IMPORTANT NOTICE:

LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS (LESS THAN 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE TOUR DATE):
If you reserve a Machu Picchu tour within 4 weeks of the departure date - there is likely some adjustments we must make to the itinerary so we can help you to secure an entrance to the ruins. We strongly recommended for all travellers to book a Machu Picchu tour well in advance (3+ months) to avoid these requirements.

As Machu Picchu tickets sell out in advance, the authorities are currently releasing a very limited number of entrance tickets at the Aguas Calientes ticket office for the next day. To acquire one of these last minute tickets there is a queue system in Aguas Calientes. We will assist all last minute reservations with this process.

The circuit you can usually expect to do at Machu Picchu is Circuit 1 or 2. However, this is not a guarantee, there is a small risk Circuit 1 & 2 are sold out even at the Machu Picchu ticket office in which case the traveller would need to pay an additional 48 soles to purchase a Circuit 3 or 4 entrance ticket. We have no way of impacting on that in advance and it will depend on the availability and queue on the day.



DAY 1: CUSCO – ABRA MALAGA – SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA

Our adventure begins at 6 a.m. We depart for breakfast in our private van to Ollantaytambo, then we travel uphill by bus to reach Abra Malaga where we have a few minutes to prepare our equipment and ourselves before beginning biking our 3-hour ride (4,350m/14,357 ft), pedaling downhill to Santa Maria town (1,500m/4,950 ft). You'll appreciate the diverse climate zones such as the highlands, water forest, tropical forests, and impressive archeological sites along the way. We will have the opportunity to raft at the Urubamba River for about two hours in the afternoon, then back to our lodge for Lonche (teatime) and we’ll continue by bus 40 more minutes until Santa Teresa village where we’ll spend our first night. We’ll have the option to go to the hot springs in Cocalmayo.

MEALS INCLUDED: Lunch, Lonche (teatime), and Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Basic hostel
WALKING DISTANCE: No trekking this day
MAX. ALTITUDE: 4,350m/14,357ft
DIFFICULTY: 3 – Medium
NOTE: Possibility of not doing the biking activity and accompany the group by van, at any point.

DAY 2: SANTA TERESA – LLACTAPATA – AGUAS CALIENTES

The most arduous and stunning day of our journey. We’ll have breakfast and head to Lucmabamba (2,000m/6,600 ft) for 30 minutes. We’ll walk up a moderate hill for about 3 hours through parts of the traditional Inca trail and the rain forest on the way to the Puncuyoc Pass. After a 20-minute walk downhill we’ll reach Llactapata (2.700m/8.907 ft), an Inca site directly in front of Machu Picchu. The panoramic vistas from this point are magnificent; you can see multiple different views of Machu Picchu Citadel, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain and the Aobamba Canyon where you can see another Inca ancient trail. We walk downhill for the next few hours, heading for lunch at the hydroelectric station (or, there’s another option of doing Zip Lining after breakfast for approximately two hours and then be taken by bus directly to Hydroelectric). We then walk beside the train rails to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) for a couple more hours (possible to take the train) enjoying the spectacular presence of the citadel and the wall that surrounds it.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Lonche (teatime), and Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Basic hostel
WALKING DISTANCE: 16km/10mi (about 9 hours)
MAX. ALTITUDE: 2,850m/9,407ft
DIFFICULTY: 4 – It’s a challenge

DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO

Waking up early in the morning, we’ll have breakfast and go to the bus station to take the shuttle to the citadel. Once at the entrance you’ll meet with your guide for your 2-hours guided tour through this astounding and mysterious place, full of energies and history. Our EXPERIENCES expert will take you to the most important viewing points like the Guardian’s House; will also give you the most important details about our Inca culture and the significance of what you see. You’ll go through places like the Temple of Three Windows, the Sun Dial, the Temple of the Sun, among others.
Later, you’ll have some time to do some extra exploring and take extra photos (optional, and if possible, to do Huayna Picchu mountain). Finally, we 'll go back for lunch at Aguas Calientes and we’ll then take the train to return to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon, and connecting with a private van to take us back to CUSCO, arriving about xx pm when you’ll be dropped off at the central area of Cusco.

MEALS INCLUDED: Only Breakfast
WALKING DISTANCE: Just for the guided visit
MAX. ALTITUDE: 2,440m/8,052ft
DIFFICULTY: 1 – Piece of Cake

- Tickets to Machu Picchu and the other Inca sites
- Briefing. This will be done the night before your trek
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu (approx. 2 hours)
- Professional, experienced, English-speaking guide all along the way
- Expedition Class Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with connection to CUSCO
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (Vegetarian options upon request)
- Two overnight basic lodges.
- Basic hotel room in Aguas Calientes
- Bikes with front suspension and all the necessary equipment
- All private transportation
- First aid kit with an emergency oxygen bottle

- Huayna Picchu mountain – $60 USD (request in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain -$60 USD (request in advance)
- Zip-lining tour
- River rafting tour
- Hot springs in Cocalmayo (optional 10 soles)
- OPTIONAL UPGRADES (rooms, train)
- Walking Poles
- First day’s breakfast and last day’s lunch and dinner
- Tips for the EXPERIENCES team
- Travel Insurance

**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional not-guided treks within Machu Picchu Citadel. The hike is done on your own, but you can hire a private guide for this at an additional cost (request in advance).

Please note that these prices may vary if you decide to take part in any of these extra activities after the tour starts. We recommend booking prior to the departure of your tour to avoid the possibility of paying increased prices for these activities.

Note: You must email us a scanned copy or photograph of your passport to bookings@findlocaltrips.com immediately after you have booked your tour. This is to enable the purchase of your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. It must be the passport you will use to enter Machu Picchu itself.

WHAT TO TAKE:
- We strongly recommend a small backpack, 40 to 50L max. Big backpacks are not allowed into the citadel.
- Original Passport (the same one you used to book)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Water: 2-3L (We recommend Camelbacks or aluminum bottles). You can take your own or buy from the local communities.
- Snacks like power bars, chocolate, or any dry fruits
- Coca leaves or caramels
- A hat and sunscreen
- Woolen cap
- Rain gear (poncho, etc.)
- A fleece and gloves
- Basic camera
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, beverages, and tips (no ATMs until Aguas Calientes)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Small first aid kit: band-aids, etc.
- Wet wipes
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Any personal medication you might need
- A pair of t-shirts
- A pair of hiking pants at least
- Underwear for every day (including socks)
- Bathing Suit for the Hot Springs
- A pair of Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, we can reach temperatures of 3°C (37°F)
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for resting time
- Quick dry towel
- Liquid soap (recommended eco-friendly option, a small bottle)
- Power bank to charge batteries: No electricity along most of the trek
- Plastic bags

WHAT NOT TO TAKE:
- Tripods are not allowed at the historical site. You can leave yours in the lockers outside.
- Professional cameras are not allowed. Permits for professional cameras are over $300 so avoid bringing a professional-looking camera in to save some money.
- You cannot come to Machu Picchu with your big travel backpack. Only smaller models are allowed

Cancellation or changes to this tour:

CHANGES: Any changes to the date or time of a reservation can be made up until 6:00pm (Lima time) 30 days before or earlier the tour begins for no additional fee. Changes subject to availability. Change requests must be via email to info@yapaexplorers.com and received prior to the time.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel 60 days prior or earlier to the tour before 6:00 pm (Lima time), a 50% administration fee will apply. After this time there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee. You must email info@yapaexplorers.com (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

1. I cannot find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations when making my booking. What should I select?

   This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed, this covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. Select an alternative close by and be ready there for pick-up at the time on your booking confirmation

2. What is Machu Picchu?

   It’s the most impressive archaeological Inca ruin in South America, named a World Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO in 1983, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the World. Machu Picchu is a city of stone, built in the middle of the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, without the use or help of wheels or iron tools. Most of the citadel’s structures remain intact today, which is why many consider it the perfect example of the Incas’ brilliant engineering.

3. Where is Machu Picchu?

   Machu Picchu is located 80 km from the City of CUSCO, Peru in South America. The nearest town is Aguas Calientes which you can get to by train or by walking. From there, it is a 1.5-hour hike up steps or a 20-minutes bus ride to the complex itself.

4. How to get to Machu Picchu?

   You can get to Machu Picchu by bus, train, or walking. Traveling from Lima to CUSCO by bus is the best way to discover Peru and avoid altitude sickness. Once in CUSCO, you would have to make your way by train or bus to Aguas Calientes Town, where you finally can take a public bus to the Citadel. You can also make your way on the Classic Inca Trail trek, the Inca Jungle Trek, or other famous treks.

5. How high is Machu Picchu?

   Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level. CUSCO, on the other hand, has an elevation of 3,400 meters. If you are coming from Lima, we recommended making your way with Peru Hop buses to progressively acclimatize to the height.

6. What kind of weather can we find in Machu Picchu?

   Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude level than CUSCO. It contains part of the jungle, and the rains are present during all seasons. During the hottest days, the temperature can reach approximately 26° Celsius (79ºF), and during the cool, early mornings, the temperature can drop to -2° C (-36ºF). The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May and June, since they are the mildest ones.

7. When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

   Consider visiting Machu Picchu from April through May and from September through October. The high-tourist season months are June, July, and August when it doesn’t rain. The site is open daily from 06am – 05pm. February is very rainy.

8. How physically fit do I need to be?

   Machu Picchu is not too challenging; most people have no problem. This trek is classified as medium/intermediate level.