BOOKINGS WITH SHORT TIME FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER:
CIRCUIT 1 is full through the Machu Picchu website. However, the Peruvian government is giving the option to queue at their office in Aguas Calientes to buy the entrance for CIRCUIT 1 for the following day. The queue takes 60 to 90 mins approx. The guide will assist you and the tour operator guarantees the visit to Machu Picchu sanctuary.

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

Our adventure begins at 6:30 a.m. We leave 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 dinner.

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 MARIA – COCALMAYO – SANTA TERESA

Today we roughen it up a little. We’ll take breakfast early in the morning, then have a walk of approximately seven hours through the rainforest, witnessing a huge variety of fruit plantations, such as avocados, oranges, mangoes, cacao, coffee, and coca leaves. Lunch will be at Quellomayu. Next, we walk up a small hill over a section of the original Inca trail towards Cocalmayo's hot springs. Upon arrival, after our long walk we will enjoy the medicinal hot springs, and relax. After all this, we’ll go by van to Santa Teresa to spend the evening.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch, Lonche (teatime), and Dinner
ACCOMMODATION: Basic hostel
WALKING DISTANCE: 14km/8.7mi (about 8 hours)
MAX. ALTITUDE: 1,900m/6,270ft
DIFFICULTY: 4 – It’s a challenge

DAY 3: SANTA TERESA – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES

This is 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 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 4: 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, departing at xx: xx pm and connecting with a private van to take us back to CUSCO, arriving about xx pm when you’ll be dropped off at xx.

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

- Tickets to Machu Picchu and the other Inca sites
- Briefing at our office. This will be done the night before your trek
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back (* +24 USD)
- Train from hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes (* +32 USD)
- 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 overnights basic lodges.
- Basic hotel room in Aguas Calientes
- Bikes with front suspension and all the necessary equipment
- All private transportation
- First aid kit with emergency oxygen bottle

- Huayna Picchu mountain 60 USD (request in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain 60 USD (request in advance)
- Ziplining 30 USD
- River Rafting 30 USD)
- Hot springs in Cocalmayo (optional 10 soles)
- Walking Poles – $15 (* 5 USD with other companies)
- First day’s breakfast and last day’s lunch and dinner
- 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.

- We strongly recommend a small backpack, 40 to 50L max. Big backpacks are not allowed into the citadel.
- Original Passport (the same you used to book)
- Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Water: 2-3L (We recommend Camelbacks or aluminum bottle). You can take your own or buy to 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 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.
- Professional cameras are not allowed.
- You cannot come to Machu Picchu with your big travel backpack. Only smaller models are allowed so leave your backpack in Aguas Calientes if you’re stuck with it. You can pay a hotel a small amount of money to take care of it or leave it in the lockers outside the citadel (extra cost too).
- Walking sticks are not allowed unless the person needs them (they must have rubber tips).
- Only small foldable umbrellas are allowed so avoid bringing a big umbrella with spikes.

Cancellation or changes to this tour:

CHANGES: Any changes to the tour date needs to be done before 6:00 pm (Lima time) 30 days before the tour begins and will also receive a 60% administration fee. After this time there is a 100% change fee. Subject to availability.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel 30 days prior to the tour before 6:00 pm (Lima time), a 60% administration fee will apply. After this time there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee.

For cancellations or changes to your tour please email bookings@findlocaltrips.com

1. 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.

2. 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 on walking. From there, it is a 1.5-hour hike up steps or a 20-minutes bus ride to the complex itself.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. How to get Machu Picchu Tickets?

   Don't worry, the ticket for the Citadel is included in all our activities. We take care of it for you.

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 6 am – 5 pm. 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 challenging.

9. When was Machu Picchu discovered?

   Machu Picchu wasn’t exactly ‘discovered’ because local people have always known about its existence. In 1911, the American explorer Hiram Bingham made public his findings and -wrongly- called it ‘The Lost City of the Incas’. Nine years before Bingham had arrived, the Peruvian Agustin Lizárraga had found the ruins and left his signature on one of the walls of the Three Windows Temple in the Citadel.

10. What 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. Tickets cannot be purchased separately and is always in high demand. Costs an additional $60.

11. What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

    Machu Picchu Mountain is the peak located to the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel. The trek offers unparalleled views of the ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. It is a moderate/challenging trek 90 minutes to ascend. Limited to 400 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. Tickets cannot be purchased separately. Costs an additional $60.

12. How do Machu Picchu tickets work? Do they sell out?

    Machu Picchu tickets are associated with a particular name for a specific date and cannot be transferred or refunded. The tickets provided are as follows: Machu Picchu Citadel (2000 daily) Machu Picchu Mountain (400 per day, split between 2 time slots) Huayna Picchu (400 dailies, divided between 2 time slots) Tickets allow you to enter and exit the site once and you'll need an official guide, which we'll also include. Tickets to the main site rarely sell out. But tickets for Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu do sell out several months in advance, in particular the later timeslot.

13. Is the bus from Agua Caliente 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.

14. Do I need my original passport on the tour/trek?

    Yes. You must bring your original passport as it is very important that it is the same passport that you registered at the time of booking. Passports will be verified when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and board the train. In case you renew your passport, send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permission and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.

15. Can I use plastic bottles during the adventure?

    Zero plastic bottles on treks and Macchu Picchu citadel. Taking plastic water bottles is 100 percent forbidden due to recent government legislation. We highly recommend you get your aluminum bottles before getting to any of the checkpoints along the treks and in the Macchu Picchu citadel to prevent any disappointments. Aluminum water bottles can be purchased around the main squares in many different stores.

16. Do I need any vaccine for the trip?

    You should always consult your physician regarding vaccines. In general, regular vaccines such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, etc. are recommended. The Yellow Fever one is recommended as you'll visit part of the jungle. They are not mandatory though.

17. How is the food on the treks?

    Our food is another huge highlight of our activities. Our passengers have even told us it's the best food they tasted while in Peru. These are some of the options: Breakfast: Toasts, butter, jelly, biscui cks: It's usually something like a power bar + fruit or biscuits so you get a snack to eat whilst trekking every day. Lunch: Soup + a main course, served with rice and garlic bread. Lomo Saltado, Causa Rellena, Trout, Spaghetti Bolognesi. Lonche (Teatime): we serve hot chocolate, tea, popcorn, cookies, bread, and jam, etc., every afternoon at about 5 pm. Dinner: See the lunchtime main courses.