FAQs needs questions
How do I book a tour?
Firstly, to book a tour or trek you will need to fill out our booking form on our secure site, you will need to click on the BOOK NOW on our homepage.
You will need to provide for each participant in your group. The reason that we need this information is to purchase Inca Trail permits, entrances to Machu Picchu, hotel reservations and train reservations, please provide the following.
- 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 per person (the amount depends on which trek or tour you are booking) in order to purchase permits, entrances, and hotel and train reservations for your tour or trek. You can make you deposit by clicking on the Visa symbol on the top of our home page, or you can click on the Visa symbol on our booking page.
Will I be picked up at the Airport?
You will be picked up at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange SAM Corporations Peru board at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot enter inside). We can pick you up on any date that is best suited to you prior to your trek!
Is there a Briefing?
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm or 6:30pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During your trek or tour your primary luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you! Or if you prefer you can store your luggage at your hotel if you are returning to the same hotel.
How do I pay the balance?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money.
You can also pay by Visa online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee.
Most banks in Cusco allow you to withdraw either US dollars or Peruvian soles. Many only accept VISA cards, although our clients have found a couple banks which accept Mastercard and will distribute dollars. According to our clients, Banco de la Nación also accepts Mastercard but will only give Peruvian soles.
Can I change my dates after the tickets have been purchased?
This is a hard no (this applies to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tickets). Once the permits or entrance tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the permits or ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable. You must ensure you are reserving the correct dates! Double check the date on your booking form because we buy your permits as soon as we have your booking form and deposit. Often there are limited spaces and we must purchase them immediately. They are paid for completely as soon as your complete your booking and deposit, which means that you must buy new permits if you change your dates. All of the permits and tickets sold by the Peruvian government are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
In regards to Alternative Treks, it may be possible to change your date for an additional fee. Please contact the office as soon as possible if this occurs so we can assist you in this matter.
*** If you cancel your tour or trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!
Do I need to bring my passport on all tours and treks?
Yes! 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 Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit, entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket or other entrances and reservations depending on your choice of trek.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, send us your old passport information to secure your permit, we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 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.
YOUR PASSPORT MUST BE VALID FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS FROM THE DAY YOU ENTER PERU! Most airlines will not let you board your flight if your passport has less than 6 months left from the date you enter Peru.
What do I do to avoid altitude sickness?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley. You will acclimate normally! The recommended remedies for altitude sickness are WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
Do you drop me back at my hotel after the tour?
Absolutely! Included in our packages is picking you up and dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! Also, if you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before your trek (if you are doing the Inca Trail), we will pick you up there.
What time does the train depart from Aguas Calientes?
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore, you we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20. With this train schedule, you will have plenty of time to enjoy Machu Picchu.
Should I tip?
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. 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. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. 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.
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