Tour Package Cusco & Machu Picchu 4 days

HIGHLIGHTS: City Tour, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Tour to Moray & Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, Pisac market and Ruins, Mountain Bike, Train Ride, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountains, Citadel of Machu Picchu in SMALL GROUPS.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco City Tour

Upon your arrival at Cusco you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel where you will receive a short briefing with the rest of the morning being at leisure to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. In the afternoon, we will pick you up at your hotel and we will start visiting the Imperial Cusco City, a living example of the mix of andean and spanish culture. We then continue our tour by the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun God. You will have time to enjoy these beautiful sights, after which we continue by visiiting the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman which dominates the city. Finally we visit the remains of Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, located in the north east of the city before returning to your hotel in Cusco in early evening.

Hostel: Overnight in Cusco (options to suit all budgets, click here for more details)

Day 2: Cusco – Pisac – Moray – Salt Mine – Ollantaytambo

We will pick you up at your hotel and then we will drive in our private transport towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. We will stop on the way to have a classic view of the Urubamba valley with crops dressing the mountains like carpets. We will arrive to the colourful market of Pisac, where we will have free time to interact with the local craftsmen or to purchase their hand-made souvenirs; afterwards we will drive to the archaeological site of Pisac where we may enjoy the great and unique ancient tombs, terraces, watch towers and the religious area. After time to enjoy the stunning sight, we continue towards the village of Urubamba for lunch. Then we will go to the archaeological 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. We continue with our journey to the colonial town of Maras, where we start a little hike downhill to the pre-Inca salt mine. 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. Finally we drive to Ollantaytambo, where we spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner.
Hostel: Overnight in Ollantaytambo (options to suit all budgets, click here for more details)

Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

After a delicious breakfast we will visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, attractive town of Inca origin with remarkable channels and Stone Streets. In its high part one rises to an impressive ceremonial center of cult to the water and fortress that guarded the access to the inferior part of the valley. On the other mountain side part one rises to an impressive ancient storehouses. After time to explore and enjoy this great sight we take our train to Aguas Calientes; during the trip we will have an gorgeous view of the Sacred Urubamba valley. We will spend the night in a hotel.

On this day! There is the possibility to ride 42km in Mountain Bike through the Andean communities, see the video.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.
Hostel: Overnight in Aguas Calientes (options to suit all budgets, click here for more details)

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

After an early breakfast we leave our hostel to take the bus, for the journey up to Machu Picchu citadel. Once there, we will visit one of the most important energetic centers of the world: Machu picchu. The guided tour will take us into the history of this mysterious and charming place. After that we will have plenty of time for further exploring, taking photos and eventually climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain or going up to the Sun Gate. Then we will head back to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon and we will return by train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy and will then be transferred by van to Cusco, arriving in the evening.

Meal: Breakfast

INCLUSIONS

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Private transportation
Four days private tour
Admission tickets to all the Incas’ sites
Professional guide for four days.
Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Three nights in hostel with private room, bathroom and breakfast included.
Delicious meals (3B/1 buffet lunch/3D).
Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes –Machu picchu-Aguas Calientes.
Personal assistance.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Food and beverages not specified in the itinerary
Huayna Picchu entrance ($25)
OPTIONAL UPGRADES.: VISTADOME train instead of Expedition Train $53 – HOTEL instead hostel.
Tips (SAM Travel Peru staff receives a fair and decent payment immediately after they end their trip. However tips are optional but of great appreciation for them.

WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING

Small backpack.
Warm clothes and light pants. Not jeans.
Layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
Camera, extra film & batteries.
Sun protection: sunscreen: sun hat: sunglasses.
Scarf and woolen hat for cold nights.
Insect repellent.
Rain gear or rain jacket.
Bathing clothes for the hot springs (optional).
Original passport and ISIC student card if is applicable.

PRICE

US$677 per person

PERSONAL HELP PORTER INCLUDED

The prices 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 – Aguas Calientes (US$24), tourist train from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo Expedition Service 84 (US$140), Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (US$15), Hotel at Aguas Calientes (US$57), portable camping TOILET with SIT and all local sales taxes (18%).

SAM Travel Peru does not have hidden charges in the trek prices

Departures:

“Any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers”

Discounts:

Student Discount: US$30 (Requires “ISIC” Card to qualify)
Under 18’s Discount: US$20
Under 10’s Discount: US$30

Extras:

Sleeping bag US$20
OPTIONAL UPGRADES: Hotel and Train… VISTADOME Train to Cusco instead of Expedition Train, Please add US$53 per person

Group Discount or free Sacred Valley Tour

If there are at least 4 people in your group, you will automatically get either: $30 per person group discount or a free Sacred Valley tour (Must do in Cusco). This discount or free tour is valid for the following adventure trips: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Salkantay trek, Choquekirao to Machu Picchu trek, Lares trek etc.

Please note that this discount does not apply to private treks or any other trek not mentioned here.

IMPORTANT

“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 welcomed 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 of 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 2:55pm or 6:35pm 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 inMachu Picchu around 10 .00 am. The price is $25 per person… more information:

HORSES, COOK & ASISTANT 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 in. 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 travellers may drink more than others while other travellers 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. SAM Travel Peru will monitor any situation that arises and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to natural weather occurrences.

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, 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 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 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 in our office.

BOOKING: This Tour is available to depart any day of the week as long as we have two people. Nevertheless you still need to book in advance especially for Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu.

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