Everything you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
Level of Difficulty
The Classic Inca Trail Challenge is graded as tough. A good level of fitness and regular training is required for this challenge. The more prepared you are for this challenge, the more you will enjoy it. This challenge will be prefect for someone with an open mind and a desire for adventure and who would like to push themselves. You could tell your supporters that during your Classic Inca trail challenge you will be:
- Covering a total of 26 miles over 4 days up in the mountains
- Trekking at high altitude from your arrival into Cusco
- Living and surviving in rural areas, away from civilisation and in very basic camping conditions
- Reaching a maximum altitude of 4200 meters above sea level
- Weather conditions can change dramatically during the day
Level of Difficulty
The Classic Inca Trail Challenge is graded as tough. A good level of fitness and regular training is required for this challenge. The more prepared you are for this challenge, the more you will enjoy it. This challenge will be prefect for someone with an open mind and a desire for adventure and who would like to push themselves. You could tell your supporters that during your Classic Inca trail challenge you will be:
- Covering a total of 26 miles over 4 days up in the mountains
- Trekking at high altitude from your arrival into Cusco
- Living and surviving in rural areas, away from civilisation and in very basic camping conditions
- Reaching a maximum altitude of 4200 meters above sea level
- Weather conditions can change dramatically during the day
Money
Currency: Peru uses the Sol as its currency, USD$ are also widely used. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. Please note you will need a combination of soles and dollars.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are welcomed in Lima and Cusco (Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express), but take cash for small towns or pueblos. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Not all shops, restaurants, bars and hotels accept credit cards and it is worth checking whether they do before purchasing or ordering anything.
ATMs: You will find ATMs in both Lima and Cusco. Most of them are located in the airport, the city centre or near banks. Please note that the ATM’s at the airport charge large fees to withdraw money but the ATM’s in the banks in Cusco town don’t.
How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip, as most expenses are included. You should only need money for tips, food & drink (additional), gifts and souvenirs. There are a wide range of souvenirs to buy, including rugs, ponchos, and jewellery. On average around £150- £200 + a credit card in case of an emergency, should suffice. Keep in mind that, other than at the start and end of the trip, you will be in the mountains away from any foreign exchanges or banks. We therefore recommend that you carry some cash. You will mainly need soles and just enough dollars for the staff tips for this trip.
Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. US$15 per person per day (approx $120) and this should be given to the challenge leader at the end of the challenge who will distribute it among the support team, including guides, assistant guides cooks, and porters.
Money
Currency: Peru uses the Sol as its currency, USD$ are also widely used. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. Please note you will need a combination of soles and dollars.
Credit Cards: Credit cards are welcomed in Lima and Cusco (Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express), but take cash for small towns or pueblos. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Not all shops, restaurants, bars and hotels accept credit cards and it is worth checking whether they do before purchasing or ordering anything.
ATMs: You will find ATMs in both Lima and Cusco. Most of them are located in the airport, the city centre or near banks. Please note that the ATM’s at the airport charge large fees to withdraw money but the ATM’s in the banks in Cusco town don’t.
How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip, as most expenses are included. You should only need money for tips, food & drink (additional), gifts and souvenirs. There are a wide range of souvenirs to buy, including rugs, ponchos, and jewellery. On average around £150- £200 + a credit card in case of an emergency, should suffice. Keep in mind that, other than at the start and end of the trip, you will be in the mountains away from any foreign exchanges or banks. We therefore recommend that you carry some cash. You will mainly need soles and just enough dollars for the staff tips for this trip.
Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. US$15 per person per day (approx $120) and this should be given to the challenge leader at the end of the challenge who will distribute it among the support team, including guides, assistant guides cooks, and porters.
Visa
British citizens do not require a visa for Peru. When entering Peru, participants will be asked to fill out a white embarkation card. This piece of paper is very important. You cannot leave the country without a copy; however, if you do happen to lose it you are able to buy another for a small fee on departure. Ensure your entry stamp is legible as it is required by hotels for the exoneration of Peruvian tax. You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your challenge, and at least one blank page for your visa and entry/exit stamps.
Visa
British citizens do not require a visa for Peru. When entering Peru, participants will be asked to fill out a white embarkation card. This piece of paper is very important. You cannot leave the country without a copy; however, if you do happen to lose it you are able to buy another for a small fee on departure. Ensure your entry stamp is legible as it is required by hotels for the exoneration of Peruvian tax. You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your challenge, and at least one blank page for your visa and entry/exit stamps.
Vaccinations
For up to date vaccination information please check the NHS Government website ‘Fit for Travel’ at: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspxb. Although the Charity Challenge team are travel professionals, they are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements.
Vaccinations
For up to date vaccination information please check the NHS Government website ‘Fit for Travel’ at: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspxb. Although the Charity Challenge team are travel professionals, they are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements.
Flights
You will be flying from London Heathrow Airport to Cusco via Lima. The flights are booked either with Avianca or LAN airlines. Please check your Account for confirmed flights. The journey will take approx. 20 hours including stops (Bogota or Madrid and Lima). Internally, you will fly from Lima to Cusco with a local airline. This flight takes approximately 55 mins. Your flight tickets will be issued to you upon departure at the airport. If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance).
Flights
You will be flying from London Heathrow Airport to Cusco via Lima. The flights are booked either with Avianca or LAN airlines. Please check your Account for confirmed flights. The journey will take approx. 20 hours including stops (Bogota or Madrid and Lima). Internally, you will fly from Lima to Cusco with a local airline. This flight takes approximately 55 mins. Your flight tickets will be issued to you upon departure at the airport. If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance).
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have a suitable travel insurance policy whilst participating on the challenge. We have a special policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge. If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy, including protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure. If you choose not to purchase our recommended policy when you book we will send you a disclaimer which you should complete and return.
For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have a suitable travel insurance policy whilst participating on the challenge. We have a special policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge. If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy, including protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure. If you choose not to purchase our recommended policy when you book we will send you a disclaimer which you should complete and return.
For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
Group Size
Each Group is intended to be a minimum of 10 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 15 people. We will be able to run this challenge for 6 to 10 people by charging a small group supplement of £75 which will be added to your final balance invoice (self-funders) or charged to your charity (minimum sponsorship or flexi).
Group Size
Each Group is intended to be a minimum of 10 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 15 people. We will be able to run this challenge for 6 to 10 people by charging a small group supplement of £75 which will be added to your final balance invoice (self-funders) or charged to your charity (minimum sponsorship or flexi).
Leadership
We employ a number of first aid qualified challenge leaders, all of whom speak fluent English. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.
Leadership
We employ a number of first aid qualified challenge leaders, all of whom speak fluent English. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.
Climate
Peru's climate has two seasons – wet and dry – though the weather varies depending on the geographical region. In the Andes there is a dry season (April to October) and a wet season (mid November to March). The average temperature throughout the year goes from 8.5°C/47.3°F (June to August) to 10.8°C/51.4°F (September to May). In the Andes the temperature can drop up to 15º from day to night-time, especially at higher altitudes during the challenge. As the trip goes from the Andes to the rainforest you can expect to experience all different types of weather and should be suitably equipped to cover this. Temperatures can likely to go below freezing at night especially at campsites and during the day will be relatively warm making for pleasant hiking weather. Expect some rain, hot sunshine, humid jungle conditions, as well as dry, cold high altitude conditions.
Climate
Peru's climate has two seasons – wet and dry – though the weather varies depending on the geographical region. In the Andes there is a dry season (April to October) and a wet season (mid November to March). The average temperature throughout the year goes from 8.5°C/47.3°F (June to August) to 10.8°C/51.4°F (September to May). In the Andes the temperature can drop up to 15º from day to night-time, especially at higher altitudes during the challenge. As the trip goes from the Andes to the rainforest you can expect to experience all different types of weather and should be suitably equipped to cover this. Temperatures can likely to go below freezing at night especially at campsites and during the day will be relatively warm making for pleasant hiking weather. Expect some rain, hot sunshine, humid jungle conditions, as well as dry, cold high altitude conditions.
Terrain
You will be trekking through different geographical zones and the terrain will vary from wide open mountain trails to very enclosed, narrow paths with steep and sheer drops at one side. On the final 2 days you will be climbing many, many steps to reach your final destination at the Sun Gate of Machu PIcchu.
Terrain
You will be trekking through different geographical zones and the terrain will vary from wide open mountain trails to very enclosed, narrow paths with steep and sheer drops at one side. On the final 2 days you will be climbing many, many steps to reach your final destination at the Sun Gate of Machu PIcchu.
Luggage allowance and valuables
As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your Kit List. Your main kit bag, or rucksack, must not exceed 23kgs in weight, but for the five days you are away from Cusco you can safely store any excess kit as you will be provided with a separate kit bag for the time you are trekking. Each day, your personal kit will be carried by porters to your next campsite, where it will be waiting for you on arrival. You will carry a daypack for your daily needs such as sun cream, water, camera and lightweight waterproofs. For any valuables, safe deposit boxes are usually provided in Cusco ‘for guests’ use in the hotels, but will not be available while camping. Use a padlock on your luggage when in transit to reduce any risks.
While we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces and rings. Your flight tickets can be left in a safe in the hotel in Cusco or with the ground handler and collected on your departure. You must take your passport with you during the trek. It should be kept in a plastic bag to protect it from damp or water damage.
Luggage allowance and valuables
As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your Kit List. Your main kit bag, or rucksack, must not exceed 23kgs in weight, but for the five days you are away from Cusco you can safely store any excess kit as you will be provided with a separate kit bag for the time you are trekking. Each day, your personal kit will be carried by porters to your next campsite, where it will be waiting for you on arrival. You will carry a daypack for your daily needs such as sun cream, water, camera and lightweight waterproofs. For any valuables, safe deposit boxes are usually provided in Cusco ‘for guests’ use in the hotels, but will not be available while camping. Use a padlock on your luggage when in transit to reduce any risks.
While we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces and rings. Your flight tickets can be left in a safe in the hotel in Cusco or with the ground handler and collected on your departure. You must take your passport with you during the trek. It should be kept in a plastic bag to protect it from damp or water damage.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism section.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism section.
Typical day
During the cycling days you rise early and pack up camp after breakfast, then trek with only your daypack. There will be a lunch stop on route. There will be plenty of time to stop and view the remarkable scenery. The evenings are spent in beautifully located camps in the shadows of nearby mountain peaks. The food and facilities are fairly good.
Typical day
During the cycling days you rise early and pack up camp after breakfast, then trek with only your daypack. There will be a lunch stop on route. There will be plenty of time to stop and view the remarkable scenery. The evenings are spent in beautifully located camps in the shadows of nearby mountain peaks. The food and facilities are fairly good.
Accommodation
In Cusco the accommodation will be in a 3 star standard hotel. During the trek you will camp in spacious two person tents. If you would like your own room / tent, this can be arranged but there will be a single room supplement. Please let Charity Challenge know if you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with.
Accommodation
In Cusco the accommodation will be in a 3 star standard hotel. During the trek you will camp in spacious two person tents. If you would like your own room / tent, this can be arranged but there will be a single room supplement. Please let Charity Challenge know if you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with.
Food & Drink
The meals we provide are nutritionally balanced and well suited to the environment and altitude. Breakfast will usually include cereals, bread, fresh fruit, juice and coffee. Lunches will either be in the form of a snack pack given out at breakfast to be carried in the daypack, or set up along the route, or taken in a local restaurant. Dinner always includes a soup/starter, main course and a dessert. The vegetarian food is excellent. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.
Food & Drink
The meals we provide are nutritionally balanced and well suited to the environment and altitude. Breakfast will usually include cereals, bread, fresh fruit, juice and coffee. Lunches will either be in the form of a snack pack given out at breakfast to be carried in the daypack, or set up along the route, or taken in a local restaurant. Dinner always includes a soup/starter, main course and a dessert. The vegetarian food is excellent. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.
Clothing and equipment
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are a high quality Gore-Tex waterproof jacket and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. Walking poles are also highly recommended, as the steps on this challenge are very tough on even the fittest knees, and descents can be tricky. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.
Clothing and equipment
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are a high quality Gore-Tex waterproof jacket and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. Walking poles are also highly recommended, as the steps on this challenge are very tough on even the fittest knees, and descents can be tricky. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.
Toilets
Toilet tents are supplied during the challenge. They are set up near the campsite at specific locations away from watercourses. Toilet paper is provided. You will be provided with warm water for washing. A portable toilet will be set up at all meal stops and camps. During the cycling days they will be some toilet stops organized along the way.
Toilets
Toilet tents are supplied during the challenge. They are set up near the campsite at specific locations away from watercourses. Toilet paper is provided. You will be provided with warm water for washing. A portable toilet will be set up at all meal stops and camps. During the cycling days they will be some toilet stops organized along the way.
Phone and WiFi
During your stay in Cusco you will have good Wi-Fi access and phone signal. On camping days there will be no Wi-Fi and phone signal will be extremely limited.
Phone and WiFi
During your stay in Cusco you will have good Wi-Fi access and phone signal. On camping days there will be no Wi-Fi and phone signal will be extremely limited.
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. In a nutshell, Our Challenge Safe brand formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!
In terms of your Inca Trail challenge, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
- You will be trekking at high altitude, which comes with it's particular set of risks
- You will be trekking in a very remote area with a long evacuation procedure in case of illness or injury..
- Weather conditions can change dramatically during the day from very sunny and hot to freezing at night. You should ideally be hydrating constantly, and equipped with the right equipment in terms of waterproofs, warm clothes and a 4 season sleeping bag.
Safety
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. In a nutshell, Our Challenge Safe brand formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!
In terms of your Inca Trail challenge, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
- You will be trekking at high altitude, which comes with it's particular set of risks
- You will be trekking in a very remote area with a long evacuation procedure in case of illness or injury..
- Weather conditions can change dramatically during the day from very sunny and hot to freezing at night. You should ideally be hydrating constantly, and equipped with the right equipment in terms of waterproofs, warm clothes and a 4 season sleeping bag.
Emergencies
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. In the event of an emergency on Machu Picchu, all guides and leaders are maintaining contact via radio. The Inca Trail is not vehicle accessible, and as such the evacuation procedure is lengthy, and will require the teamwork of the trip doctor, leader, guides and Inca Trail officials to coordinate any removal from the trip.
Emergencies
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. In the event of an emergency on Machu Picchu, all guides and leaders are maintaining contact via radio. The Inca Trail is not vehicle accessible, and as such the evacuation procedure is lengthy, and will require the teamwork of the trip doctor, leader, guides and Inca Trail officials to coordinate any removal from the trip.
Training
This challenge is graded ‘Tough’, which means that a good level of fitness is definitely required! Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be able to complete the trek, as long as they train regularly over a period of at least three months leading up to it. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes are different from the UK – the highest pass on this trek is 4,200m. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress).
Training
This challenge is graded ‘Tough’, which means that a good level of fitness is definitely required! Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be able to complete the trek, as long as they train regularly over a period of at least three months leading up to it. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes are different from the UK – the highest pass on this trek is 4,200m. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take long hikes (6-8 hours) with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress).
Challenge Training
If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?
We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!
We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here
Challenge Training
If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?
We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!
We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here