Moray, Salt Mine and Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days

Explore the “greenhouses” of the Incas and the Salt Mine and get on the train to arrive at the citadel of Machu Picchu on this 2 day private guided tour.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Moray – Salt Mine – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley, then we drive in our private van to the stunning Incas site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas” which is unique and fascinating. Different levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, part of which was further excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are, and so they were thought to have been used by the Incas to discover the optimal conditions for their crops. After time to enjoy and explore this beautiful Inca sight, we continue driving towards the colonial town of Maras and to the Pre-Inca Salt Mine (Salineras). Thousands of salt pans have been used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce a salt that is used for cattle licks. Afterwards we continue our journey to Ollantaytambo to take the train on the way to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a hostel. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes a Representative of the hotel will meet you and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

As early as 5:30am you can take the bus up to Machu Picchu for Sunrise! You can decide the departure time with our guide. Your Private Guide will take you on a fascinating guided tour in the citadel, lasting approximately 2 hours. Then you have plenty of time for further exploring, taking photos and eventually climbing Huayna Picchu or going up to the Sun Gate. Afterwards we go back to Aguas Calientes and at 2:55 or 4.22 pm you will take the return train to Ollantaytambo with a bus connection to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening.

INCLUSIONS

What is included

Tour to Moray and the Salt mine
Pick up at your hotel.
Van transportation to the train station
Train ride to Aguas Calientes
Pick up from Aguas Calientes train station to the hotel
Free afternoon to visit to the hot springs or walk to the flower garden
Accommodation in the hotel
Breakfast in the hotel
Bus ticket from Aguas calientes to Machupicchu
Entrance fee to MachuPicchu & Huayna Picchu
English speaking tour guide for the tour.
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas calientes.
Return train ticket to Ollantaytambo then by bus to Cusco and to your hotel

What is not included

Meals which can be organized at the restaurant
Entrance fee to the hot springs

PRICE

The “Moray, Salt mines & Machu Picchu Trip” its available on any date that its bets for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people.

PRICE – US$397 per person

***Private service is available for $50 more per person.

***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 persons with a maximum of 8!

DISCOUNTS

Students with ISIC CARD: US$25 Please send us a copy of your ISIC at the time of booking.
Under 18 years old: US$25 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 12 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

Huayna Picchu Climb: US$35. This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
Machu Picchu Mountain: US$30. This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
Upgrade to Vista Dome Train: US$57.
Upgrade Hotel – 3 star US$40. (Can upgrade to 4 or 5 star also)
Single Supplement – US$30 2*

IMPORTANT

“Please read carefully 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 welcomed at Cuzco airport, please ensure that you advise your full flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to trip start. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with your name at the arrival terminal.

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, where you can also enjoy the route according to its rate hike.

NOTE: Big group can be organized by request.

TRAIN SCHEDULES: At the end of the Trek or Tour we will take the 2:55pm or 6:35pm train leaving Aguas Calientes. It takes 2 hours till Ollantaytambo and then we will transfer you back to Cusco and your hotel. Train tickets depends on availability.

HOTEL: For treks that include accommodation at 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 accommodation 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 this 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 .00 am. The price is $25 per person.

Note: For the Inca Trail trek hikers, the Huayna Picchu mountain entrance tickets cost US$67 per person and it has to be booked in advance.

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’re feeling exhausted or are ill (only for alternative treks)

OUR GUIDES: They each 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 around 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 is 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 pricey 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 in. Trekkers will certainly not go 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 when it is possible to make camp.

OUR EQUIPMENT: We provide 4 man 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 over 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.

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 to not cause offence. Many of the locals’ standards of living may be confronting.

SPENDING MONEY: Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. 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 services provided 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 as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

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.

For during the trek, you need a day pack big enough to carry personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sun cream, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litres capacity back pack is big enough.

Sleeping bags can be hired locally for approximately US$20.
Hiking poles can be hired locally for approximately US$15
Rain ponchos can be purchased in Cuzco for a couple of dollars.

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 have to take in 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 a person lacking even a basic level of fitness. People of all ages (from teenagers to pensioners) complete the trek and age itself is no barrier if you are positive minded 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 that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers 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 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 in-country.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? Yes, We are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principle 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 know, understand, feel and respect 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 upmost 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 with us.

BOOKING: We organize this tour any day as long as we have 2 participants. Please book it a few weeks ahead especially for Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu entries.

Book Now