IMPORTANT NOTICE:

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.

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 max length of time in the Sanctuary is equal for all visitors at 2 hours.

Minimum Age: 8 years old – Must have parents permission

DAY 1: CUSCO - SANTA TERESA - AGUAS CALIENTES

You’ll be picked up at between 6.00-6.30am from your hotel in our mini-bus, and the tour will begin with a nice, scenic ride to Ollantaytambo. You’ll have the chance to enjoy the area’s beautiful scenery, whilst taking a short break in Ollantaytambo. From there, you’ll continue to "Abra Malaga", a high mountain pass which stands at an altitude of 4,316m. From this vantage point, you’ll see some of the most amazing landscapes that Peru has to offer, including the snow-capped Veronica and Salkantay mountain peaks.

After a brief stop, the descent into the thick forest will begin. You’ll go in the direction of Santa Maria, which is located at an altitude of 1575m, and continue on to the small town of Santa Teresa, where you'll eat a delicious lunch at approximately 1:30pm. Stock up on water here, before travelling in our mini-bus to Hydroelectrica.

From Hydroelectric, you can choose to take a train* to get to Aguas Calientes. Otherwise, you’ll start the trek along a flat trail to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village). This walk is for an average of 3 hours (11 km). Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes (at around 6:00pm), you can settle into the hostel, and if you fancy a dip, it’s possible to enjoy the local hot springs for an additional price. Later, you’ll meet the rest of your tour group for dinner.

*Optional: The train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes is optional, and at an extra cost.

Accomodation: Sol de los Andes or Luna Muna or Eco Mapi or others ( double, twin, triple and 4-beds) - subject availability

DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU - HIDRO ELECTRICA - CUSCO

It’s off to an early start on your last day! Breakfast will be served from 4.00am, and there’ll be the option to go up to Machu Picchu by bus or by foot. The highlight is the breath-taking sunrise over this Incan citadel, so have your camera at the ready! The guided tour of the site will begin at approximately 6.00am, lasting for around 2 hours. Afterwards, you’ll be able to enjoy some free time for 30 minutes, after this time, we recommended to begin returning down the mountain to Aguas Calientes.

From Aguas Calientes, you’ll walk for around 3 hours to the Hydroelectric plant. There'll be time for a quick lunch here. You’ll then go by mini-bus back to Cusco, returning down the same road that brought you here. There'll be time for a quick stop in Santa Teresa if you need to buy any snacks. The estimated arrival time to the city is 10.00pm.

Note: The average altitude of the citadel is 8047 feet above sea level.

Note: 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 pick up 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: 06:00 - 06:30

Pick up from your hotel or hostel in Cusco

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DAY 1: 08:00 - 08:30

Pass by Ollantaytambo, and some beautiful towns

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DAY 1: 13:30 - 14:30

Lunch in Santa Teresa

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DAY 1: 14:30 - 15:00

Go from Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric by mini-bus

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DAY 1: 15:00 - 18:00

Walk to Aguas Calientes

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DAY 1: 18:00

Overnight in Aguas Calientes (optional hot springs)

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DAY 2: 04:00 - 05:30

Start the walking to Machu Picchu sanctuary

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DAY 2: 06:30 - 08:30

Guided tour of Machu Picchu Sanctuary

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DAY 2: 11:30 - 14:30

Walk back to Hydroelectric

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DAY 2: 14:30 - 15:00

Quick lunch in Hydroelectric

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DAY: 2: 15:00 - 15:30

Go from Hydroelectric to Santa Teresa by mini-bus

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DAY 2: 15:30 - 15:50

Stop in Santa Teresa (if you need to buy anything!)

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DAY 2: 15:50 - 22:00

Travel back to Cusco (San Francisco square)

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- Mini-bus to and from the Hydroelectric plant (Cusco - Hidroelectrica - Cusco)
- 1 night in a hostel
- 1 lunch, 1 dinner (Day 1), 1 box lunch (Day 2)
- Entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu
- Professional, bilingual guide

- Bus up to, or down from, Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes): One way is USD 12.00 and round trip is USD 24.00
- Lunch on Day 2
- Entrance to the thermal baths:10 soles (approx. USD $3)
- Train Expedition Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes: USD 32.00
Aguas Calientes - Hidroelectrica: USD 32.00 ( Schedule train: 12:30 or 13:30 hrs)

- Long sleeve shirts
- Swimsuit, shorts, towel, and sandals (for the thermal baths)
- Flashlight (for walking up to Machu Picchu)
- Standard trekking backpack
- Warm clothing
- Sports clothing
- Short pants and trekking boots
- Water purifying pills or enough water bottles
- Photo camera or video camera
- Insect repellent
- Sun block/sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Rain poncho or raincoat
- Extra Money
- Snacks

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 (+ 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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Can I have a private room if I travel alone?

   Yes, of course, but you will need to pay an extra 10 dollars for a private room in cash 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.

8. 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.