Questions commonly asked about traveling and training in Peru:
Why does the Inca trail program need to be reserved so early?
The Peruvian government has created very strict limits on the number of people permitted on this trail each day (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters). For this reason, we need to finalize the list of participants before March 15th in order to reserve spaces on this hike. By early April, 2011 all of the spots for the entire 2011 summer had been taken. Reservations can only be made with confirmed names, full passport information, and copies of a valid ISIC student card. If you are unable to provide these by March 15, but know that you want to join the program, we are still able to hold a place for you but will be charged an additional fee without a passport and International Student ID card and so require that a further $150 be added to your total program fee to cover these costs. A copy of your valid passport and ISIC must be received by Strive no later than one month prior to program departure.
What is the ISIC card and why do I need one?
The ISIC (International Student Identification Card) is an internationally recognized student discount card.The rates that we have negotiated for the Inca trail and other day trip activities are based on student rates.However, in Peru these student rates will only be allowed if each participant has a valid ISIC card.These cards must be purchased upon acceptance into the program and a scanned copy (including picture) sent to Strive.Further, the ISIC card also provides each participant with international medical insurance during their travels, including emergency evacuations if necessary.Please find out more about these cards and how to apply at: www.myisic.com
Why does Strive say that the Lares trail will be substituted for the Inca trail if a minimum of 12 students haven't signed up (and sent their paperwork and payment) by March 15th?
The number of permits given for Inca trail are so limited that any reservations must be made far in advance. We cannot book a small number of students on the Inca trail on a certain date and then book more a few weeks later because no additional permits might still be available for that day. We are not able to split our groups and our staff into multiple hiking dates and groupings and so will determine whether to change the entire group to the Lares trail on March 15th. If a change is made and you decide you are no longer interested in the trip, you will receive a full refund.
If I learn about Strive after March 15th but want to hike the Inca trail, can I?
Depending on when you contact us, it's possible but not probable. If you have just missed the March 15th deadline, we may be able to get a permit and will let you know very quickly. If you're contacting us in late April or beyond, there's absolutely no way to get an Inca trail permit. Even if someone drops out of our trip, that 'place' just disappears. ID is checked at the beginning of the hike and ONLY people with IDs (including passport numbers) matching the names on the permits originally issued are allowed to join the hike. The Peruvian authorities are extremely specific about these rules.
How difficult is the Inca trail?
The Inca Trail is a 43km (26 mile) hike through mountainous regions entirely at altitude. The maximum altitude reached is 13,800ft. above sea level. On the second day of the trek you will climb 4000ft. It’s is a fairly difficult trek but not particularly long as the 26 miles are done over the 4 day period. Most of the hiking is done in the morning and the afternoons are spent in and around the camp area for that night. Students in our past programs have said that this hike was the highlight of their trip and, while more difficult than anticipated, incredibly enjoyable and worthwhile. We expect that most of the student athletes in our programs will be in good enough shape and so well adjusted to the altitude by the time of the hike that they'll really find it enjoyable.
How difficult is the Lares trail?
While longer than the Inca trail (51 km), the Lares trail does not have the same extreme climbs as the Inca trail. The Lares trail takes you through the Andes and up and down through indigenous communities without any road access to modern Peru. The scenery is spectacular and the hike, while challenging, is very manageable for athletes in training.
What do I need to bring on the trek?
We'll send you a complete packing list prior to departure. But in general for the treks you will need to have a day backpack (the one you use for school is likely to be sufficient), sub-zero sleeping bag, strong footwear (running shoes are okay if you do not have hiking boots), one complete change of clothing, sweater, jacket (fleece or another light, small, and warm), water bottle (metal or nalgene type - we will provide sterilizing tablets for use as necessary), flashlight and batteries, broad-brim or peaked cap, sunblock, insect repellent, toiletries, camera and spare batteries (nowhere to charge your camera during the trek). You also have to bring your ISIC card and original passport with you on the trek, as mandated by the government.
What will I need to carry during the hike?
There will be porters or horses to carry all of the heaviest items such as tents, food, foam sleeping mats and cooking equipment. Each day the porters or horses will set up camp in advance of the trekkers' arrival and start to prepare dinner. Tents are two person A-frame style and there is a communal dining tent for eating and staying dry – if it rains. A change of clothes and your sleeping bags will also be carried by the porters or horses (with weight limitations) so that you need only hike with a day pack.
Do I need to bring hiking boots?
If you have them and they're broken in, then it's probably good to have them. If you don't then running shoes will generally do. We do not recommend trekking in sandals or using new boots. Make sure that whatever shoes you bring are sturdy enough for the duration of the trek.
Where can I store the bags that I do not need to take on the trek?
All of your belongings will be put into safe storage while you are hiking.
What is the weather like in the Andes during the hike?
Average weather conditions in Pisac and on the trails
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Av. Max Temp ºC
20
21
21
22
21
21
21
21
22
22
23
22
Av. Max Temp ºF
68
70
70
72
70
70
70
70
72
72
73
72
Av. Min Temp ºC
7
7
7
4
2
1
-1
1
4
6
6
7
Av. Min Temp ºF
45
45
45
40
36
34
30
34
40
43
43
45
Wet days / month
18
13
11
8
3
2
2
2
7
8
12
16
In general during the day when the sun is out you´ll be very hot and during the early hours of the morning it can be freezing so you have to be prepared for just about everything. It is recommended that you bring plenty of layers which you can take off as the day progresses. Pants that zip off at knee level are ideal and t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts and a warm fleece are also recommended. May to August is the dry season so you are unlikely to experience a lot of rain. April to September temperatures at night can fall to freezing or below so a four-season sleeping bag is highly recommended.
Are there toilets on the trails?
It depends on the campsite the guides take you to. A few have flush toilets, but most do not although the guides will set up a toilet tent for privacy.
What do hikers do for water along the trails?
At meal times you will be provided with teas, coffees etc to drink. Water will also be boiled daily to fill your water bottles. Bottled mineral water can also be brought from Pisac to be carried in your own daypack.
What immunizations are recommended/required?
No immunizations, beyond the standard series of vaccinations required for US schools, are currently required for visiting Peru. For the most current information, please consult your doctor and/or check out the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov
Is the water in Peru safe to drink?
The tap water is not potable in Peru. Bottled water is readily available and is included in STRIVE's programs for all meals.
How much Spanish will I use/need on this trip?
All of the group leaders on this trip speak English and Spanish fluently, so if you don't speak Spanish, they'll look after you. However, if you have or are studying Spanish and want to use it, you'll have plenty of opportunity in these three weeks. In Pisac, including at the hotel, few people speak anything other than Spanish or Quechua, the local dialect. At the schools where you're working, as you explore the town, and in many of your daily interactions you'll have ample opportunity to hear and speak Spanish.
