Plan Your Trip with Tunqui Expeditions
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your journey to Peru to be as memorable and stress-free as possible. In this section, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about traveling with us — all in one place.
Please read the information carefully — it will help you better understand our services.
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How Many Days Do I Need to Acclimate in Cusco?
It’s very important to be well acclimatized to the altitude before starting your trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your Inca Trail adventure to adapt and avoid altitude sickness.
If you’ve already visited another high-altitude area in Peru, we still suggest spending at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recover from travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.
Things to do around Cusco before your trek:
Pre-Trek Briefing
All briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel) at 5:00 pm, the evening before your trek begins. These meetings last 30 to 45 minutes.
If you can’t attend, please contact us by email, phone, or visit our office to schedule an alternative.
Paying Your Remaining Balance in Cusco
If you still have an outstanding balance, it must be paid at least 2 days before the trek. Otherwise, your trip will not be confirmed.
We appreciate cash payments in USD or Peruvian soles at our office in Cusco. You can find ATMs on Avenida El Sol that dispense both currencies.
You may also pay via credit/debit card or PayPal, either in person or online. Please note that both our payment processor (Niubiz) and PayPal charge a 5% service fee. We do not accept personal checks or traveler’s checks.
Duffel Bag Information
You’ll receive your duffel bag at the pre-trek briefing. Porters will carry these along the trail and hand them over at each campsite.
Dimensions: 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in)
Weight limit: 7 kg / 15.4 lb (includes sleeping bag, mat, clothing, and other items)
Can I Store My Luggage with You?
Absolutely!
You may leave your main luggage at our office or at your hotel — both options are free of charge. Let us know at your briefing or by email.
Most hotels in Cusco offer luggage storage, but we recommend not leaving any valuables in your bags. Keep important items like passports, credit cards, and electronics in the hotel safe and request a detailed receipt in case you need to file a travel insurance claim.
Hotel Pick-Up
We offer pick-up from hotels located in Cusco’s Historic Center. Your guide will confirm the exact pick-up time during the briefing.
Note: Cusco is an old city with narrow, cobblestone streets. Some hotels or Airbnbs may not be accessible by car or may be located on steep hills. For this reason, we highly recommend booking accommodations with easy vehicle access.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu involves several steps — but don’t worry, everything is included:
- Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (25 minutes)
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo – your guide will give you your train ticket with the boarding time. Be at the station 30 minutes early. The journey lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco – a Tunqui Expeditions representative (wearing our uniform) will be waiting at the station. The drive to Cusco takes about 1.5 hours. Depending on your hotel’s location, we may use a smaller vehicle (Hyundai H1 or Sprinter) to get you there faster.
Strikes & Protests
Strikes and protests are common in Peru and may affect your travel plans. Roads or train tracks may be blocked.
We will do everything we can to maintain your original itinerary, even if it means leaving earlier than planned. If changes or cancellations are necessary, our operations team will keep you informed. Your safety is our top priority.
Lost & Found
Please keep track of your belongings throughout the tour. Make sure to take everything with you when leaving our transport, tents, or restaurants.
You are solely responsible for your items during the trek.
Special Dietary Needs? No Problem.
Safe Drinking Water Throughout the Trek
What’s Included?
