Explore the land of the Incas, with visits to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. We begin from the colonial and pre-Columbian grandeur of Cusco, with all the comforts it offers to travelers from all over the world. This fascinating city was the capital of the Inca Empire before the conquest by the Spaniards. In the 1500’s the Spanish built amazing cathedrals on Incan stone foundations. We will undertake a guided tour of these fascinating sites, and will explore the history and culture of these civilizations. The Sacred Valley of the Incas was the fertile heart of the Inca Empire and its people still farm amid the ruins of their ancestors' culture and trade in their colorful markets. We will explore Pisaq, with its colorful market, as well as Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, with its intact Inca planned street plan and irrigation ditches. From the valley we journey by train to Machu Picchu, still surrounded by the dense tropical forests rich in biodiversity that hid it from view for so many centuries. We will have a guided tour of this most magnificent of Inca ruins, and then will have the afternoon and most of the next day free to explore on your own. Overnighting in the area gives us a chance to explore Machu Picchu after the day tourists have left for Cusco and before the next batch arrives on the morning train.
Highlights
*Explore the land of the Incas
*We will tour Cusco's historic sites as well as have free time to explore the city on your own.
*Two days in Machu Picchu allow us time to explore this magical site when the day tourists aren't around
*Discover Inca history in the fantastic ruins of the Sacred Valley ...view more details
Abbreviated Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to the hotel in Lima
Day 2: Fly to Cusco; Tour of Cusco and Sacsayhuaman
Day 3: The Sacred Valley of the Incas
Day 4: Guided tour of Machupicchu
Day 5: Free day in Machupicchu, return to Cusco in the afternoon.
Why should I choose this trip? What makes it better (different) than other trips?
In only six days from Lima to Lima, you will explore the ancient Inca empire by visiting the most important Inca sites on the planet. You will have a mix of organized tours that will explain the history of the sites, and free time to explore on your own. Two days at Machupicchu allows you to enjoy this magnificent site after the day tourists leave in the afternoon and before the next batch arrives the next morning. ...view more details
What kind of person will enjoy this trip?
If you are interested in exploring the history and culture of Peru and South America, this trip is for you! ...view more details
Day 2: Transfer to airport in Lima and to hotel in Cusco
The archaeological capital of the Americas and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent lies in exceptionally beautiful Andean countryside. It is 3400 meters above sea level and its legacy as the hub of the Inca empire is readily apparent: Most of the city streets are lined with Inca-built stone walls and crowded with Quechua speaking descendants of the Incas.
City Tour of Cusco and ruins of Sacsayhuaman.
We begin our tour with a visit to the cathedral, which was built between 1560 and 1654 on the site of the palace of the Inca Wiracocha. It is a magnificent example of European art made by the indigenous population. Its main altar is completely covered in silver, and the church contains many fine paintings from the Cusco School of religious art. From the cathedral we move on to Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, where we will be able to see some of the finest remaining examples of the Inca stonemasons' art. At the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, we will explore this ancient Inca sanctuary with its immense monolithic walls built from stones that weigh up to 130 tons each, all joined together perfectly.
We will then visit the amphitheatre at Qenqo, the fortress of Puka Pukara and the ritual Inca baths at Tambomachay.
Day 3: The Sacred Valley of the Incas
Pisaq market. The colourful markets of the valley are open during the mornings, when you will be able to buy Peruvian crafts, jewellery and textiles, and see the traditional produce market where local people trade. Pisaq market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and Chinchero market is only open on Sundays.
Ollantaytambo: The village of Ollantaytambo retains the original street plan of the Inca town, making it the only surviving example of Inca urban planning. Our tour will include a visit to the agricultural areas around the village, the irrigation system, granaries and the fortress-temple built by the Inca Pachacuteq using stonemasons from the Colla culture around Lake Titicaca.
Day 4 & 5: Machupicchu
Machu Picchu, the so-called "Lost City of the Incas", remains intact because it was never discovered by the invading Spanish. Constructed on a high, forested mountain overlooking the Urubamba river, Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu were lost in time and dense foliage until they were brought to the attention of the outside world in July 1911 by the American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham. Our guides will carefully explain the history of this unique place and guide us around its terraces, temples, palaces and watercourses.
Day 5: Free day in Machupicchu.
In the afternoon return to Cusco, by train, transfer to your hotel.
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
*All the necessary Land transport.
*All tours and transfers with English speaking tour guide.
*Entrances fee for all tours and excursions, parks and museums.
*Accommodation at selected hotel with private bathroom (double room bases ).
*Single supplement includes: single room where available and single tent on trek.
*Food: hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner as describe in the above itinerary (BLD).
Not Included
*Tips to guides.
*Second day bus services to Machu Picchu cost: US$ 12.00.
*Second day Entrance fees to Machu Picchu cost: US$ 30.00.
*Airport taxes: $6 USD for each domestic flight and $30 USD for the international flight.
*Drinks.
*Tips to the staff.
*Travel insurance.
*Personal expenses: clothing and sleeping bag, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
*Meals not included in the program.
*Internal flights (approximately $215.00).
*All the necessary Land transport.
*All tours and transfers with English speaking tour guide.
*Entrances fee for all tours and excursions, parks and museums.
*Accommodation at selected hotel with private bathroom (double room bases ).
*Single supplement includes: single room where available and single tent on trek.
*Food: hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner as describe in the above itinerary (BLD).
Not Included
Not Included
*Tips to guides.
*Second day bus services to Machu Picchu cost: US$ 12.00.
*Second day Entrance fees to Machu Picchu cost: US$ 30.00.
*Airport taxes: $6 USD for each domestic flight and $30 USD for the international flight.
*Drinks.
*Tips to the staff.
*Travel insurance.
*Personal expenses: clothing and sleeping bag, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
*Meals not included in the program.
*Internal flights (approximately $215.00).
Transportation On Trip
Transportation Description
From Lima to Cusco you will fly on a commercial airline. In Cusco and the Sacred Valley we use our own private vehicle, and we will take the train to Machu Picchu.
Transportation Types
Private Bus Train
Average hours/day travel
1/2 hour to 3 hours.
Lodging - Accommodations
What are the accommodations like?
We stay in comfortable, clean, First Class hotels
Lodging Types
5 Nights hotels
Toilet Facilities
Details
Provider Social and Environmental Responsibility
Andean Adventures donates a percentage of its income to remote rural communities for the development of basic educational infrastructure and provides Christmas presents for the children of these neglected regions of Peru.
Tell me about the guides on this trip
Our Local Guides:
In every city or place you visit. Are all experienced and possess specialized knowledge in a number of fields. They are carefully selected for their travel experience and general knowledge. All of them are graduates of Peruvian universities and have had intense training courses before leading a tour, then every year they receive period training designed to maintain and improve their expertise.
We provide Peruvian guides
that have English, French, German, Italian and Japanese as second or third language.
Our trip leaders:
They are not only tour leaders but also guides that know their territory with its history and traditions. They have been qualified to lead unusual back country excursions and expeditions anywhere in the Andes; whether it's hiking Inca trails to Machupicchu, exploring the Amazon Jungle, or leading Inca archaeology and anthropological tours, our credentials include numerous explorations of lost cities in remote areas.
Maximum Age
None
Weather
The Andes comprise two principal ranges - Cordillera Occidental and Oriental - and include Huascaran (6770m/22,200ft), Peru's highest mountain and the highest peak in the southern hemisphere. The Inca trail is in the Vilcabamba mountain range and the highest peak is Salcantay (6272m 20577ft). From April to October is the dry season. hot and dry during the day around 20C-25C 65-77 F and cold and dry at night, often below freezing. From November to April is the wet season, dry and clear most mornings, and some rainfall in the afternoon, and very often very heavy rains at night specially from December to April. The temperature in the mornings (18C) 64F drops at night (15C) 59F (not much difference).
Activities
Additional Activities
a
Travel Provider
Provider Name
Andean Adventures and Tours
Why should I choose this provider?
2005 marks a special occasion for us: Andean Adventures celebrates being the number one pioneer in customized cultural trips and eco tourism in Peru and Bolivia. Established since 1985 in Cusco, the ancient heart of the Inca Empire and today's historical capital of Peru, we have the longest experience in providing a high level service in expeditions and excursions in the Andes. Better than anyone, we are familiar with the land, its people and their history... because for twenty years, we have been transmitting our culture and identity to our customers.
Together we have discovered the elegance of Lima; studied the weavings of the Paracas culture; wondered at the enigmatic lines of Nasca; admired the lofty flight of the condor in the Colca Canyon; dreamt on the shores of lake Titicaca; experienced the magic of Machu Picchu; been impressed with the megalithic constructions at Sacsaywaman; admired the Raqchi temple to Wiracocha; stood in awe of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and the primitive inhabitants of the rain forest at the Libertador Tambopata Lodge or the Manu Paradise cloud forest Lodge. Today, we represent your best guarantee of culture and adventure tourism in Peru. Come and celebrate our Anniversary in the place chosen by the Incas for their comfort and pleasure: come to the Libertador Valle Sagrado Lodge for a royal stay.
Provider Policies
Terms and Conditions
Booking conditions
Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible and your reservation will be confirmed when:
50% deposit at the time you make the booking.
Final payment one month before arrival date.
NOTE: We withhold the right to request full or part payment at any time for any booking in advance of a passenger’s arrival in order to reconfirm our services or hotel bookings made by us.
Cancellations:
Andean Adventures reserves the right to cancel any departure and offer clients an alternative date if the minimum number of passengers is not achieved or for any other reason deemed beyond our control.
If the trip is cancelled by the customer we require written notification. We will refund deposits after deducting unrecoverable costs such as the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf.
If the trip is cancelled by the client then we reserve the right to:
Charge the full cost of the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf.
Between 60 and 45 days prior to departure we will charge 10% of the price of the tour and the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf if applies.
From 44 to15 days prior to departure we will charge 50% of the price of the tour.
For cancellations 14 days or less before departure we will charge 100% of the net price of the tour.
Terms and Conditions
Andean Adventures reserves the right to make alterations to its published itineraries and warns its passengers to accept that due to the nature of adventure travel delays may occur. At some times of the year trips may be run with activities taking place in a different order to that published by Andean Adventures, due to climate, local fiestas or the availability of permits for the Inca Trail.
All clients are required to take out adequate travel insurance to cover these risks and any costs incurred by changes in itinerary caused by any events outside the company’s control, such as passenger illness or delayed arrival from the country of origin.
Domestic flights are subject to local weather conditions, so ensure your travel insurance covers any costs incurred due to delayed and/or cancelled flights. Excess baggage charges are also the client's responsibility.
Clients will be asked to sign a release and waiver form upon arrival and must provide a photocopy of their passport, entry stamp to Peru and travel insurance details.
Release of liability and assumption of risk:
Andean Adventures will do everything in its power to make your trip a safe and enjoyable one, but the company will not accept any responsibility for damages, injuries, losses or expenses due to delays deemed the result directly or indirectly of acts of God or events beyond the control of Andean Adventures. This applies to any person or property connected with any service provide by Andean Adventures or its intermediaries.
Safety Responsibility of Passengers:
Clients are expected to abide by certain basic safety rules including:
If you are taking medicines: Bring extra written copies of personal prescriptions (and supplies), inform your guide and keep them with you.
If you become ill, injured, or are exhausted, you must immediately notify your guide.
Respect your guide’s decisions, as the guide is looking out for your safety and well-being. At times an emergency may force the guide to modify the itinerary for the safety and best interests of the group.
While visiting National Parks and places of interest included in your itinerary you must follow the rules and effective laws related to the conservation of these special places. Please behave suitably so as to cause no harm.
It is your responsibility to not abuse the camping equipment assigned to you. You must take care of this equipment and keep it in good condition.
Cancellation Policies
Andean Adventures reserves the right to cancel any departure and offer clients an alternative date if the minimum number of passengers is not achieved or for any other reason deemed beyond our control.
If the trip is cancelled by the customer we require written notification. We will refund deposits after deducting unrecoverable costs such as the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf.
If the trip is cancelled by the client then we reserve the right to:
Charge the full cost of the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf.
Between 60 and 45 days prior to departure we will charge 10% of the price of the tour and the Inca Trail permit purchased on the client’s behalf if applies.
From 44 to15 days prior to departure we will charge 50% of the price of the tour.
For cancellations 14 days or less before departure we will charge 100% of the net price of the tour.
Calculate your carbon footprint and offset with carbon credits for a carbon neutral trip. Learn more...
TESTIMONIALS
We are back from a fabulous time at the Refugio Amazonas! I have nothing but raves about it all! Thanks for your help in getting us to this great place!
-- Susan L, Refugio Amazonas Family Adventure
We just got back from Peru on Sunday. It was a GREAT trip. We thoroughly enjoyed it! The highlight was truly the trek to Machu Picchu. Thanks for all of your help in making the trip very special. Everything went off without a hitch. We were very impressed.
-- Mary Ann, B., Multi-Activity Peru
We had a great time on the Galapagos Cruise. Our guides were very engaging and informative and everything was timed just right. We had the right amount of activity, food and leisure time every day. We are not \"cruising\" people and were apprehensive at first about being stuck on a boat for 7 days but we didn\'t feel \"stuck\" given the number of excursions we had each day and the fact that we snorkeled at least once or twice a day. We also extended our trip on the Islands and stayed at a hotel but definitely would recommend a cruise over staying on the islands. The islands gets very hot and there are lots of mosquitos but on the boat there is shade, wind and no bugs! Great amount of variety of animals and geography we saw. Sad to leave!
-- Wendy K., Galapagos Islands on the Eric, Letty, and Flamingo
I want to say I LOVED the trip. ECOCAMP was divine. Really amazing setting. The mix of people in the group was healthy. We all liked each other enough to dine every meal together.
Detour, The Adventure Travel Marketplace - Qosqo LLacta: Cusco and Machu Picchu (First Class)
