Machu Picchu Frequently Asked Questions

This information should answer many of your initial questions and also guide you through the next stages of preparing for the expedition. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need javascript enabled to view it

How fit should I be?

Most of the trek days typically require 4-8 hours of effort, with the bulk of our gear carried by porters. Because of the trekking portion of this trip and the general high altitude of the area (10-13,000 feet), we recommend that all participants engage in a physical training program for several months prior to trip departure. All participants must consult with their family physician regarding their personal health and the additional demands of high altitude well in advance of the trip.

What kind of experience do I need?

Participants should have solid day hiking experience. Overnight backpacking or trekking experience is helpful. High altitude experience is also beneficial, to confirm that your body can reasonably tolerate visits to 10,000 feet and higher.

How do I get there?

International Mountain Guides has worked for many years with the staff at CTT Destinations to provide professional travel service for participants in our programs. For help with your plans, we urge you to contact Pirjo at CTT Destinations: 800-909-6647 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need javascript enabled to view it

What immunizations will I need?

No immunizations are currently required to enter Peru. It is recommended that you consider the following:

• Tetanus/Diphtheria: There is no natural immunity to the tetanus toxin and since it is found throughout the world, immunization is a universal recommendation regardless of age. A combined tetanus/ diphtheria booster is available, good for ten years.


• Hepatitis Vaccine: New vaccines are available for both hepatitis A and B.

Please consult your physician or local health department for their recommendations.

You should also ask your physician for a prescription for a course of the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin. Please consider this to be part of your required equipment.

We recommend that you visit the travel clinic at a major University Hospital or your local Public Health Department for the most up to date info on travel requirements, or check the Center for Disease Control Website at www.cdc.gov.

What's included in the trip cost?

• IMG leader and local staff including porters
• private tours as described in itinerary
• transfers to/from Cusco airport and return
• entrance fees for all cultural touring sites
• hotel accommodations in three-star hotels with continental breakfast
• group camping gear (tents, cooking gear, porter gear, stoves, lights, dining tent, bathroom tent
• cook and trekking food and meals (3 meals per day, while hiking)

• airline tickets of any kind
• airport taxes
• meals in towns or restaurants
• trail snacks or bottled water