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 (RAFTING OPTIONAL)

Pick ups from hotels or hostels are roughly between 6:30 am and 7:00 am where you will have a meeting with the guide.
Then we will leave the Imperial City of Cusco to head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Chincheros, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo where we will make our first stop for some breakfast (at the expense of each passenger). We will continue with the trip to the Abra Málaga (4,350 m.a.l.s).
After this, we will descend for 20 minutes by car depending on the guide's judgement of the the fog and rain in the area. After a brief talk with the guide, we will provide the equipment for the activity, a protective vest, full-face helmet, gloves, knee pads and the 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 cycle, we will cross small streams and get to see the snowy peaks and the tropical forest where our Peruvian Amazon starts, we will experience the change from cold to tropical weather.

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

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

Accomodation:Vicma Hostel (doble, twin,triple and 4-beds) - subject availability

DAY 02. SANTA MARIA-THERMAL BATHS -SANTA TERESA (TREKKING)

After breakfast, we will be ready for the first day of trekking to Santa Teresa.

After breakfast we will take our local transport from Santa Maria to the beginning of our hiking trail. Here we will start our trekking enjoying all the vegetation and at the same time appreciating the cultivation and harvest of coffee, coca and local fruits. On the way we will have several stops to learn a little more about the richness in flora and fauna of the area.

We will also stop at the house of a local family (the monkey house), where we will learn a little more about their customs and traditions. Later we will cross a section of the Inca Trail that formerly connected the Sacred City of the Incas Machu Picchu with the last refuge Inca Vilcabamba, in the same way here our guide will explain a little more about the history of the Incas, and also, the communication system that they had in those times (the route of the Incas).

At this point, we will also have some of the most impressive views of the Huancarccasa canyon.

Then, we will descend to the town of Quellomayo where we will enjoy a delicious lunch and a rest in the hammocks of the restaurant.
For the last two hours we will walk to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, where we will have a good time to enjoy them.

Finally, we will continue walking for 45 minutes more for the town of Santa Teresa (or there is also the option of taking a transport on your own for an extra cost from Cocalmayo to Santa Teresa, previous coordination with the guide), where we will have dinner and spend our second night in a basic hostel.

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

DAY 3. SANTA TERESA - HYDROELECTRIC -AGUAS CALIENTES (ZIP LINE OPTIONAL)

This day breakfast will be between 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.. The day will start with the option of doing Zip Lining with one of the most trusted operators in the area, for approximately two hours (This activity it is additional and optional). We then have a 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 Zip Lining then we will walk from Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric for approximately 3 hours. In both cases our meeting is at Hydroelectric with the people who do Zip Lining and with those who walk. At this point we will start our trekking to the town of Aguas Calientes, passing through the area called Intihuatana, a small archaeological site where the guide will give us an explanation.

Then we will continue to San Miguel, where we will enjoy our lunch. Throughout the journey we will have the opportunity to take in the majestic Machu Picchu mountains and all the other Inka constructions.

We will finish around 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 4. AGUAS CALIENTES-MACHUPICCHU- CUSCO

The most important day of our trip where we get to see one of the 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.

There is two ways to get there from the town of Aguas Calientes:
The first is walking, this walk lasts 1 hour with 30 minutes of pure ascent. People who want to walk up. You should leave the hostel early at 4:30 am to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and appreciate the sunrise.

The second one is by tourist bus, this short trip lasts 30 minutes. People who want to get the bus will have to take the first bus at 5:30 am to arrive at Machu Picchu for the spectacular sunrise.

Then, we will enter the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We will have approx. two hours with a specialist guide who will accompany the group and explain about the historical legacy of the citadel of Machu Picchu. You will have time after this to walk around an area of the ruins and take some photos while appreciating the amazing ruins.

After this, if you have the ticket you can ascend to the mountain of Huayna Picchu or the Mountain of Machu Picchu.
At the appointed time, you must leave the ruins of Machu Picchu to head back to the town of Aguas Calientes.
You can do this by bus or walking, walking takes roughly 1 hour. When buying a bus up to Machu Picchu, you have the option to buy a return ticket, if you didn't do this you can buy tickets at the entrance to Machu Picchu you can buy a bus ticket back down to the town of Aguas Calientes.

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 with destination 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 Huamanga 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

Walking and take lunch in Quellomayo

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DAY 2: 14:00 - 15:30

Visit to the natural hot springs (optional)

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DAY 2: 19:00

Overnight in Santa Maria (basic hostel)

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DAY 3: 07:00 - 07:30

Have breakfast

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DAY 3: 07:30 - 14:00

Start the walk to Hydrolectric

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DAY 3: 14:00 - 16:30

Lunch and zipline (optional)

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DAY 3: 19:00

Overnight in Aguas Calientes

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DAY 4: 04:30 - 12:00

Start the walk to Machu Picchu and visit the sanctuary for 2 hours

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DAY 4: 18:20 - 20:20

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

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DAY 4: 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 from Santa Maria -Santa Rosa (30 min)
- 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (vegetarian food optional)
- 3 nights in a basic hostel
- Entrance to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo
- 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 the Mountain of Huaynapicchu (Check availability)
- Travel insurance.
- Oroya s / 5.00 soles
- 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), an 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 physically fit do I need to be?

   The Inca Jungle Trek can range in difficulty, however most are classified as a moderate level. The Machu Picchu complex itself is not difficult, and most people do not have any problems.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Are there any student discounts?

   Unfortunately, we don’t offer any group or student discounts on our prices. We only work with the best operators who offer safe tours that are also good value.

7. Where is Machu Picchu?

   Machu Picchu is near a town called Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town. From there, it is a 1.5 hour hike up steps, or a 20-minute bus ride to the complex itself.

8. 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 $10 extra.

9. 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 $5 extra.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.