Machu Picchu Travel Experts

OVERVIEW

Insider Access
Our team travels year-round, seeking out the most intriguing insider access experiences, and developing invaluable
Relationships with esteemed scholars, acclaimed artists, Olympic athletes, renowned chefs, and others, as well as with local leaders in politics and business. We can match families with spacious private estates handpicked to provide the perfect mixture of authenticity, luxury, and privacy.

Service
Each travel group is assigned a dedicated team composed of (1) a personal travel concierge in our offices, (2) a
Personal host in each destination, (3) on-site expert guides and scholars. In addition, a “behind the scenes” logistical expert is staffed on each trip in order to monitor every step of the journey. We serve our travelers before, during and after their journey, and are on call 24-hours a day during a trip. This level of coordination ensures that our travelers have a worry-free experience, and the flexibility to change the program while they are traveling if need be.

Duration: 06 days
Arrival: May 16th 2018
Departure: May 21st 2018
Destinations: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley
Travel Type: Couple
Travel Intensity: Moderate

1 May 16th Arrival to Lima and transfer to hotel - City tour
2 May 17th Welcome to Cusco, transfer to your hotel - Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress and the Cathedral
3 May 18th Transfer to Poroy train station - train to Machu Picchu, share bus to the Citadel - Machu Picchu tour
4 May 19th Visit Machu Picchu Mountain, train back to Ollantaytambo train station - transfer to hotel
5 May 20th Transfer to the Sacred Valley, visit Pisac market and ruins, , visit Ollantaytambo fortress, and Chinchero archaeological site, transfer to hotel
6 May 21st Visit San Pedro Market , transfer to the airport.

ITINERARY

MAY 16TH - DAY 01 Arrival to Lima

Welcome to Peru! Our representative will be waiting for you at the Jorge Chavez International Airport to assist and take you to your hotel (Hotel B)

In the afternoon you will have a 03 hours private city tour.

LIMA

  • Lima, Peru’s capital, known as the City of Kings, was founded in 1535 and was the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty for almost three centuries. Currently, it is a modern, thriving and fascinating city, with a population of over 10 million.
  • In 1991, the historic downtown area of the city was declared as Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. In addition, Lima has been called the Gastronomical Capital of Latin America, because of the diversity and fine quality of Peruvian cuisine found in the capital.

 

*You have a reservation at 20:00 in Rafael restaurant (pay locally), transport is not included.

 

MAY 17TH - DAY 02 Welcome to Cusco

Our representative will be waiting for you at the Velasco Astete Airport to assist and take you to your hotel (Monasterio)

In the afternoon visit to Sacsayhuaman fortress and Cusco Cathedral:

CUSCO

  • Cusco, the birthplace of the Inca Empire, is Peru’s principal tourism destination, thanks to its impressive historic, architectural and cultural legacy. The city is known as “the navel of the world”, for having been the political, religious and territorial center of the Tawantisuyo, as the Empire was called.
  • The city, located at 3,350 m. above sea level on the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains, is surrounded by beautiful fertile valleys that shelter many parks and archeological sites, incredible natural landscapes and a millennial cultural heritage. The climate is generally dry and temperate, with two distinct seasons: the dry season, from April to October, and rainy season, from November to March.

 

THE BASILICA CATHEDRAL OF CUSCO

  • The Cathedral of Cusco is one of the most beautiful and impressive colonial buildings to be found in Cusco. Its construction took place between 1560 and 1664, on land occupied by the Kiswarcancha, the ancient residence of Inca Wiracocha.
  • Constructed of enormous stone blocks brought from Sacsayhuaman (an important Inca temple), its architecture combines elements of gothic, baroque and renaissance styles.

 

SACSAYHUAMAN FORTRESS

  • The architectonic complex occupies the edge of the northern slope of the city of Cusco. The southern side of the building was enclosed by a polished wall of almost 400 meters long. The eastern and western borders of the temple were delimited by other walls and cultivation terraces. The main front of the building faces the north and is protected by a formidable system of three cultivation terraces. They are supported by zigzagging walls constituted by large stones that amazed their first visitors and which even now surprise us. According to Inca Garcilaso, these walls were constructed to demonstrate the Incan power.
  • From Sacsayhuamán, it is possible to obtain a spectacular view of the Sacred City and its surroundings. Besides, you will be able to distinguish summits such as those from the Ausangate, the Pachatusán and the Cinca, places that are believed to be inhabited by Apus or powerful spirits that govern the mountains.

MAY 18TH - DAY 03 Machu Picchu

Transfer to the train station to take the Vistadome class train to Aguas Calientes (07:35- 10:52)

Carry-on luggage allowed per passenger: Each passenger may take 1 bag or backpack up to 5kg/11lb of size 62 inches/157cm (length + height + width).
Baggage that exceeds the measures will not be allowed.

Arrival to Aguas Calientes and transfer to your hotel.

MACHU PICCHU

Take a shared bus to enjoy a tour in the afternoon (03 hours approx)  you have included a buffet lunch at Sanctuary Lodge restaurant.

Without any doubt and seen from any angle, Machu Picchu is a city built halfway between the earth and the sky. A place built high where the birds fly. This is why you get a feeling that all its buildings, rocks, monuments and hillside terraces float in space, halfway between humankind and the gods. This shrine on top of the mountain has remained the same after many a sunrise and sunset, rainfall and storm and is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Without any doubt, Machu Picchu is a place you must visit before you die, a memorial of the Incas, the great people who lived in ancient Peru.

MAY 19TH - DAY 04 MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN HIKE

MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN

  • Any trip to Machu Picchu citadel is not complete without ascending one of the neighboring peaks and getting another perspective over the full extent of the iconic Inca ruins. Machu Picchu Mountain ( Quechua for Old Mountain), is an amazing hike where you will feel in the top of the world.
  • Fewer visitors know about this possibility, so you won’t be interrupted by the tourists. The view from Machu Picchu mountain also affords you the chance to put into perspective the startling location of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. The silty Rio Urubamba crashes around the foot of the mountain that the site straddles, making it an almost island in the middle of peaks.

 

After your visit, you will take a lunch at your hotel on your own, and then take a shared bus to the train station. At your arrival to Ollantaytambo, you will be transported to your hotel in Cusco (2hours by car)

 

MAY 20TH - DAY 05 Sacred Valley tour

PISAC

  • After a scenic ride through rich fields of quinoa and amaranth, you descend into the scenic Urubamba Valley, cross the river and drive high above the valley floor to explore the ruins of the Inca Fortress of Pisac.
  • On your return drive, you make a short stop to explore the typical, indigenous village of Pisac and the Pisac village oven (or if you are inclined, you may hike down from the Fortress through the terraces to the village).  After visiting Pisac, you’ll head to Ollantaytambo fortress

OLLANTAYTAMBO

  • Ollantaytambo Archeological Park is 76 km. from Cusco city, along with the Chinchero- Urubamba highway, a one hour-and-a-half ride through beautiful mountain landscapes, and passing Andean towns that conserve lovely traditions.
  • According to researchers, Ollantaytambo was a military construction that was built to protect the capital of the Inca Empire from invasions of the Antis, the inhabitants of the rainforest region. It is also said that it was established to facilitate roadbuilding into the Antisuyo, the Peruvian jungle.

 

CHINCHERO

  • The village of Chincheros sits on some of the richest soils in the Urubamba Valley.  Produce helped feed the Empire, and today is still one of the top producing regions.  In Chincheros, you may visit the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco.
  • This organization is dedicated to preserving ancient textile designs and weaving techniques from all over the Andes. Some designs are more than 2000 years old and were thought to have been lost.  Textiles created at the Center may be available for purchase.

MAY 21ST - DAY 06 Transfer to airport

Visit the traditional San Pedro Market, to see the real “Cusqueño” life. (2 hours, according to your flight schedule, you need to be at the airport at 10:15 am)

SAN PEDRO MARKET

  • The San Pedro Market is the place chosen by locals and tourists to buy vegetables, fruits and all kinds of food in the city of Cusco.
    While originally the San Pedro market was exclusive for the sale of food and raw materials now due to the tourism growth we can find today a wide variety of organic products like fruits, vegetables, coca leaves, delicious cheese bread field and memorable shoots; clothing, jewelry, crafts, fabrics, handmade musical instruments and more.

Transfer to Cusco Airport – End of our services

 

TRANSPORT

Train to / from Machu Picchu

VISTADOME CLAS TRAIN

If you love nature and the countryside, the Vistadome is exactly what you’re looking for.

The panoramic windows located beside and above your seat will bring you close to nature, unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

The Vistadome train offers a unique connection with the scenery along the way to Machu Picchu, making passengers feel as if they were somehow part of the nature that surrounds them.

Return trips on the Vistadome also offer an onboard fashion show, featuring the exclusive baby alpaca wool collection with the latest trends in alpaca apparel, all available for sale. As an added bonus, you can enjoy live dances inspired by the ancient culture of the Andes. Passengers also receive a snack made from local ingredients, so you can get the full Andean experience through our cuisine. The trip also includes non-alcoholic beverages for your onboard refreshment.

What clothes do I have to wear on the trip?

One of the first questions on everyone’s mind when getting ready for a Peru luxury tour is what on earth to pack. Not to mention what may need to be purchased ahead of time. Whatever kind of packer you are, don’t wait until the last minute to pack for your personalized trip to Peru. Auqui offers this useful and helpful packing list to ensure your travel bags are filled with all of the right essentials for your private Peru tour.

First things First                         

  • Make a list. Don’t rely on memory alone in those final crazy hours before a vacation. A list will help you remember everything you need.
  • It’s recommended to leave all unnecessary valuables and jewelry at home.

Clothing

Clothing should be lightweight, and quick-drying, preferably moisture-wicking, and non-cotton. No matter where you are headed, you need to be prepared. For example, if you plan on spending a few days in Cusco, weather can shift dramatically. During the day, if the sun is shining, temperatures can get uncomfortably hotuncomfortably hot. However, once the sun sets, it’s a whole ‘nother story as things can cool down quite rapidly. That’s why it’s a great idea to dress in layers you can peel off and then replace as the temperatures shift throughout the day.

As for hats, gloves, and scarves, you can wait until you get here for that. Peru is known for its textiles and you can easily pick these mementos of your trip up quite cheaply. They won’t be waterproof, however, so if you’re trekking, bring some appropriate gloves and a rain hat.

Speaking of rain, it’s always wise to have a waterproof jacket with you no matter when you are traveling. Waterproof shoes will come in handy as well. If you’re coming between December and March, they are essential. If you’re trekking during those months, you’ll want to bring waterproof pants (zip-off pants are very useful) as well.

Essential Clothing List

-Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)

-Shorts, mid-thigh or longer

-Short-sleeved shirts

-Long-sleeved shirts

-Undergarments

-Light and thick socks

-Sweater, jacket, windbreaker

-Sun hat

-Sunglasses

-Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)

-Swimsuit

Acclimatization

One of the most common afflictions in Andean areas is altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or Soroche. The thin oxygen at high elevations causes rapid breathing, which leads dehydration as more water is lost through exhaling than is gained through inhaling the dry mountain air. Different travelers have different levels of susceptibility to altitude sickness, but most symptoms begin occurring at altitudes around 6,000 ft.

Some of Auqui’s most beautiful destinations sit at dizzyingly high altitudes, including Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Titikaka lake. Not all travelers suffer from altitude sickness, but it is better to be informed rather than allow the possibility deter you from traveling to these spectacular locales.

Rest at least 2 hours in your hotel before embarking on any activities. Elevate your head about 30º with two or three pillows to ease breathing.

Drink at least 4 quarts (4.5 liters) of water every day to avoid dehydration.

Try mate de coca, a tea-like infusion of coca leaves (don’t worry, it’s legal to drink in Peru). Chewing coca leaves is also very effective.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.

Eat a high-carbohydrate diet during your stay.

WHY US

Ready to plan

We Love What We Do
We believe the statement attributed to Saint
Augustine of Hippo “the world and life are like
an open book, and that those who don´t travel,
merely read one page of it”, we are committed
to help to open the next page, creating
unforgettable and inspiring memories.

Greater Value
We are direct operators. So, get insider
knowledge and expertise, along with a better
product, at a better price.
Greater Flexibility
Our reimbursement, refund, payment and
modification policies are the best on the market.

Designers and Creators of Experiences

For the last 20 years, we listen to our
travelers´ interests and preferences, crafting
and operating tailor-made experiences.
We Meet Your Expectations
Being specialized in superior quality tourism,
we care about and deliver what our travelers
wish for.