TRAVEL FAQ´S
Discover the magic of the Andes in Machu Picchu.
If you are traveling to Peru we are sure you have many questions to answer, we have prepared many answers to the most frequently asked questions of our passengers, we are sure you have more questions, do not hesitate to write us to know more about your trip to Peru to our email info@illakunturtravel.com
The altitude sickness, known in Peru as soroche, is a series of discomforts in the human body (headaches, dizziness and vomiting), due to the lack of oxygen. The people most affected by soroche, are those who usually arrive at 1000 meters of altitude, and arrive for the first time to places located more than 3,000 meters above sea level. However, there are people who do not show any symptoms when they change altitude, that is why it is said that it is according to each organism; many people claim to control this disease psychologically, as soon as they feel any similar symptom. To avoid the protagonism of soroche in your trip, it is recommended to rest on the first and second day of your arrival in Cusco, try to sleep a little, stay hydrated, and if necessary take a tea of coca leaves.
Coca helps regulate blood pressure, digestion and bowel. Eat only light meals and avoid foods that are difficult to digest (meats and fats), do not drink alcoholic beverages and try not to smoke too much; take light walks and avoid heavy physical exertion. If on the second or third day of your arrival, symptoms persist, seek specialized medical attention.
The best way to carry money will always be in dollars and in kind, but if you intend to bring large amounts this method can be problematic, especially for security reasons. The dollar will always be the guarantee to make the best exchange, that is, not to lose so much when exchanging for the local currency. In Peru the currency is the Sol (Soles, plural). There are also no fees when paying with dollars or exchanging for another currency. We do not recommend that you bring local money, as the exchange houses usually pay little for foreign currency other than dollars or euros. You will be able to use your credit card without problems, although many of the establishments in Peru charge an additional fee for credit card payments. A good option is the Travel Money cards, which are prepaid international debit cards, in dollars. Most of them allow you to recharge via internet, debiting the value in reais from your current account and automatically converting the amount to dollars, according to the exchange rate of the day. Being prepaid also avoids the famous surprises of the credit card, at the time of paying the bill. Absolutely recommended.
As far as carry-on baggage is concerned, the size and weight limits will always be stipulated in your airline ticket. This may change by airline and type of passage. Promotional tickets may stipulate less weight in luggage, there are even companies that do not include luggage in the ticket and the customer must pay per kilo. Regardless of all this, there are also international regulations that establish some rules for hand luggage. Carry only the essentials, what you need for your trip, such as money, documents and other personal items. Also carry in this small backpack your camera and other electronics to avoid damaging the equipment. All flammable materials are prohibited, as well as food and liquids in a general way (including water). Sharp or cutting objects are also not allowed, even nail clippers or very «exotic» key rings.
You need to make a reservation for the Inca Trail well in advance. The treks in Peru are regulated by the government and there is a maximum number of people allowed per day on each trek. On the Inca Trail for example, the limit is 500 people per day, including tourists, guides, porters and cooks. To guarantee your vacancy, make your reservation 4 to 6 months in advance. Remember that every year during the month of February the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
Problems with dollar bills occur whenever the bills are old, kneaded, dirty or torn. By the way, not only with dollar bills. Regardless of the currency here in Peru if they are in these conditions no one will accept them. Even coins, do not accept if they are old, worn, dirty or damaged. Part to exchange for another in better condition. To make any money exchange, look for formal and trustworthy money exchange houses that exist in the long term. Avoid exchanging money with money changers in the streets, besides being dangerous because there are always people with an eye, the risk that you take counterfeit bills is quite big.
The Boleto Turístico de Cusco is nothing more than a ticket that guarantees your entrance to the main museums, attractions and archaeological sites of the city and its surroundings. Created by the Cusco City Hall, the document has the objective of simplifying the access to these places, thus avoiding you to waste time in long lines to buy the tickets. For your convenience, the Cusco Tourist Ticket is already included in all packages of the agency Viagens Machu Picchu, without additional costs.
The time zone in Peru is UTC-5.