An extensive collection of treks in the Sacred valley with Hotel accommodation provides a luxurious and satisfying alternative to the normal Inca trail.
This interesting exploration of the Sacred valley takes in large sights often missed by those in a hurry to get to Machu Picchu. The combination of downhill walks, artisan markets, varied sights and progression through Incan history provides the perfect build up for the final day at Machu Picchu.
Highlights
*A great alternative to the Inca Trail--perfect for dates when Inca Trail permits are sold out.
*Combine treks in the Sacred Valley with a journey to Machu Picchu
*Explore fabulous Inca Ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
Day 1 - Pisac Ruins
Day 2 - Chinchero
Day 3 - Moray & Moras OR Huchuy Quosqo
Day 4 - Ollantaytambo - Pumamarca - Aguas Calientes
Day 5 - Machu Picchu ...see full itinerary
Pisac Ruins are perched high on the mountain overlooking the picturesque Andean village of modern Pisac. The village is famous for its Sunday market and superb Artisan stalls. From the main square there is a circular hike along a well defined mountain trail up to the ruins followed by exploration of the extensive, Royal buildings, look-outs, terraces, tunnels and irrigation channels before returning on another good trail to the bus. If time permits one can hike back to Pisac on a series of steep Inca steps (or for the weary back to the bus).
Every Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday Pisac also holds it famous artisan market ideal for picking up a bargain or two. We can visit a traditional bakery to try freshly baked bread or empanadas before returning to our hacienda base for the night (B/L/D)
Distance: 1-4 Km (¾ - 2 ½ miles) Time 1-3 hours
Ascent: 430m (1400ft)
Descent 430m (1400ft)
Altitude: 2970m - 3400m
Day 2 - Chinchero
We head to the interesting ruins of Chinchero for a full guided tour. Our hike today follows an incredibly well preserved Inca Trail from Chinchero down to the small village of Huayllabamba. This beautiful lush valley combines interesting ruins, original Inca Trail and spectacular views. In the late afternoon we can visit the busy town of Urubamba and visit a local pottery before returning to our hotel that evening (B/L/D)
CHINCHEROS RUINS TO HUAYLLABAMBA:These interesting ruins consist of numerous terraces on which a large church has been built. After visiting the ruins and seeing the local artisan market that is famous for its weavings we trek along impeccably well preserved Inca Trail descending to the lush Huayllabamba valleyby way of a beautiful hike.
Option 1: Moray and Maras saltpans
We head back towards Chinchero before taking a dirt road to the incredible ruins of Moray. These rarely visited circular ruins are thought to have been agricultural experimental stations in the times of the Incas. After visiting the ruins, we follow an ancient mule trail with spectacular views of the snow capped Cordillera Vilcanota back across the plains to the interesting town of Maras for lunch.
In the afternoon we descend from Maras to the amazing Salinas – the salt pans of Maras that have been worked since Inca times. We explore this amazing site then descend to the Urubamba river and our awaiting vehicle and return to our base in the Sacred Valley. (B/L/D)
Moray ruins & saltpans: From the fascinating circular ruins of Moray there is an optional seven kilometre walk back to the ancient town of Maras, following donkey trails through agriculturally rich plains. We will see examples of the finest Andean farming on our way.
Alternatively we could just catch the bus to Maras and from here drop down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the well used donkey trails from the still-worked Incan salt-pans below. We weave through these fascinating salt-pans in such an unexpected location down to the valley floor and the river Urubamba.
Distance: 5 or 12 Km (3 ¼ or 7 ½ miles) Time: 1 or 2 ½ hours
Descent: 485m (1600ft) Altitude: 2900m - 3385m
Option 2: Huchuy Quosqo
A true adventure hike high above the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the rarely visited ruins of Huchuy Quosqo. Following a spectacular drive, we hike an ancient Inca trail through a truly impressive canyon and emerge to amazing views of the Sacred Valley to explore Huchuy Quosqo. These amazingly well preserved ruins are thought to have been the private resort of an Inca prince. We return to our Sacred Valley base for the evening (B/L/D)
Huchuy Quosqo: A spectacular drive on an interesting road brings us to the very top of the Sacred Valley, passing small hamlets, llamas and traditional farming village. At 4000m, we start our hike, following the footsteps of the Incas, passing a high point of 4100m, before descending on original Inca trail through a truly impressive gorge, crossing an Inca bridge and emerging high above the Sacred Valley at Huchuy Quosqo.
We enjoy a packed lunch en route and meet our vehicle only at the end of the trail. This remote hike really shows us a part of the Peru that few other tourists will ever see.
Distance: 12 Km (7 ½ miles) Time: 5- 6 hours
Ascent: 100m (330ft) Descent 600m (1800ft) Altitude: 4000m – 4100m – 3500m
Day 4 - Ollantaytambo - Pumamarca - Aguas Calientes
Today we head further down the Sacred Valley of the Incas and journey up to the small traditional hamlet of Huilloc from where many of the porters who hike the Inca Trail originate and where Quechua, the language of the Incas is still used and traditional costumes are worn. We visit an interesting weaving centre to see how traditional ponchos are made before commencing our days hike with a short steep climb up to Puma Marca – a remarkably well preserved Inca Ruin with a spectacular view and ideal place for an unforgettable picnic lunch.
Later we follow an Inca Trail along the steeply terraced valley down towards Ollantaytambo. We then explore the fortress of Ollantaytambo – a steep but worthwhile climb to see some of the most impressive Inca stone work ever. You then catch an afternoon train from Ollantaytambo station down the Urubamba gorge and check into your hotel at Aguas Calientes. If joining the Inca Trail group they will arrive later this afternoon (B/L)
PUMA MARCA TO OLLANTAYTAMBO: A Short sharp climb awaits us following an old dirt road to reach the impressively located Puma Marca ruins. We then begin a meandering descent again on an old Inca Trail and following the course of an ancient Inca water channel, passing many well preserved terraces en route before reboarding our bus for the short road transfer to Ollantaytambo
Distance: 5 or 12 Km (3 ¼ or 7 ½ miles) Time: 1 or 2 ½ hours
Descent: 485m (1600ft)
Altitude: 2900m - 3385m
OLLANTAYTAMBO RUINS:This impressive Inca fortress is well worth a visit not only for its amazing stone work and terraces but also for the views from up top. It’s a short steep climb to reach the main fort where one of the last great battles between Incas and the Spanish was fought.
Distance: 2Km Time: 1 ½ hours
Ascent: 100m
Descent: 100m (1600ft) Altitude: 2800m - 2900m
Day 5 - Machu Picchu
Today we catch the first bus up to Machu Picchu just as it gets light and can enjoy the ruins with virtually no other tourists. Following a full guided tour of the ruins, if time permits, we can organize a variety of hikes – back to the Sungate on the original Inca trail or for the adventurous a climb up Huayna Picchu for a spectacular view of Machu Picchu. We enjoy a late lunch in Aguas Calientes before catching the PM train back to Poroy and a bus from there to Cusco where we check into our hotel for the next three nights (B)
MACHU PICCHU RUINS: A side hike to the Inca bridge is about 30 minutes / 2 Km. The hike up to the high peak of Huayna Picchu is a steep 200m (650ft) near vertical up big Inca steps, a head for heights is essential for this 1.5 hour round trip.
When open the Temple of the Moon path is a longer, cliff hugging path. For those who have not already done so a walk back up to the Inca trail to the ‘Sun Gate’ 3Km / 1.5 hour is also possible.
This provider can help with your other additional needs
local flights
transfers
additional accomodations
trip extensions
... and other requirements.
Request these additional services when you check availability above
What's Included
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transport in private vehicle
- A private, qualified, English speaking guide
- A hacienda in Urubamba and a hostal in Aguas Calienets
- An emergency first-aid kit and oxygen
- All meals provided are indicated in the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Not Included
- Personal belongings
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Meals in Aguas Calientes
To review this trip please register or login (if already registered).
Overall Rating:
2 customer reviews
Destination:
5.0
Activity:
3.5
Equipment:
4.5
Food:
4.0
Guides & Service:
5.0
Provider Rating: 19 trip reviews
Equipment:
4.6
Food:
4.6
Guides & Service:
4.9
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
4.6
Trip Rating:
Destination:
Equipment:
Activity:
Food:
Guides & Service:
Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Rainforest Customized Package
by Jane S., Experienced,
Jul 14, 2010
I asked for at least one day in Lima. It would have been nice to have 2 days. There is much to see here and many areas are beautiful. There is also a larger variety of restaurants. The time in the Sacred Valley, Cuzco, and Machu Picchu was terrific and 8 days there was more than enough. Three days in the jungle was perfect. (Only one mosquito bite this time of year!) We had an independent guide and driver who were outstanding in the Andes part. His name was Willow. Easy to understand, very helpful and considerate. The guide in the Amazon was at least as good (Moises). Both had an endearing sense of humor as well. The guide in Lima (Cissy) was also great. She shepherded us though the most important sites in the three hours we had with her and we were able to get a real feeling for the city. Do not short-change yourself by leaving out Lima. There is a vibrant night-life there as well.
Be prepared not to have reliable hot water in the Andes, even at the finest hotels. In places like urubamba you might not have heat in the room and it does get cold at night. i brought my own slippers. Slippers an robes are not provided in most hotels. If you want a shower cap, bring it. In the jungle, keep your clothes away from the windows (screens only) as they will get damp. Don't rely on washing anything there as it won't dry.
Very demanding hikes, thinner air affects muscles.
Trip Rating:
Destination:
Equipment:
Activity:
Food:
Guides & Service:
Very Good Trip for Limited Time commitment
by woart, Proficient,
May 30, 2007
This was an excellent trek option for someone who cannot committ the time or get the permits for the Inca Trail. While I wish I could have hiked the trail, this was a well run trek with an excellent guide and lots of amazing things to see. I deffinatly recommend it to anyone who lacks the time or inclination to hike the trail.
- Pick-up from your hotel
- Transport in private vehicle
- A private, qualified, English speaking guide
- A hacienda in Urubamba and a hostal in Aguas Calienets
- An emergency first-aid kit and oxygen
- All meals provided are indicated in the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Not Included
Not Included
- Personal belongings
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Meals in Aguas Calientes
Notes
Trip Notes
The “Sacred Valley option” travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes this so very special could also cause certain problems. Thus, whilst Amazonas Explorer endeavors to minimise the chances of anything unexpected happening, it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidly adhered to. This is the very nature of Adventure Travel and we expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slight alterations in our programmed events. In all cases we will advise you of any changes in the itinerary as early as possible. We have taken all these possibilities into account when planning this expedition and have allowed sufficient leeway to enable us to successfully run this exceptional trip.
The majority of dietary and medical requirements can be catered for, but we must be notified of these at the time of booking. Obtaining the correct vaccinations and visas required for Peru is the responsibility of the clients’.
The Sacred Valley option involves trekking some descents on rough path -it is recommended that all clients should have some previous trekking experience and should be in reasonable fitness.
You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particular trekking, whitewater rafting, inflatable canoeing, mountain biking and traveling in remote areas such as Southern Peru, does carry with it certain inherent risks that you, the client, will have to assume. You will have to take out an adequate travel insurance to cover these risks and any costs incurred due to sickness, delayed flights and other factors out of Amazonas Explorer control.
A pre-departure meeting will be held on the day before departure. It is highly recommended you attend. All clients will be asked to sign a release and waiver form (a copy of which is available from Amazonas Explorer) and must provide a photocopy of their passport, Peru entry stamp and details of their travel insurance.
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Types
Private Van Public Bus/Van Train
Lodging - Accommodations
Lodging Types
4 Nights hotels
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
WHAT IS OUR "PORTER PROTECTION" POLICY?
According to Peruvian legislation the definition of a porter is "an independent worker who offers his services and who with his own body carries gear, personal equipment and other goods necessary for touristic expeditions." Each individual can establish working relationships with one or more employer, subject to the laws being obeyed by the operating company.
-The payment for porters has been established as a percentage of the UIT (an official tax code) - Amazonas Explorer pay their porters the correct amount on time for their work done in accordance with this legislation. This wage has been agreed by Amazonas Explorer and their porters and is also accepted by the Porters' union in Cusco.
-Porters are contracted by a designated Head porter and Payment is made directly by the Head guide, thus avoiding any intermediaries or other possible conflicts. Whilst the legislation is unclear at present, we pay the $10 Inca trail Porter fee and do not take it out of their wages.
-The Inca trail rules state they can not carry more than 20Kg of company equipment and 5kgs of personal equipment. We abide by this and it is enforced by the Inca trail governing body at several weigh stations on the way.
-We provide a large communal tent with carry mat floor for them to sleep in. It is not the clients' dining tent.
-We provide our porters with plenty of good food. This is not the same menu given to the passengers, but it is nutritious, abundant and what they are used to eating. They have their own cooking facilities so do not have to wait for the clients to finish eating before they get their food.
-We provide the porters with return train tickets (with designated seat allocation) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
-We only use registered Inca trail porters (as Inca trail rules stipulate) - these have to pass several forms of ID, Character reference and a letter of good health and to have attended an Inca Trail Porter Awareness course.
-All porters work freelance and our governing body APTAE is working on providing individual cheap good insurance policies for their health care. When this is in place we will donate to this directly.
-We provide a porter uniform.
Tell me about the safety precautions and plans for this trip.
SAFETY FIRST:
We pride ourselves on our safety record and plan to maintain our claim as being the safest and best equipped team on any expedition. Whilst rafting, safety kayaks and catarafts are present wherever deemed necessary and we carry an extensive emergency first aid kit and satellite telephones on all remote expeditions.
The key to Amazonas Explorer's Safety Policy are our highly trained and superbly motivated Staff. The guides make decisions that put safety above all else. These decisions include walking around rapids, waiting out for better weather, route changes and limiting trip participation if the client is too sick to continue. We expect the clients to abide by these decisions.
River Guides
All our river guides hold the internationally recognised "Swift-water Technician" qualification. Staff training on safe river-running techniques is constantly being reviewed. All guides are deemed experienced and capable to raft at the high levels necessary on these demanding rivers. All have up to date Wilderness first aid certificates, have agreed to abide with our commitment to maximum risk reduction and are aware of emergency & evacuation procedures at any point.
Inca Trail Guides
All have the necessary Tourism University degree required to be registered Inca Trail guides. This course includes Peruvian history, languages, International tourist circuits, geography, geology, company organisation and administration. They have up to date Wilderness first aid certificates and a working knowledge of hypothermia and altitude sickness. They are aware of emergency & evacuation procedures at any point. By trekking the Inca trail in five days this ensures you never camp between the two high altitude passes where altitude sickness can take its toll. This means evacuation is a simple quick and effective operation.
Mountain Bike Guides
All have up to date Wilderness first aid certificates and are aware of emergency & evacuation procedures at any point. They have a background of biking and can fix most roadside problems. On longer endurance trips a professional bike mechanic and spare bikes are taken as an extra precaution.
Tour Conductors:
All have up to date Wilderness first aid certificates, insure the implementation of our risk assessment and reduction policy and are aware of emergency & evacuation procedures at any point.
Risk Assessment:
Amazonas Explorer has undertaken a risk assessment for all activities that we offer. Individual risk assessments per activity are available on request. Passengers should be aware they are taking part in adventurous activities in remote locations with inherent risks including possible personal injury. They should be prepared to accept such inherent risks and personal injury that may occur on a trip of this nature. A prerequisite of joining an Amazonas Explorer trip is all clients must take out personal travel insurance that will cover personal injury (including search & rescue) should any accident occur whilst partaking in an adventure, details of which must be given to their tour guide at the start of the trip.
Maximum Age
None
Travel Provider
Provider Name
Amazonas Explorer
Why should I choose this provider?
Amazonas Explorer specializes in small group fixed departure adventures in Peru and Bolivia. Whether it is Trekking, Rafting, Canoeing, Mountain biking, Cultural tours, Multi-activity, Family adventures, Exploratory expeditions or Customised adventures, here you will find the very best Alternative Adventures available in Peru and Bolivia.
Provider FAQ's
WHO TRAVELS WITH AMAZONAS EXPLORER?
From wonderfully differing backgrounds and countries, our genuinely small groups of 4 - 16 clients, typically share a passion for the outdoors, a healthy appetite for adventure and a love of the good life. No previous experience is necessary for any of our trips unless specified in the adventure
RECOMMENDED READING
The White Rock - Hugh Thomson
Running the Amazon - Joe Kane.
Exploring Cusco - Peter Frost
A Neotropical Companion -John C.Kricher (1997 [second edition] Princeton University Press)
A Guide to the Birds of Colombia - Stephen Hilty & William Brown (Princeton University Press)
Exploration Fawcett - Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett (Century 1988)
The bridge of San Luis Rey - Thorton Wilder
Conquest of the Incas - John Hemmingway
Heart of the Amazon - Yossi Ghinsberg (Macmillan 1999)
The Inca Trail - Richard Danbury
Field guide to the birds of Machu Picchu - Barry Walker
Into the forests of the night - John Simpson
Touching the void - Joe Simson
Inca Kola - Matthew Paris
Inca Gold - Clive Cussler
Realm of the Incas - Max Milligan
Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord by Loius de Bernieres
WHAT INNOCULATIONS DO I NEED?
A doctor should always be consulted for the latest information and what is suitable for you.
Generally: Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A.
Jungle Areas only: Yellow fever & Malaria
Local Epidemics: Typhoid & Cholera
There is a very effective dog rabies vaccination program in Peru but if remote Mountain biking or trekking is to be undertaken Rabies vaccines should be considered. In emergencies this is available locally.
WHAT IS AN AVERAGE TREKKING DAY?
Wake up call at 0600 with a cup of tea & bowl of water for washing. You then have one hour to pack up your rucksack before breakfast at 0700. This enables the porters to take down your tents whilst you are eating.
0730 Start trekking.
1100 Snack break
1230 - 1330 Lunch break
1530 Arrival at camp. The porters will have set up camp and have hot drinks and snacks waiting.
1800 Three-course dinner & hot drinks
Trekking is at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for rests & exploring the ruins on route. This itinerary is flexible depending on the weather & group health.
WHAT IS AN AVERAGE RAFTING DAY?
0700 Wake up call and time to pack up gear & tents.
0800 Breakfast & load kit on the rafts.
0830-0900 Begin rafting
1100 Snack time
1230 - 1330 Lunch break
1530 Stop rafting & set up camp
1800 Dinner
Rafting is at the speed deemed safe by the raft guides at the water conditions at the time. Plenty if time is allowed for portaging/walking the rapids deemed to dangerous to run.
WHAT IS AN AVERAGE BIKING DAY?
0700 Wake up call and time to pack up gear & tents.
0800 Breakfast & load support truck.
0830 Begin Biking
1230 - 1330 Lunch break
1530 Stop Biking & set up camp
1800 Dinner
This itinerary is flexible depending on the weather & group health.
WHERE DO I STORE ALL MY RAFTING GEAR WHILE BIKING?
All excess gear may be stored in either the Hotels, support vehicles or in the Amazonas Explorer deposit whilst on alternative activities.
WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION SHOULD I EXPECT?
A 5* Hilton Hotel is used on arrival in Lima. All other hotels are clean and functioning 3* Hotels with laundry service, hot water & cable TV standard in Cusco, Puno & Arequipa. Further afield we use charming local hostals where standards vary but our aim is to provide a comfortable bed, clean rooms and hot water where available.
WHAT DIETARY REQUIREMENTS DO YOU PROVIDE FOR:
All dietary requirements from vegans, Lacto-allergies & general dislikes can be catered for so long as prior warning is given when booking the trip.
HOW MANY PEOPLE IN A RAFT?
We pride ourselves on our high guide to passenger staff ratio.
Optimal weather and water conditions would give 4 or 6 passengers in paddle rafts (raft size depending). We do not pack 8 people into any raft. In high water Oar frames are used for extra safety. These may have 2 or 4 passengers. Tail frames are also used to provide more safety.
WHAT WASHING / TOILET FACILLITIES ARE PROVIDED ON TRIPS?
Camping toilets & toilet tents are provided on all but the remotest expeditions.
On the rafting the river is generally used for washing and clean water supplied for drinking & teeth brushing.
On the Inca trail bowls of hot water are supplied in the morning and night. Clean hand washing water is available at all meal times.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?
The dry season is considered April - October.
The trips in November & December are chosen with slightly wetter, warmer weather in mind.
The rainy season is considered January to March and Amazonas Explorer do not operate in these months.
However no guarantees are given for perfect weather at any time of year.
WHAT DO I DO IN MY FREE TIME IN TOWNS?
Your guides will advise you of all possible options during the trip. Cusco has an abundance of good artisan markets, local ruins, internet cafes, bars, restaurants & night-clubs. Sleeping & reading books is also popular between activities.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM / MAXIMUM AGE?
The minimum age for the most adventure trips is 16 years. Occasionally younger clients can be taken prior previous consultation with Amazonas Explorer.
Private trips can be arranged for passengers and friends under 16 years old.
There is no maximum age limit but individuals are asked to be realistic of their capabilities when choosing an adventure trip.
Family trips are specifically aimed at 10 to 18 years olds travelling with their parents.
WHAT MEDICAL PROBLEMS ARE CONSIDRED A RISK?
Most of the adventure trips are at altitudes greater than 2,800m where altitude effects can be felt.
Altitude tends to aggravate any pre-existing medical condition. Travelers with anemia, heart conditions and high blood pressure should check with their doctors before undertaking travel at altitude.
A multi-activity adventure with no altitude involved is the Christmas TUMBES trip.
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?
The Peruvian New Sol is the current currency. US Dollars can be used in most restaurants (at a poorer exchange rate). UK pounds and Euros are not recommended.
Current exchange rates (as of Nov 2004):
1GBP = 5.2 soles 1US$ = 3.3 Soles
WHAT MONEY CHANGING FACILLITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
All large towns and airports have ATM's that accept Credit (Visa preferred) & normal bank cards (Connect, Cirrus).
Banks will accept paper credit card withdrawals - but the hours and queues are annoyingly unsociable.
Money changing houses are available in all towns. US Dollars are the preferred currency; GB Sterling is not widely accepted.
Out of towns try to have as many small coins & notes as possible as change is not widely available.
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN PERU?
The official language is Spanish.
Quechua, the language of the Incas, has finally received some official status and is widely used in the mountains. Aymara is the language of the mountain people of Lake Titicaca and Bolivia.
The jungle tribes have their own dialects.
English is not widely spoken outside the tourist industry & the normal tourist routes.
WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL FLIGHT BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE?
International flight allowances vary between 20Kg and 64Kg - please check with your ticket agent.
National flights generally have baggage weight restrictions of between 20-30Kg per passenger. Passengers are responsible for their own excess baggage charges. These are currently $2.50 per Kilogram. We always try to book the most lenient airline for passengers travelling with bikes or extra baggage if notified at the time of booking. Hand luggage is also strictly controlled and must not weigh more than 5 Kg nor be much bigger than a small day-pack. Security is tight in the airports so remember to pack any pocket-knives and sharp objects (tools for example in your check-in luggage)
WHAT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IS THERE?
220V, 60Hz, American Style two-pin plugs
WHAT SHOULD I TIP IN PERU?
Generally in restaurants you only tip if the service is good up to 10% of the cost of the meal.
Hotel porters may receive a tip again if you believe they have provided a good service.
Street children & other beggars in the country. We believe in paying only for services rendered, helping with water bottles, directions or posing for photographs. There are some ladies in Cusco whose occupation is posing for photographs in full traditional costume with Llamas, this is their livelihood and payment is required for photographs.
A rough tip system has been set for the guides & porters. This varies with service, length of trip & size of group.
Drivers / Porters $10-$15
Head porter/ toilet carrier / Assistant cook $20
Day guides for Biking, Rafting & Cultural tours $20
Head cook $40-$50
Inca Trail / Raft Guide / Bike guide /Tour Conductor $60-$100
Most good sporting equipment is unavailable in Peru. Equipment given in lieu of a cash tip is very much appreciated.
HOW CAN I STAY IN TOUCH WITH HOME?
The office may be contacted directly in case of emergencies. There are numerous Internet cafes in Cusco for e-mailing home, direct dial phone cards are widely available and telephone calls can be made from most hotels. Tri-band cellular phones also work in the major cities. On remote expeditions we carry a satellite phone but this is exclusively for emergency use.
HOW SAFE IS PERU?
Petty theft is wide-spread with thieves being quick & clever, most of the time people are unaware they have been robbed until later. Being vigilant with possessions, use a money belt and not carrying expensive items of value late at night and in busy markets and stations avoids most losses. At night in towns the normal street rules apply so do not walk alone, but take one of the many cheap official taxis. On the whole Peru is still safer than most European cities.
Provider Policies
Terms and Conditions
Terms, Conditions
The Small Print
Amazonas Explorer trips travel through remote and rarely visited parts of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes these trips so very special could also cause certain problems. Thus, whilst Amazonas Explorer endeavours to minimise the chances of anything unexpected happening, it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidly adhered to. This is the very nature of Adventure Travel and we expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slight alterations in our programmed events. At certain times of the year this trip may be run with the activities (walking, trekking the Inca trail, mountain biking, rafting and jungle) taking place in a slightly different order to those indicated here. This is to best suit the climate, take in any local fiestas or due to availability of permits for the Inca Trail.
In all cases we will advise you of any changes in the itinerary as early as possible. We have taken all these possibilities into account when planning this expedition and have allowed sufficient leeway to enable us to successfully run this exceptional trip. You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particular trekking, white-water rafting, inflatable canoeing, mountain biking and travelling in remote areas such as Southern Peru, does carry with it certain inherent risks that you, the client, will have to assume. You will have to take out an adequate travel insurance to cover these risks. National flight time tables are also subjected to local weather conditions. Please ensure your travel insurance covers any cost incurred due to delayed and cancelled flights. Excess baggage is also at the client's expense. A pre-departure meeting will be held on arrival in Cusco. It is highly recommended you attend. All clients will be asked to sign a release and waiver form and must provide a photocopy of their passport, Peru entry stamp and details of their travel insurance.
Cancellation Policies
1. We will invoice you eight weeks prior to departure.
2. Full payment is required six weeks prior to trip departure unless previously negotiated credit terms with Amazonas Explorer.
If the trip is canceled we reserve the right to charge:
(A) A $200 or 20% non-refundable deposit. This covers the cost of Inca Trail clients’ and porters’ permits purchased on client’s behalf.
(B) 44-15 days prior to departure we charge 50% of trip price.
(C) 14 days or less we charge 100% or trip cost.
In exceptional circumstances and entirely at our discretion, we can offer up to 50% off an advance towards a future Amazonas Explorer fixed departure trip.
INCA TRAIL SPECIFIC TRIPS:
The purchase of Inca Trail permits is strictly controlled by the Peruvian Institute of Culture (INC). There are only 500 permits for guides, porters and trekkers per day. This has led to very competitive demand with permits often being sold out three months in advance.
With regard any trip that involves trekking the Inca Trail, we are therefore introducing the following booking conditions.
1: Space on the trip cannot be confirmed until:
A): Full client information (Full name, Passport number, Nationality and Date of Birth) are sent to us in order to purchase your Inca trail permit.
B): Amazonas Explorer has confirmed that an Inca Trail permit is available for the trip of your choice.
C) The USD $200 non-refundable deposit has been paid.
2: Clients must bring with them the passport with which the permit was issued – ie the passport number that was provided us with at time of booking – otherwise entry to the Inca Trail will not be permitted.
3: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and local ruins entrance fees for 2010 have not yet been confirmed and should there be a significant increase, Amazonas Explorer will not be able to assume this extra cost and the extra will it have to be passed onto the clients
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TESTIMONIALS
I would recommend this trip to a friend in a second. The trip to the Galapagos was Outstanding. The Letty was wonderful; the naturalists were the greatest; the food was superb; the crew excellent; (I\'m running out of adjectives) I would recommend the whole thing and your agency also. You really provided excellent service and information. I felt I could email or call you with any questions and I knew you would answer quickly and I felt honestly. For just taking a chance finding you on the internet, I was very fortunate.
-- Joyce P, Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, Flamingo I
The Inca trail trek can only be described as magical. I tried my best to be cynical, but it didn’t work. This trip was pure magic and absolutely perfect.
The logistics of the trip were impeccable. The ground transportation was on time and they made sure I was able to obtain my boarding pass and pay the airport tax at each leg of the trip.
Out on the hike, my guide Oswaldo was fabulous.
The food on the trail was amazing. The chef created simple and fresh meals that were bursting with local flavor.
-- Terry B, Inca Trail 5-day with Andean Adventures
Just returned from Costa Rica last night ... trip was a GREAT SUCCESS! We all thank you VERY MUCH for arranging the trip.
-- Bob Fenchel, Custom Costa Rica with Camino Travel
We’ve been home just over a week now and I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you just how fantastically well everything went! Ok, so we did end up paying the full whack (which I’ve decided just not to think about!). However, we had a fantastic guide and everything ran really smoothly and we had a fantastic time. From being collected from the hotel (Vieja Cuba which was lovely) to being looked after once we got to the Galapagos it was all just perfect, so thank you very much for being an important part of our fabulous trip.
Cheers Greg !
-- Marayka K., Galapagos Multisport 7-Day Adventure
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley Trekking
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