Activities: Trekking and Walking,Cultural and History,Multi-Activity,Family

Highlights: Trek the trail that once linked the Inca Empire, Speak Quechua with Sacred Valley locals, Experience awe at a Machu Picchu sunrise, Hike the Inca Trail, Inca Trail Peru

Trip Overview

For trek departures in March, April, May and June we strongly advise that you make a trek booking before 31st December. This will give us time to process your booking and get the paperwork in order to buy your Inca Trail permits as soon as they go on sale sometime in January (exact date has yet to be confirmed by the authorities). In the last few years the authorities have requested a full list of all of our client’s names and passports at least 2 weeks before the permits go on sale. Only the names of clients on these lists were considered for Inca Trail permits during the first round of ticket sales. Please try to make your booking as soon as possible since some dates during the first week of March, April, May and around mid-June (Inti Raymi) are likely to sell out straight away.

Price per person (March 2012 to January 2013): US$ 498

The prices includes the Inca Trail entrance fee of 299 Peruvian Soles (S/.251 + S/.48 sales tax) which is about US$ 105, bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (US$ 8), return on tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco Expedition Service (US$ 65) and all local sales taxes (18%). There are no hidden charges in our trek prices.

Inca Trail discounts

Students discount; US$ 40 discount on the above prices to students with a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC – www.isic.org) scans of your ISIC card
Children discount; US$ 40 children under the age of 16 years old, child's passport must be provided at the time of paying the trek deposit in order to qualify for the discount
South America Explorers Club members receive a discount of US$ 10 (membership number must be provided).
Group discount; we can also offer a US$ 20 per person discount for group bookings of 4 persons or more, provided just one person in the group is responsible for making the booking and sending the trek deposit.

Inca Trail Permits & Campsites

The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail during 2012 (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). We recommend that you make a trek booking as soon as possible. Last year on 2011 the Inca Trail permits for some dates sold out more than 4 months in advance. However don't make a booking until you have all the group details (names, passport numbers, ages, etc.) and you are sure about your trek departure date since these details cannot be changed after we have bought your trek permit.

In 2010 & 2011 we have managed to obtain Inca Trail permits for all of our clients and have had a 100% success rate in obtaining the campsite Wiñay wayna on the 3rd night of the trek (the campsite nearest to Machu Picchu) which allows you to arrive at Machu Picchu for sunrise. Only tour operators that buy their Inca Trail permits early can do this. However the campsite Wiñay Wayna can never be guaranteed and clients have to accept that we may have to use other campsites depending on availability & allocation of Inca Trail permits.

Important that you have to know about Inca Trail permits

The system of buying the Inca Trail permits applies to all licensed Inca Trail tour operators.

Although it is important that you make a trek booking with us as soon as possible the actual Inca Trail permits for departure dates from 1 March 2012 will not go on sale until around mid- January 2012 (in previous years we have had to submit a full list of client name s and passport numbers to the government 2 weeks before the permits go on sale).

When the permits do go on sale some Inca Trail dates can sell out straight away particularly for Inca Trail departures during the first week of March, around Easter time and during the months of May and June. It is therefore important to book as soon as possible so we can buy your Inca Trail permits as soon as they are available. Obviously until we have bought your Inca Trail permits we can never 100% guarantee your trek departure. In the past we have never had any problems but each year the Inca Trail is more popular. If we cannot obtain a trek permit for you we will email you and either offer you an alternative departure date or refund your deposit in accordance with our trek booking terms and conditions.

Inca Trail Departure Dates 2012

Feb 2012 - Inca Trail closed throughout the month of February each year for maintenance.
March 2012 - 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 30
April 2012 - 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30
May 2012 - 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
June 2012 - 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 25, 27, 29, 30
July 2012 - 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
August 2012 - 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31
Sept-Dec 2012 - departures every Mon, Wed & Fri, however we won't be taking any bookings for Sept-Dec until early March.

What Information do I need to send you to secure my Inca Trail permit?

To secure a booking with Sun Gate Tours, the client must deposit US$ 200 per person + his/her personal information as listed below and send us by e-mail.

We will buy your Inca Trail trek permit using the names & passport numbers that you send us with your Inca Trail booking application.

Important note about your passport

You must bring these same passports with you to Cusco and take them on the Inca Trail. If the name or number in your passport is different from the name and number on the Inca Trail permit, the government authorities will not allow you to start the Inca Trail and you will not be entitled to a refund.

If you plan to renew your passport between makings the trek booking and actually starting the trek please visit our web page Frequently Asked Questions relating to passport numbers. If you make a trek booking at the student price you must send us a copy of your ISIC card at the time you pay the trek deposit. If you fail to bring your ISIC card on the trek the government authorities will not allow you to start the trek. You will not be given the opportunity to pay the extra difference in price.

Our Inca Trail Tours are available in 2 types of services

Group Service: where you’ll be joining a group of other trekkers like you coming from different parts of the world, a great opportunity to have fun and make new friends.

Private Service: this service is arranged just for you and offers the possibility to choose the departure date, the group size and the duration of the hike. This not only has the advantage of adapting the pace to your physical condition, but also usually to enjoy quieter campsites and meeting less tourists along the route. All private groups include additional services, such as extra porters/horsemen to carry your personal gear, among others.

Group Size: Typical group size 08-12 persons, Maximum 16 persons

Optional services to be hired

1. Personal porters can be hired to help carry your personal items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc. The services of a third of a porter (maximum 7kg or 14lb per person) can be hired for US$ 140.

If you hire the services of a third of a porter we will provide you with a lockable porter bag to safeguard your equipment (you will need to supply the small padlock). However, even with this service you will still need to take a daypack to carry your essential items such as rain poncho, warm fleece, camera and water bottle.

Please note that due to new government regulations the maximum number of porters that we can use in each group has now been capped. This is why we have had to limit the maximum amount of personal equipment that you can give to a porter to carry for you to 7kg or 15lb per person.

2. An extra night in Aguas Calientes can easily be arranged independently; also we can book it for you.
3. We can also provide vegetarian meals or cater for special diets at no extra cost but we need to know when you make the trek reservation.
4. You can hire sleeping bags in our office. All sleeping bags are synthetic (easy to wash). They are washed after every use and are guaranteed to be clean. After we have hired out our.

Day by Day Itinerary

About Inca Trail availability

The availability applies to the Inca Trail itself and not to our Agency. Any Agency you choose will have the same availability. Therefore, it is useless to contact another Agency if the date you want is not available.

Availability is controlled by the Peruvian National Institute of Culture (Government Institution who manages and authorizes the permits to the Inca Trail). Only they are able to manage and authorize the access to the Inca Trail.

According to the current regulations (Resolution nº 02-2003-UGM-CD), the access to the Inca Trail is limited to 500 people per day, including the personnel. For this reason, the number of available spaces on this page corresponds to spaces for trekkers, that is to say 40% of the total number (60% approximately is for the Trek personnel).

According to the same regulations, reservations can only be made up for the current season (from March to January).

You can check Inca Trail availability online at www.machupicchu.gob.pe

If for any reason you miss out on Inca Trail trek permit, you can still hike our Alternative treks via Salkantay, Lares or Huchuy Qosqo which include visiting Machu Picchu, See the many options under Popular Tours to find the tour option visiting Machu Picchu by train that best suits your needs.

Inca Trail price includes

• Private transportation bus to the start of the trail
• Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees 341 Peruvian Soles (S/.251 + S/.48 sales tax + S/. 42 porter) which is about US$ 127
• English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons)
• 4 Person dome igloo tents - 2 persons per tent with plenty of space for your backpacks
• Double thickness foam sleeping mattress
• Cooking equipment, Experienced cook, Meals (03 breakfasts, 03 hot lunches, 03 hot dinners) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude. Teatime every day (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn), Porters (to carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment)
• Dining tent, Kitchen tent, Accommodation for our porters and cooks, First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle, Bus from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes US$ 8 (many companies don't include this)
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Expedition service or similar US$ 65)
• The price of the trek includes all local sales taxes.

Will I be able to climb Wayna Picchu (300 mts)?

If you want to include an ascent of Wayna Picchu in your visit to Machu Picchu, beware that there are new regulations since July 2011 and permits have to be bought in advance. The cost to have a Machu Picchu entrance that includes the permits to climb Wayna Picchu is US$ 60 but unfortunately at this moment the INC does not have separate Wayna Picchu permit to combine with the US$ 100 Inca trail permit which already includes the Machu Picchu entrance.

We have asked the INC to consider providing the opportunity for Inca trail trekkers to only pay for the separate Wayna Picchu permit which is really only about US$ 10 but they have not yet provided for this so if you want to guarantee a permit to climb Wayna Picchu you need to purchase this off the INC site directly. The directions for this are given in Additional Options section below.

For ISIC card holders ... if you want this permit, you must email us indicating this in writing and ensuring we have a clear scan of your ISIC card as you cannot purchase a student price entrance off the INC website so we will do this for you but you must indicate in writing that that you will pay the extra US$ 35 for us to buy the student permit in advance.

There is a limit of only 400 permits for climbing Wayna Picchu and only 200 people are permitted to enter for each of the 2 sessions scheduled for 7am and 10 am. The guide will organize the tour of Machu Picchu around people climb of Wayna Picchu depending on how many in the group have permits. Please note your entrance to Machu Picchu and permit for Wayna Picchu are with your name and passport details so are nontransferable and non-refundable.

Why should you choose Sun Gate Tours to travel with?

We are a fully licensed agency that complies by the Peruvian Law. Apart from the formalities we are dedicated to changing the perception of tourism in Peru

Do I need to book in advance and, if so, how far in advance should I book?

Due to regulations brought in 2002, the Inca Trail (7 via Salkantay, 5, 4 or 2 days) is limited to 500 people per day (including guides, porters and cooks). It is therefore necessary to book in advance to guarantee a place on the date you want to leave. For Inca Trail treks in the high season (May, June, July, August and September) it is advisable to book at least 5 months ahead.

Yes, it is recommended that you make a reservation for the Inca Trail and pay for your entrance fee well in advance.

Bookings should be done:
Dec, Jan, Mar: 3-5 weeks in advance
April, Oct, Nov: 6-8 weeks in advance
May, Sep: 2-3 months in advance
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3-4 months in advance
In Feb, the trek is closed.

Is it possible to do without an agency?

Since June 2002 trekking independently on the Inca Trail has been prohibited. Regulations state that each trekker must be accompanied by a professionally qualified guide.

The UGM (Unidad de Gestion Machu Picchu) is the regulatory body responsible for controlling access to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. Sun Gate Tours must meet these requirements proving professional guides and good camping equipment, radio communications and emergency first aid including oxygen.

What about children on the Inca Trail? Do you suggest it?

We have operated many family groups with children as young as 7 years old – we would not recommend your child is younger than this! The children that have done the trail with us have all being children that are used to walking long hours having done some hikes before, so this is an essential element for us know if your child is physically fit for the challenge!

If you are thinking of bringing any children with you, we highly recommend arranging a private tour with us instead of going on a group service departure. That way, you can get the extra attention that you will require from the guide. It should be remembered that it is likely you will have a difficult time as it is, so if you have never done higher altitude trekking with your child before, you’ll want to carefully consider your enjoyment and the enjoyment of the child. Also, it should be kept in mind that the emergency rescue services while on the trek are extremely limited.

Do I need to be fit?

We recommend that you have a good fitness level. You do not have to be a fitness fanatic, but at least know what you are going to be undertaking and prepare as best you can.

One important step to your well-being is that you acclimatize well in Cusco prior to your trek. Cusco lies at 3,350m/10900ft. We recommend a stay of at least 2-3 days.

To help with acclimatization we recommend:

• Avoid over-exerting yourself when you first arrive
• Drink lots of fluids
• Avoid cigarettes and alcohol
• Avoid taking sleeping pills
• Drink coca tea (ancient traditional leaf)

Is altitude sickness common? And how high is the Inca Trail?

It's impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full day spent in Cusco, taking it very easy and drinking plenty of water is enough for some people but if you can arrange to have minimum 2-3 days in case of any travel disruptions as well then this is what we recommend as there is also so much to do here!. The highest point you will reach while hiking the Inca Trail is 4200m/13818ft. You will sleep at 3340m/10988ft for two nights.

Why do I need to send a deposit?

We use your deposit to pay official fees when making your official reservation. For example, we need to pay tourist and porter’s entrance fees and taxes (18%). We also use it towards your return rail tickets.

How do you treat your Porters?

Yes!! We provide our porters with a full uniform, backpacks, trekking sandals, ponchos and they eat the same food as our passengers. Their weight limit is 14 kg, but we kindly ask our passengers who want a Porter to carry their luggage to limit their weight to 7 kg each to contribute towards our porter welfare. We have also built a house for our porters on our property where they can sleep overnight before any trail!

What if I am a slow walker or want to take my time?

Even slow walkers reach campsites before nightfall, so it is all fine! Our guides will keep you informed of distances and hours to be covered after every break.

For groups of 9 or more people you will always have 2 guides (Head Guide & Assistant Guide). The Head walks at the front and the Assistant with the last person.

In case you have only 1 guide (for groups or 8 or less people) the guide always walks with the last person in the group

Once I have booked my place on the trail, can I change my departure date?

No. Unfortunately once your reservation is officially confirmed with the INC (www.machupicchu.gob.pe) it is not possible to change or postpone your departure date. You would need to make a new reservation with a new deposit for your new date (this date needs to be one which is at least 5 days before or after your prior departure date). Please note that this is not an agency decision but a local authority regulation.

Are there many toilets along the Inca trail?

Yes. There are several flush toilets along the trail and we highly recommend using them only (please avoid using nature if possible). Please take toilet paper with you as it’s not provided at the toilets.

How many people go in each tent?

The tents for all our treks are 4 man tents but we only put 2 persons per tent thus allowing you more space and comfort

What if I get ill and need to turn back?

We have a very low rate of people turning back once on the trek. Our priority is to help you complete it! All our guides are properly trained and carry a first aid kit and a bottle of oxygen for emergencies.

In the scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due health issues, Sun Gate Tours will do everything in its power to get you to the nearest civilization and get help or transportation to help. If the issue is respiratory or due to altitude, we do carry at least one tank of oxygen on trek that you will have access to in extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel Insurance required) There are no refunds in the situation that you are unable to finish though.

Generally if due to altitude sickness people can`t make it over the pass on the 2nd day they come back to Ollantaytambo accompanied by a porter if just mild (or guide if serious) and if they recover from altitude sickness they stay the night here in Ollantaytambo and then take the train to Aguas Calientes the next day ( Day 3) and we look after them in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes and then they rejoin their group in Machu Picchu early on Day 4 and continue the tour as normal the additional costs for this such as train ticket and accommodations is payable by the passenger and usually is between US$ 80 and US$ 120 total and a document for insurance purposes is provided for your claim

What about the food?

We have excellent trained cooks who will provide you with an incredible variety of dishes:

Breakfast: There will usually be a selection of some or all of the following - porridge, scrambled eggs, pancakes, bread and jam.

We provide you with plenty of beverages, ie hot chocolate, coffee, English tea and/or a selection of herbal teas (chamomile or simply traditional coca tea).

Lunch and Dinner: You will always have a bowl of soup followed by a main course (chicken, beef, fish etc. with rice or pasta). After this, a dessert and herbal drink will be provided.

Afternoon snacks: On finishing the trek every day we will have hot drinks, popcorn, biscuits, bread and jam, chocolate, etc.

Snacks: We provide our trekkers with snacks beginning on either Day 1 or Day 2 – it’s our cooks’ decision! You are welcome to buy your own favorite snack foods if you wish too!

Can Sun Gate Tours accommodate my dietary needs? What kind of food will there be?

Not to worry, Sun Gate Tours is able to accommodate many types of dietary needs upon request at the time of booking. If you are a vegetarian, or cannot eat gluten or have allergies to certain foods, it will not be a problem. The meals of our chefs are one of the most popular parts of our tours too, and the quality will not be reduced when accommodating your dietary needs. The meals are served buffet style and you are able to choose what you would like to eat. Your guides will let you know what time the meals will be served.

* Vegetarian/special diet options: Please inform us of this before your departure. We are happy to cater!

Do you provide us with drinking water?

Yes. We provide you with boiled water – our cook boils water for 10 minutes from which you can replenish your water supply (you do not need purification tablets). On the first day you need to carry a bottle of water until lunch time, therefore you can start filling from our cooks supply for the rest of the trek.

Bottled water is now available to purchase at certain points along the Inca Trail if you wish, but note it is not guaranteed where, so you might need to take from the Cooks supply anyway.

What are your tipping guidelines?

The tipping ceremony for porters takes place on the 3rd night of the trail in the campsite of Wiñay wayna. Although tipping is nonobligatory it is a way to show your guides, cooks and porters your gratitude for the effort and hard work you will see during our trips.

Guideline: Porters: approx. Soles 60-80 per porter from group
Cooks: approx. Soles 80-100 per cook from group
Guide: approx. double of the cooks tip from group

Where do I store the bags I don't need when I go on the trail?

All hostels and hotels in Cusco are accustomed to trekkers leaving belongings whilst on the trek and will have storage facilities at no extra cost.

On the trek/tour, you should only bring with you the things you really want/need and leave the rest of your things with us. Sun Gate Tours offers free luggage storage for all of our customers. If you have luggage that you wish to leave with us in Cusco

Does the Inca Trail ever close?

Yes – it closes for maintenance in the month of February each year.

When is the rainy season?

The rainy season in Cusco starts in around the month of October/November annually. It dries up around April time. It is important to note that “rainy season” does not mean monsoon weather! It means that days can be dry & hot with occasional bursts of rain. Sometimes these bursts last for an entire day on and off, but monsoonal it is not! You may even enjoy it!

The trail is perfectly safe during the rainy season. Some people actually like to go during the rainy season because there are fewer tourists. If you are one who doesn’t mind the rain, then we say ‘Go for it!’ You will just have to bring good rain gear and waterproof boots.

As long as you are well prepared with a good raincoat you will be fine!

What kind of weather can I expect on the trek? Temperatures?

During the “rainy season” (1 Dec – 1 May), you could have some rain any day but you can expect that it could rain every day in Feb and could be heavy! Often in Dec and Jan you may just get some light continual showers or it could be fine and then a heavy afternoon down poor but in truth you could also have fine days. At the same time, it will also be noticeably warmer at night. The day times will get up to about 25 degrees Celsius, the low will be about 2 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, during the “dry season” (June – Nov) the daytimes will seem strikingly like spring time, with bright and sunny skies, but it will be much colder at night. During the daytime you can expect it to be somewhere in the range of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and at night it will be as low as 0 to -5 degrees Celsius.

It is always best to dress in layers during any time of year, really. As you hike, put them on when you feel cold or shed them and put it in your day pack when you get hot.

I don`t have a good sleeping bag. Can I rent one?

Yes; you can just organize it at the time of booking or book directly in the office on your check-in

• Down sleeping bag minus 10º Celcius US$ 24
• 45 Lts Backpack US$ 24
• A pair of trekking poles US$ 20

Are Trekking poles really necessary?

For this trek more than any of the treks, we do recommend the use of Trekking poles, especially for those passengers with known knee problems. There are multiple times during the trek that a Trekking poles is handy, be it ascending a mountain or walking down immense sets of Inca stairs. It will help with your balance and reduce the impact on your knees. Sun Gate Tours and the INC ask that you not use trekking poles with metal tips as it damages the trail. You can purchase rubber tips for metal poles from any local camping shop.

How much does the sleeping mat and sleeping bag weigh?

Sleep mat weight = 1 kg
Sleeping bag weight = 2-2.5 kg

I am on my own will I have someone to share a tent with?

Yes; another person of the same sex or if you prefer you can pay a single supplement for a tent just for you. This is US$ 24 (For the entire trek)

Will I need any extra money?

Yes, so that you can take part in options such as bottle water/drinks, a hot shower on the 3rd night (5 soles), the natural hot springs in Aguas Calientes (10 soles), tips for your trekking staff, souvenirs, snacks in Machu Picchu, etc.

You should take at least 300 soles as emergency money that hopefully you will return to Cusco with! Also, for the passengers that are concerned about health.

Do the guides speak English?

Sun Gate Tours has high standards for our guides. All of our top guides must be educated in the field of tourism, first aid assistance and completely fluent in English. Our guides are also one of the most popular aspects of our tours as some of them are historians and archaeologists.

Should I hire an extra porter?

If you have not trekked in altitude before we would suggest your organize the extra porter. Unless you have hired an extra porter you will need to carry your own back pack, sleeping bag and the mattress and water for the day. 75% of our travelers hire the extra porter for 7 kilos. If you would like to have a porter carry your things, one can be hired for US$ 70 for every 7 kilos (shared porter, each porter carries 14 Kg plus his gear) Sun Gate Tours provide a duffle porter bag at the briefing the night before your hike. You should bring only what you absolutely need/want on the trek, and store the rest of your belongings in Cusco.

Even if you do hire a porter you will still need a day pack with you so that you can carry such items as your camera, water bottle, snacks (energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, sweets, remember glucose is a big help and imperative in the heights), sunscreen, sun-glasses, a fleece or something warm and a poncho (during the rainy season or cloudy days) and anything else you will need before lunch as the porters do not walk alongside you. You will meet up with your bag at lunch and then it will be waiting for you in your tent at the campsite.

It is best to put everything up to 14 kgs in one duffle bag if you are a couple or 2 for the porter so that you don’t have 2 large backpacks in your tent. We can provide you with a duffel bag to use. At the final lunch the staff will provide blue sacs to those who hired extra porters for transporting your belongings back to Cusco. Please return it to our main office in Cusco.

Please note that there are fines and notifications if you give an excess of 7 or 14 kgs, so try to under-pack rather than over-pack—if it is overweight at the weigh station, items will have to be removed to reduce the weight.

• Personal porter for 7 Kg US$ 70
• Personal porter for 14 Kg US$ 140

When do I need to decide hire extra porter?

You must decide if you want to hire the services of a personal porter in advance when making your trek reservation since we need to purchase the porter's trekking permit. You cannot decide to hire an additional porter at a later date or once you arrive in Cusco.

How long will I be walking every day? How long is the trail?

46 Km/ 28 Miles
This is an approximate breakdown according to our regular campsites:

Day 1: 12 kilometers (8.6 miles) 6-7 hours
Day 2: 18 kilometers (10.9 miles) 7-8 hours (“Dead Womans Pass,” the highest pass of the trek at 4,200m, is on this day and the longest day )
Day 3: 10 km (7.3 miles) at 5-6 hours.
Day 4: 6 Km around 2 hours walk before arriving to Machu Picchu.

You will wake up around 4.30 am, 1 hour to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) - the entire trail is about 46 kilometers (27 miles) long from start to finish. If you still want more, climbing Wayna Picchu provides yet another hour and a half round trip. Check for the free passes with your tour guides.

Will I be able to witness the sunrise at Machu Picchu?

In truth it is not typical sunrise. As long as you don´t have too much mist or low cloud then you see the first light illuminating Machu Picchu. It is after dawn though as the sunrise up over the high mountains surrounding Machu Picchu.

How long am I able to stay at Machu Picchu? How I will I get down to Aguas Calientes?

You will have a guided tour of the ruins that lasts approximately 2-3 hours, after which time you will have 2-3 hours more to spend on your own. You can climb Wayna Picchu or just explore. After the guided portion, your guide will give you a bus ticket for the transfer down to Aguas Calientes. You can take the bus anytime you like.

What time will I be back in Cusco?

You generally arrive back to Cusco around 8:30 - 9pm so don`t expect to be able to book a flight out for the same night as flights do not exist after 4:30pm.

What are the benefits of doing a private trek?

One of the main reasons why the private option is sought after is because you do not need to worry about which dates we have departures set for or if our departures have enough space. Your only concern is whether or not there are permits available. You can choose almost any date that you want if permits are available.

In addition to the convenience and flexibility in booking, the private option provides a more personal trip experience for your group. We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. The guide will focus all of his energy and attention on your group. You can also be more specific about the foods that you would like to be served during the trek. It is a truly wonderful experience to go on such an amazing journey with only your friends and loved ones.

What is an ISIC card? How can I use it to get a discount?

ISIC stands for “International Student Identity Card” and is the internationally accepted form of student identification. The INC accepts ISIC for discounts. ISIC website – www.isic.org

The discount that is offered isn’t a Sun Gate Tours discount, but is actually offered by the INC and Sun Gate Tours passes the discount on to you. For that reason, it absolutely necessary that we have a scan of your card “in hand” when we go to purchase your permits. If you didn’t send us a copy of it along with the initial booking, then make sure to note on the registration form that you have one and will send the scan as soon as possible so that we know to try and wait before we purchase the permit.

What if do not have my passport right now?

The INC requires a valid passport to issue your permit to the trail; best case is to organize your new passport in advance if that is the case. There is the possibility due to the limits of spaces on your requested date to book with your old passport number them we can do a paperwork to change it, ( extra of US$ 15 per person)

1. CANCELLATION BY SUN GATE TOURS

Sun Gate Tours reserves the right to cancel a program in case any of the following circumstances occur:

1. Client's failure to pay the final balance minimum one day prior to departure date.
2. Force majeure: Impossibility to operate the program or trek due to unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside SUN GATE TOURS's control. Ie. Weather conditions not permitting, strike not allowing operation or putting it at risk, sudden inaccessibility of route, etc.

The following refund policies apply in each case:

1. In the event of a client's failure to pay the due balance, the client will not have any right for the deposit refund.
2. In case force majeure occurs, SUN GATE TOURS will propose viable solutions to operate the program within the available dates, or if impossible, will then propose an alternative program. If the alternative program chosen by the client is of lower value than that originally booked then the client is entitled to a refund of the price difference. All costs derived will be at the expense of the client. In case none of these would be feasible, SUN GATE TOURS would refund all the money paid accept all the incurred expenses so far.

2. CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT

Please note that the program deposit is non-refundable. The deposit is used to purchase the space within the group and once a space is purchased it cannot be resold afterwards.

In case of cancellation by the client, the following refund policies apply:

Inca Trail or any trek including the Inca Trail

1. Cancellation up to two days prior to departure: loss of program deposit
2. Cancellation between two days and the departure date: will be considered a No Show and no refund will be applicable. The unused trek permit will be returned as well as the return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco and the bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Cusco. Clients may be able to re-use the tickets by presenting them to the respective authorities and paying an additional amount, which varies depending on the ticket.
3. If the trek balance is not paid two days before the trek departure date, SUN GATE TOURS will assume the client is canceling the trek and the deposit will not be refunded.

All other treks or programs (excluding custom itineraries and mountain climbing programs)

1. Cancellation with at least one month prior to departure: SUN GATE TOURS will refund 75% of the program costs in case the full amount has been paid, or 50% of the program deposit in case only the deposit has been paid. Cost of the refund transfer will be at the client's expense.
2. Cancellation between one month and two days prior to departure: SUN GATE TOURS will refund 50% of the program costs in case the full amount has been paid. In case only the 50% deposit has been paid, the client will have no right to refund. Cost of the refund transfer will be at the client's expense.
3. Cancellation with less than two days prior to departure: will be considered a No Show and no refund will be applicable.
4. If the trek balance is not paid two days before the trek departure date, SUN GATE TOURS will assume the client is canceling the trek and the deposit will not be refunded.

Cancellations regarding custom itineraries and mountain climbing programs will depend on each specific program and will therefore be agreed upon between SUN GATE TOURS and the client by e-mail accordingly. SUN GATE TOURS reserves the right to modify the above-mentioned cancellations and refund policies. All modifications will be immediately informed to the affected client through written communication.

3. PRICES AND SURCHARGES

As we publish our prices well in advance, we may occasionally be faced with significant cost increases due to factors over which we have no control. As such we reserve the right to impose surcharges (or price decreases) up to one month before departure due to increases in entrance fees, train fares or other transport costs, taxes, if government action should require us to do so or others. Any surcharge or price decrease will be fully explained and justified by SUN GATE TOURS before implementation. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the program cost the client may cancel the booking and obtain a full refund less expenses already incurred, provided the cancellation is made with at least one month prior to departure date.

4. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK

Some of SUN GATE TOURS's itineraries have been designed to provide participants with an exposure to the true nature of the environment visited. They therefore involve an element of personal risk and exposure to potential, which could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, or damage to the client, his/her property or to third parties. The client understands that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity and therefore assumes them as part of the tour. The client accepts that he/she is aware of his physical and health condition and that, under the knowledge of this he/she decides to undertake the above-mentioned risks. The client excludes SUN GATE TOURS from any responsibility linked to any accident or injury that may occur associated to the clients' health, physical condition or other.

5. AUTHORITY ON TOUR

At all times the decision of the company's guide or representative will be final on all matters likely to endanger the safety and well-being of the tour group. The client must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, and foreign exchange and drug regulations of Peru. Should the client fail to comply with the above, or should the client interfere with the well-being of the group then the guide or company representative may order the client to leave the tour without recourse to any refund.

6. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

The client must be in possession of a valid passport and all visas required for the whole of the journey and the client accepts responsibility for obtaining the same. Any information or advice given by the company on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.

7. FACTORS OUTSIDE THE COMPANY'S CONTROL (FORCE MAJEURE)

The company will do its best to minimize the effects of matters outside its control, but cannot accept any liability for these matters which include political disputes, border closures, refusals of visas, industrial action, delayed flights, unforeseeable climate, landslides, etc. The client accepts to assume all extra costs derived by any of these factors.

8. RESPONSIBILITY

The company shall not be liable for any damage or loss if the failure to carry out the contract is:

1. Attributable to the client
2. Attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services contracted for and the event is unforeseeable or unavoidable
3. Due to unforeseen and unusual circumstances beyond the company's control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had to be exercised
4. Due to political disputes, industrial action, climate or other matters of a similar nature and any other force majeure
5. Due to an event, which the company, even with all due care could not foresee or forestall. Any liability is limited to the full price paid for the tour. In all cases the company specifically excludes all liability for indirect or consequential loss or expense including loss of profits.

9. CLAIMS AND COMPLAINTS

If a client has a complaint against the company the client must first inform the trek guide or company representative while on the tour in order that the guide/representative can attempt to rectify the matter. Any further complaint must be put in writing to the company within 7 days of the end of the tour.

I have had sufficient opportunity to read this entire document. I have read and understood it, and I agree to be bound by its terms.