Peru Travel FAQ

This is the most common question in any Peru travel FAQ, and we are glad you asked! Wonders of Peru Expeditions is a locally owned and operated tour company based in Cusco, Peru. We were founded by brothers Percy and Juan Carlos Gonza, who together bring more than 30 years of professional guiding experience. We are fully licensed by DIRCETUR (Peru’s Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism) and operate all of our tours directly — no outsourcing, no middlemen.

Three things set us apart: We are the guides. When you book with us, the owners of the company are the ones leading your tour. Percy and Juan Carlos grew up in the Cusco region — Juan Carlos literally grew up in Machu Picchu. You won’t find that level of local knowledge anywhere else.

Luxury hospitality training. Juan Carlos trained at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge and Belmond Monasterio — two of Peru’s most prestigious hotels — and holds LQA (Leading Quality Assurance) certification, the gold standard in luxury hospitality.

Small groups only. We cap our groups at 8 travelers to ensure a personal, flexible experience where your guide knows your name, your pace, and your interests.

Yes. Wonders of Peru Expeditions is fully registered and licensed by DIRCETUR, Peru’s official tourism authority. All of our guides hold official tourism guide certifications. We carry all required permits for the Inca Trail and other protected areas.

We offer a wide range of experiences across Peru, including:

• Inca Trail treks — classic 4-day and short 2-day options
• Machu Picchu day tours — private guided tours by train
• Alternative treks — Salkantay, Lares, Ausangate, and Inca Quarry Trail
• Day tours from Cusco — Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, city tours
• Custom & luxury packages — multi-day itineraries tailored to your group

Visit our tours page to browse all options and check availability. If you have questions not covered in this Peru travel FAQ, reach out to us anytime.

You can book directly through our website at wondersofperu.com/book-now. Select your tour, choose your dates, and complete the booking form. You can also contact us via WhatsApp or email to discuss options before booking.

We accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) through our secure online checkout. You can also pay the balance in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) upon arrival in Cusco. A deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot and purchase any required permits.

For Inca Trail treks, we recommend booking at least 3–6 months in advance, as government permits are limited to 500 people per day and popular dates sell out quickly. For day tours and alternative treks, 2–4 weeks is usually sufficient, though peak season (June–September) fills faster.

Yes. You will receive an immediate email confirmation with your booking details. Within 24 hours, our team will follow up with a personalized trip itinerary, preparation guide, and packing list. We stay in close communication before and during your trip.

Yes — this is one of the most important points in any Peru travel FAQ. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Peru. This is a strict requirement enforced by Peruvian immigration. If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date, you must renew it before departure. Airlines may also deny boarding if your passport does not meet this requirement.

Yes, absolutely. You must carry your original physical passport to enter Machu Picchu, board the train to Aguas Calientes, and pass through checkpoints on the Inca Trail. A photocopy or digital photo is not accepted. The passport number on your ticket must match the passport you present.

If you are renewing your passport after booking, please notify us immediately with your new passport details. Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu tickets are linked to your passport number. We can update your records, but changes must be made well in advance. If possible, bring both your old and new passport to Peru.

Citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, and most South American countries do not need a visa to enter Peru for tourism stays of up to 183 days. You will receive a stamp in your passport upon arrival. We recommend checking the latest entry requirements with your country’s foreign affairs office before traveling.

Altitude sickness is the #1 health topic in every Peru travel FAQ. Known locally as soroche, it is a common condition that can affect anyone traveling above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), so most visitors experience some mild symptoms during their first day or two.

Common symptoms include headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and mild nausea. These are usually mild and pass within 24–48 hours as your body acclimatizes.

We recommend the following:

• Arrive early. Spend at least 2 full days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before any trek to acclimatize.
• Stay hydrated. Drink 3–4 liters of water per day. Avoid alcohol during your first 24 hours.
• Drink coca tea. Mate de coca is a traditional Andean remedy that genuinely helps. Hotels in Cusco offer it for free.
• Consider Diamox (acetazolamide). Many travelers take 125mg twice daily, starting 1 day before arriving in Cusco. Consult your doctor before your trip.
• Eat light. Avoid heavy meals during your first day at altitude.
• Move slowly. Walk at a relaxed pace and avoid strenuous activity on your first day.

Our guides carry supplemental oxygen on every trek and are trained in altitude sickness first aid.

Extremely strong. Cusco and the Andes are close to the equator and at very high altitude, which means UV radiation is significantly more intense than at sea level. You can get a severe sunburn in under 30 minutes, even on cloudy days.

Essential sun protection:

• Sunscreen: SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, applied every 2 hours (bring extra — you will use more than you think)
• Sun hat: Wide-brimmed hat that covers your ears and neck
• Sunglasses: UV-rated sunglasses (the glare at altitude is intense)
• Lip balm with SPF: Lips burn easily at altitude
• Long sleeves: Lightweight UPF-rated clothing is ideal for treks

We cannot overstate this: the Andean sun is the #1 thing that catches travelers off guard. Protect yourself.

No vaccinations are required for travel to Cusco and the highlands. However, if you plan to visit the Amazon jungle region, a Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended. We suggest consulting your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before your trip for personalized advice.

For multi-day treks like the Inca Trail, Salkantay, or Lares, we recommend:

• Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer (fleece or down jacket), waterproof rain jacket, quick-dry trekking pants, warm hat, gloves, and extra socks
• Footwear: Broken-in waterproof hiking boots (essential) and camp sandals
• Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, lip balm with SPF
• Essentials: Headlamp with extra batteries, refillable water bottle, personal medications, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and small towel
• Optional: Walking sticks (highly recommended for steep descents), camera, binoculars, and a book for camp evenings

Our porters carry up to 7 kg of your personal gear. A detailed packing list is included in your pre-trip preparation guide. Visit our packing list page for the full checklist.

Yes, for all multi-day treks. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are essential. The trails include uneven stone steps, muddy sections, and steep descents. Break your boots in well before your trip — do not bring brand new boots.

For day tours and walking tours (city tours, Sacred Valley), comfortable walking shoes or trail runners are fine.

Yes. Sleeping bags, trekking poles, and inflatable sleeping pads are available for rent from us. Cusco also has many outdoor gear shops if you need to purchase anything. However, we strongly recommend bringing your own broken-in hiking boots — rental boots rarely fit properly.

Your main luggage can be stored securely at your hotel in Cusco or at our office. You only need to bring what you’ll use on the trek itself. Everything will be waiting for you when you return.

Day tours and walking tours (such as the Cusco city tour, Sacred Valley tour, or Machu Picchu by train) are much lighter than multi-day treks. We recommend:

• Comfortable walking shoes — trail runners or sturdy sneakers are fine (no hiking boots needed)
• Light layers — mornings can be cool, afternoons warm; a light jacket that packs down is ideal
• Rain jacket or poncho — especially during the wet season (November–March)
• Sun protection — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (just as important as on treks)
• Water bottle — stay hydrated, especially at altitude
• Your original passport — required for Machu Picchu and train travel
• Cash (soles) — for tips, souvenirs, and snacks. ATMs are available in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.

There is no need for heavy gear, sleeping bags, or trekking poles on day tours.

Most day tours begin with a hotel pickup early in the morning (typically 4:00–6:00 AM depending on the tour). Your guide will be with you for the entire day, and you’ll return to your hotel in Cusco by late afternoon or evening. Machu Picchu day tours by train include all transportation, entrance tickets, and a guided tour of the citadel.

Peru has three official languages: Spanish (the most widely spoken), Quechua (the language of the Inca Empire, still spoken by millions in the highlands), and Aymara (spoken in the Lake Titicaca region). In Cusco and tourist areas, many people speak some English, but outside of hotels and tour services, Spanish is essential.

Our guides are fluent in English and Spanish, and several speak Quechua — which adds a special dimension when visiting indigenous communities and archaeological sites. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases (¡Hola!, Gracias, Por favor) is always appreciated by locals.

Peru has an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage that blends Inca, pre-Inca, and Spanish colonial influences. Here are a few things that make your experience richer:

• Inca heritage is alive. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and you can see Inca stonework foundations beneath Spanish colonial buildings throughout the city. The precision of Inca masonry — stones fitted without mortar that have survived 500+ years of earthquakes — is something our guides love to explain.
• Andean traditions continue. You may witness despacho ceremonies (offerings to Pachamama, Mother Earth), traditional weaving using ancient techniques, and festivals that blend Catholic and Andean traditions.
• Peruvian cuisine is world-class. Peru is consistently ranked among the best food destinations in the world. Don’t miss ceviche, lomo saltado, and the incredible variety of potatoes (Peru has over 3,000 varieties).
• Respect is important. Ask before photographing local people, especially in rural communities. A small tip or purchase from their market is a respectful gesture.

Our guides are passionate historians and storytellers. On a typical tour, you’ll learn about:

• The rise and fall of the Inca Empire — from Manco Cápac to Atahualpa
• Spanish conquest and its lasting impact on Peruvian society
• Ancient Inca engineering, astronomy, and agricultural techniques
• The significance of sacred sites like Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, and Ollantaytambo
• Modern Andean life — how communities maintain traditions while embracing the modern world
• Local ecology, wildlife, and the unique biodiversity of the Andes

Percy specializes in Inca history, archaeology, and architecture. Juan Carlos brings unique insight from growing up at Machu Picchu and his training in luxury hospitality. Together, they offer a depth of knowledge you simply won’t find elsewhere.

Tipping is not required but is very much appreciated. If you feel your guide, porters, or chef went above and beyond, a tip is a wonderful way to show your gratitude. Typical amounts:

• Guides: $10–20 USD per day
• Porters: $5–10 USD per day per porter
• Chef: $5–10 USD per day

Tips should be given in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) directly to the person at the end of your trip.

Yes. Cusco and the Sacred Valley are well-established tourist destinations and are generally very safe. Millions of visitors travel to Machu Picchu every year without incident. As in any travel destination, we recommend basic precautions: keep valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, and use reputable transportation.

On our tours, your safety is our top priority. We carry satellite phones, comprehensive first aid kits, and supplemental oxygen on every trek. Our guides are trained in high-altitude first aid and emergency evacuation procedures.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for all travelers. This is a critical item in any Peru travel FAQ. Your policy should cover:

• Medical emergencies — including evacuation from high altitude
• Trip cancellation — in case illness, injury, or unexpected events prevent travel
• Lost or delayed luggage
• Adventure activities — make sure trekking at altitude is specifically covered

We recommend purchasing a policy that includes “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage, which must typically be bought within 14–21 days of your first payment. Medical evacuation from remote trekking areas can be extremely expensive without insurance.

Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair while reflecting the reality that permits, train tickets, and hotel reservations must be purchased in advance:

• Deposit: Non-refundable (used to secure permits and reservations)
• 60+ days before departure: Full refund of balance (minus deposit)
• 30–59 days before departure: 50% of balance refunded
• 15–29 days before departure: 25% of balance refunded
• Less than 15 days: No refund

Inca Trail permits are government-issued and non-transferable — once purchased, they cannot be refunded or changed. This is a government policy that applies to all operators.

We strongly recommend travel insurance with “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage to protect your investment.

For day tours and alternative treks, date changes are usually possible with advance notice, subject to availability. For Inca Trail treks, date changes are extremely difficult because permits are linked to a specific date and cannot be transferred. Contact us as soon as possible if your plans change, and we will do everything we can to accommodate you.

If a tour must be cancelled due to extreme weather, natural disaster, or government closure (which is rare), we will reschedule your tour at no additional cost or provide a full refund. Your safety always comes first, and we will never proceed with a tour if conditions are unsafe.

We take your privacy seriously. Personal information (name, email, passport details, phone number) is collected solely for the purpose of booking and operating your tour. Passport information is required by the Peruvian government for permits and entrance tickets.

We do not sell, share, or distribute your personal information to third parties. Your payment information is processed through secure, encrypted payment gateways and is never stored on our servers. You may request deletion of your personal data at any time by contacting us at help@wondersofperu.com.

Yes, our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze site traffic. These include essential cookies for site functionality and analytics cookies to help us understand how visitors use our site. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.