The evening before your trek, visit the IPA office for your pre-trek briefing. You’ll receive your Inside Peru Adventures duffel (carried by our porters/horseman). Weight limit: 7 kg / 14 lb total.

Our professional guides are fluent in English and certified in Peruvian history, archaeology, and Andean cosmology. Trained in high-altitude protocols and first aid, they ensure your journey is culturally enriching, immersive, and safe from start to finish. With deep local knowledge and engaging storytelling, every step becomes a meaningful learning experience.

Travel comfortably and confidently with Inside Peru Adventures. Our modern, fully-insured vehicles are operated by professional, local drivers who value punctuality and care. With smooth transfers and scenic routes, your journey becomes part of the experience—not just the way to get there.

Rustic Mountain Lodges along the route (double occupancy) with real beds, mattresses, and warm lodge bedding (no tents or camping mats).

• • Sleep-Warm Kit Provided by IPA (Return Required): For extra comfort at altitude, IPA issues a warm sleeping bag + clean liner + soft pillow (no need to bring or rent). If packed in your IPA duffel, the kit counts toward the 7 kg / 14 lb limit. Both the IPA duffel and the Sleep-Warm Kit must be returned together at the end of the trip.

One night of accommodation in a carefully selected 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes is included in your package. The hotel is clean, centrally located, and includes breakfast. Rooms are based on double occupancy by default. If you prefer a private single room, an additional $60 USD will be added to the total package price. This supplement is not included in the base rate and must be requested in advance.

• Porters/Horsemen for Your Duffel: Your IPA duffel is transported between lodge overnights (max 7 kg / 14 lb).

• Duffel & Sleep-Warm Kit — Return Required: Each traveler is issued one IPA duffel + Sleep-Warm Kit (sleeping bag + clean liner + soft pillow). They’re issued together and must be returned together at the end of the trip. If you place the kit inside your duffel, it counts toward the 7 kg limit.

• Field Dining on Trekking Days: Comfortable field dining set-ups (mess tent/table service) at high-Andes lunch stops when a lodge dining room isn’t available—no overnight camping.

Enjoy one scenic train ride aboard PeruRail’s Expedition train, included as part of your experience

• • Upgrade Option – Vistadome Train: If you’re looking for enhanced comfort and panoramic windows for better sightseeing, you can upgrade to the Vistadome service:

    • One-way Vistadome (one way): $75 USD per person 

This optional upgrade is not included in the base package price and must be requested at the time of booking.

Forget the hassle of separate payments, all necessary entrance tickets are included in your package:

• Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket

Inside Peru Coffee Experience in Lucmabamba (hands-on, fair-trade, community-based ecotourism) + meaningful sustainability practices via the IPA Sustainable Fund, and every traveler with Inside Peru Adventures receives a small and meaningful surprise. It’s our way of sharing a bit of Peru’s soul and making your experience even more personal and unforgettable.

When planning your trip to Cusco, keep in mind that the Cusco International Airport (CUZ) currently only handles domestic flights. All international travelers arriving by plane must first land in Lima (Jorge Chávez International Airport), clear customs and immigration, and then check in again for their domestic flight to Cusco—even if it’s the same airline and the same day.

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Cusco is by air. Several domestic airlines operate daily flights from Lima to Cusco, including LATAM, Avianca and SKY Airlines, and more. LATAM offers the most frequency and punctuality, but usually at a higher price point. Keep in mind that flight delays or cancellations are common due to weather conditions and high-altitude landing restrictions at Cusco airport.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly or scenic option, you can also travel to Cusco by bus. While the bus ride from Lima to Cusco takes approximately 20–22 hours, buses are modern, clean, and very comfortable, especially with VIP seats. This is a great alternative for travelers coming from Puno, Arequipa, or other cities near Cusco.

• Pre-Trek Briefing (Cusco, evening before). Meet your Inside Peru Adventures guide, review the route, and receive your IPA duffel for the trail.

• Lodge Sleep, not tents. This is a lodge-based Salkantay—you’ll sleep in cozy rustic mountain lodges with real beds and mattresses (plus a 3★ hotel in Aguas Calientes). No ground sleeping, no camping mats. For extra warmth at altitude, IPA includes a warm sleeping bag, soft liner, and a small pillow at no extra cost. If you choose to place the sleeping bag in your duffel (or bring your own), it counts toward your limit.

• Duffel Limit (carried for you). Your IPA duffel is limited to 7 kg / 14 lb, transported between overnights by our porters/horsemen. Pack clothing and personal items; fragile or valuables should stay with you in your daypack.

• Daypack on the trail. Hike with a compact daypack (≤25 L) carrying water, layers, rain gear, sun protection, snacks, camera/phone, and your passport (required for Machu Picchu). Machu Picchu only allows small backpacks; larger bags must be stored outside the citadel gates.

• Main luggage. We store your extra bags securely in Cusco during the trek and return them to you after you arrive back from Machu Picchu—sealed, labeled, and ready for your onward plans.

• Weight note: The sleep kit is ~2.8–3.0 kg. If you place it in your IPA duffel, it counts toward the 7 kg limit; otherwise, we can stage it lodge-to-lodge so you don’t carry it in your daypack.
• Hygiene: Liners are changed after every trek and sleep kits are sanitized between departures.
• Preference: If you prefer to use your own bag/liner, just tell us at booking.

This 5-day Salkantay journey descends from the glacier-crowned Salkantay Pass into the orchid-rich cloud forest. Use this guide to pace yourself and acclimatize smoothly.

Feel your best at altitude: hydrate (water + coca tea), eat light, walk at a steady pace, rest when needed, sleep well, and layer up for chilly nights.

This is a Moderate to Challenging Andes trek with 5–10 hours of hiking per day, uneven terrain, stair sections, and meaningful altitude.

Peru occasionally experiences social protests/transport strikes that can disrupt roads or rail service. Your safety comes first. If disruptions are announced, our Operations team will:

• Adjust logistics proactively (earlier departures, alternative routes, revised timings),

• Coordinate transparently with your group and authorities, and

• Operate only when it is safe and responsible.

  If rail/road closures make operation impossible, we’ll discuss equivalent alternatives or rescheduling options in line with the situation on the ground.

Tipping is customary on multi-day treks in Peru, but it is always voluntary. At IPA we pay fair wages; tips are a personal way to recognize exceptional service. Amounts below are guidelines per traveler. For the support team (porters/horsemen and cook team), tips are pooled and divided by your lead guide at the end of the trek. The guide’s tip is personal, not pooled.

• Currency: Support team prefers Peruvian soles (PEN). Guides are happy with USD or PEN.

• When: Usually after the last dinner/briefing of your trek.

Suggested Amounts (per traveler)

How to Pool (example)

• Each traveler contributes the suggested amounts (in soles) into two envelopes: Support Team (porters/horsemen) and Chef/Cook Team.

• The Lead Guide handles the fair split and delivers on your behalf during the farewell.

• The Lead Guide’s tip is given personally (in USD or PEN) based on your satisfaction.

  
  

Small & Private Groups

Smaller groups mean the same crew supports fewer travelers. If you are 1–3 trekkers, consider the upper end of the ranges (or +10–20%) if service is outstanding.

Peru’s Andes region features varied microclimates. Here’s what to expect:

• Dry Season (Best Travel Time): April to October

  Sunny days, chilly mornings. Ideal for Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and mountain hikes.

• Rainy Season: December to February

  More rain, especially in Machu Picchu and Cusco. Landscapes are lush and green. Tours still operate.

• Shoulder Months (Transitional Weather): March and November

  These months often bring a mix of sunny days and occasional rain. Packing for both dry and wet conditions is highly recommended.

Smart Packing Essentials for Salkantay Lodge-Based Trek to Machu Picchu - 5 Days / 4 Nights

• Layered Clothing for Changing Climates: From the crisp mornings of Cusco to the humid cloud forest of Aguas Calientes, this journey crosses diverse microclimates. Dress in breathable, quick-dry layers—begin with a thermal base, add a warm fleece, and top with a lightweight waterproof jacket. 

• Reliable Sun Protection: UV exposure is strong across all sites, even on cloudy days. Protect yourself with broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+), UV-rated sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat—especially when walking through exposed areas like the Andes and Machu Picchu.

• Compact Rain Gear: Weather in the Andes can shift suddenly. A foldable rain poncho or waterproof jacket is essential—particularly for visits to Aguas Calientes and the citadel of Machu Picchu where humidity and short showers are common even in the dry season.

• Comfortable Footwear for Walking: Expect cobbled streets, uneven stone paths, and agricultural terraces. Well-worn walking or light hiking shoes with good grip are highly recommended. Avoid new shoes to prevent blisters during site visits.

• Accessories for Early Starts: Early mornings in the Cusco region can be chilly. Pack a thermal hat, lightweight gloves, and a scarf—ideal for morning city tours or waiting at the train station.

• Hydration on the Go: Bring a refillable water bottle or hydration pack to stay energized throughout the day. High-altitude regions can dehydrate you faster. Please help reduce plastic waste by choosing eco-friendly gear. Check your Inclusions section to confirm availability of refill stations.

• Snacks to Keep You Energized: Pack a few high-energy snacks like protein bars, dried fruit, or trail mix. These will come in handy during your excursions, especially with early departures.

• Daypack & Entry Requirements: A small daypack (25L max – needed for Machu Picchu) is perfect for your daily essentials: jacket, hat, snacks, water, sunscreen, and your original passport. Note that Machu Picchu only allows small backpacks and requires your original passport (no copies or digital versions accepted) for entry.

• At Inside Peru Adventures, your well-being comes first. Whether you're exploring the Andes, or visiting remote destinations in the highlands, we ensure your journey is not only unforgettable—but also safe, supported, and professionally managed.
• Trained & Certified Guides: All of our professional tour guides are certified in first aid and emergency response, with regular training in high-altitude safety, evacuation protocols, and outdoor risk management. This ensures they're fully prepared to handle any situation—from minor injuries to altitude-related discomfort.
• First-Aid Kits on Every Tour: We carry a fully equipped first-aid kit on every excursion, including supplies for common travel issues such as scrapes, blisters, motion sickness, insect bites, and altitude symptoms.
• Oxygen & Altitude Support: On all tours that venture above 3,000 m.a.s.l. (9,840 ft)—including popular routes like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Lodge-Based Trek, Humantay Lagoon Hike, Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Hike, Lares Trek and Ausangate Trek—our guides are equipped with portable oxygen tanks. They’re trained to monitor and respond to altitude-related symptoms, providing immediate relief when needed.
• Emergency Transport Access: All our routes are carefully selected not only for beauty and cultural value, but also for emergency accessibility. In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, we have established response plans with local authorities and transport services for rapid evacuation.

Why Travel Insurance Matters for Adventure Travel

While Inside Peru Adventures prioritizes safety and preparation on every journey, the nature of adventure travel always carries a degree of unpredictability. For your peace of mind, we highly recommend securing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.

What Should Your Policy Cover?

When exploring high-altitude regions or remote natural landscapes, make sure your insurance plan includes:

• Altitude sickness and medical emergencies

• Trip cancellations or itinerary interruptions

• Weather-related delays or disruptions

• Emergency evacuation and repatriation

• Lost or delayed luggage

• Coverage for adventure travel activities like trekking, hiking, and off-the-beaten-path exploration

Adventure destinations often involve rugged terrain, high elevation, and changing weather. A proper adventure travel insurance policy ensures you're covered in case of unexpected incidents. We recommend choosing a provider experienced in insuring active travelers and reviewing all terms carefully.

Pro Tip for Trekking Travelers: Not all travel insurance policies automatically cover high-altitude adventures. When choosing a plan, verify that your provider includes coverage for activities above 3,000 m.a.s.l. and for adventure sports or trekking. This ensures you're protected during iconic hikes like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Lodge-Based Trek, or Ausangate Trek.

At Inside Peru Adventures, sustainability isn’t just a value — it’s a way of life. Our tours are designed with deep respect for nature, culture, and people. We proudly follow the principles of responsible travel in Peru to protect the destinations we love and empower the communities we partner with.

• Eco-Friendly Adventure Travel: We follow Leave No Trace guidelines and minimize our environmental footprint across every tour. From trekking to cultural immersion, we prioritize low-impact experiences that help preserve Peru’s diverse ecosystems, from high-Andean trails to tropical forests and coastal deserts.
• Plastic-Free Philosophy: We actively promote a plastic-free travel experience. Bring your reusable water bottle—please check if water refills are included in this tour under the Inclusions section. On treks and hikes where this service is provided, we’ll help you keep it full along the way. Reducing single-use plastic is one of the simplest and most powerful steps we take toward a greener Peru. 
• Respect for Local Culture & Traditions: Every destination we visit is treated with reverence. We engage with indigenous communities, sacred sites, and ancestral customs in a way that is ethical and culturally sensitive. Our team educates travelers on cultural respect to ensure tourism strengthens—not disrupts—local heritage.
• Community Empowerment & Fair Tourism: We believe in tourism that gives back. Every tour you book helps generate fair and sustainable income for local guides, craftswomen, organic farmers, transport providers, and indigenous cooperatives. We prioritize hiring local, sourcing handmade, and supporting projects that uplift Peru’s living cultural heritage.

• Valid Passport or Student ID

  Always carry official identification—needed for Machu Picchu entry, train checks, and hotel check-ins.

• Valid Student ID (if booked as a student)

• Immigration Card (if applicable)

  Given on the plane upon entry to Peru; keep it safe.

• Travel Insurance Details

  Policy number + proof of coverage for trekking above 3,000 m.

• (FYI) Tickets & Hotels

  Your IPA guide manages all train/bus tickets, Machu Picchu entry, and hotel arrangements. A digital copy of confirmations on your phone is optional for your peace of mind.

• Trekking poles are required (with rubber tips). Bring your own or rent a pair for US$20.

IPA provides a warm sleeping bag and an air mattress. If you pack these in your duffel (or bring your own), they count toward the 7 kg limit. IPA’s set weighs ~3 kg total.

• 2–3 wicking t-shirts

• 2–3 hiking pants

• 4 sets of undergarments

• 4 pairs of hiking socks

• 1 fleece

• 1 warm down jacket (nights are cold at altitude)

• 1 waterproof jacket + rain pants (or a compact poncho)

• 1 sun hat + 1 wool/beanie

• Waterproof gloves (ski-type OK)

• Headlamp (essential)

• Comfortable camp shoes (light sandals or slip-ons)

• Quick-dry towel (IPA supplies a small one; bring larger if you prefer)

• Small bottle of soap (IPA provides warm water daily for washing)

• Power bank/charger (no outlets on trail)

• Large plastic/dry bags (organize and separate clean/dirty clothes)

• Sleeping bag (included by IPA; count toward 7 kg if packed in duffel)

• Walking boots / Trekking shoes with good grip (water-resistant)

• Daypack (the smaller, the better; Machu Picchu allows ≤25 L)

• Layered trekking clothing: breathable base layer → fleece/sweater → light waterproof/windproof jacket

• Sun hat or cap + light scarf/buff

• Light rain poncho or waterproof jacket

• Extra thermal layers for cold nights

• Merino/synthetic socks (bring an extra pair)

• Trekking poles are required (with rubber tips). Bring your own or rent a pair for US$20.

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & UV sunglasses

• Lip balm & hydrating face cream

• Hand sanitizer & biodegradable wet wipes

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Toilet paper (small roll)

• Bug spray (insect repellent)

• Personal medication (motion-sickness tabs, pain relievers, prescriptions)

• Mini first-aid kit (band-aids, moleskin/Compeed, etc.)

• Water (departure Day 1) + reusable bottle/hydration bladder

• Sunhat

• Rain gear (poncho or shell)

• Fleece / warm layer

• Camera / smartphone

• Music/phone + earphones

• Hand sanitizer

• Toilet paper + small waste bag

• Extra cash (souvenirs, drinks, tips)

• Earplugs

• Passport (required for Machu Picchu entry)

• Water storage: 

​Water reservoirs like Camelbaks are encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.

• High-Energy Snacks

  Pack nutritious, compact snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, or dried fruit. They help replenish energy quickly during the hike.

• Camera or Smartphone + Power Bank

  You’ll want to capture epic landscapes and spontaneous moments. A backup battery ensures you won’t miss a shot.

• Cash in Soles

  Small denominations are useful for optional tips, snacks, or souvenirs from local vendors.

• Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Pack

• Stay eco-friendly and hydrated. Carry at least 2 liters of water for the day. Please check the Inclusions section to see if water refills are provided on your trail—refilling options may be limited otherwise.