IMPORTANT NOTICE:

BOOKINGS FOR MAY: 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 and train tickets 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.

Maximum Age: 70 years old – Medical proof of optimum health status

DAY 1: CUSCO CITY - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES

You’ll be picked up from your hostel at 10:00am, and be driven to Ollantaytambo. From there, you’ll take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas calientes at 12:55pm. On arrival to Aguas Caliente’s train station (at around 2:50pm), you’ll find our staff waiting for you. They’ll take you to the hostel where you’ll spend the night.

The town of Aguas Calientes – otherwise known as Machu Picchu pueblo – is the gateway to the magnificent Machu Picchu. It is therefore a tourist hotspot, as many people opt to stay the night here before rising in the early hours of the following morning to make the journey to the sacred Incan citadel. As this place basically serves as a stop-over point, there isn’t too much to do here. Despite this, you’ll find everything you need – restaurants, shops, and even massage parlours. Get some rest and an early night’s kip, as you’ll need all your energy for the big day tomorrow!

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

DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO CITY

Early in the morning, you’ll start the walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, following the stone steps with your fellow travellers. Depending on your physical condition, it could take 1 to 2 hours. Look out for the beautiful sunrise, and have your camera ready!

Once you’ve entered the sacred site of Machu Picchu, our guide will conduct a 2-hour tour. You’ll get to see the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, and the Royal Quarters, amongst other places of interest. After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore, take pictures, or just walk around the sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

As the day comes to an end, at around 6:00pm you’ll take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and then travel by bus to Cusco.

Arrival time in Cusco:
Train return 6:20 pm - Arrival at 10:20 pm

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.

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:

CUSCO HOTEL PICK UP

---

DAY 1:

TRAVEL FROM CUSCO TO OLLANTAYTAMBO

---

DAY 1:

TRAIN FROM OLLANTAYTAMBO TO AGUAS CALIENTES

---

DAY 1:

ARRIVAL TO AGUAS CALIENTES STATION

---

DAY 1:

OVERNIGHT IN HOSTEL

---

DAY 2:

EARLY WALK FROM AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHU PICCHU

---

DAY 2:

GUIDED TOUR OF MACHU PICCHU

---

DAY 2:

TRAIN FROM AGUAS CALIENTES TO OLLANTAYTAMBO

---

DAY 2:

BUS FROM OLLANTAYTAMBO TO CUSCO

---

- Mini-bus from Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Hostel in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Professional tour guide
- Transfer

- Bus tickets up and down Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu $ 24.00
- Food
- Entrance to Machupicchu Mountain (if you want to add this please send us an email BEFORE YOU BOOK)
- Entrance to Huaynapicchu Mountain (if you want to add this please send us an email BEFORE YOU BOOK)
- Travel insurance.

- Sun hat
- Small backpack
- Sun cream (SPF 35+)
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Water
- Snacks
- Camera
- Rain jacket
- 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).

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) will apply. 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. 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.

7. 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.

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.