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: 12 days
Arrival: September 16th 2019
Departure: September 27th 2019
Destinations: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Rainforest
Travel Type: Family
Travel Intensity: Moderate

1 September 16th Lima assistance - Arrival to Cusco and transfer to Sacred Valley - visit Awanacancha - Pisac archaeological site + Traditional Market
2 September 17th Visit Chinchero archaeological site and Church, visit Moray circular terraces and Maras salt mines
3-5 September 18th - September 20th Beginning of the Inca trail 4D/3N
6 September 21st Visit Machu Picchu ancient citadel - transfer to hotel
7 September 22nd Machu Picchu Mountain hike, train Vistadome back to Ollantaytambo train station and transfer back to your Cusco hotel
8 September 23rd Visit San Pedro traditional market, visit Sacsayhuaman fortress archaeological site, visit Cusco Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun the Qoricancha, transfer to your hotel
9 - 11 September 24th - September 26th Transfer to airport, arrival to Puerto Maldonado, Peruvian jungle, boat transfer to Refugio Amazonas Lodge 4D/ 3N
12 September 27th Lima airport assistant/ end of our services.

ITINERARY

SEPTEMBER 16TH - DAY 01 Arrival to Cusco

Welcome to Peru! Our representative will be waiting for you at the Jorge Chavez International Airport to assist you with your domestic flight to Cusco.

Upon your arrival, we will pick you up in order to board the vehicle for the transfer to the Sacred Valley, home of attractive colonial towns and isolated weaving villages. Along the way, you will visit Awanacancha where you will have the opportunity to see and interact with 4 different Andean camelids: llamas, alpacas, vicuña and guanacos, an amazing activity for families where you will able to feed these fantastic animals. Located about 20-30 minutes from Cusco this textile center has a collection of beautiful handmade products with alpaca wools.

Continuing the tour, we will visit the local market and Pisac Archaeological Site, a place of sprawling views, temples, terraces and a collection of Incan tombs.

Then you will enjoy a delicious box lunch on the route.

Transfer to Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley hotel.

 

SEPTEMBER 17TH - DAY 02 Visit Chinchero - Maras - Moray

Visit Chinchero

Chinchero was an important urban center which center was where now the church is, around it wonderful walls of polyhedrons as retaining walls are shown shaping the terraces, also you can see big rooms with windows, niches, doorways.

Visit Moray Terraces

Following the tour, we cross an undulating plain with magnificent views of the Andean peaks. Our first stop is Moray, a unique archaeological site. Moray is a place of depressions or giant natural holes in the surface of the area that were used to construct in its contours agricultural terraces or agricultural platforms with their respective channels of irrigation.
Moray, due to its climatic conditions and other characteristics, was an important center for domestication, acclimatization, and hybridization of wild plants modified or adapted for human consumption.

Then we will enjoy a colorful lunch at Iskay Maras Restaurant, before continuing to visit Moray.

Visit Maras Salt Mines

Afterwards, you will visit the Salinas de Maras which show a spectacle of rare beauty. Located on a wide hill, above the Urubamba Valley; the salt water passes along the channels that extend through the flooded terraces that follow a more or less rectangular pattern, depending on the variations of the terrain. Here local people have worked for more than 1300 years in processing and collecting salt.

Return to your hotel.

SEPTEMBER 18TH- DAY 03 Authentic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Cusco to Huayllabamba

Today we will drive 82 km (51 miles) in the Sacred Valley of the Incas arriving at the community of Piscaycucho, the starting point of our trek. The porters will be waiting for us with all the equipment ready. They are an essential part of this amazing experience and will accompany us throughout the trek.

We will begin our journey parallel to the Urubamba River heading towards the town of Miskay, a trail surrounded by beautiful views of the grand Mount Veronica. From here we will climb to the viewpoint of Llactapata where we will learn about this ancient Inca agricultural center.

At this time, we will enjoy our last views of the Urubamba Valley as we enter the Huayllabamba Valley and camp in a village bearing the same name and built on the foundations of an ancient Inca settlement.

Overnight at campsite.

 

SEPTEMBER 19TH - DAY 04 Authentic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Huayllabamba to Pacaymayo

We will begin our day hiking up to Llulluchapampa, passing through an Incas forest, an Andean native tree stand, followed by the magical Midget Forest; we will arrive finally at the top of the Inca trail: The Warmihuyñuska mountain pass (4,200m/13,776ft), where the landscape transforms into an arid Andean highland.

We will descend nine hundred meters (295ft) by stone steps bringing us to a cloud forest. In this area we will have the opportunity to watch several species of birds until we reach Pacaymayo area, where we will camp.

Overnight at campsite.

SEPTEMBER 20TH - DAY 05 Authentic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Pacaymayo to Phuyupatamarca

We can definitely say that this day will be the most beautiful of all on the Inca Trail.

In the morning, strategically, we will wait for the other groups to go ahead, so that we may enjoy the Inca Trail by ourselves for the rest of the day.

We will begin our ascent towards the Runkurakay gap, where we will see the step of Warmiñuska and the valleys that descend to the Amazon. Then we will enter fully into the cloud forest and continue to the ruins of Sallacmarca, by a wide, paved and well-preserved Inca trail surrounded by orchids, ferns and bromeliads; this is an ideal habitat for hummingbirds and the spectacled bear, which hopefully we will see in this area.

Finally, we will continue to Phuyupatamarca, where we will camp with a breathtaking view of the Urubamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges, which will dissolve before our eyes to make way for the Amazon. Truly amazing!

Overnight at campsite.

SEPTEMBER 21ST - DAY 06 Arrive to Machu Picchu

Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu 

From our camp near the ruins of Phuyupatamarca we will have the opportunity of seeing one of the most spectacular sunrises in the Andes, and a 360 ° view of the surrounding mountain ranges, including solid and impressive Salkantay  and Pumasillo.

Afterwards we will descend, almost 300 meters (9,84ft), to the ruins of Intipata, an ancient agriculture and experimental center, with a spectacular view over the valley of Urubamba.

We will continue to the most important and impressive archaeological site on the entire route: Wiñay Wayna. Then by a road covered with tropical vegetation, we will go to Intipunku (“Gate of the Sun”), where we will have a fabulous view of Machu Picchu. Here we will begin the final descent to the Inca citadel where we will arrive at a unique time that is not commonly experienced by many tourists.

Enjoy your birthday with the magic of this impressive place!

Machu Picchu, the quechua term for “old mountain”, is 100 km. northeast of Cusco in the province of Urubamba, and is situated 2,430 m. above sea level, in the midst of impressive mountain cloud forest, in a tropical landscape that is notable for its flora and fauna, and blessed with splendid biological diversity.

Finally, we will take a bus to the town of Aguas Calientes to board the train that will take us back to Cusco.

Overnight at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel.

SEPTEMBER 22ND - DAY 07 Visit Machu Picchu Mountain

Visit Machu Picchu Mountain

This morning, you will hike up to the Machu Picchu Mountain being accompanied by your guide; this trek is considered being a moderate to challenging trek. Following and original stone Inca Trail and continuously acceding to the summit, this trek is wide and well-marked. Gradually and steadily gaining altitude, the views of Machupicchu and the surrounding mountains become ever-more impressive. As the trail gets closer to the base of Machu Picchu Mountain, the steps become steeper, narrower and more challenging. This may take around 3 hours up and down being a route that offers amazing views from Machu Picchu and the valleys and peaks surrounding it.

Buffet lunch at Sanctuary Lodge hotel.

Once you had finished your lunch, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and then transferred to the train station.
The train ride will take one hour and 45 minutes, and the route by car to Cusco will take an additional 2 hours, depending on the traffic.

Overnight at Palacio del Inka.

 

SEPTEMBER 23RD - DAY 08 Cusco City Tour

Visit San Pedro Market and Sacsayhuaman

Today we will visit Cusco´s traditional Central Market which is one of the oldest in the city´s Historical Center and is where local people still go to shop.

Then visit Sacsayhuaman translated literally means “Decorated head of Puma.” This was the palace of the Incan ruler, which contained a temple where the living God directed his people. It was called a fortress by the Europeans due to the immense stone pieces that were used in its construction, the oral tradition of Cusco affirms that about 70 000 people worked in the palace during 50 years.

Lunch at Limo Restaurant.

Visit Cathedral and Qoricancha Sun Temple

Visit the main temple of Cusco, where colonial art and Andean baroque shows its beautiful works. It also contains one of the city’s greatest samples of 18th century mestizo paintings.

Finally, you will visit the Qoricancha temple, this temple was mainly dedicated to the Sun, but there were also others for the adoration of lesser deities – the Moon, Venus, Thunder and Lightning, and the Rainbow.

Return to your hotel.

SEPTEMBER 24TH - DAY 09 Visit Puerto Maldonado - Rainforest

Today you will be picked up from your Cusco hotel and transfer you to Cusco Airport in order to take a flight to Puerto Maldonado.

Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to our Puerto Maldonado headquarters. While enjoying your first taste of the forest in our gardens we will ask you to pack only the necessary gear for your next few days, and leave the rest at our safe deposit. This helps us keep the boats and cargo light.

Skirting Puerto Maldonado, we drive 20 kilometers to the Tambopata River Port, entering the Native Community of Infierno. The port is a communal business.

This 2.5 hrs trip will take us through Native Community of Infierno and moreover the check point of the Tambopata Natural Reserve directly in the buffer zone of this protected area of this 1.3 million hectare conservation unit.

Boxed Lunch.

Upon arrival, the lodge manager will welcome you and brief you with important navigation and security tips.

After your dinner, you will have the option of hiking at night, when most mammals are active, but rarely seen. Much easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as extravagant as their natural histories.

 

SEPTEMBER 25TH - DAY 10 Puerto Maldonado - Rainforest

Oxbow Lake Visit

We will paddle around the lake on a canoe or a catamaran, looking for lakeside wildlife such as hoatzin, caiman and hornerd screamers, hoping to see the otters which are infrequently seen here. You will also be rewarded with overhead sightings of macaws.

Canopy Tower

A thirty minute walk from Refugio Amazonas leads to the 25 meter scaffolding canopy tower. A bannistered staircase running through the middle provides safe access to the platforms above. The tower has been built upon high ground, therefore increasing your horizon of the continuous primary forest extending out towards the Tambopata National Reserve.  From here views of mixed species canopy flocks as well as toucans, macaws and raptors are likely.

Lunch.

Farm Visit

Five minutes downriver from the lodge lies a farm owned and managed by charismatic Don Manuel from the neighbouring community of Condenado. He grows a variety of popular and unknown Amazon crops – just about every plant and tree you see serves a purpose.

Ethnobotanical Tour

Along this trail we will find a variety of plants and trees that are used by the local population with at least the same variety of purposes. We will learn about the medicinal (and other) uses of Ajo-Sacha, Yuca de Venado, Uña de Gato, Charcot-Sacha, Para-Para, among several others.

Dinner

Tambopata National Reserve Lectures

Nightly lectures prepared by the staff of Refugio Amazonas cover conservation threats, opportunities and projects in the Tambopata National Reserve.

SEPTEMBER 26TH - DAY 11 Puerto Maldonado - Rainforest

Parrot Clay Lick

A fifteen minute boat ride and sixty minute walk from Refugio Amazonas is a clay lick used both by parrots and parakeets.  From a blind you will see parrots and parakeets descend on most clear days to ingest the clay on a bank. Species such as Dusky headed and Cobalt winged Parakeet descend at this clay lick. With luck we will also see some or all of the following species in the early morning rush: Mealy and Yellow-crowned Amazons, Blue-headed Pionus, Severe macaw and Orange-cheeled (Barraband`s) Parrot. We visit the lick at dawn, when parrots are most active or in midmorning or early afternoon, when they are active.

Lunch.

Brazil Nut Trail and Camp

A few minutes hike from the lodge is a beautiful old growth patch of Brazil Nut forest that has been harvested for decades (if not centuries) where the precarious remains of a camp used two months a year by Brazil Nut gatherers can still be experienced. We will be demonstrating the whole process of the rain forest’s only sustainably harvested product from collection through transportation to drying.

Mammal Clay Lick

Twenty minutes walking from Refugio Amazonas is a peccary clay lick. These wild rain forest pigs show up in herds of five to twenty individuals to eat clay in the late morning. Chances of spotting them are around 15%, but well worth the short hike. Other wildlife also shows up including deer, guan and parakeets.

Dinner.

SEPTEMBER 27TH - DAY 12 To Lima

We retrace our river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado, our office and the airport.

Depending on airline schedules, this may require dawn departures.

Then you will take your flight to Lima where our assistant will be awaiting for you to help you with your international check in.

End of our services.

 

HOTELS

Sacred Valley 2 Nights

Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas is a beautiful hotel that looks like a haven in the mountains. With a privileged location, it has fabulous views of the Andes from every room. This is a cozy hotel with a design inspired by the locality with rustic touches.

Inca Trail Campsite 3 Nights

Premium

Premium camp at the Inca Trail

We bring to our country the best and latest technology from all around the world, to guarantee our travelers the comfort and security of a camp, you always deserve.

Our tents, with capacity for 4 people, are used for two travelers – double accommodation. We also have the perfect sleeping bags for the weather a and condition in the Andes. We also use Therma Rest Mattresses, 2 inches, absolutely termal.

Also live the adventure and explore the fascinating Andes enjoying the best equipped camps, most educated team of guides and special touches throughout every aspect of your adventure!    Imagine…fresh baked bread, straight from an oven while exploring the hidden secrets of ancient Inca Trails. Our chef who will make food much of your experience, surprising you with a delicious Peruvian dishes.

Aguas Calientes 1 Night

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

Popular with those heading to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways and 83 whitewashed adobe casitas tucked away in the cloud forest. Member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, the property has 12 acres of exquisite natural beauty, where 214 bird species – such as the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock – and the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species) have been registered.

After exploring the Historic Sanctuary and in-house excursions, guests can enjoy the Unu Spa, which combines the classic nurturing with a mystical Andean approach. Natural products are derived from local botanical extracts (mint, eucalyptus and orchids), thus providing a pleasing spiritual, sensual and soothing experience. The first-class restaurant features stunning views of Vilcanota River, and shares the secrets of Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Cusco 2 Nights

Libertador Palacio del Inka

Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is built within an historic mansion known as the Casona de los Cuatro Bustos, which, from its privileged position next to Qoricancha Palace (Temple of the Sun) in the center of Cusco, has lived over five centuries of this storied city’s history.
Each of the 203 guest rooms are exquisitely decorated with colonial art and furniture and all the creature comforts that modern technology provides like the exclusive Luxury Collection bed, LCD TVs and high speed Internet. Some rooms have Quechua names and Cusco School paintings decorate the walls, while the headboards and ceilings bear original hand-painted frescoes. Also, have a system of oxygenation to ease the effects of altitude and are located in the Casona Four Bustos, overlooking the central courtyard of the mansion.

Tambopata 3 Nights

Rainforest Lodge

Rainforest Refugio Amazonas

Located in a 200-hectare private reserve within the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve, Refugio Amazonas is a secluded, 32-bedroom jungle lodge. The lodge is located about four hours from the Puerto Maldonado airport, in Southeastern Peru. Its wide variety of kid-friendly, adventure-focused, and science activities, Refugio Amazonas is great for nature-lovers and families.  As the headquarters of our Citizen Science program, Wired Amazon, you even can contribute to science or discover a new species on your trip!

TRANSPORT

TRAIN FROM AGUAS CALIENTES TO OLLANTAYTAMBO

If you love nature and the countryside, the PeruRail 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.

Return trips on the PeruRail 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.

NOTE: Due to train regulations, only 11 lb/5 kg baggage per person is allowed.

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 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.

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.