Peru | Trekking the Inca Trail: Cusco to Machu Picchu

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Peru. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure. Tourists must provide evidence of return or onwards travel.

For visits fewer than 90 days, you will be issued a tourist card, called the Tarjeta Andina de Migración (TAM), upon arrival in Peru. It is important not to lose this document, as it can be time consuming and inconvenient to replace.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Peru for the requirements based on your nationality.

Requirements for Entry to the inca trail & Machu Picchu

To minimize stress on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu archaeological site, access is strictly controlled and permits must be secured well in advance.

Holbrook will purchase tickets on your behalf. In order to do so, you will be asked to submit a copy of your passport following enrollment. If you need to apply for or renew your passport prior to traveling, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Peru.

Though not required, the CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Peru.

In addition, yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Peru, primarily east of the Andes at elevations below 7,500 feet. The CDC has recently updated its guidance to advise that travelers to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes may be at risk for yellow fever. (While the Machu Picchu complex itself is not an at-risk area, travelers must pass through affected areas to reach the site.) The CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling to any of these areas.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that malaria is a risk in certain parts of Peru, primarily east of the Andes at elevations below 6,500 feet. According to the CDC, malaria transmission is not known to occur in the areas around Lima, Cusco, Macchu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. If you plan to extend your program to visit other regions of Peru, please consult your physician to determine whether an anti-malarial drug is recommended.

DENGUE FEVER AND OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES

Dengue is common in Peru in the tropical and sub-tropical areas during the rainy season, especially in urban and suburban areas. Mosquitos that spread dengue do not usually live at elevations above 6,500 feet, so the risk of dengue in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu is low. Additionally, locally transmitted cases of chikungunya and Zika virus have previously been reported in Peru. 

To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.