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: 09 days
Arrival: May 26th 2018
Departure: June 03rd 2018
Destinations: Lima, Ica, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Travel Type: Friends
Travel Intensity: Moderate

1 May 26th Arrival to Lima and transfer to hotel
2 May 27th Early transfer to the aerodrome (according to wheater conditions) overflight the famous Nazca lines (01 hour and 30 minutes approx) trasnfer to hotel - Enjoy hotel facilities
3 May 28th Group tour in Oasis Hucachina, buggies and sand boarding, afternoon trasnfer to Bus station, bus toLima (05 hours approx), transfer from bus station to Wyndham airport hotel
4 May 29th Welcome to Cusco, transfer to the Sacred Valley, visit Awanacancha camelid center, visit Pisac market, box lunch on the route, visit Ollantaytambo fortress (Private service), Transfer to train station, train to Aguas Calientes, transfer to the Tierra Viva hotel.
5 May 30th Bus to Machu Picchu (Share bus) – Group tour service, buffet lunch at Sanctuary Lodge, afternoon entrance to Machu Picchu Citadel without guide (In Machu Picchu is no allowed enter without guide but if you have had a previous tour you can enter with the personal information of your previous guide) bus back to Aguas Calientes.
6 May 31st Transfer to train station, train to Ollantaytambo, Visit Moray Inca agricultural terraces, visit Maras town and Salt mines, box lunch on the route, transfer to Casa Andina Plaza hotel (Private service).
7 June 01st Free day in Cusco, tickets included (Temple of the Sun, Cathedral and General tickets)
8 June 02nd Free morning , transfer to the airport.
9 June 03rd No services provided

ITINERARY

MAY 26TH - 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 the historical center where your guide will be waiting for you.

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.

Second arrival to Lima, and transfer to the Bus station, where you will meet your trip partner. At 16:30 take your bus to Ica and your hotel Las Dunas.

 

 

MAY 27TH - DAY 02 Nasca lines overflight

Transfer to the aerodrome

You will appreciate the 12 most representative figures of Nasca and have our Certificate for having made the circuit “Lines Classic”

As a plane soars over the high desert of southern Peru, the dull pale sameness of the rocks and sand organize and change form. Distinct white lines gradually evolve from tan and rust-red. Strips of white crisscross a desert so dry that it rains less than an inch every year. The landscape changes as lines take shape to form simple geometric designs: trapezoids, straight lines, rectangles, triangles, and swirls. Some of the swirls and zigzags start to form more distinct shapes: a hummingbird, a spider, a monkey.

MAY 28TH - DAY 03 Huacachina -Sand Board - Buggies

Located five hours south of Lima, the desert oasis Huacachina is home to an extraordinary adventure tour called “the dune buggy and sandboarding tour”. This tour is both thrilling and beautiful, transporting you at high speeds deep into the desert to see the huge sand dunes on the coast. These mountains of sand are beautiful and surreal. And adventurous travelers are welcome to try sandboarding down the dunes!

In the afternoon, transfer to the Bus station and way back to Lima, transfer to your hotel Wyndham.

MAY 29TH - DAY 04 Arrival to Cusco - Awanacancha + Pisac Market + Pisac Ruins + Ollantaytambo

AWANACANCHA

Awanacancha is a weaving center with the goal to keep alive the traditional textile arts.  Here you can see four members of the cameloid family – llama, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos.  Alpacas have thick wool and is the most commonly used while the vicunas are small and delicate with fur considered the finest.  You can meet these four cameloids, learn about the harvesting of the different wools and the natural dying techniques and have a chance to see native weavers from different areas showing their different weaving styles and dress.

Box lunch included on the route

 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.

Transfer to the train station to take the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes (19:04-20:45)

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 Tierra Viva.

 

 

 

MAY 30TH - DAY 05 Machu Picchu

MACHU PICCHU

Take a shared bus to enjoy a share service tour in the morning (03 hours approx) then you have included a buffet lunch at Sanctuary Lodge restaurant, you have included a second entrance in the afternoon without a guide, take a shared bus back to Aguas Calientes.

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 31ST - DAY 06 Chinchero + Maras + Moray

Today you visit three sites of importance to the Incan Empire, sites that do not have large ruins but have significance in the agricultural integration of the empire, and hence the dominance of the Inca. A box lunch is included in your itinerary, take the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo train station (08:53-10: 52 am) where your guide will be waiting for you. After your tour, you will be transported to your hotel in Cusco Casa Andina Plaza

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.

MORAY

Moray is known as The Agricultural Laboratory of the Incas.  It consists of three large natural depressions into which concentric terraces were constructed and, it is speculated, used to develop new agricultural crops.  Seeds cultivated at this site were likely sent throughout the Incan empire to improve yield in the harsh conditions of the Andes and hence bind the empire.

MARAS

You will also visit the photogenic Maras Salt Mines.  Strategically built around a natural saltwater spring, thousands of shallow evaporation pools flow down the hillside in a location that has been in continuous use for more than 500 years.  Salt from Maras was distributed throughout the central Andes and the mines are still used by the local people.

JUNE 1ST - DAY 07 Free day

Tickets included for this day:

  • General tickets
  • Cathedral tickets
  • Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) tickets

JUNE 2ND - DAY 08 Arrival to Lima

Transfer to Cusco Airport – End of our services

Night at Wyndham airport hotel

HOTELS

Ica 2 Nights

Las Dunas hotel

Hotel Las Dunas is the sunniest holiday destination, closest to Lima. It is located in the middle of the desert in a 14 hectare oasis. Our facilities are specially designed for having fun, relaxing or enjoying our full-day outdoor activities that will make your holidays unforgettable.

Since 1974, Las Dunas Hotel offers a variety of services specially designed for having fun and relaxing. Located in a unique area; in the middle of the desert, Las Dunas has a warm weather all year around and is pleasantly located location between the Nazca Lines and the Paracas Natural Reserve.

We have won a number of awards due to our commitment to service throughout the years, thanks to our guest’s  testimonials. Whether as a family, a couple or with a group of friends, come and experience everything that Las Dunas has to offer.

Lima 2 Nights

Wyndham Airport

Linked directly to Jorge Chavéz International Airport and offering upscale amenities for discerning travelers, our non-smoking hotel offers the ultimate in convenience and comfort, whether you’re exploring Peru’s capital or just passing through.

Experience legendary Peruvian hospitality as soon as you arrive, with a handy walkway that leads from the terminal to our front door, and a free welcome drink upon check-in. Savor our free breakfast buffet daily and an onsite restaurant and lounge. Rooms are available either nightly or hourly, if needed, to recharge during a long layover for your convenience.

We’re connected to the airport, but quiet enough that you’ll forget. Enjoy the serenity of your guest room, or relax in our spa and 24-hour fitness facilities, with an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, and massage.

Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes 1 Night

Tierra Viva

Tierra Viva Cusco Machu Picchu Hotel strategic location ensures our guests the best experience possible of the amazing Inca citadel. Our facilities are located in the quietest area of Aguas Calientes, facing the Urubamba River and surrounded by the Forest of Clouds. We have exclusively at your disposal, a bus stop from where our clients can directly take the bus to Machu Picchu or get to the archeological site after a 60-minute walk.

Modern style, our Machu Picchu Hotel has 43 spacious and comfortable rooms, a lounge with a fireplace, a breakfast room and a bar to relax and enjoy some drinks after a day of adventures. Our hotel has a panoramic lift that has been decorated with Andean inspired graffiti by the Peruvian artist Carolina Málaga. Near the entrance of the hotel is the dining room, where every morning a delicious Andean buffet is served, and the Reception Desk where you can comfortably do your check-in.

Cusco 2

Casa Andina Plaza

Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza has a central and great location just one block from the Plaza de Armas. From here, you can easily access the best places of the destination such as the Cathedral, Plaza Regocijo, Machu Picchu, restaurants and shops.

Thinking about the comfort of our guests, we offer services like: rooms clean and comfortable, Free coca tea, Breakfast room, Internet WiFi, etc. Our hotel staff can recommend the best places where you can try the traditional local food.

TRANSPORT

Train to / from Machu Picchu

If you are looking for an adventure on your way to Machu Picchu at an unbeatable price, on a train with all the onboard comforts you could ask for, the Expedition train has just what you need.

The train cars of the Expedition train are steeped in the designs of Incan culture, making them the perfect way to start your trip to the Machu Picchu citadel. The Expedition gives you the chance to take in the unbelievable scenery and take incredible panoramic pictures of a journey unlike any other.

You will be waited on by a highly-trained staff member for the duration of your trip, offering you a hot or cold beverage and a snack made from Andean ingredients. If you wish, you’ll be able to take advantage of some onboard shopping, offering you everything you need for your visit to the Incan citadel.

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.