Real Life Experience

Manu Rainforest Peru

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN CUSCO?
Arriving in Cusco, located more than 10,800 feet above sea level, from a city where the altitude is quite near sea level can be an uncomfortable experience if you are affected by altitude sickness. Only a person who has experienced it knows how hard it can knock you out. If you come from a lower town of 6,000 feet, you will need to acclimatize to eliminate the risk of developing altitude sickness during a tour of the Salkantay or other treks like Rainbow Mountain.
Be aware walking the Salkantay and visiting Machu Picchu are high altitude hikes. Don't let altitude sickness ruin one of the best experiences of your life.
In general, symptoms of altitude sickness can be felt already at about 7,000 feet. The chances of getting altitude sickness increases with height. Some of the most common symptoms of altitude sickness are strong headache, dizziness, nausea, stomach cramps and nose bleeds. For others it can be even more severe. These symptoms are caused by conditions of low atmospheric pressure that occur at high elevations. Before attempting the trek it is recommended that you spend some time at lower elevations, slowly increasing them, so your body can adjust.
Studies have shown that not everyone gets altitude sickness. Unfortunately, there is no way to know if a person is going to get it. Being in good physical shape does not reduce the risk. Only, once you reach a high altitude, will you know if your body is affected by the altitude.
If you decide to take the over the counter medicine, you should begin taking it a couple of days before starting the tour. However, it is important to know that this drug does not guarantee that you will not be affected by altitude sickness.
Native Peruvians use a natural source to reduce the effects of altitude sickness, as well as fatigue. This natural source is the coca leaf and needs to be constantly chewed or prepared in tea.
The conventional and most effective method to eliminate the risk of developing altitude sickness is the gradual process of acclimatization to height. Staying in Cusco, Ollantaytambo or any other high altitude city for at least three days prior to the date of departure for the Salkantay or Rainbow Mountain (or any high altitude hike) will help to eliminate the risk of developing altitude sickness during the trek.
In addition to the methods mentioned above, avoid high energy activities the first two days; you should drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and keep a healthy diet: avoid overeating or eating fatty foods.

IS FOOD INCLUDED IN THE TRIPS?
In general we provide full meals and snacks during the trip starting with lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day (the last lunch in Aguas Calientes is not included). In the case of travel to the Manu National Park, meals are included until the last lunch. Our experienced chefs make incredible meals in the midst of the forest or the mountains. They also prepare dishes for people with different lifestyles or food restrictions, so please let us know your preferences and we will make sure to meet your dietary needs. Bring along your own high energy snacks.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT PERU?
The best months to do hikes like the Inca Trail, Choquequiraw, Salkantay, Ausangate, and Lares, are from May to September, when conditions are very dry and mostly sunny. However the months of June, July and August can also be very cold at night so bring good warm clothing (layers) and a 4-season sleeping bag (or you can rent one from us). The terrain of Peru varies from low lying hot jungle to snow capped Andes; Seasons also play a role in conditions.
In the Andes, there are two main seasons - wet and dry. The rainy season runs from November to April and is usually warmer/humid. The dry season extends from May to October and has hot days but cold nights.
There are two distinct seasons in the jungle – damp/rainy or - warm/damp. The rainy season begins in November and stays wet until April. The dry season extends from May to October and has hot days, but in the early hours of the day it’s damp/cold.
The only sure thing that can be said about weather in Peru is that it is difficult to predict with accuracy. You can have a clear hot day and suddenly find yourself in the middle of a hail storm for example. Season and dry wet station - is one of the beauties of Peru.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO TRAVEL WITH MANU RAINFOREST PERU?
The minimum age to travel with Manu Rainforest Peru is seven. Passengers must be at least 18 years of age to travel without their parents or guardians. The only exception is that children under age 18 must to travel with their parents or guardians.

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS?
If you have special dietary requests, we strongly encourage you to inform Manu Rainforest Peru at the time of booking, or at least by 30 days prior to take the tour. Every effort will be made to cater to special dietary needs, and to accommodate special requests, subject to a given product’s availability in Peru.