Travel Information
At Manu Jungle Tour, we’re committed to making your adventure in Peru memorable, safe, and easy to enjoy. This brief guide includes the most important details to review before starting your trek or tour from altitude preparation and luggage management to Machu Picchu entry and health tips.
Take a moment to read it carefully; it will help you get ready and experience the magic of the Andes with comfort and confidence.
Briefing Before the Trek
All pre-trek briefings are personally conducted at your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 pm, one or two day before your trek or tour begins. The meeting lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes and is an essential part of your preparation.
During this session, our guide will go over the itinerary in detail, provide your duffel bag, and answer any final questions to ensure you’re fully prepared for your adventure.
Acclimatization in Cusco
It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before starting any trek. Cusco lies at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level, and your body needs time to adjust to the thinner air.
We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before your trek begins to prevent altitude sickness and to enjoy your trip without discomfort.
What to Do Before Your Trek
During your acclimatization days, take it easy and explore some nearby attractions:
- Cusco City Tour: Discover the Main Square, the Cathedral, and the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha).
- Sacred Valley Tour: Visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the famous Maras Salt Mines.
- Moray & Maras Excursion: Learn about ancient Inca agricultural techniques.
- Q’eswachaka Bridge Tour: Experience the last Inca handwoven bridge still used today.
- Rainbow Mountain Tour: Hike to one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders, famous for its vibrant, multi-colored slopes.
These short tours are perfect for getting used to the altitude while discovering the region’s rich history.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco).
If you have an outstanding balance, please make the payment at least two days before your trek or tour. Otherwise, your reservation cannot be confirmed.
Whenever possible, we kindly ask you to settle the remaining balance in cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) during your briefing session. There are several ATMs along Avenida Sol where you can withdraw both currencies.
You may also pay by credit/debit card or PayPal, either online or in person; however, please note that a 5% service fee will be applied by our payment gateways (Niubiz and PayPal).
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler’s checks for balance payments.
Duffel Bag or Canvas Case
You’ll receive a duffel bag or canvas case during the briefing. Size: 60 × 24 × 22 cm (23.6 × 9.45 × 8.66 in), Maximum weight: 6 kg / 13 lb, including clothes and personal items.
Our team of porters will carry your bag throughout the trek and hand it back to you at each camp. Remember that this limit includes your sleeping bag and any personal belongings you wish to take.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Absolutely! During your trip, you may store your main luggage safely at our office (arrange it with us during your briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any items you won’t need during the trek can remain at your hotel most hotels offer secure luggage storage. Please avoid leaving valuables in your bags; instead, place them in the hotel safe and request an itemized receipt, as many insurance companies require this in case of loss.
For added security, you can also store important items such as credit cards in a sealed and signed envelope.
Machu Picchu Entrance Circuits and Schedule
Machu Picchu now operates with specific timed entries and fixed circuits to preserve the site and ensure an enjoyable experience for all visitors.
- Circuit 1: Upper viewpoints and panoramic terraces
- Circuit 2: Central area of the citadel
- Circuit 3: Lower sector and agricultural terraces
For our Inca Trail groups, the standard visit is usually Circuit 3, around 8:00 or 9:00 a.m., depending on ticket availability and government regulations. After completing your route, park rangers will guide you toward the exit, re-entry is not allowed.
If you wish to explore another route or stay longer, you can request an additional entrance ticket (subject to availability and extra cost).
Pick-Up of Guests
All pick-ups are made from your hotel within Cusco City. We recommend staying in the historic center for easier access. Our guide will confirm your pick-up time one day before the tour, but please note that it may vary by 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and hotel locations.
Cusco is an ancient city with narrow, cobbled streets, and some hotels or Airbnbs may not have direct vehicle access. If your accommodation is in such an area, we’ll coordinate the closest possible meeting point for your convenience.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu involves several steps, but don’t worry everything is included in your tour. After visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll take a 25-minute bus down to Aguas Calientes (buses operate on a first-come, first-served basis).
From there, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo; your guide will provide the tickets and indicate your departure time. Please arrive at the platform 30 minutes before departure.
The train ride takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, followed by a 2-hour bus journey back to Cusco City.
Group Tours
Our group tours bring together travelers of different ages and fitness levels. Everyone can walk at their own pace, and our guide will manage the group so that all participants enjoy the experience comfortably.
If changes to the itinerary are needed, the guide will decide after consulting with the group.
Strikes and Demonstrations
Occasionally, strikes or protests may occur in Peru, which can affect roads or train schedules. In these cases, Manu Jungle Tour will make every effort to maintain your itinerary or adjust departure times if needed. Your safety always comes first, and all decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost Objects
You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. Please be mindful of where you leave your items and make sure to remove everything from our vans, tents, and restaurants after each stop. Avoid leaving anything unattended during the hike, as other trekkers or staff might mistake it for lost property.
