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CREATING AUTHENTIC TOURS IN PERU
The sacred Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a new route that starts from the city of Cusco, we will go in our private transport to the north-west of the city of Cusco, during the first rays of the sun we will visit the typical market of Pisac, and appreciate its fine handicrafts, also the traditional ovens where some small empanadas are made in the Cusco style.
Then we depart through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, to the archaeological complex of Urco, where we will visit one of the sacred temples of the Incas, of great significance, since according to archaeologists this is the true origin of the Incas. On this trip we will also visit the Inkarry museum, a cultural space where the best representations of all the cultures that existed in Peru since 4,000 BC are displayed.
And after having been imbued with a lot of information on history and culture, we will start our sacred inca trail hike through the mountains of Apu Kusanpata, passing through beautiful forests of Queuñas and Chachacomos, to Lake Yanacocha, a sacred inca trail space since time immemorial. Continuing the trip you will go up to the high peaks of the apu Illahuaman, from where you have a fabulous view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and be part of an offering ceremony to the sacred apus of the Quechua people, with the coca leaves, with our Andean priest of Q’eros.
On this tour you will have considerable changes in height, from 2,500 meters to 4,300 meters. This tour has a moderate to demanding level of walking. The temperature changes are also remarkable, since we will go through different microclimates, so in the sacred valley of the Incas during the months with dry season, it is an average heat of 21 ° C. And in the mountains at night you will have temperatures of up to – 2 ° C. We must also mention that the climate changes rapidly in the Andes.
Inca Trail Camping Tents: 1 night
The overnight stays during the Sacred Inca Trail is made in double-roofed tents, which are installed by the accompanying team. The tents are equipped with thick foam mattresses that are carried by the horses. Sleeping bags can be rented on site for a fee prior to the start of the trek. On your lares trek you will have a tent with your portable toilet, in the camps, these are always clean and you can use at any time.
VERONICA View Hotel: 1 night
VERONICA View Hotel is located in Ollantaytambo and offers a bar, a garden and a terrace. The property has a restaurant, 24-hour reception, room service and free WiFi. There is free private parking and a car rental service. The rooms are equipped with a wardrobe. All rooms at the VERONICA View Hotel have a work desk and a private bathroom. A continental breakfast is served at the property. The VERONICA View Hotel features spa and wellness facilities with an indoor pool and sauna.
RETAMA MACHU PICCHU: 1 night
The Hotel Hotel Retama Machupicchu is located, 700 meters from the hot springs of Machu Picchu, it is the most beautiful and quiet area of the town, in the Wiñaywayna Park located three blocks from the Peru Rail station, overlooking the river and the moutains; It offers free WiFi and a tour desk. The accommodation offers luggage storage and a currency exchange service. Room service, 45-inch plasma AOC TV, 24-hour hot water, Hair dryer, Towels for thermal baths, Buffet breakfast.
Our guides will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am, then we will go to the Sacred Valley of the Incas with our private transport. The first stop will be at the Taray viewpoint where you can see the beautiful sacred valley, with its corn crops. Very close is the town of Pisac where we will visit a traditional clay oven, where delicious empanadas and breads are prepared in the Cusco style. You can also visit the typical market of Pisac, where you can buy some crafts.
Right there you can take advantage if you want to have your breakfast in one of the restaurants near the square. Continuing with the trip we will make another stop at the archaeological complex of Urco, where we will visit the great terraces of the Inca period, with their water channels, by the way these are still being cultivated by the local inhabitants. We also visit the sacred temple of Water, the astronomical observatory, and the royal houses of the Incas. At noon we will arrive at the Huayoccari sector where our porters are already waiting for us, and lunch is ready.
After a rest, we start the ascent walk to Lake Yanacocha, it will be a 3-hour walk along a path surrounded by forests of Queña, Chachacomos and wild flowers. Today we finish our walk with a view to the bottom of the Sacred Valley. The camp will be next to the Quellococha lagoon surrounded by fabulous mountains, at night you can enjoy a sky full of stars and the milky way.
Today we will get up very early, after having a nutritious breakfast, we will start with the walk to the highest part of the circuit, which will be the Apu Illahuaman pass. From here you can appreciate a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley and the snow mountains of Veronica, Salkantay, Ausangate, Pitusiray and Sawasiray. It is here where our Andean priest will develop a sacred offering to the Apus or sacred mountains, and he will strengthen you with a lot of energy, as well as a balance of your chakras, with prayers and sacred songs. Afterwards, you will have to make a descent to the community of San Juan, there will be our lunch, you will also be able to know the local life of the inhabitants, who are dedicated to growing potatoes, and raising alpacas. Then the walk continues to the Yucay Valley, there you will discover the huge cultivation terraces of the Inca period, and also a lunar astronomical center. In the afternoon our transport will pick us up to take us to our lodge in Ollantaytambo.
We will leave our Lodge early, to take the train to the start of the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. After 1h by train we will arrive at the site of Chachabamba. Where we will organize our backpacks, to explore the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Before we must pass the control in charge of the park rangers, who will check our tickets and passports. The walk begins at 2000 meters, the first site you will visit is the ruins of Chachabamba, where your guide will give you a short introduction on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
From here it will be a slow ascent along the path surrounded by orchids and wild flowers, towards the ruins of Wiñaywayna. After 2 hours we arrive at the waterfalls sector, where you can take some photos, very close is the archaeological complex of Wiñayhuayna, which are the most beautiful ruins of the entire Inca Trail, together with your route guide you can visit the temples, granaries , palaces and water fountains. Then we go to the second control of the Machu Picchu national park, there our porter will offer us a lunch. Then we go through the jungle towards the Sun Gate, from where you will have the first impression of Machu Picchu. Today we will just come by and take some photos of the wonder of the world. To end the day, a local bus will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will sleep in a comfortable Hotel. Dinner will be in a tourist restaurant.
Today is a very important day as we are going to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu. For this, we will go up very early, and be the first visitors to the sacred sanctuary of Machu Picchu, if you have good luck, you will enjoy a sunrise surrounded by some llamas. We will start the tour from the guardian’s house, from where the classic photo of Machu Picchu is taken. You will visit the most important sites such as the house of the sun, sacred square, temple of condor, and the houses of the nobles. The guided tour lasts 2 hours, then you can stay a little longer in the sanctuary, since then you have to return to the town of Aguas Calientes, so you can have lunch, in any restaurant. Do not forget to be at the train station half an hour before the departure of your train, our company usually reserves the train tickets for the 14:30 pm schedule. This train will arrive at the town of Ollantaytambo where our driver awaits you, who will pick you up and drop you off at the door of your hotel in Cusco at approximately 7:00 pm.
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.
Nothing gets you closer to a country than walking through it, and we’ve got trips to suit walkers of all levels and interests.
All our Walking trips 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 leader will allow everyone to walk at their own pace, regrouping regularly along the route.
Mostly of our hikes in the mountains in Peru and Cusco like the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Ausangate Trek, Lares Trek, Ancascocha Trek, Salkantay Trek , involves an average of walking hours of 7-8 hours per day, this timing includes stops for taking photos, lunch, breaks for recovery the energy, and the most important we adapt to your walking pace. This relaxed style of trip involves to know all the attractions in greater depth.
On nearly all our Walking trips, porters or mules will carry all the camping equimpent, so your main luggage will be transported for you. We recommend walk with a light rucksack, you will carry water, snacks, a camera, a small first aid kit and any extra clothing or sun protection. On more remote or challenging treks, additional guides are there to assist the leader tour guide and provide support to the group.
The acclimatization period is very important for our travelers to enjoy the experience. We suggest a minimum of 3 or 4 days of the previous stay in Cusco city, the Sacred Valley of the Incas or Machu Picchu. We recommend you check the acclimation programs we have prepared for you on our website.
The average height of our camps in the trekking circuits is 3,500 masl. In fact, one of the circuits where you sleep at the highest altitude is the Ausangate Trek, where you will have days to set up the tents at a height of 4,300 meters. Remember that Peru has snowy peaks that reach up to 6,700 masl.
From 3,000 meters above sea level, the symptoms of “altitude sickness” vary according to each person, and may even not occur. However, among the most common are a headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite and insomnia. Therefore, upon arriving in the city of Cusco, located at 3,400 meters above sea level, we recommend our travelers to take a good rest, drink plenty of water, eat light meals and take slower walking. Also, it is necessary to avoid alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. The symptoms can be alleviated with high mountain medicines such as DIAMOX or similar products, but we suggest you consult with your doctor before the trip.
While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a daypack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories you might need on the trail.) Horses and llamas will carry your duffle bag to the next camping site.
The company makes the greatest efforts to provide a safe and unforgettable experience, for this reason, the trekking guides are constantly communicated with the central office through satellite phones, ensuring the welfare of each passenger. Our guides are trained in rescue techniques and first aid in emergency outdoor, these courses are developed annually and have the standards of the wilderness first respond. At all times we have oxygen and first aid equipment. In case of any eventuality a medical director will answer our questions 24 hours a day. In addition to the animals who carry the luggage we have horses to help walkers tired or eager to ride. We recommend getting a travel insurance.
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.
Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain, Explore this route of turquoise lakes, imposing snow-capped mountains, little-visited trails and Very experienced trekking guides.
Explore the impressive red valley and Vinicunca Mountain of Colors. Visit the largest tropical glacier in the world Quelccaya next to the beautiful blue Sibinacocha Lagoon, surrounded by snowy peaks and plains inhabited by llama herders.
The Ausangate Trek is one of the hiking circuits, most incredible for the beauty of its landscapes, in this mountain adventure you will enjoy unique scenarios, such as lakes of different colors (blue, green, turquoise, red), the mythical mountain of rainbows and ancient Andean cultures, who are the true heirs of the Incas, many still celebrate their ancestral rites.
