAR IN WET SEASON: NOV TO MARCH 
TOILETRIES / PAPER 
GLOVES / SCARF 
WATER BOTTLE : WATER PURIFYING TABLETS 
PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT 
ORIGINAL PASSPORT 
EXTRA MONEY FOR PORTERS TIPS, ETC
OTHER INFORMATION
SLEEPING BAG RENTAL
Sleeping bag rental/ 4 days/ US$20

Introduction

This is a moderate to strenuous hiking trek to the Lost City of Machu Picchu. The gateway for this trek is Cuzco, where passengers leave their luggage at the hotel and only need to take their mats, sleeping bags and personal items necessary for the duration of the excursion (4 days).

Porters

Porters are included. General porters carry tents, food, cooking equipment. We also include personal porters for approx 7kgs per person. They carry sleeping bags, clothes etc. You need to carry a day pack with water bottle, jacket, camera etc. As porters are split between group members, 7kgs is a rough guide as to the weight that a personal porter will carry. Additionally, it may sometimes be possible to hire extra porters on Day 2 (the most difficult day of the trek) if you require, to carry day packs etc to second campsite. Approx cost is USD25 - this is not organised through Kumuka or our ground handler. Foam sleeping mats are provided by the ground handler, weighing 800g and counted as part of the 7kgs carried by personal porters.

Tipping

Tipping is entirely at your discretion although it is commonplace for trekkers to tip their guides and porters on the during the Inca Trail and Lares treks. We recommend you carry approximately USD50-60 to cover the tipping tradition.

Itinerary and Distances

This is a guideline to the average distances and altitudes during the Inca Trail (please note all the information is a guideline only and every person must judge their own physical condition personally). Should you believe you are not fit enough for this hike, you can go to Machu Picchu by train, please advise your tour leader.

• Day 1 - trailhead to first camp Huayllabamaba (2700 m), distance 13 km, an average hiking time 7 hours with stops.
• Day 2 - hardest day, ascending to 4200m, distance 15KM, average hiking time 8 hours with breaks.
• Day 3 - very scenic day with many Ruins en route, distance 14 KM, camp at Winaywayna 2700m. 7-8 hours hiking.
• Day 4 - start in the dark to get to Machu Picchu at sunrise, 3 hours hike and free morning to explore Machu Picchu. If you wish to climb Wayna Picchu, please co-ordinate this with your guide as the park has restricted climbing times and numbers to  An ascent of the nearby Huayna Picchu mountain offers fantastic views of the city of Machu Picchu and some great photos as well. If you wish to guarantee your permit, this must be booked in advance. Return to Aguas Calientes (bus down from Machu Picchu payable locally). For those who have hired personal porters, blue sacks will be given out a lunchtime for you to transport your belongings back to Cusco. Train back to Ollantaytambo.

Permit Availability

Availability of Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu permits is limited, particularly during high season when the number of tourists wishing to walk the Inca Trail is greater than the number of permits available. Whilst we will endeavour to organise an Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu permit for you, these are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. In the event that permits for the Inca Trail and Huayna Picchu are unavailable, we will advise you as soon as possible about the two possible alternatives for reaching Machu Picchu 1- The 4 day Lares trek and 2- The 2 day Classic Train trip. Our website tour departure dates are updated frequently to indicate availability or non-availability of Inca Trail permits, however, permit availability can change with little warning: whilst we endeavour to keep this information as current as possible, we cannot guarantee permit availability.

Passport Details

Please ensure that you provide Kumuka with your passport details at the time of booking. Failure to do so may mean that you miss out on an Inca Trail permit as these can sell out very quickly. Kumuka will apply for your Inca Trail permit with the passport details which you provide us at the time of booking. If you hold more than one passport you must advise Kumuka which passport details we should use in order to apply for the Inca Trail permit.

Pre-payment of Inca Trail deposit
The cost of the Inca Trail deposit  must be paid in full at the time of booking. This is in addition to the tour deposit and is non refundable. Inca Trail permits will be applied for ONLY once full payment of deposit,  and written confirmation of your full name, passport number and date of birth have been received. These deposits are  included in the total tour price, and this amount will be deducted from the tour balance once paid.  Please refer to http://www.kumuka.com/Inca-Trail-News.aspx for more information.

Late Permit Applications
Late Inca Trail permit applications may occasionally incur an extra charge as we may need to organise an additional guide and pay for their trekking permit in order to secure your permit. We will advise you at the time of booking.

Changes and Amendments
Note that fees apply if you need to make changes and/ or amendments to your Inca Trail permit due to factors such as passport loss or renewal, illness, failure to provide Kumuka with correct details, date changes and tour transfers. For full information, please refer to:  http://www.kumuka.com/Inca-Trail-News.aspx

No Permit Availability
We can normally arrange the alternative 4 day Lares trek. Lares departures generally coincide with high season. Due to lesser demand and inclement weather, departures on the Lares Trail are limited during the low season. If there is no availability for either the Inca Trail or the Lares trek, we can normally arrange for you to spend 2 extra days in Cusco and then take the 2 day Classic Train trip to Machu Picchu, where you will meet with your original group for the guided visit to Machu Picchu. Please note that if we are unable to secure you an Inca Trail permit and you do not wish to hike the alternative Lares trek or take the Classic Train trip, your deposit will be returned to you.

High Season/ Low Season Information
November to March is considered low season. We can often obtain permits at short notice during this time. April to October is considered high season. We require your passport details as far in advance as possible during this time. The trail is closed during the month of February for maintenance. If your tour coincides with the Inca Trail closure, we can normally offer Lares or the Classic Train.

We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. We choose our hotels, guesthouses and hostels for their location, comfort, security and hygiene standards. All are located near the city centre usually within easy walking distance of services and facilities. Most rooms are on a twin, double or triple share basis with private bathrooms.

Accommodation is not included in the city of departure or arrival (unless within the specified tour dates). Passengers doing a combination tour will have accommodation included when passing through a joining city (maximum 2 nights) providing they have booked on the combination tour code.

You should allow US$25 to US$40 per day to cover food and accommodation during this time.

In the Cusco and Machu Picchu area, if you are walking in the sun it can be very hot during the day and feel like 25 degrees celcius, but when you enter a forest or are in the shadow of a mountain it can feel like 15 degrees almost immediately.

On the second night of the Inca Trail the temperature can drop to -5 degrees if you are really unlucky, although the temperature will likely hover around freezing point!

One of the main tips for dealing with the varying temperatures is to try and keep your body temp as regular as possible by using layers of clothes.  When you feel cool it is advisable to put on an extra layer before you get cold. If you start to feel hot, then take off a layer before you perspire as this could leave you with a chill later if you don’t take care.

The wet season runs from December through to early March but note that there are fewer tourists and trekkers so you stand a better chance of getting an Inca Trail permit.

Some days it may be drizzly all day or you may have a burst of rain and clear skies for the rest of the day - or it could be wet off and on all day! You need good rain gear for walking as well as something to protect your pack. We have dining tents for all meals so you are protected at this time.

Local Customs:  Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
  

Spanish is the language most widely spoken in the countries we visit in Latin America but English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com