ABOUT PERU
¿What is the official language of Peru?
Spanish is the official language of Peru. Quechua (a legacy of the Inca Empire) is still widely spoken today by indigenous
communities in the country's Andean region. At most hotels and restaurants, you will find English-speaking staff.
¿Is untreated tap-water safe to drink?
Drinking potable water in Peru is not recommended. Bottled water should be bought and is readily available in shops and supermarkets.
¿What electricity voltage is used in Peru? Do I need to bring a converter?
Peru uses a 220 volt system. If you require a converter, you may borrow one from your hotel reception.
¿What is the local currency?
Peru's official currency is the Nuevo Sol, but prices are commonly listed using the abbreviation 'Soles.'
Its symbol is S/.
Banknotes exist in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles, and coins in 1, 2, and 5 nuevos soles.
¿Where can I change money?
All banks change US dollars and traveller's cheques. Banks are open from Monday to Friday between 9:00 and 18:00, and until midday on Saturdays.
Other currencies are accepted by some banks in Lima and by currency exchange centres.
Most hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants accept payment in dollars.
RECOMMENDATION: If you prefer to use debit cards, you may withdraw in the local currency and usually in dollars at any
of the numerous networks of ATMs found throughout the country.
IMPORTANT: Changing money in the street can be dangerous and should be avoided.
¿Can I pay by credit card everywhere?
Most hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres accept payment by credit card.
The most accepted card in Peru is Visa.
¿Can ATMs be found easily?
You will find ATMs at airports, petrol stations, shopping centres, and along the main thoroughfares.
Most ATMs accept VISA, VISA ELECTRON, AMERICAN EXPRESS, and MASTER CARD, among others.
¿Are vaccinations required for travel to Peru?
The Peruvian government does not call for any vaccination for travel to Peru. However, the yellow fever vaccination is strongly
recommended for those planning on visiting the Peruvian jungle.
¿What security measures should I take into consideration?
Peru is generally a safe country in which to travel, and tourists should take the same precautions as they would when visiting
anywhere in the world. There is a tourist information point located at Jorge Chávez international airport in Lima, open 24 hours.
You may also like to visit:
www.turismoperu.info.
ABOUT OUR RAIL-TRAVEL SERVICE
¿How long before departure should I arrive at the train station?
We recommend that our passengers arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to the train's scheduled departure time.
¿How long does it take to travel from Cuzco city centre to the Ollantaytambo train station?
The journey takes around an hour and a half by road. There are two possible routes to Ollantaytambo: one which passes through the village of Pizac, famous for its local market, and a second, shorter route through the village of Chincheros
¿How long does the trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu take?
The journey takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
¿Does Inca Rail allow stops for those passengers who wish to do the Inca Trail?
Yes, passengers seeking to do the Inca Trail should acquire their permits from the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INC) in advance,
as a maximum of 200 people per day only are allowed access the trail. We can stop at the Inca Trail drop-off point, but
requests must be made in advance by contacting our customer booking area at: caminoinca@incarail.com.pe
¿How much luggage can I take?
Only one item of hand luggage that corresponds to the same measurements allowed on aeroplanes :
Maximum weight: 8 kilos (11 pounds).
Maximum dimensions: 50 centimetres long by 40 centimetres wide by 25 centimetres high.
¿What meals are served on the First Class service?
Our First Class service includes a complete meal, which varies depending on the itinerary selected:
Breakfast aboard service number 41 (Ollanta-Mapi leaving at 06:40)
Lunch aboard service numbers 43 (Ollanta-Mapi leaving at 11:15) and 44 (Mapi-Ollanta at 14:30)
Dinner aboard service number 46 (Mapi-Ollanta leaving at 19:00).
All meals offered by Inca Rail are prepared using fresh, local ingredients, of primarily organic origin, and have been
designed to offer the passenger a delectable culinary experience. For those with special dietary requirements,
please let our staff know by writing to the following email address: servicio-primera-clase@incarail.com.pe.
¿Is any form of entertainment offered on-board?
By far the best entertainment can be had from savouring the wonderful countryside. Nonetheless, our trains feature magazines with
interesting and informative articles about Peru and Peruvian culture. We also offer a range of handmade local products for purchase.
On our First and Presidential Class services, we provide books, cards, backgammon and other board games.
Please request them from our staff on-board.
¿How many carriages does the Presidential Class have?
The Presidential Class is offered aboard one carriage alone: the Inca Princess. It is a chartered service on which paying passengers
will travel alone with his or her guests.
The Inca Princess carriage forms part of a larger convoy.
ABOUT MACHU PICCHU
¿What should I bring?
In the 'Traveller's Tips' section, you will find recommendations on what to take to Machu Picchu.
For direct access,
click here.
¿What kind of weather can I expect to find at Machu Picchu village?
Machu Picchu village, also known as Aguas Calientes, is located at the foot of the Andes, on the edge of the Amazonian jungle.
The area is classified as a rainforest, situated between vegetation-lined mountains. It is characterised by a tropical climate,
quite unlike the Sacred Valley. The maximum temperature fluctuates between 20ºC y los 26ºC throughout the year.
We therefore recommend taking lightweight clothing and appropriate footwear, as rain is not unusual.
At night, the temperature can drop below 0ºC.
¿Do passengers frequently suffer from altitude sickness at Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is located at 2,438 metres above sea level, 433 metres below the Sacred Valley and 961 metres lower than the city
of Cuzco. The altitude is therefore much less noticeable than in Cuzco, and individuals of all ages will be able to walk around
with minimal effort. However, it should be noted that the Inca Citadel is build around a mountain, and there are many staircases
that may present some degree of difficulty.
¿On arrival at Machu Picchu station, how do I get to the Inca Citadel?
The famous citadel is found at the peak of the eponymous mountain from which it takes its name.
To get there, you should take the bus that leaves 200 metres from the train station.
The first bus departs at 05:30 am, with services every fifteen minutes. The journey to the summit takes around 15 minutes.
Others prefer to travel on foot. We recommend doing so only if you possess a high level of physical fitness and you have
enough time available. The ascent on foot takes approximately one hour, and involves a very steep climb.
The last bus descends at 5:30 pm. For more information about bus timetables and fares,
visit
www.consettur.com.
IMPORTANT:Remember that you will also require tickets for entry to the citadel, which can be acquired at the INC
office in Machu Picchu village around 300 metres from the train station; at the INC office in Cuzco, or from their
website
www.machupicchu.gob.pe.
Special rates are available for Peruvian visitors, students, and children aged under twelve.
RECOMMENDATION:Buy your tickets for the Inca Citadel in advance, as they tend to run out quickly in high season..
¿What facilities does Machu Picchu village have to offer?
Machu Picchu village has hotels and restaurants for all tastes and budgets. You will also find a wide range of shops where
local handicrafts can be bought.
For more information, visit
www.turismoperu.info.
¿What else is there to do in Machu Picchu village?
Machu Picchu offers a number of unmissable activities. The area boasts 370 varieties of orchids. If you enjoy flowers,
don't forget to visit the Inkaterra Hotel's botanic garden. We also recommend taking a walk around the outskirts of the Inca Citadel;
you will be surprised by the sheer variety of exotic flower species that the mountain is home to.
The route to the Mandor waterfalls makes for a pleasant excursion; many species of flower and exotic birds can be seen en route.
If you are lucky, you may spot a bespectacled bear or two roaming around the area. The trek takes around 3.5 hours.
We recommend contracting the services of a specialised guide.