FAQs: Your Viva Inka Adventure
Explore our FAQs for essential tips and information on your Peru trip with Viva Inka.
About Viva Inka
What is Viva Inka?
Viva Inka is a premier travel agency based in Cusco, dedicated to offering an array of tours across Peru’s diverse landscapes. Our expertise spans from historical expeditions in Cusco and treks along the Inca Trail to immersive experiences in the Amazon Rainforest. We pride ourselves on delivering experiences that are both authentic and personalized, emphasizing sustainable practices that benefit local communities and environments.
What does ‘Viva Inka’ signify?
The name ‘Viva Inka’ encapsulates our mission to provide journeys filled with exploration and discovery. It reflects a vibrant spirit of adventure and a dedication to showcasing Peru’s cultural and natural splendor. Each tour is thoughtfully designed to connect travelers with the heart of Peruvian culture, history, and biodiversity, creating memories that last a lifetime.
How long has Viva Inka been operating?
Viva Inka has been enriching travelers’ lives for several years. Our team’s extensive experience in the Peruvian tourism sector allows us to craft tours that are both innovative and deeply rooted in local traditions and knowledge.
What types of tours does Viva Inka offer?
Our tour portfolio is diverse, catering to a wide range of interests. It includes cultural tours that delve into Peru’s rich heritage, adventurous treks through stunning landscapes, and nature-focused excursions that explore the country’s biodiversity. Each tour is tailored to different levels of physical ability and interest, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for all travelers.
What languages do Viva Inka’s guides speak?
Our guides are proficient in several languages, with a strong emphasis on English and Spanish. We understand the importance of effective communication, so if you require a guide who speaks a specific language, let us know in advance, and we will do our utmost to meet your needs.
Booking and Payments
How do I book a tour with Viva Inka?
Booking a tour with us is straightforward. Visit our website and follow the intuitive ‘How to Book‘ guide. Should you require personal assistance, our customer service team is readily available via phone or email to guide you through the booking process and answer any queries.
What payment methods are accepted?
To accommodate your preferences, we accept various payment methods including credit and debit cards, PayPal, Western Union, and bank transfers. For detailed instructions on each payment method, please refer to the comprehensive guide available on our ‘Payment Methods‘ page.
Is a deposit required for booking?
A deposit is essential to secure your booking with us. The required amount varies depending on the tour and its total cost. Detailed information regarding the deposit will be provided during the booking process, ensuring clarity and transparency.
Can I modify my booking?
We offer flexibility in booking modifications. To understand the specifics of our policy, including any fees or conditions that may apply, please review our Terms and Conditions. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible for any desired changes to your booking.
What is Viva Inka’s cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is comprehensively outlined in our Terms and Conditions. It is designed to be fair and transparent, detailing the conditions under which cancellations can be made and any potential charges that may be incurred. We advise all our clients to review these terms carefully and contact us promptly should you need to cancel a booking.
Are taxes and fees included in the tour price?
We ensure full transparency in our pricing. All our tour prices include applicable taxes and fees, with no hidden costs. The total price you are quoted at the time of booking is comprehensive.
How secure is the online payment system?
Your security is our priority. Our online payment system employs state-of-the-art encryption and security protocols to safeguard your personal and financial information, ensuring a safe and secure transaction process.
Tour Experience
What are the guides like at Viva Inka?
Our guides are the backbone of our tours, bringing a wealth of knowledge, passion, and multilingual proficiency. They are not only experts in navigating Peru’s diverse landscapes but also in its rich history and culture. Trained in first aid and safety protocols, they ensure a secure and enriching experience, providing insights and stories that bring the land and its heritage to life.
How does Viva Inka ensure a unique and memorable experience?
At Viva Inka, we believe in crafting tours that transcend the ordinary. Our itineraries are designed to offer a blend of well-known destinations and hidden gems, providing an authentic glimpse into the heart of Peru. We focus on small groups and personalized experiences, ensuring each traveler receives individual attention and an experience tailored to their interests and preferences.
Can I extend my stay after the tour with Viva Inka ends?
Absolutely! If you wish to extend your stay, we can assist with additional accommodations and activity arrangements. We recommend discussing your plans with us in advance, so we can ensure your extended stay is as well-planned and enjoyable as the tour itself.
Are meals during the tour reflective of local cuisine?
Yes, we pride ourselves on offering a culinary journey as part of your tour. Our meals are thoughtfully prepared to reflect local flavors, using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. We also cater to specific dietary requirements and preferences, ensuring a delightful and inclusive dining experience for all our guests.
Are some tours operated by third-party companies?
While most of our tours are operated in-house, we sometimes collaborate with trusted third-party operators for specialized activities. These partners are selected for their expertise and commitment to safety and quality standards. Whenever an activity is operated by a third-party, we ensure full transparency and communication with our clients.
Accommodations and Logistics
What about luggage storage during treks?
For multi-day treks, we offer secure storage for any luggage you won’t need on the trail. You can leave these items safely with us or at your accommodation in Cusco, and we’ll ensure they’re securely stored until your return.
How are accommodations chosen and vetted by Viva Inka?
Our accommodations are carefully selected for their comfort, safety, and ideal location. We conduct regular assessments to ensure they meet our high standards, focusing on cleanliness, amenities, and hospitable service, to provide you with a restful and authentic experience.
Travel Documentation and Requirements
Do I need to send a scanned copy of my passport for booking?
For certain tours, especially those requiring permits like the Inca Trail, we may need a scanned copy of your passport. This is necessary for securing permits and processing tickets. If required for your tour, we will request this information via email.
What if I entered the wrong passport number during booking?
If an incorrect passport number has been submitted, inform us immediately. We’ll check if any bookings have been made with the incorrect details and guide you through the process of correcting them, which might involve additional steps or fees.
Can I book with an old passport due for renewal?
You can book using an old passport. However, upon receiving your new passport, promptly inform us and provide scans of both old and new passports. This allows us to update travel documents and avoid any issues during your trip.
What should I do if I lose my passport after booking a tour?
In case of passport loss, send us the scanned copies of both the lost and new passports. We’ll update your travel documents accordingly. Be aware that this might require reissuing certain travel documents, potentially incurring additional costs.
Is travel insurance required for tours with Viva Inka?
While not mandatory, we highly recommend travel insurance covering emergencies, cancellations, and lost items for peace of mind and security.
Safety and Support
What happens in a medical emergency during a trek?
Our guides are trained in first aid and emergency response. In case of a medical emergency, immediate care will be provided, and if necessary, evacuation procedures will be initiated. We strongly recommend having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies for additional safety.
How does Viva Inka address altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is a consideration in high-altitude areas. We recommend acclimatization days before undertaking strenuous treks. Our guides are skilled in identifying and managing symptoms of altitude sickness and will provide necessary advice and support throughout the trek.
Are solo travelers safe on Viva Inka tours?
Solo travelers are very welcome and well cared for on our tours. Safety is a priority for all guests, regardless of whether they are traveling alone or in groups. Our guides and staff are always attentive, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
Environmental and Cultural Responsibility
What is Viva Inka’s approach to sustainable tourism?
We are deeply committed to sustainable tourism practices. This includes minimizing our environmental footprint, supporting local economies by working with local guides and businesses, and educating travelers about respecting local cultures and environments.
How does Viva Inka contribute to local communities?
We actively engage in community projects and initiatives that support local development. Part of our revenue goes towards supporting these community-based projects, ensuring that tourism has a positive impact on the areas we visit.
What guidelines does Viva Inka provide for respecting local cultures?
We educate our travelers on local customs and traditions to promote respectful interactions. This includes guidelines on appropriate behavior, dressing respectfully in sacred or traditional sites, and minimizing environmental impact while trekking or touring.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Where can I find reviews from past travelers with Viva Inka?
You can read reviews from our past travelers on TripAdvisor and other review platforms. These reviews offer genuine insights into the experiences and satisfaction of travelers who have journeyed with us.
How can I leave feedback after my tour?
Your feedback is invaluable to us. After your tour, you can leave a review on our website or TripAdvisor page. Alternatively, you can send us your thoughts directly via email or our contact form. We greatly appreciate your time in sharing your experience.