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SAM Travel Peru, as a specialist in “trekking OFF the beaten track”, has the best designed itinerary in which you will visit the 2 most important Inca cities of the Cusco region: Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. We include the hike up to Llactapata Inca vestiges which are located right in front of Machu Picchu. From this viewpoint, enjoy the greatest perspective of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains like Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mounts as well as Salkantay Mount. Also you will hike through the original Inka Trail on the way to the citadel from Llactapata.
See our equipments and see our experience though the amazing picture!!
GROUP SIZE: Small Groups from 2 – 8 people (could be 2, 4, 5…), a small group will make your experience different with a personalized attention from the whole team, where you can also enjoy the route according to its rate hike.
Private transport Cusco-Capuliyoc, bilingual guide, cook, mule drivers, mules and support saddle horses, camping equipment (double-, dining-, kitchen- and toilet tents, mats, etc.), meals, transfer to Cusco.
Sleeping bag, Optional upgrade, Tips
We leave Cusco at 5am in a private van for a 4 hour drive to Capuliyoc, situated on the edge of the Apurimac canyon and surrounded by impressive snowcapped peaks. Then we hike down for 2 hours until Chikiska where we have lunch. Afterward we continue our hike for 1 more hour to Playa Rosalinas (1550 metres/ 5084 feet), where we will spend the night.
Departing early, we ascend to Santa Rosa and to Maranpata where we will have lunch. The climb from the river takes about 4 hours and is tough. From our lunch spot we can see the remains of Choquequirao. Then we have 2 more hour hike to reach the archeological site (3110 metres/ 10120 feet). We will spend the late evening there and we may watch the sunset and some condors.
After the breakfast we have the possibility to explore more the archeological site and then have a little rest before lunch. In the afternoon we will climb over a ridge and hike to the remains of Pinchinuyoc where we will camp for the night (2 hours of hiking down). This is definitely the easiest day of the trip
After a delicious breakfast, we start hiking for 2 hours down and we arrive at the canyon of the Rio Blanco (1990 metres/6527 feet) where we have a rest before starting a difficult climb to our campsite of Maizal. The climb is 3- 4 hours long.
We leave at 7am, and walk uphill for about 3 hours through semi-jungle towards the Victoria Mines. We visit them as well as some Inca Ruins before climbing 1hour more to the pass of Victoria (4130 metres/ 13 546 feet). There are spectacular views from the passas we descend to the charming village of Yanama (about 2 hours walk),following a section with some well constructed inca steps.
Once we get to Yanama, we will take the local transportation all the way to Lucmabamba. Along the way, we will enjoy the gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains and wáterfalls.
On this day we walk for 3 hours by the original Inca Trail and through the cloud forest to the Puncuyoc pass and then onto Llactapata Inca remains which are located at 2,700m/8,907ft (an Inca site located straight in front of the citadel of Machu Picchu)
Once here we enjoy the unique perspective of Machu Picchu from far away. Then we hike downhill for 2 hours to the hydroelectric plant where we have lunch. After that we walk to Aguas Calientes through the National Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, enjoying the surroundings of the iconic Machu Picchu and the wall which surrounds the Inca Citadel.
We will have breakfast at 5am and we take the first bus to Machu Picchu.It will take half an hour to reach the Machu Picchu archeological site, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site: an unforgettable experience. Your guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding vestiges and its main streets. After the guided tour, you will have some free time to wander around the town squares as well as to do some of the following activities on your own:
Then you will descend to Aguas Calientes and at 4:22pm, you will board the train for the return trip to Cusco.
The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
Trek conditions vary according to the season. ie in the dry season the trail can be dusty, in the wet season it can be slippery and muddy. During the shoulder seasons the conditions depend on prior weather. SAM Travel Peru takes no responsibility for trail conditions, as it is directly related to the weather.
This is an adventurous trip. You should be sure to bring an open mind, flexibility and a sense of humor. Most of all you should be prepared to go with the flow. Also, we do not recommend this trek for “first time” trekkers or campers.
The Choquequirao a Machu Picchu trek is an adventurous trek, crossing several high passes and the Rio Blanco which does not have a substantial bridge and can be dangerous to cross in periods of heavy rain. We do not recommend this trek during December, January, February, and March but this recommendation depends on the current weather conditions.
This region is not frequently visited by tourists, therefore tourist infrastructure is limited.Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not go to plan. This is all part of the adventure!
We strongly recommend this trek for well trained trekkers.
US$877 per person
Personal porter included!
******This price includes the extra porter who will carry your thing up to 8 kilos, for that we will provide you a duffle bag, in which you may put your things.
NO HIDDEN FEES:The price INCLUDES the MACHU PICCHU entrance fee of 179 Peruvian Soles (S/.152 + S/.27 sales tax) which is about US$60, bus from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (US$12), entrance to Wayna Picchu ($25), train Expedition Service 84 Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (US$80), Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (US$15), Hotel at Aguas Calientes (US$57), and all local sales taxes (18%).
ADDED VALUES for FREE:
Inflatable mattress, pair of walking sticks, rain ponchos, backpack rain covers, small pillow, transfer (from the Airport to Hotel only), duffle bags, trash plastic bags are included in the trekking price for FREE!
SAM Travel Peru is 1000% Cusquenian Company & Direct Local Tour Operator
It is a family owned travel agency and direct local tour operator based in Cusco, we do not used “1000% cusquenian Company” only for marketing… SAM is a real cusquenian Company without any share-holder or office in and outside Peru.
All our tours & treks are only and strictly operated by SAM Travel Peru with our professional staff. We have a high quality service and good reputation ensuring that only SAM Travel Peru staff operates these unique treks and tours.
We are a very RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator caring about our TEAM (family), given the best salaries to them and treating them like part of my family. I am proud of my team because, thanks to them, we are growing in a responsible way, making sure that our clients have the best life-time experience.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
I am very proud of my guides! Highly professional, speaking a fluent English and very knowledgeable, passionate for the Inca heritage/ history, dedicated to a steady personal development and learning to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories about the Inca Andean culture. Fun loving, great sportsmen and well educated crew, some of them are great entertainers and the best “Salsa Dancers” on this side of Machu Picchu as well as having a degree in Archaeology, Botany, History or Anthropology.
OUR SUPER COOL PORTERS
We provide the following items for our porters and cooks for free: Jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, confortable duffle bags, canteen and girdle for protecting their spine, sleeping bags, mattress and insurance.
Hiking with SAM Travel Peru is a life changing experience, fully portered trek where your comfort and enjoyment are our first responsibility. We make sure that you get the best experience of your holidays in Peru while you interact with locals, explore fantastic sites and re-discover remote ancient Inca towns and buildings, speaking some Quechua words and learning the fascinating Inka history. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscape and simply feel the magic of Mother Nature (Pachamama) and the Andes, while we carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up your tents avoiding crowded campsites and taking care of all your requirements and details.
OUR COOKS
Fabulous Cooks… The food on the trek has been highlighted by all our clients and they said that it was better than in the restaurants. Delicious and abundant Buffet style meals, peruvian and international Cuisine are prepared by our professional and dedicated cooks from a mixture of local and exotic products. If you are vegetarian or have food allergies of any kind, please do not worry because we will comply with your requests.
PORTABLE CAMPING TOILETS ONLY FOR OUR GROUP
The toilets which are provided by the Government along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are totally DIRTY and CONTAMINATED because 500 people per day are using the few toilets that there are in each camp site. This is when our biochemical seated CAMPING TOILETS become very important for all our Inca Trail hikers. Of course it has been highlighted by them also because our toilets are located close to our camp site. These toilets are used only by our clients.
We are very proud to be such an innovative company, providing all the facilities for our demanding clients…INTI Expeditions, as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator, provides the right gear like: gloves and mask for the person who has the responsibility for cleaning the toilets.
“Please have a look at the following informations; it will help you clarify all your queries and questions about our services and the treks to Machu Picchu”
WELCOME TO CUSCO: You will be welcome on your arrival at Cuzco airport, please ensure that you provide your full flight arrival details at least 14 days prior the trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with your name at the arrival terminal.
The rest of the day is at your leisure until 6pm when your SAM Travel Peru representative will meet you at the lobby of the hotel, who will give you all the information about your trek or tour.
DEPARTURE: Any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers
GROUP SIZE: Small Groups from 2 – 8 people (could be 2, 4, 5 ..); a small group will make your experience different with a personalized attention from the whole team, you will also enjoy better the route according to its rate hike.
NOTE: Big groups can be organized by request.
TRAIN SCHEDULES: At the end of the Trek or Tour we will take the 2:55 pm or 6:35 pm train leaving from Aguas Calientes. It takes 2 hours until Ollantaytambo and then we will transfer you back to Cusco and your hotel. Train tickets depends on availability.
HOTEL: For treks that include an accommodation in Aguas Calientes, we stay at “Hostal Machu Picchu” or “El Presidente Hotel” which is a very nice place to rest after several days of walking! In comparison to other companies, we will not be staying in basic shared rooms or sharing showers. Our hotels depend on availability.
However, if you would like to have a better accommodation, just let us know the one of your preference and we will let you know how much the extra fee will be.
HUAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN : Please, if you are thinking of climbing Huayna Picchu mountain you must book it at the same time as your trek or tour to Machu Picchu. Only 400 people can hike Huayna Picchu per day. You will climb it on your own after the tour in Machu Picchu around 10 am. The price is $25 per person… more information :
HORSES, COOK & ASSISTANT COOK : On this trek we provide horses and mules to carry the food, the camping equipment and your belongings up to 7 kilos.
NOTE: We included an emergency horse for the group, which can be ridden if you feel exhausted or if you are ill (only for alternative treks)
OUR GUIDES : They all speak english fluently and of course all of them speak Spanish and Quechua (the Inca Language). They are all able to communicate with natives from the area and of course they will have lots of history to share with you.
MEALS : The food provided by the porters and cook is nothing short of amazing. Trekkers can expect a breakfast of omelettes or pancakes, a ‘takeaway’ snack pack of fruit or chocolate to eat mid morning, a two course lunch of soup and meat with pasta or rice, afternoon tea on arrival at camp with biscuits and popcorn and a three course dinner. Breakfast and dinner are accompanied by hot drinks (tea, coffee, chocolate) and lunch usually by cordial (other drinks e.g. soft drinks or beer are at your own expense and can be priced on the trail). All food is prepared, served and cleared away by the cook and porters and the quality of the meals is quite something when you consider that all the ingredients and basic cooking equipment has been carried on. Trekkers will certainly not feel hungry and special dietary requirements can be catered for if specified in advance. You will be able to buy bottled water on day 1 and 2 of the trek at various points along the way, after this you will refill your empty bottles from boiled water provided by the porters. Boiled water will be provided during the trek whenever it is possible to make camp.
OUR EQUIPMENT : We provide 4 men tents for only 2 people and INFLATABLE MATTRESS for everyone. Our dining equipment includes a spacious dining tent, tables and chairs, plates and utensils.
Please note that if you are more than 1.95 meters / 6´4″ tall then you won’t be able to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco. In this case it is recommended to bring your own one.
CULTURE SHOCK RATING : The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English isn’t common and the food will be quite different to home. It’s important to observe some of the local customs in order not to cause any offense. Many of the locals’ standards of living may be confronting.
SPENDING MONEY : Every traveller is different and therefore money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
TIPPING : If you’re happy with the service, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations.
Of course you are free to tip more or less depending on your perception of the service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive an excellent service.
WEATHER : The wet season in this region is from December to March when heavy rains can cause disruptions to ground transport.
TRANSPORT :Train, Minibus
EMERGENCY CONTACT :
Telephone: (+51) (84) 630690, Telefax: (+51) (84) 630690 Cell Phone:(+51) (84) 992 126 224 (in english and spanish)
Address in Cusco: Luis Vallejo Santoni (Manco Ccapac H-9), 3er Piso – Santiago – Cusco – Peru
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: (From 9:00am to 12:00pm) – ( From 15:00 – 20:00):
HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU : The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is 7kg/15p max. While you hike, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cuzco.
Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group.
During the trek, you will need a back pack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litres capacity back pack is big enough.
FITNESS : The Inca Trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important but the Inca Trail is the kind of trek that anyone with a positive attitude and determination can do. Obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will admire the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do some extra walking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip.
Many people worry whether they will be able to cope physically but complete failure is rare and would usually only result from severe altitude sickness or from a person lacking even the basic level of fitness. People of all ages (from teenagers to pensioners) complete the trek and age itself is not a barrier if you have a positive mind and live an active lifestyle. Before departing for your tour, we recommend visiting your doctor who will be able to provide you with more information.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require you to be covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation for a minimum. We strongly recommend that your policy also includes personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a trip, you won’t be permitted to join the trip until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by our local representative.
If you have a credit card insurance, our local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving Perú.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? Yes, We are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we follow the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. To this end, we have trained all our local staff that knows, understands, feels and respects the place and the people.
ARE WE RESPONSIBLE ? Yes, We try to treat our hikers, our porters and all the local people from the villages with the most respect. We travel in small groups to give personalized tours to each traveller, we pay good salaries to our porters and follow the porters´ law. We provide all our porters with their hiking gear such as shoes, pants, jackets, t-shirts, hats, sleeping bags and most importantly, with health insurance.
STORAGE DURING THE TREK: During the trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco and you will receive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing (briefings are normally set for the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group, you should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sun screen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 7kg (14pounds). You can either store your luggage at your hotel or you can leave it in our office.
BOOKING: This trek is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have two people. But you still need to book in advance especially for the entrance fees of Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu.
