Culture & Adventure
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CREATING AUTHENTIC TOURS IN PERU
Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel with the greatest attraction in South America, it is one of the 7 modern wonders. In recent decades, visiting this beautiful facility has become somewhat difficult, since there are limited daily quotas. Given this, many visitors prefer to visit mostly in the morning, which on certain occasions can be somewhat of a disadvantage, because this Inca citadel is located in the cloud forest and snow mountains, which normally generate precipitation and fog, which does not It will allow you to have beautiful classic photos. On the other hand, if you plan to visit this world icon of history in the afternoon, you will definitely have many plus points; For example, you will find few tourists, the weather is much more pleasant and almost always sunny.
Machu Picchu still hides many mysteries of the Inca civilization, its architectural design began to be built when Emperor Pachacutec was the maximum ruler of this great South American territory, in 1420 AD. It is one of the few Pre-Hispanic constructions that still preserves all the cultural details of a great empire like that of the Incas. Many of the houses, temples and urban planning complexes can still be seen, as they were designed. The trip to this sacred place also invites you to feel the pure energy of the Quechuas who believe in sacred mountains and mother earth.
The Sunset at Machu Picchu experience starts with transportation from your hotel in Cusco’s Historic District to the train station. You will then board The Voyager, a train to the Machu Picchu Pueblo called Aguas Calientes. The train route passes through the stunning, natural landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Upon arrival in the Machu Picchu Pueblo, there will be time to pause, use the restroom, or freshen up prior to the ascent to the Inca ruins. You will then board the comfortable and spacious Consettur bus with panoramic windows for a 35-40 minute ride to the Citadel of Machu Picchu.
After a short walk to the entrance, you will begin a guided tour of Machu Picchu, learning the history and mysteries of this sanctuary, one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” The afternoon atmosphere adds refreshing energy to the ancient structures set in the breathtaking scenery.
The tour to Machu Picchu begins with pickup from your hotel at 5:00 am, then you will be boarded on a bus that will take you to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you will take the Inca Rail train on the Voyager service at 7:22 am, to the town of Aguas Calientes. The trip lasts approximately 2 hours, on this trip you will be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the sacred valley of the Incas next to the Vilcanota River, and the extensive fields of corn, quinoa, cereals and flowers.
Upon arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes, you will be greeted by your guide, with whom you will go to the reception of the Hotel where you can also leave your backpacks. Then you will have 2 hours to walk and have lunch. At 1:00 pm you will board the bus to the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The guided tour will begin at 2:00 pm, together with your local guide you will tour the most important Inca enclosures such as the guardian’s house, from where you will take the most beautiful postcard photos with the sunset, you will also visit the Inca temples and houses. Culminating at 16:00 pm approx.
Then you will descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes where you can visit its thermal baths, and have a typical Peruvian dinner, in a restaurant of your choice. Today we spent the night at the Retama Hotel.
Today after having breakfast, we must walk to the train station (5 minutes from the hotel). There we board the Inca Rail company train that will leave at 8.30 am, after a 2-hour trip enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the sacred valley of the Incas surrounded by mountains and snow peaks, we will arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station, where Our driver will pick you up, who will take you to the city of Cusco, the arrival time will be approximately 12:45 pm. The final point will be at your hotel.
For this trip try to take only the very necessary things. The rest of your luggage can be left at your hotel in Cusco. Remember that the weather in Machu Picchu is very changeable, normally you will have hotter mornings and a little cold at night. The possibility of rains throughout the year is also frequent, since Machu Picchu is surrounded by cloud forest, and very close to the jungle of Peru.
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.
Get to know the majestic city of Cusco, cradle of the greatest civilization in South America, the Incas and their great works of engineering, the citadel of Machu Picchu by train.
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.
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.
