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Inja Expeditions

Secure your Andean adventure with Inja Expeditions. Explore Salkantay, the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and more with a local team in Cusco. Plan your journey today!

Frequent Questions
INJA EXPEDITIONS

Frequent Questions

Useful answers for planning, booking and preparing for your trip with Inja Expeditions.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Frequently asked questions.

Practical answers about reservations, preparation, logistics and traveling with Inja Expeditions.

Booking with Inja Expeditions is simple. First, choose the tour or trekking experience you are interested in and send us your travel details, preferred date and number of passengers. Our team will confirm availability and provide the corresponding booking instructions. Once the required deposit or payment has been received, we will send you a confirmation with the details of your reservation. We recommend checking all passenger information carefully after receiving your confirmation.

For multi-day treks, the briefing allows you to meet your guide and review the most important details before departure. We will explain the itinerary, weather conditions, recommended equipment, pickup time, luggage arrangements and any specific considerations for your route. It is also a good opportunity to ask last-minute questions and make sure you are fully prepared for the experience.

For selected multi-day programs, luggage storage can be coordinated before departure. Travelers normally take only the items required for the trek and leave their main luggage securely stored until they return. Please confirm this service with our team before your departure, as arrangements may vary depending on the itinerary.

Water arrangements depend on the specific itinerary. For many multi-day treks, travelers should begin the first day with their own drinking water and additional safe water is provided or made available during the route. Your trip briefing will explain exactly how water is managed on your chosen trek. We strongly recommend carrying a reusable water bottle or hydration system.

Yes. We recommend carrying some Peruvian soles in cash, especially on trekking routes and in remote areas where cards may not be accepted. You may need cash for snacks, drinks, optional activities, local services, hot springs, tips or unexpected transportation. The amount you need will depend on the length and type of your trip.

Tips are completely optional and should reflect your satisfaction with the service you receive. If you feel your guide, cook, muleteers or support team provided excellent service, a gratuity is always appreciated. There is no mandatory amount, and our team can provide general guidance during the pre-trip briefing if you wish.

Group size depends on the tour, season and number of confirmed travelers. Inja Expeditions aims to keep groups comfortable so guides can provide personal attention and travelers can enjoy the experience without feeling part of an excessively large group. The expected group size can be confirmed before you book.

For trekking programs, you should carry a small daypack with the personal items you need during the day, such as water, sunscreen, rain protection, a warm layer, camera and snacks. Depending on the trek, Inja Expeditions may also provide or coordinate a duffel bag for additional belongings transported by the support team. Weight limits vary by route and will be explained before departure.

Electricity and internet access vary considerably between routes and campsites. Some accommodations or camps may offer charging points and limited Wi-Fi, sometimes for an additional fee, while remote sections may have no connectivity at all. We recommend bringing a fully charged power bank and downloading any important information before leaving Cusco.

A group tour allows you to share the experience with other travelers who have booked the same departure, making it a social and generally more economical option. A private tour is reserved exclusively for you and your companions, allowing greater flexibility with pace, attention from the guide and certain logistical details. Private tours are especially suitable for couples, families and groups of friends looking for a more personalized experience.

Bathroom and shower facilities depend on the route and the type of accommodation used each night. Some campsites provide basic bathroom facilities, while certain locations may offer hot showers for an additional local fee. On routes that include a hotel night, standard bathroom and shower facilities will normally be available. Please review your specific itinerary for exact details.

On certain trekking routes, especially Salkantay and Ausangate, horses may be available for assistance on specific sections of the trail. Availability depends on location, weather and local operators, so this service cannot always be guaranteed at every point of the trek. If you are concerned about your fitness or altitude, please let us know before departure so we can explain the available options.

The main difference is the pace and the number of experiences included along the route. A 4-day itinerary is normally more compact, while a 5-day version provides additional time for hiking, scenery and optional stops. Depending on the program, the longer itinerary may include places such as Llactapata, additional viewpoints or time for optional activities before reaching Machu Picchu. We recommend comparing the detailed itineraries before choosing.

Machu Picchu Citadel refers to the archaeological complex itself and is the main reason travelers visit the site. Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional hike located within the Machu Picchu area that provides panoramic views from a higher elevation. Access to the mountain requires a specific ticket and is subject to availability and official regulations. If you would like to add this hike, let us know when booking so we can check the available options.

Both hikes offer impressive views but provide different experiences. Huayna Picchu is generally steeper, narrower and more exposed, while Machu Picchu Mountain follows a longer route with a more gradual climbing experience. Tickets for both mountains are limited and controlled by the Peruvian authorities. Availability can change quickly, so we recommend requesting the option you prefer as early as possible.

The Inca Trail is known for its archaeological sites and the experience of following an original Inca route toward Machu Picchu. Permits are strictly limited and must usually be booked well in advance. The Salkantay Trek offers dramatic mountain scenery, high-altitude passes and changing ecosystems, and generally provides a different type of trekking experience with more emphasis on nature. Both routes are demanding and rewarding, so the best choice depends on your interests, fitness and available travel dates.

Altitude affects every traveler differently. Our guides monitor guests throughout high-altitude excursions and can provide basic assistance according to the situation. If symptoms become serious, the priority will always be your safety and it may be necessary to descend, rest or change the itinerary. We recommend spending time acclimatizing in Cusco before demanding hikes and speaking with a medical professional before traveling if you have health concerns.

Absolutely. Solo travelers regularly join our group departures and it can be a great way to meet people from different countries. Accommodation arrangements depend on the program. If you prefer a private room or tent where available, please ask our travel team about possible single supplements before booking.

Cancellation conditions depend on the tour, services already purchased and the date on which the cancellation is requested. Certain payments may become non-refundable once permits, entrance tickets, train tickets or other third-party services have been purchased. Please review the current Inja Expeditions terms and conditions before booking and contact our team as soon as possible if your travel plans change.

Weather in the Andes can change quickly and conditions vary according to altitude and season. High mountain sections can be very cold, especially early in the morning and at night, while lower valleys near the jungle can become much warmer and more humid. Rain is possible even during the drier months, so we recommend preparing for sun, wind, cold and rain on the same trip.

Some banks, card processors and online payment platforms may apply transaction or processing fees. These charges depend on the payment method used and may be outside the direct control of Inja Expeditions. Before making a payment, our team will explain the available methods and any applicable processing costs so you can choose the option that works best for you.

If possible, we recommend spending at least a short period in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before beginning demanding high-altitude activities. This gives your body time to adjust and allows you to see how you respond to the elevation. Travelers arriving directly from sea level should avoid intense physical activity immediately after arrival and stay well hydrated.

Your packing list will depend on the route and season, but useful essentials normally include comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sun protection, reusable water bottle, hat, insect repellent, personal medication and a small daypack. For multi-day routes, our team will provide a more detailed packing recommendation before departure.

Most tours departing from Cusco include a coordinated pickup from selected hotels or an agreed meeting point. Pickup times vary according to the destination and may be very early for places such as Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake. Your exact pickup information will be confirmed before the tour.

For many of our tours and multi-day treks, dietary requirements can be accommodated when we are informed in advance. Please tell us about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-related, allergy or other dietary needs during the booking process so the operations team can coordinate the appropriate meals whenever possible.