Culture & Adventure
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CREATING AUTHENTIC TOURS IN PERU
For more than 5,000 years, Cusco has always been chosen as the sacred and highly revered space by the cultures of the Andes. To this day, they continue to visit from different parts of the world to discover the wonder of the world of Machu Picchu. If you ask yourself, how many days should you take to visit all the wonders of Cusco?, the answer is at least 5 days, because this region of Peru offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, of which the most outstanding is undoubtedly the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the fertile fields of the sacred valley, the famous mountain of the 7 colors, the enigmatic Huamantay lagoon.
In addition to Machu Picchu and its archaeological monuments, the city of Cusco offers many cultural activities every day of the year, you can enjoy parties with musicians and bands that usually walk through the ancient streets of the ancient capital of the Inca empire. This city is inhabited by Catholic and Andean believers, who in a mix of traditions and rituals celebrate many festivals of the Catholic calendar, the most important of which are the carnival in the month of February, the Easter festivities in April, the month of June is very special, since many parades and the great staging of the festival of the sun take place. Every street you walk down, in Cusco there are many galleries of paintings, crafts, bars and restaurants, where visitors interact while enjoying the beautiful sunsets.
A very beautiful detail of this tour is the train trip to the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu, this journey is made from the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will travel through a very beautiful valley with crops of corn, flowers, potatoes, and the views. of the snowy Veronica. You also won’t be able to miss trying the best world cuisine of Peruvians, which is very fashionable lately. In Cusco there are very good restaurants, where you can try the famous dish of ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, and many more. To drink you can choose a good local beer, or pisco sour.
Cusco is located at an altitude of 3350 masl, so if you come from a place at sea level, altitude sickness may affect you a little, so we recommend taking a pill to prevent symptoms such as headache. This medication must be taken before arriving. The first day will be a 4 to 5 hour visit to the attractions near the city of Cusco. The weather is very variable, during the morning there will be good weather; but at dusk it starts to get cold, so you should be very warm.
The sacred valley tours are very calm; Since almost the entire route is traveled in a minibus, and then in the afternoon by train to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a beautiful hotel; The next day is the visit to the world wonder Machu Picchu. Returning to Cusco in the afternoon. On the fourth day, we will visit the turquoise lagoon of Humantay, this attraction is 3 hours from Cusco, and then a 2-hour walk to the top, once you get there you will be able to enjoy the best mountain landscape and the glacier, then you return to Cusco.
The last day is a very early tour to the famous colorful mountains of Vinicunca and the viewpoint of the red valley; culminating the itinerary in Cusco at 5:00 pm. Afterwards you can take an evening flight to Lima, or spend another night in Cusco.
Today you should arrive on an air flight from the city of Lima to Cusco in the morning. At the airport our staff will wait for you and will pick you up and then take you to your hotel. If the height does not affect you, a tour will be organized to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Temple of the Sun, Quenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. This tour starts at 1:00 pm and ends after 6 hours.
In case you want to rest and adapt to the altitude calmly, you will be offered a tour of the city, where you will visit the traditional streets and markets in the company of our local guide. At the end of any of the tours you will be transferred to your hotel, or you can also decide to go to a typical restaurant where you will have a glamorous dinner.
Today the pick up will be from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 am, then we will go on a tour to the sacred valley of the Incas, the first place to visit will be the ruins of Chinchero, there you will also have the opportunity to meet the traditional weavers of Cusco textiles who use only natural dyes to make handmade alpaca wool blankets and sweaters.
Then we will visit the viewpoint of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the town of Raqchi, from where you can see the Vilcanota River and the snow-capped mountains of Veronica, Chicon and Pitusiray. Thirty minutes away are the attractions of the circular terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras. At noon you arrive in the city of Urubamba where you will have a buffet lunch.
At 1:00 pm we go to the ruins of Ollantaytambo, here you can explore the most spectacular Inca temples of the Incas, and in the afternoon you must take the train at 4:12 pm, which leaves from the Ollantaytambo station, Upon arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes you will be received by the staff of the Retama hotel. At night you can enjoy dinner at the restaurant you like the most.
Today will be very special as we will visit the wonders of the world Machu Picchu, after a short time to have breakfast, we head to the Consettur bus station, the trip to the access gate to the citadel lasts approximately 30 minutes. Together with the local guide you will visit the most important sites for a period of 2 hours, then you will have to leave and descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes where you will look for a restaurant to have your lunch. In the afternoon the return train leaves at 2:30 pm in the direction of Ollantaytambo station where you will be picked up by a bus that will arrive in the city of Cusco at approximately 7:30 pm.
Note: If you wish to visit the Huayna Picchu mountain, please consult with your travel agent when making reservations about the availability of tickets to said attraction.
The day begins very early in the morning (4:00 am) with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. After having picked up all the travelers, the minivan will leave in the direction of the province of Anta, the driving time is 2 hours to the town of Mollepata where you will have a stop to have breakfast, followed by an hour on dusty roads. until the start of the hike (9:00 am) at the Soraypampa base camp.
The walk takes 1 to 2 hours, reaching the shores of the spectacular Humantay Lake surrounded by glaciers and Andean peaks.
You will have time to rest, eat your snacks and enjoy the views, where you can take photographs before returning down the mountain. The return hike is a downhill walk that takes about 1 hour. From Sorayampa, our transportation takes the same trip back to the town of Mollepata where you will have your lunch and at sunset we begin the trip to the city of Cusco, where we arrive at approximately 5:00 pm.
Today you will be picked up from your hotel at 4:20 am, then you will go by tourist transport to the town of Cusipata, which is 2 hours from the city of Cusco. Upon arrival you will have a nutritious breakfast. Then we headed in the van to the town of Phulawasipata, which is located at 4,626 meters above sea level. (15,177.17 feet) and it is from there that you will begin the hike that will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes along a beautiful stream. Along the way you will see groups of herds of Andean camelids such as llamas and alpacas. During the trip you will be able to interact with the residents of the area and learn a little about their daily life; You will observe various crop fields that are worked in the area, especially potatoes in their different varieties.
After the 1 hour and 30 minute walk, you will be surprised by the wonderful view of Vinicunca, the Mountain of Colors (5,020 m.a.s.l. / 16,466 ft.). Prepare your camera, the great snow that you will see is the highest in the region, the “Apu Ausangate”, its majesty and mysticism will remind you that you are in a unique and magical place. You will have enough time to explore the area and take a break to renew your energy (approximately 30 minutes at the top).
When the time comes to begin the descent along the same ascent route, the return walk will take approximately 1 hour to reach the place where the return transportation will be waiting for you. After 1 hour you will arrive to Cusipata for the lunch. Then you will continue our return to Cusco arriving after approximately 2 hours. You will be back in Cusco at approximately 5:00 pm.
The climate in Cusco throughout the year is variable; In the mornings and evenings it is cold, it is recommended that you bring jackets, a coat, gloves, a beanie, a scarf, and clothes that keep you warm. From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, it is usually mild with full sunny days between the months of April to October. The average temperature during this season is 18 C°, and at night it sometimes drops to a minimum of 2 C°. If you plan to travel in the rainy months from November to March, it is also feasible to visit these tourist attractions, but you must come equipped with rain jackets, umbrellas, and boots. The most important thing is not to forget to bring your documents such as your passport, this will be of vital importance at airport, Machu Picchu, and train controls.
warm jackets
Hydration bladder
wool socks
camera
scarf
first aid kit
hiking shoes
Dry bags
Trekking Poles
sun cream
Snack
sun hat
bathing suite
rain coat
Sandals
insect repellent
Passport
Down Jackets
toilet paper
daypack
Wool cap
head lamp
gloves
sun glasses
cap
extra cash
Trekking pants
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip InformationThe best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and November, when the weather is dry and bright, with more frequent rainfall occurring between November and April.
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To book this tour, a minimum of $ 200 USD per person is required, the remaining balance will be paid upon arrival in Peru, at the Cusco office.
Any other additional information, please coordinate with your travel agent.
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu has a visiting capacity of 4,500 people daily. But lately this number of tickets to visit Machu Picchu is very little, this is due to the great demand that it has worldwide. For this, the government of Peru has divided the visits to Machu Picchu at different times from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Currently the Inca sanctuary is protected by the international standards of UNESCO, who has already warned the Peruvian state about the serious deterioration that the wonder of the Incas has been suffering. And in view of this, it is already thought of reducing the time spent in it. Andean Great Treks recommends that you organize your visit to Machu Picchu at least 6 months in advance. Because the tickets run out very quickly, and also indicate that once a person manages to buy it, it is no longer possible to cancel or transfer to another person.
Nothing gets you closer to a country than walking through it, and we’ve got trips to suit travellers of all interests.
All our tours to Machu Picchu are graded from ‘Easy’ through to ‘Challenging to Tough’. On our online trip itineraries you’ll find a chart showing the daily walk distances, timings and information on the route including the terrain, altitude. Generally, no specific training is needed but you might feel more comfortable if you’ve got out walking a few times in the lead-up to your trip.
As with all our trips, every group is different but the ‘average’ group consists of roughly half couples and half solo travellers – all sharing a passion for exploring the world on foot. You’ll always have someone to keep you company along the route, but you don’t always have to walk together. Wherever possible your Andean Great Treks tour guide will allow everyone to walk at their own pace, regrouping regularly along the route.
Peru is a country of basically free access. Most of the countries of America and Western Europe do not require a tourist visa to enter Peru, and the maximum length of stay granted by the authorities is 183 days (it cannot be extended). For a stay for a longer period with other objectives (business, study, work, etc.) it is necessary to previously request the corresponding visa from the Peruvian consulates.
To enter Peru it is an essential requirement to present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from your entry into the national territory. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia and Chile can enter with their national identification document.
Like many other countries in developing destinations, the region’s beauty and uniqueness are countered by inequality and lack of investment. This has led to crime rates (mainly theft and scams) not being uncommon in the larger cities. We know this doesn’t sound very attractive, but it’s important to mention it regardless. Most experienced and well-traveled visitors will understand this well and not be too concerned. However, having said this, it is our duty to take care of you during your visit. That’s why we present you here with a few recommendations to be extra safe. Avoid walking alone at night on empty streets. Don’t flaunt valuables! If going for a walk or going on public transport, be sensible and avoid showing off expensive items such as expensive watches and jewelry. Be careful of pickpockets! Don’t leave your bags anywhere that doesn’t look safe, and make sure to take them with you.
The elevation of Machu Picchu is 7,970 ft (2430 m). This elevation is significantly lower than Cusco (by about 3,300 ft or 1,000 m), but altitude sickness is nonetheless a possibility when visiting Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. Many people only experience mild symptoms such as headache and shortness of breath, which usually subside within a day or two.
Many visitors only spend one day at Machu Picchu. This is enough time to explore the archaeological complex and take a guided tour, but it’s a long day of travel when you factor in all the legs of transport to and from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. You may want to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes and return to Machu Picchu for a second visit. This lets you enjoy Machu Picchu more relaxed and maybe even do a hike. Planning for two days at Machu Picchu is recommended during the rainy season (December to March) in the event that the weather is especially stormy one of the days.
The Huayna Picchu mountain is the summit located next to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. The top of this mountain offers some of the most spectacular aerial views of Machu Picchu. Getting to the top of Huayna Picchu is an incredible adventure. It climbs up a steep road built on the side of the mountain. Most of the road will be between the mountain walls and the cliffs.
In the Huayna Picchu the Incas built, in addition to hundreds of stone staircases, the famous Temple of the Moon. Entrance to people under 12 years old is not allowed. It is not recommended for people suffering from vertigo. Limited to 400 visitors daily at two entrance times (7-8 am and 10 – 11 am), tickets to the Trail must be purchased at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu, the arduous vertiginous hike up a steep, narrow set of Inca-carved stairs to the Summit and back takes between 2 to 3 hours round trip.
The Machu Picchu Mountain is located at 3,082 meters above sea level, and serves as another viewpoint to the famous historical sanctuary. However, the trek to its summit is significantly less challenging than the Huayna Picchu mountain. To trek either of these mounts, you must purchase an additional entrance ticket well in advance, entrance is allowed between 7 am and 8 am and between 9 and 10 am.
Yes, to optimize the experience inside the archeological site, the Peruvian government has implemented the following measures:
There are different ways to get to Machu Picchu. Depending on the time you may have and the experience you’re looking for, you can decide either going on a fabulous train ride or venturing out through an authentic Inca trail to the famous Inca Citadel.
The huge demand for tickets in Machu Picchu has caused a limit to be established for people who can enter Machu Picchu.
Here are the number of tickets available for each type of ticket:
Ticket Machu Picchu Solo: 2,500 spaces per day.
Every Andean Great Treks holiday has been thoughtfully planned and crafted by our specialists. They draw on their own extensive travel experience and the guidance and expertise of our local partners to create superb holidays. Our specialists are committed to making every aspect smooth and enjoyable; they genuinely want to ensure that the holidays they create leave you with wonderful lasting memories.
Every Andean Great Treks traveller is accompanied by an experienced tour guide, you will be immersed in Historic cities, ancient ruins and unfamiliar landscapes are all brought to life by our carefully selected local guides. They want to share their expertise and help you make your own discoveries too; their sole mission is to ensure you enjoy every moment.
Giving you the freedom to make your holiday even more memorable. We know how much our customers look forward to their holiday and we pride ourselves on the choice and flexibility that we offer to enhance every aspect of your experience. Whether it’s getting to the airport, upgrading your room or booking an additional excursion, we can help.
Our guides are the stars of the show; it is their unrivalled knowledge, passion and expertise that will transform your tour experience from good to truly extraordinary!
Because the have grown up in the area and know it like the back of their hand, so they can help you experience whichever aspects most interest you. They’re passionate about sharing their corner of the world with you, and as you explore together, they’ll open your eyes to the intricate details, provide background to enhance your understanding of what you’re seeing, and share stories that will bring everything to life.
“Your inspiration for a trip can be a single word or a highly evolved outline, but it’s the conversations we have that help us understand the experience you’re looking for. Meanwhile, I’m looking back on the time I spent at the destination.
‘The great thing about working with a specialist at Andean Great Treks is how they take your complete jumble of ideas and turn them into something absolutely spectacular.’
As you begin to share your ideas with your specialist, it will connect them immediately back to a time in their own travels. Conjuring a picture of the rest time they made that same discovery, reminding them how it felt.
Your specialist understands that, when the journey is right, it has the power to excite your emotions in the most profound ways after all, that was the effect on them.
They carry a treasure box of moments, captured over many journeys, into every suggestion they’ll share with you, as they ask you how you want to feel on your trip.
EXPERIENCES THAT CALL TO YOU
It’s what you do in a destination that helps bring it to life. It’s why we strive to choose experiences that help you connect to a place, absorbing a little of its complex character. Wherever your passions lie, we’ll recommend experiences that speak to you, and we’ll recommend the guide or local expert who’s most qualified to help you explore. Packing your holiday full of special experiences means some early starts and long days, but you can be sure that you’ll return home with many incredible memories! Read our Tours and check the Physical Ratings to see if the pace and activity levels are right for you.
STAYS WITH DIFFERENCE
We know that where you stay is a cherished part of your travels. So, we go to great lengths to find places to stay that exceed expectations, or go above and beyond the ordinary, whether in their character, hospitality, or location. Over the years, we’ve discovered the very best properties, trying and testing them, so we can choose the right one for you. We’ve nourished long-standing relationships with these establishments and the people who founded them, and we’ve stayed there many times often, we’ll even know which rooms have the best views (and reserve them for you).
Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.
Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.
The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.
Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.
Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.
The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.
‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.
We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.
‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.
We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.
Explore the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, together with our local guides, you will discover the greatest treasures and secrets of this wonder of the Incas. Andean Great Treks is a local operator specialized in organizing the best trips to Machu Picchu.
Visit the best tourist attractions in Cusco. Tour the sacred valley of the Incas, travel by train to Machu Picchu, explore the mountain of the 7 colors Vinicunca, together with our local guides, in small groups.
Discover the world wonder of Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Travel by train to the town of Aguas Calientes where you will spend a comfortable night enjoying the best Peruvian food.
