IMPORTANT NOTICE:

BOOKINGS FOR JULY: CIRCUIT 1 can be full through the Machu Picchu website. However, the Peruvian government is giving the option to queue in their office in Aguas Calientes to buy the entrance for CIRCUIT 1. You will queue between 30 minutes and 1 hour approx. The guide will assist you and the tour operator guarantees the visit to Machu Picchu sanctuary.

The entrance times for the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu are referential only. The exact times for your entry slot will be informed by your guide on the day of your visit. The Peruvian government has taken these measures to ensure your safety during the Covid-19 pandemic. The max length of time in the Sanctuary is equal for all visitors at 2.5 hours.

Minimum age: 12 years old – must have parents permission

DAY 01: CUSCO -ABRA MALAGA-SANTA MARIA -SANTA TERESA

Pick up from hotels or hostels between 6:30 am and 7:00 am to have a meeting with the guide. Then, we will leave the Imperial City of Cusco and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Chincheros, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. Here, we will have our first stop to to enjoy some breakfast (at the expense of each passenger). We will continue with the trip to the Abra Málaga. (4,350 m.a.s.l ) After this point, we will descend for 20 minutes by car depending on the guide's judgement of the fog and rain in the area. After the informative talk with our guide, we will provide you with the equipment. This includes a protective vest, full-face helmet, gloves, knee pads and a reflective vest.

We will begin the descent by bicycle for two and a half hours (45 km), until we reach the town of Huamanmarca. During the trip we will cross small streams, experience the beauty of the snowy peaks, and the tropical forest where the Peruvian Amazon starts. We will also be able to experience the change from cold to tropical weather.

During the journey there will be several stops to check each bicycles and the equipment. Once we finish our biking activity we will go to the town of Santa María (1,200 masl), where we will have our lunch.

Afterwards, we will continue our trip in local transport from Santa Maria to Santa Teresa and should arrive at the hostel in the town of Santa Teresa, once settled you have the option to visit the thermal baths of Cocalmayo. For this, you can take transport from Santa Teresa to Cocalmayo roundtrip. After a relaxing bath, we will return to the hostel. Overnight stay in Santa Teresa in a basic hostel.

Note 1: In the afternoon we have the option of rafting on the Vilcanota River (optional).This river offers category II and III rapids.
For this activity, we will give you a helmet, windbreaks and category V life jacket. This activity is available between the months of April to December, and as stated by the Peruvian government, it is mandatory to know how to swim to perform it.

Accomodation:Pachacusi o Zipline Logde ( doble, twin, triple and 4-beds) - subject availability

Note 2: If you do Rafting, which is an optional activity (extra cost), you will not have the option to go to the Hot Springs of Cocalmayo.

DAY 2: SANTA TERESA - HYDROELECTRIC -AGUAS CALIENTES (ZIP LINE OPTIONAL)

We will start by the day by having our breakfast between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., then everyone will have the option of doing Zip Lining with one of the most trusted operators in the area for approximately two hours (This activity is at an additional cost and is optional). Then, we will have transport to the Hydroelectric, where the government control is located to enter the Machu Picchu National Park (Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary).

If you do not do the Zip Line then we walk from Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric for approximately 3 hours. We meet at Hydroelectric with those who did the Zip Lining and those who did not. After this we will start to trek to the town of Aguas Caliente, passing through the area called Intihuatana, a small archaeological site. Here our guide will teach us about this site.

We will continue to San miguel, where we will enjoy our lunch. Along the journey, we will have the opportunity to take in the majestic Machu Picchu mountains and other constructions at the top of the mountain.

We will end the walk at roughly 16:00 hrs in the town of Aguas Calientes where we will spend the third night in a basic hostel.

Accomodation:Wayanama ( doble, twin and triple) - subject availability


DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES-MACHU PICCHU- CUSCO

The most important day of our trip, today we get to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.
There is two ways to get here:
The first, this walk lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes and is a pure ascent.
The second one is by tourist bus, this short trip lasts 30 minutes.
People who want to walk up the Inca Trail, should leave the hostel early at 4:30 am to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu very early and appreciate the sunrise.
And people who want to get in the bus will have to take it at 5:30 am to arrive early at Machu Picchu and be able to appreciate the sunrise that is a unique spectacle. Then we can visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu for two hours approximately accompanied by a specialist guide who will explain to us the historical legacy and the full description of this great attraction, the citadel of Machu Picchu.

After the excursion and if you have the ticket you can ascend to the mountain of Huayna Picchu or to Machu Picchu Mountain. After you must descend from Machu picchu to Aguas Calientes by bus or by walking so you can have lunch with tranquility and board the return train to Ollantaytambo (2 hours of travel by train) where our transport awaits us to the city of Cusco (2 hours trip by car)

Note 1: If the passengers visit only Machu Picchu, the guided tour is two hours, but if they go up to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, the passengers will only have an introduction for an hour at Machu Picchu.

Note 2: You must email us a scanned copy or photograph of your passport 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. This is a requirement when booking any tour of Machu Picchu from any operator.

Note 3: If you are staying at a different location than the one you select as your pick up location, it is explicitly your responsibility to be at the main entrance of the hotel or hostel selected as your pick up location for the duration of the pickup time range on your tour date. You must be in a visible place easy to see for the operator and be alert for their vehicle/guide when they go to pick you up for the tour.

DAY 1: 06:30 - 07:00

Hostel and hotel pick up

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DAY 1: 07:00 - 09:30

Go to Ollantaytambo and take a breakfast (not included)

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DAY 1: 10:00 - 13:00

Start the cycling in "Abra Malaga" (highest point)

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DAY 1:13:00 - 16:00

Lunch in Huaman Marca then Rafting (optional)

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DAY 1: 19:00

Overnight in Santa Maria (basic hostel)

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DAY 2: 07:00 - 07:30

Have breakfast

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DAY 2: 07:30- 14:00

Start the walk to Hydrolectric or zipline(optional). Lunch

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DAY 2: 15:00 - 18:00

Go to Aguas Calientes and overnight here

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DAY 3: 04:30 - 12:00

Start the walk to Machu Picchu sanctuary

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DAY 3: 18:20 - 20:30

Return train to Ollantaytambo (depends on the schedule of the train)

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DAY 3: 22:30

Arrive in Cusco city (depends on the schedule of the train)

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- Tourist transport Cusco - Abra Málaga and accompanying to Santa María.
- Biking equipment (vest, full-face helmet, gloves, knee pads and reflective vest)
- Professional adventure and cultural guide
- Transportation of Santa Maria -Santa Teresa
- 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners (vegetarian food optional)
- 2 nights in a basic hostel
- Entrance to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo (if not rafting)
- Entrance to the archaeological site of Machupicchu
- First aid kit.
- Train tickets from Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (Expeditions)
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo Station to Cusco (San Francisco square or Regocijo square).

- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
- Snacks and additional dishes.
- Bus tickets up and down Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the Mountain of Machupicchu (Check availability)
- Entrance to Huaynapicchu (Check availability)
- Entrance to Aguas Calientes hot springs s / 20.00 soles
- Rafting in Santa Maria
- Zip Line in Santa Teresa

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.

- ORIGINAL PASSPORT- very important!
- Standard travel backpack (small)
- Hat to protect against sun or rain
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen cream
- Light and warm clothing
- Camera
- Bottle of water
- Sportswear (01 pair of each)
- Hiking shoes
- Mosquito repellent
- Towel
- Sandals
- Jacket for rain or poncho
- Extra money
- Luggage Transport Conditions (by train): the luggage allowed must not exceed 5kg/11 lb and maximum measurements of 62 linear in/ 157 linear cm (height + length + width).

Note: You must email us a scanned copy or photograph of your passport 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. This is a requirement when booking any tour of Machu Picchu from any operator.

Cancellation or changes to this tour:

CHANGES: There are no changes to this tour allowed. Changes of date, names, times are not permitted under any circumstances. Please refer to the cancellation policy and re-book this tour should you require a change.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel 30 days prior to the tour before 6:00 pm (Lima time), a 80% administration fee (+ the card fee). After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee.

You must email bookings@findlocaltrips.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 the difference between Salkantay and the Inca Jungle Trek?

   Salkantay is full-on trekking, whereas the Inca Jungle mixes trekking, rafting, mountain biking and other activities.

3. How do I avoid altitude sickness?

   Take Soroche (Diamox) pills, eat small meals, drink coca tea, drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol (it’s a dehydrator). The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to acclimatize yourself. The recommended approach for acclimatization is to ascend gradually, spending at least 24 hours at every 2,000ft increase in altitude.

4. What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

   Common symptoms of altitude sickness (sometimes called acute mountain sickness) can be similar to a bad hangover, and may include headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. A severe headache (that is not relieved by medication), nausea and vomiting, and increasing fatigue or shortness of breath may indicate more serious problems – seek medical attention.

5. Where is Huayna (Wayna) Picchu?

   Huayna Picchu Mountain is the peak located to the north of Machu Picchu citadel. It is the backdrop to the classic image of Machu Picchu. The peak offers inspiring views of the ruins and 360° views of the area. The climb to the summit takes 45 minutes, it is a challenging trek and is very steep in parts. Limited to 400 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. This ticket cannot be purchased separately and is always in high demand. It costs approximately $18 extra.

6. What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

   Machu Picchu Mountain is the peak located to the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel. The trek offers unparalleled sights of the ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. The trek is wide and well-marked. It is a moderate/challenging trek and takes 90 minutes to ascend. Limited to 800 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. This ticket cannot be purchased separately. It costs around $18 extra.

7. How can I add Huayna Picchu/ Machu Picchu Mountain to my booking?

   Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are subject to availability as there are only a limited number of tickets per day. To add this extra to your reservation you need to send us an email to bookings@findlocaltrips.com as soon as you've booked the tour. It has an extra cost of 18$ that will be paid directly to the operator at your briefing which is one day before your tour date.

8. Why is the train so expensive?

   Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the two operators which have a duopoly on the route, so they can maintain very high prices.

9. Where can I leave my bags?

   You can leave your bags at your Cusco hostel/hotel. Note, if you take the train there are bag restrictions.

10. Is the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu worth it?

    The walk up to Machu Picchu can be seen as part of the experience. However, the bus is an option for those who are tired after a long trek, or who just want to save their energy for all the walking at the top. The tickets are purchased in Aguas Calientes, please ask your guide for assistance. The cost is 24 USD for roundtrip and 12 USD one way.

11. 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.

12. Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

    Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude - proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves - the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500metres without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.

13. Can I have a private room ?

    Yes, of course, but you will need to pay an extra 25 dollars (single room). You must inform by email bookings@findlocaltrips.com 48 hours before the tour starts.

14. Why book with FindLocalTrips.com?

    Apart from our low price guarantee, with us, you can be 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide instant email confirmation and have live spaces and availability for each tour. You are in the capable hands of our team here on the ground of 20 local experts who speak perfect Spanish and English, always ready with a quick response to any and all questions you might have. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours...we are the experts at reservations, organization, and assistance with your plans for these tours.