IMPORTANT NOTICE:

TOURS BEFORE OCTOBER 15TH
Since the re-activation of tourism in Peru following the COVID-19 pandemic tourism numbers have increased rapidly. Daily entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are still heavily restricted which is causing major problems for all visitors and all agencies.
All visitors to the ruins until the 15th of October (who have not booked their entrances prior to the 1st of September) will need to queue at the ticket office in Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) the day before their tour.
The prices of all our tours for these days is without Machu Picchu entrance ticket included - you will pay for the ticket directly at the ticket office in Aguas Calientes - with the assistance of your guide. $50 total approx (entrance to the sanctuary).

TOURS FROM OCTOBER 16TH TO 31ST
The entrance to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu is only possible via CIRCUIT 3 or 4 (new policies for entry díctate visitors move only one way and there is no re-entry). Circuit 3 or 4 covers the lower part of the sanctuary. It is not possible to visit the Guardian House where you can take the typical picture of Machu Picchu. You still see many places of interest and have amazing views within the site.

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 1: CUSCO - SORAYPAMPA

Departure from 4.30 am to 5:00 am we leave Cusco, passing by the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo arriving at Mollepata (2900m.s.n.m) at approximately 7:30 a.m where we will have our breakfast (this food is not included), then we will start our tour. First we will take a bus that will take us to Challacancha (1 hour 30 minutes away) (3380m.snm). From this point we will start our 4 hour walk passing through some villages and Canaleta Inka and thus reaching Soraypamapa (3900m.snm) where we will be arriving at 1.30pm. From there we will take our first lunch and first camp. After lunch we will be able to visit the beautiful Humantay Lagoon (4200m.snm) 1h 30 min. Here we will have impressive views of the mountain and at night we will have our dinner and then rest.

Accomodation: camp for 2 people

DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA - CHAULLAY (21KM APPROX)

At 7:00 am we will prepare a nutritious breakfast to continue with our walk, we will start from Soraypampa and continue to the highest point of Abra Salkantay (4 hours) (4650m.s.n.m). After passing through Salkantaypampa and Soyrococha we will relax and enjoy a small lagoon, before we begin the descent to Huayracmachay(3 hours) (3800m.s.n.m) where we will take our lunch. From there we will continue down to Chaullay (2 hours) (2900m.snm) where our second camp will be.

Accomodation: camp for 2 people

DAY 3: CHAULLAY-PLAYA SAHUAYACO-SANTA TERESA (11KM APPROX)

After a comforting breakfast we will begin our walk by appreciating a variety of coca crops, considered the sacred leaf of our ancestors which is currently cultivated in tropical zones. The last section of the walk will be decent to the beach (6 hours) (1900 mm) where we will take our lunch and from there take a bus to Santa Teresa where we will spend the night. Optional visit to the thermal springs of Cocalmayo.

Accomodation: camp for 2 people

DAY 4: SANTA TERESA - HYDROELECTRIC - AGUAS CALIENTES 17 KM APPROX (OPTIONAL ZIP LINE)

The fourth day will begin at 7:00 a.m with a typical breakfast in Santa Teresa, Before some exciting zip lining (This activity is additional and optional). This day is characterized by its pleasant tropical climate. After the zip lining, our transport will take us from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric power station, and the people who do not do the Zip Line will make a trek through the valley and the Vilcanota river for about 3 hours until they reach the hydroelectric power station. In this place, we will have our lunch with the whole group.

Finally, we will conclude the last stretch of the hike, taking approximately 10 km before arriving in the town of Aguas Calientes where we will go immediately to our lodging to rest and spend the night in comfortable beds. At sunset, we will share the farewell dinner with the guide at which time we will inform you about the plans for the next day.

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

DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES-MACHUPICCHU- CUSCO

The most important day of our trip, getting to discover one of the 7 wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. And we have two ways to get there:
The first is walking, 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 at 4:30 am in order to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in time for sunrise.
And for people taking the bus, the buses will leave from 5:30 am and will arrive early at Machupicchu so that people are able to appreciate the sunrise which 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 about the historical legacy of the citadel of Machu Picchu, and the full description of this great and imposing attraction.

After the excursion if you have a ticket you can ascend to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, After all of this you must descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes by bus or walking. You can then have relaxed and have lunch before you board the return train to Ollantaytambo (2 hours of travel by train) where our transport to the city of Cusco awaits (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: 05:30 - 06:00

Hostel and hotel pick up

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DAY 1: 06:00 - 08:00

Pass to Izcuchaca, Limatambo and Mollepata and have breakfast

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DAY 1: 08:00 - 14:00

Start the walk in Challacancha.View of Huamantay and Salkantay mountain

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DAY 1: 14:00 - 15:00

Arrive in Soraypampa, take a lunch and relax

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DAY 1: 15:00 - 17:00

Visit Huamantay lagoon and back to the camp

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DAY 1: 19:00

Overnight in Soraypampa

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DAY 2: 05:30 - 06:00

Have a breakfast

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DAY 2: 06:00 - 12:00

Ascent, start trek to Soyroccocha

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DAY 2: 12:00 - 15:00

Descent to Chaullay and lunch

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DAY 2: 19:00

Overnight in Chaullay

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DAY 3: 07:00 - 12:00

Start the trek to La Playa and explore the nature

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DAY 3: 12:00 - 16:00

Lunch in La Playa and take the bus to Santa Teresa

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DAY 3: 16:00 - 19:00

Overnight in Santa Teresa, Optional visit to the natural hot springs

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DAY 4: 06:00 - 09:00

Have a breakfast. Then zipling (optional)

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DAY 4: 09:00 - 14:00

Start the walk to Hidroelectric and lunch here

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DAY 4: 14:00 - 18:00

Go to Aguas Calientes and overnight in basic hostel. Hot springs (optional)

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DAY 5: 04:30 - 12:00

Explore Machu Picchu sanctuary and guided for 2 hours

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DAY 5: 18:20 - 20:20

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

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DAY 5: 22:30

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

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- Briefing a day before the tour starts
- Pick up from the hostel in Cusco 04:30 am to 5:00 am
- Private transportation Cusco - Mollepata -Challacancha
- 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners, 4 Breakfasts
- 3 nights in camp
- 1 night in a basic hostel
- Cook, muleteers, mules and porters (who carry food and camping equipment)
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, kitchen equipment)
- Entrance to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu
- Professional bilingual guide service during the 5 days
- First aid kit
- Vegetarian food option without additional cost
- Train tickets from Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo (Expeditions)
- Transportation from Ollanta Station to Cusco (San Francisco 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 Machu Picchu Mountain
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Entrance to the Salkantay Way S/.10.00 soles approx
- Entrance to the Thermal Springs of Cocalmayo S/.10.00 soles approx
- Entrance to Aguas Calientes hot springs S/. 20.00 soles approx
- Zip Line in Santa Teresa
- Sleeping bag
- Mineral water during the trip

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.

- PASSPORT - very important!
- Sleeping bag
- Hat to protect against sun or rain
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen cream
- Light and warm clothing
- Camera
- Bottle of water
- Sportswear (1 pair of each)
- Hiking shoes
- Mosquito repellent
- Jacket for rain or poncho
- Extra money
- Standard travel backpack
- 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 Salkantay 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. Where is Machu Picchu?

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

6. 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 medications, nausea and vomiting and increasing fatigue or shortness of breath may indicate more serious problems – seek medical attention.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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 $18 extra.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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, organisation and assistance with your plans for these tours.

16. Can I have a private room ?

    Yes, of course, but you will need to pay an extra 20 dollars ( 3 nights in camp and 1 night in Aguas Calientes) the day of your briefing ( a day before the tour starts). You must inform by email bookings@findlocaltrips.com 48 hours before the tour starts.