COVID-19 travel safety protocols and updates with Killa Expeditions

Updated August 2021

Machu Picchu has been declared a Safe Travels destination. In line with the good news that Peru is opening to a wider range of international visitors, we have updated our safety protocols to help keep you safe while you are travelling with us. 

Trips will take place in small groups (8 people per group, including guide), and according to the instructions we receive from the Ministry of Tourism. All of our transport will continue to be private services.

We take your health and that of our staff very seriously. We adhere to the recommended rules as outlined by the Peruvian Government and Ministry of Tourism, including border closures, trail closures, face-covering orders, quarantine orders, negative COVID19 test results, and the eventual need for proof of COVID19 vaccination. We have instituted a number of increased hygiene precautions for food preparation and treks/tours outlined below. Face coverings will be worn at all times by the guide/staff and are required of guests in towns and ruin sites and anywhere else it is mandated per Peruvian rules. Social distancing will be observed to the best of our ability, especially along the trail if you wish to remove face coverings while hiking. Increased hand hygiene will be practiced and temperatures checked daily. Anyone exhibiting COVID19 symptoms will need to self-quarantine.

Our guides, drivers, and representatives:

• Will wear masks and use antibacterial gel at all times
• Will be monitored continuously with temperature and symptom checks. If anyone has symptoms, they will be obliged to rest and recover, and substituted with other staff members

We will ensure social distancing by:

• Keeping 1-meter distance between passengers when boarding vehicles.
• Restricting physical contact between our staff and customers. 

To add to your packing list:

• Cloth or medical face masks
• Face shields
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) for surfaces
• Digital thermometer 

We recommend the following steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Always maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others
• Avoid crowds
• Wear a face mask and a face shield
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Do not travel if you are feeling sick
• Disinfect your hands often. It’s especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds
• If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry

With our updated protocol, we hope to offer you a safe stay without compromising on our excellent service. We will continue adapting our standards according to the recommendations of health experts.

The Inca Trail 2D is open again as of Nov 2020 with a capacity of 150 people per day (down from 500).

The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail is open again as of July 1st, 2021 with a reduced capacity per day as well. 

The minister has informed that only 800 people will be allowed inside Machu Picchu per day, which is 30% of its capacity pre-pandemic.

Visitors will enter in groups of 8, with a tour guide, and will need to maintain a distance of 1.5-2 meters apart. Visitors will only be permitted entry when accompanied by a professional guide and have their tickets booked through a registered travel agent, such as Killa Expeditions. 

PCR TESTING: Right now a Negative PCR test is required to enter Peru and many countries also require a negative PCR test upon re-entry as you depart from Peru. This is true even if you are vaccinated. This is subject to change but it does mean that you MUST obtain a negative PCR test 72 hours or less prior to departure from country of origin as well as when departing from Peru. 

• • Tests in Cusco take 12-18 hours to come back. 
  • Clinics have varying hours (usually 8am to 6pm weekdays, Saturday’s 8-1pm and closed Sundays). You will need to plan ahead in terms of dates of your trek, time needed to take the PCR test in relation to departure date and time to collect results
  • Results are given in Spanish on a paper certificate. They will not email results or provide them digitally
  • Yes we can help you with getting a PCR test but please be aware we are limited by what clinics are able to provide. 

All of the above information is subject to change. Right now Peru has opened its borders to most countries but we recommend checking specifics for your country as these are updated regularly. Also, rules around quarantining is changing rapidly, so we recommend checking new rules regularly, purchasing travel insurance that covers COVID19 related interruptions, and being cautious about your health and safety before, during and after your trip. We provide this information as a courtesy but please note that each guest is responsible for ensuring they understand the rules or re-entry for their own country. 

We highly recommend obtaining Travel/Medical insurance that covers COVID19 related trip interruptions once you book your upcoming trip. 

Wishing you happy and safe travels!