Archives: Tours

DAY 1.- CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY – AGUAS CALIENTES.-

The tour begins at 7:45 AM with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, then we will make the trip to the “Sacred Valley of the Incas”, we will visit the  typical Pisaq market  where you can see the famous craft fair and we will also visit the  archaeological complex of Pisac , where you can see picturesque terraces cultivated in the mountains, then we will go to the town of Urubamba to have buffet lunch.

Afterwards we will visit the living Inca city and the fortress of Ollantaytambo , you will have free time for photos and finally we will go to the Ollantaytambo train station, to board the train that leaves at 6:30 PM. The train trip is approximately 2 hours to the  town of Aguas Calientes , where we will arrive averaging 8:30 PM, where we will spend the night at the selected hotel (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

DAY 2.- TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO. 

This day we will start our tour very early and after breakfast we will go to the station to board the bus, we will take a 30-minute trip to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. We will have a 2-hour guided tour to see the most important places in Machu Picchu. After the tour, you will have free time to visit Machu Picchu on your own.

You can take the walk to the Sun Gate or the Inka Bridge (optional to climb). to  Huayna Picchu mountain  has an extra cost of $60 USD per person).  At the appropriate time we will descend from Machu Picchu to the town Aguas Calientes to board our return train at 6:00 PM Cusco, next arrival time in Cusco 9:00 PM.

WHAT INCLUDES ?

• Pick up from the hotel in Cusco.
• Sacred Valley: Tourist transportation, professional guide + buffet lunch
• Train tickets Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
• Hotel 01 night in Aguas Calientes MachuPicchu INN hotel
• Bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Professional guide in Machu Picchu.
• Return transportation Ollanta – Cusco.
• Transfer to the hotel in Cusco

IT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Food not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Entrance to the thermal baths (S/ 10 soles optional).
• Tourist ticket (entrance to the sacred valley 70 soles)

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING TO THE CITY TOUR?

• Bring original passport “With an expiration date of no less than 7 months”
• Wear sneakers or light shoes or tennis shoes.
• “Canteen” water bottle
• Drink plenty of fluids on your excursions.
• Bring a raincoat (long poncho) in the rainy season
• Long sleeve shirts.
• Long pants.
• Insect repellent.
• Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat for sunny days.
• Binoculars.
• Sunglasses.
• Medicine and/or items for personal use (contact lens fluid).
• A light backpack or briefcase.
• Camera or camcorder and films.
• Have checks and coins on hand in small denominations of soles or dollars.
• Swimwear for thermal baths (optional).
• It is prohibited to carry plastic bottles and bags.

DAY 1 –CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM. 104 – INTI PUNKU – AGUAS CALIENTES

• Hiking Time: Aprox. 6 hours.
• Walking distance: 12 Km. / 7.60 millas.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate.
• Weather: Hot.
• Elevation: From 2000 m. going up to 2700 m. and from 2700 going down to 2400 m.
• Accommodation: Hotel***

Highlights of the day: Explore the Inca Trail from Km. 104 in a day full of emotions … Arrive walking in the afternoon to Machu Picchu and enjoy its magic and charm…

We pick you up very early from your Cusco Hotel, and then we will go during 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Ollantaytambo Train Station from where we caught a the Train. From here the rail road goes beside of the Urubamba river, along the way you will see spectacular views of farmlands and the Veronica snowcapped peak. After 1 hour and 30 minutes you will get the Km. 104 –the trail head- Here is located the first check point where we are going to show the passports, permits and entrances tickets. After this control we start our trek and we will find the first archeological site called Chachabamba (2100 m.) which we visit with the explanations from our guide. From Chachabamba we will walk going up for about 3 hours, and in this part we will find several cascades, and we will reach the next archeological site called Wiñay Wayna (2600 m./ 8500 feet), which is the most beautiful inca place on the Inca Trail and unfortunately not many people get to see. There are some water fountains, temples and some agricultural terraces which provide a perfect opportunity to learn more about the Inca culture.

From Wiñay Wayna we will walk for about one and half hour to get the Sun Gate. The path is narrow, traverses a lush cloud forest of giant ferns and brings a short part with almost vertical ascent of about 50 steps to Inti Punku or Sun Gate located at 8920 feet (2719 masl.). This is a view point, where you’ll get your first fantastic view of Machu Picchu and its surroundings with spectacular views of the mountains and you´ll have a short break and time to take nice panoramic pictures of Machu Picchu.

From the Sun Gate you´ll hike about 40 minutes going down, as we approach Machu Picchu the views of the city just get better and better! . You will have plenty of time to take photos of the “Lost city of the Incas”, from the classic postcard view and different angles around, and finally at about 5: 00 pm. you will reach Machu Picchu. After taking photos we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes Town during 30 minutes, where we spend the night in a confortable hotel, our dinner will be at the tourist restaurant which is included. During dinner our tour guide will provide you very important information about your next day, so you’re fully prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu on the last day.

After all this, it is advisable to go to sleep at a reasonable time in order to wake up in the early hours of the morning to get to Machu Picchu.

DAY 2 AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

• Hiking Time: 2 hours with the group visiting Machu Picchu + 4 hours exploring by yourself.
• Walking Distance: It depends on the area you want to explore at Machu Picchu.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate.
• Weather: Hot.
• Elevation: From 2000 m going up to 2400 m (By bus).

Highlights of the day: Arrive early to Machu Picchu – even before trekkers from the Inca Trail Expedition and the travelers by train … Enjoy a superb sunrise on a clear morning in Machu Picchu … Optional with a pre-booked Inca Trail Adventure, you can climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain…

This is the most important day of our Peru Inca Trail Expedition, as we will start our second day very early in order to get to Machu Picchu before even the Inca Trail Trekkers and the people from the tourist trains, and to have the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise at Machu Picchu. After our breakfast, we will leave from our hotel in Aguas Calientes at 5:30 am and hike towards the Bus Station (2000 m.a.s.l.), from where we will ascend in a tourist bus for 30 minutes by a zig-zag road until the Inca Sanctuary of MACHU PICCHU (2400 m.a.s.l.).

We will see this amazing place and start our guided visit, which will last approximately 2 hours with our professional Tour Guide, where they will explain about the history, visiting magical and interesting places that have made Machu Picchu one of the Wonders of the World. After the tour, you will have enough free time to take photos, walk or explore the site by yourselves, and there is the possibility of hiking up to the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu or climbing up to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain depending on availability and pre-booking.

Then in the afternoon, after enjoying Machu Picchu, we will take the tourist bus down for about 25 minutes to Aguas Calientes Town, where you will have time to have lunch in one of the good restaurants. At 6:00 pm we will board the return train to take us to Ollantaytambo Town arriving at 7:50 pm. Here our transfer will be waiting for you, who will bring you in a tourist bus back to Cusco arriving at 9:30 pm approximately, and finally we will leave you at your Cusco hotel.

WHAT INCLUDES ?

• Pre-trip information: One day before the start of the trip, you will have a meeting with the guide to receive detailed information. The meeting can be in a group at our office or at your hotel, and will be held at 6:00 p.m.
• Transportation: We will pick you up in a private vehicle from your hotel and take you to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will take the train to Km 104.
• Train ticket: Includes train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104.
• Experienced guide: You will have a professional licensed guide for the Inca Trail, who will explain the culture and environment along the route and keep you safe and comfortable during the hike.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
•  Entrance to the Inca Trail.
• Accommodation: Includes one night in a 3-star hotel.
•  Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided, as well as snacks (with vegetarian, vegan or special options at no extra cost).
• Snacks: Snacks include local fruits, cookies, chocolates, candies, etc. that will be delivered at the beginning of each day in a cloth bag.
• Cloth bag for snacks: To avoid the use of plastic bags that pollute the environment, we will provide a cloth bag for your snacks.
• Medical kit: Our team will carry a first aid kit, which includes an emergency oxygen bottle.
• Train tickets: Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo are included (Peru Rail “Expedition” service at 6:20 p.m., subject to availability).
• Transportation: Private transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco is included (day 2).
•  24-hour customer service: A 24-hour telephone service is available to facilitate communication and preparation with the travel agency.
•  Memorable experience: We will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
• Round-trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Hiking poles: You can rent a set of hiking poles from our company if desired.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Lunch and dinner on the second day in Aguas Calientes.
• Day pack.
• Hygiene products: a small towel will be provided before each meal to wash your hands.
• Personal clothing and equipment.
• Travel insurance.
• Tips for our staff: keep in mind that our agency staff is well paid, so feel free to tip or not as you wish.
• Additional costs or delays beyond the control of the administration (landscape, bad weather, modification of the itinerary due to a security problem, illness, change in government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).

OPTIONAL:

• Luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Train ticket with “Vistadome” (premiere class).
• Additional night in Aguas Calientes.
• Visit to Huaynapicchu: additional cost of USD 75.00.

 PACKING LIST:

• Passport
• Valid STUDENT CARD (if booked as a student)
• Immigration card (delivered on the plane upon entering Peru)
• Good backpack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: the water tank such as Camelbaks or bottles are good for this walk.
• Water for the beginning of your walk. We will stock you at lunch.
• Comfortable hiking boots (light with good soles)
• 1 wick / hiking shirt and hiking pants
• Nice shirt and pants for Machu Picchu day: remember that you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
• 2 sets of underwear that include a pair of hiking socks
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• Sun hat
• Bathing suits for hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes)
• Sunscreen cream
• Insect repellent
• Personal medication
• Personal first aid kit
• Camera
• IPhone / iPod for music
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and tips.

1.  How to know if it is Inca Trail Tour is for me?  The 2-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is one of the original preserved roads of the Inca era where not everyone manages to buy the quota, it is made for every passenger that you can walk without having to do a lot of training just really want to walk, but that you can mobilize alone, However, you always recommend having a little time in Cusco to acclimatize yourself by the altitude of the city of Cusco before starting the Inca trail .
2. What is the best time to do the Inca Trail tour? The climate in the Andean region is marked by two seasons: the best dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March). Keep in mind that, despite being a rainy season, on the same day there may be rain and sun rising, cloudy skies and even a lot of sun.The Inca trail opens from the first day of March of each year until the end of January by day, tourists from all over the world come to visit Machu Picchu 365 days a year. The months with the highest influx of tourists are from April to September. Machu Picchu is in the jungle, so its climate is warm and humid. Temperatures vary between 8 º and 20 º C. It is advisable to wear clothes for cold and heat.
3.  IS THE INCA ROAD TOUR CLOSED IN FEBRUARY? Since it is a rainy season the road is closed for maintenance.
4. HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE I NEED TO BE IN CUSCO TO ACLIMATE ME? It is very important to be well accustomed to the altitude before straining on a hike. so that you can acclimatize and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while you are on the hike.We can help you organize day trips and other tours of Cusco for acclimatization: City tour Cusco – Half day tour / City Tour Matinal Tour Valley Sacred – Full day tour If you have already been in another area of ​​Peru of high altitude before arriving in Cusco, we recommend that you have a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your trip and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before leaving for the walk.

DAY 1 –CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – WAYLLABAMBA

• Hiking time: about 5 hours
• Hiking distance: 7.5 miles/ 12 Km.
• Day Trek Grade: Moderate.
• Weather: Warm and windy.
• Altitude: from 2000 m. up to 2400 m. (By Bus).
• Accommodation: Camping

Our trip begins with a pick-up from our hotel at 04.00 am in the direction of the town of Ollantaytambo. This place was considered at the time of the rest of the nobility and stronghold of the resistance during the conquest. In this place you can also have breakfast or prepare your snack of the first day, chocolates that help for the walk, after free time we will take the bus to Km. 82 Piscacucho located (2700 masl) place of the first control.

Where after a well-deserved rest we will have lunch and dinner and here we will spend the night.

DAY 2 WAYLLABAMBA – WARMIWAÑUSCA PASS – PACAYMAYO

• Hiking time: about 7 hours
• Hiking distance: miles/ 16 Km.
• Day Trek Grade: Difficult.
• Weather: Warm and windy
• Altitude: from 2000 m. up to 4200 m. and from 4200 down to 3600 m.
• Accommodation: Camping

Very early we will have a comfortable breakfast for the start of our second day of adventure, 45 minutes we will arrive at the Wayllabamba control urban zone of the Incan era. From here we will begin a gradual ascent of 1hrs and 30 minutes equivalent (4km) and we will arrive at the first resting point called TRES PIEDRAS where we can find hygienic services, then continue to the archaeological area known as Llullucha pampa 3800 m.a.s.l, continuing our tour for 1 hrs and 45 minutes we will reach the Warmiwañusca pass or also known as dead woman at 4215 m.a.s.l, the highest point of this trip, After some photos we will make the descent in a time of 2hrs and 30 minutes to the Pacay camp May 3600 m.a.s.l where our chef will be waiting for us With tea and our delicious dinner.

Here we will spend our night.

DAY 3 PACAYMAYO – WIÑAYHUAYNA

• Hiking time: about 7 hours
• Hiking distance: miles/ Km.
• Day Trek Grade: Moderate.
• Weather: Warm.
• Altitude: from 3600 m. up to 4000 m. and from 400 m. down to 2650 m.
• Accommodation: Camping

After a rich breakfast we will continue our walk. Full of vegetation and quantity of Inca archeological sites of different functions. The first archaeological site that we will visit will be Runcurakay (3750 masl.) Which is located 45 minutes from the starting point that is another Inca archaeological complex as a tower that has a site strategic monitoring of the east valley, then we continue to Runcurakay Pass 3900 masl where we have a brief explanation of the Inca culture and then we will descend for the time of 1.30 minutes to the second archaeological site of visit Sayacmarka (area of ​​difficult ascent, due to the difficulty of bleachers) then we will continue the time of 25 minutes to the Chaquicocha lunch point where we will taste a lunch that the chef will prepare us to then continue the walk to the next archaeological site to visit named Puyupatamarca 3750 masl for the time of 2.30 minutes, we will continue with the 3-hour descent of bleachers to our Wiñayhua camp And where we will have our special tea and dinner because this day we will have a farewell ceremony to our porters.

DAY 4 –WIÑAY WAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

• Hiking time: about 2 hours hiking + 2 hours guiding visit in Machu Picchu + 3 hours exploring by yourself.
• Hiking distance: miles/ 5 Km.
• Day Trek Grade: Easy.
• Weather: Warm.
• Altitude: from 2650 m. up to 2730 m.

Today is the highlight of the trek, we have the last part of the trail from Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu takes just two hours of hiking and is clearly marked, The path is narrow, traverses a lush cloud forest of giant ferns and brings a short part with almost vertical ascent of about 50 steps to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) located at 8920 feet above sea level (2719 masl.) which is a view point where we have chance to see Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas far away.

Today begins earlier than normal, at the crack of dawn in hopes to have a good weather for a beautiful sunrise over Machu Picchu. Wake up time is at 4:00 am, and we will have our breakfast at 4:30 am. After breakfast we’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and cooks, after this we wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30 am. in order to get to Machu Picchu, from Wiñay Huayna the trail is flat and you will walk about 1 hour and 20 minutes until Inti Punku or Sun Gate. Here you’ll get your first fantastic view of Machu Picchu in all its glory and also spectacular views of the mountains and you´ll have a short break and time to take nice pictures of Machu Picchu.

From the Sun Gate you´ll hike about 40 minutes going down, as we approach Machu Picchu the views of the city just get better and better! . You will have plenty of time to take photos of the “Lost city of the Incas”, from the classic postcard view and different angles around, and finally at about  7: 40 am. you will reach the last checkpoint and enter to Machu Picchu to begin our 2 hour private guided tour of the site, where our tour guide will explain about  the History of this Magical Inca City, and visiting all the most important areas. After your tour you’ll have free time to explore the site by yourself between 3-4 hours,  and if you have permits to climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain you can do it. (If you’re interested in these mountains, please book it in advance). After all this,  in the afternoon, you will catch a bus to make your way down to Aguas Calientes, the buses departs every 10 minutes and will be available for you to descend whenever you decide it is time to go.

At about 3:00 pm. we’ll meet at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes Town to have our last lunch together and you’ll be given your train tickets for your return journey to Cusco. you will arrange to meet 30 minutes before the train departs and then go together to the train station. The train departs at 18:45 hrs. arriving to Ollantaytambo train station at approximately 20:18 hrs. From Ollantaytambo we will provide you, bus back to Cusco.

WHAT INCLUDES ?

• Pre meeting and briefing of preparation with your tour guide 1 or 2 days before the trek at our Cusco Office.
• Safe storage for your belongings at our office in Cusco while you are hiking.
• Pick up from your hotel.
• Transport from Cusco until Km. 82 (trailhead) in private bus.
• Professional English speaking Tour
• A second Tour Guide (for groups of 9 or more trekkers).
• Cook and cook assistant to prepare all feeding.
• Entrance fees to Inca Trail.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Inca Site.
• All meals during the trek (04 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 03 tea time, 03 dinners).There is the possibility of preparing vegetarian or special diets according to your requirement without charge.
• Boiled water to refill your water bottle every morning from 2nd day.
• Porters to carry all camping equipment, sleeping tents, food and cooking gear.
• Camping Equipment:
• Dormitory Tent (High Quality Mountain Tents for 4 people, it will be used only for 2 people for your better comfort) and also storage of your backpacks.
• Inflatable Mattress Thermarest, given to you at the trail head.
• Dining Tent + camp tables + portables chairs + gas lamp for the evenings.
• Kitchen Tent and full cooking gear for preparing meals.
• First Aid Kit and emergency Oxygen balloon.
• 2 hours guided tour in Machu Picchu Inca site.
• Bus ticket down from Machu Picchu Inca Site to Aguas CalientesT own.
• Return Expedition train ticket on Day 4 from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Transport from Ollantaytambo train station until your hotel at Cusco.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Personal Trekking gear (please, check the INCA TRAIL packing list).
• Travel Insurance.
• Optional Tips for the travel team (only if you want, at the end of the trail you can give some tips for the tour guide, cook and porters).

 PACKING LIST:

• Passport
• Valid STUDENT CARD (if booked as a student)
• Day pack.
• Sleeping bag.
• Water bottle.
• Purifying tablets or filter
• Some snacks such as cookies, candies, chocolates, energy bars.
• Money belt and some cash, if you want to buy some souvenirs of your visit
• Hiking Shoes and Sandals.
• Warm clothes: especially for the night as thermal jacket, glove, scarf, wool socks, wool hat for cold nights.
• Waterproof clothing (rain jacket and poncho)
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (hiking pants, socks, trousers, short pants, 4 t-shirts)
• Swimsuit
• Sun Hat
• Personal medical kit with bandages and anti-inflammatory tablets
• Insect repellent.
• Sun block
• Lipstick

How to get to Cusco?

Most people will arrive in Cusco by air. Please remember that Cusco airport is only for domestic travel. If you are coming directly from overseas through Lima, you must retrieve your luggage in Lima and check it in again for your flight to Cusco. Four airlines fly roundtrip between Lima and Cusco, including LATAM Airlines, Jet Smart, and Sky Airlines. They all offer similar schedules, but we usually recommend the airlines that tend to be more accommodating in case of unexpected flight cancellations or delays.

How to know if the Inca Trail tour is for me?

The 4-day Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is one of the original preserved Inca paths from ancient times, and not everyone can secure a spot. It is designed for passengers who can walk without the need for extensive training, but who can move independently. However, we always recommend spending some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the Inca Trail.

What is the best time to do the Inca Trail tour?

The Andean region has two main seasons: the dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March). Keep in mind that even during the rainy season, a single day can have rain, sunshine, cloudy skies, or even plenty of sun. The Inca Trail is open from the first day of March each year until the end of January. Nowadays, tourists from all over the world visit Machu Picchu all year round, with the highest influx of tourists being from April to September. Machu Picchu is located in the cloud forest, so the climate is warm and humid. Temperatures vary between 8ºC and 20ºC. It is advisable to bring both warm and light clothing.

Is the Inca Trail tour closed in February?

Yes, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during February due to the rainy season.

How many days in advance do I need to be in Cusco to acclimatize?

It is very important to be well acclimatized to the altitude before exerting yourself on a hike. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the Inca Trail tour begins so you can acclimate and avoid potential altitude sickness during the trek. We can help you organize day hikes and other tours around Cusco for acclimatization purposes.

What is the difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain?

Both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are hikes with restricted permits that must be done within specified time slots. These permits/tickets will be arranged by Alpaca Expeditions, but they need to be secured a few months before your trip. Both hikes offer incredible views of Machu Picchu from viewpoints directly above. Machu Picchu Mountain takes about 3 hours to reach the summit and offers spectacular views on clear days, but the views are often restricted by clouds. Huayna Picchu takes 45 minutes to reach the top and is definitely the most popular of the two options. All views are amazing.

What is the difference between the short Inca Trail treks and the classic Inca Trail treks?

The short 2-day Inca Trail treks are very different from the 4-day trips, which we consider our classic full treks. On the 2-day trip, you will have one day of hiking and one day at Machu Picchu. For your overnight stay, you can choose between comfortable hotel accommodations. Porters are not included, so you will carry all of your own belongings for this trip. This option is ideal for those who want to witness stunning views from the Sun Gate, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail but may not have enough time for the classic trek. It is also a great choice for beginner hikers or families with young children. Our 4-day Inca Trail tours cover much more ground and expose you to more experiences on the Inca Trail. As you trek and camp, you will pass multiple archaeological sites and enjoy unforgettable mountain views as you make your way to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. Our longer tours include several gourmet meals on the trail, porters to help carry bags, and comfortable private campsites. This tour is perfect for visitors seeking a challenge and a deeper experience in the Andes.

DAY 1 –CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA

• 1ST DAY:Total distance: 15 km (aprox.)
• Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (aprox.)
• Campsite altitude: 3,800 m (aprox.)We pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. to drive for about 3 hours to Mollepata where we start our Salkantay trek . As soon as we are at mollepata while you have breakfast the cook and the horseman will pack all the camping equipment and cooking stuff and we start hiking the first 3 hours will be a little bit uphill to get Cruzpata where we will have lunch with panoramic views of beautiful snow-capped mountains (Humantay; 4120m/13500ft and Salkantay; 6271m/20575ft) – just the start! We will begin our Salkantay trek towards Soraypampa, our first Salkantay Trek camping spot (3800 m/11750ft; the highest and coldest campsite of the trip) we will be very close to the second highest Salkantay snow capped -mountain of Cusco.

DAY 2 SORAYPAMPA – CHAULLAY OR COLLPAPAMPA (MIGHTY SALKANTAY)

• 2ND DAY:Total distance: 19 km (aprox.)
• Estimated walking time: 8 – 9 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 4,650 m (aprox.)
• Campsite altitude: 2,750 m (aprox.)

After having our Salkantay Trek breakfast we start walking about 5:30 am ,because this day will be the longest day the first 4 hours is uphill to get the highest point of the Salkantay Trek (4650m/15200ft) located halfway between 2 huge mountains; Salkantay on the right and Tucarhuay on the left. From the pass, the views of the 2 snow-capped mountains are incredible. There is a possibility of snow here.
After a rest, we will continue our walk (downhill) through a dramatic cloud forest towards Huayracpunku, where we will have lunch. We hike again after lunch in the direction of the start of the jungle until we reach our second Salkantay Trek camping spot of chaullay or Colcapampa (3000m/9800ft).

DAY 3 – CHAULLAY – LA PLAYA – SAHUAYACO (CLOUD FOREST)

• 3RD DAY:Total distance: 16 km (aprox.)
• Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 2,750 m (aprox.)
• Campsite altitude: 1,600 m (aprox.) Salkantay trek to Machupicchu

After breakfast, at 6.30am, we start walking through the upper jungle crossing the Lluskamayo River and a variety of little brooks to reach La Playa walking about 6 hours. Today we will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits ,plants and as soon as we are at la playa place horses will go back to Mollepata on taking the same Salkantay Trek and after having lunch we Take a local car to get Hydroelectric station to start walking 2 more hours by taking the railrodad to Aguas Calientes.

DAY 4- AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU

• 4TH DAY:Total distance: 4 km (aprox.)
• Estimated walking time: 1- 2 hours
• Maximum altitude point: 2,700 m (aprox.)

Salkantay trek important day, We wake up early morning about 4 am to then to 4:30 to have the breakfast and leave to walk up to Machu Picchu which takes one and half hours up to Machupicchu but there is another option to catch the first bus which leaves 5:30 to Machupicchu (25-minutes long) in order to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun is rising.
Machu Picchu guided tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your Guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy you can also climb Huaynapicchu (2720m/8890ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top.and after enjoying Machu Picchu you have to go down to aguas calientes to take the train back to ollantaytambo and then bus back cusco.

WHAT INCLUDES ?

• Profesional bilingual tour guide
• First day andean ceremony, offering to the mother earth
• Maximum number of paxs 17 paxs
• Colection from your hotel (we pick you up from where you are staying)
• Private transport to Mollepata Markocasa ( trailhead)
• Tourist train back to ollantaytambo ( expedition service can be at ,18:35pm or 21:30 pm leaving from Aguas calientes).
• Private transport back from Ollamtaytambo to Cusco
• Entrance fee Machu Picchu
• Food: *3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4afternoon snacks (hot drinks, biscuits and popcorn) and 3 dinners
• Cook service (vegetarian food on request
• 3-people tents capacity jus for two paxs only to have more space to store your luggage ( 4season tent)
• Camping equipment (tent, cooking and eating tent. Chairs and tables)
• Thermarest(air mat) sleeping mat
• Horseman , mules or porters (they just carry cooking stuff and camping equipment)
• 7 kilos of your personal belongins to be carry by the horses
• 1 night accommodation in a hostal Aguas Calientes(private room,cable tv, wi fi)
• First Aid kit

NOT INCLUDED:

• Original passport and Student card from your University
• Insurance card is essential
• Hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Sleeping bag
• Warm jack
• Hat and gloves
• T-shirts
• Comfortable trousers
• Rain pants
• Sun hat, Bathing suit (for hot springs in santa teresa and Aguas Calientes)
• Sun protection cream ( factor 35 recommended ) sun is strong
• Insect Repellent 40 % deet ( for mosquitos )
• Water bottle
• Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended)
• Toilet paper
• Personal medication
• Camera and films
• Torch with spare batteries (flashlight)
• Extra contribution suggested money for tipping porters, cook and guide. and for any emergency (300 soles)
• Walking poles ( black diamont or leki brand)

 PACKING LIST:

• Passport
• Valid STUDENT CARD (if booked as a student)
• Day pack.
• Sleeping bag.
• Water bottle.
• Sun Hat

The tour starts picking you up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 am to 4:15 and heading to Ollantaytambo train station (2792 m.a.s.l/9160 ft) then. In Ollantaytambo you take the touristic tain there by 1.5 hours towards Aguas Calientes (2.040 m.a.s.l/6692 ft), also known as Machu Picchu Town.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town, our staff will be waiting for you with a sign for your easy localization (8:00 to 8:30 am). Once we meet you, you can have breakfast (in case you haven’t eaten before). Then, we will go to the bus terminal and take the bus up to the main entrance gate of Machu Picchu.

The guided tour is on the traditional circuit and lasts 2 hours. Important, you will explore and visit the best places of Machu Picchu as the Lower Platform, Upper Platform, Dry Moat, Temple of the Sun View, Temple Square, Intiwatana Pyramid (7:00 to 10:00), Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Rock, Twelve Spans, Eastern Qolqas, Water Mirrors Complex, Temple of the Condor (10 am to 1:00 pm), Plaza del Pisonay and Archaeological Reserve.

After the guided tour, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu. As long as you have the corresponding tickets and booked them at least 6 months before your travel date.

At the end of the tour, we will board the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Depending on the time you can have lunch in a restaurant in Machu Picchu Town. Later, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo station, then our driver will wait to take you back to Cusco and drop you off near the historic centre of the city or hotel.

 WHAT INCLUDED?

• Train to Machu Picchu with the Inca Rail or Peru Rail Expedition train (round trip).
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• All transfers (only those mentioned).
• Professional bilingual guide.
• Private guided tour in Machu Picchu.
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip).

NOT INCLUDED:

• Flights (international and local).
• Food and beverages.
• Tips.
• Travel insurance.
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain: US$85.00 per traveller.
• Upgrade to Vistadome Train (Peru Rail company) US$100.00 round trip or US$50.00 only return. The price is per person.

 PACKING LIST:

• Original physical passport.
• ISIC card (students).
• Extra money (soles).
• Bottle of water.
• Personal medication.
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+).
• Hat.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Personal care items.

¿What to expect from the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour?

It is one of the most popular tours in Peru allowing you to experience the entire Machu Picchu Llaqta in a single day. The adventure begins with a trip in a private tourist transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

What is the weather like during my tour?

Cusco and the entire Andean region have two seasons: rainy and dry season. These seasons are present in areas such as Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain. During the rainy season, which occurs from January to March, significant amounts of rainfall are likely to occur. It is during this period, from May to October when the weather is clear and there is rarely rain; therefore, this is the best time to visit. There is some uncertainty between April to November due to the fact that they are transitional months.

When is the best season to take this full day?

The best time to do this is in the dry season. In other words, between April and October. These months are ideal because the presence of rain is almost zero.