Machu Picchu Travel

Make your way through the Peruvian Andes and discover a setting full of natural wonders and deep mysticism. The Salkantay Trek will take you through the most visually striking landscapes of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the cloud forest before arriving in Machu Picchu.

This 9-day experience will allow you to experience the exuberant nature of the Cusco region while also getting completely immersed in the mighty energy of the Andes. Keep on reading and learn everything about this outstanding trek to Machu Picchu!

TRIP ITINERARY

  • day 1

    Arrival in Cusco

    Our team will be waiting at the Cusco airport to take you to the hotel. We recommend drinking the famous Coca tea, known for helping with any altitude sickness symptoms

    After checking in at the hotel, our team will inform you about the city’s sights with a map, showing you some restaurants, exchange offices, shops, and more. 

    Important Note: Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level. Therefore, we highly recommend you take a few hours to get used to the altitude before exploring the beautiful Historic Center of Cusco.

    Optional Visit: The Qosqo Center of Native Arts has daily performances of typical Andean music and dances from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We recommend arriving 45 minutes in advance. Tickets are already included in the package.

  • day 2

    Archeological City Tour in Cusco

    From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Enjoy the different sightings within the historic center of Cusco with our local guide. (Exclusive tour available for Viagens Machu Picchu passengers only).

    In the afternoon, we’ll start the Archeological City Tour with a visit to the different attractions within the city and its surroundings, like Sacsayhuaman, the Coricancha Temple, and much more. 

    Optional Visit: The Qosqo Center of Native Arts has daily presentations of typical Andean music and dances from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We recommend you arrive 45 minutes in advance. Tickets are already included in the package.

    Overnight in Cusco.

  • day 3

    Sacred Valley of the Incas & Aguas Calientes

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    On this day in the morning, we’ll head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will make our first stop to visit the Awanacancha Traditional Textile Museum, just after enjoying the magnificent view of the Sacred Valley. 

    Following the itinerary, we’ll continue to visit Pisac, a small town recognized for its authentic cultural expression and the outstanding Pisac Archeological site. Later, we’ll have lunch in Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley. 

    Finishing the tour, we’ll get to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll get to visit one of the oldest villages within the Sacred Valley and its towering archeological site. After exploring the town of Ollantaytambo, We’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, a town located in the middle of the mountains of the Peruvian jungle, surrounded by an impressive natural setting.

    Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

  • day 4

    Salkantay Trek | Dreaming Under the Stars

    Our 5-day adventure to Machu Picchu will start today! So make sure you’re all set and ready before we pick you up at 4 a.m. First, we’ll be heading to Mollepata, a small village located 2 hours away from Cusco. There we’ll have a quick stop for an optional breakfast before we continue to the starting point of the trek.

    Following today’s route, we’ll be arriving at Challacancha, where you’ll meet the cooks and horsemen who will accompany us along the trek. Later, we’ll start the hike to Soraypampa which will take about 3 hours to complete.

    We’ll be surrounded by the beautiful natural setting of the region, where towering snow-capped mountains will look after us along the trek. The trail to Soraypampa is relatively flat, but remember that the altitude is certainly a factor that can’t be ignored.

    Once in Soraypampa, we’ll get to Sky Camp, our accommodation for the evening. Here you’ll have a well-deserved lunch and rest before heading to the Humantay Lagoon, a beautiful turquoise water body flanked by snow-capped peaks.

    Then, we’ll head back to the camp to have dinner and sleep under the starry sky, surrounded by the everlasting energy of the Andes.

    Overnight in Sky Camp.

    General Information:
    - Walking Distance: 10 Km.
    - Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
    - Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m.a.s.l.

  • day 5

    Salkantay Trek | Conquering the Salkantay Pass

    This day will be the hardest of the trek but definitely one of the most visually striking! We’ll wake up early in the morning so we can get ready with a warm cup of coca tea and an energizing breakfast. Today’s trail will take us to the Salkantay Pass and the lush cloud forest.

    The hike to the Salkantay Pass is quite difficult, mostly because of its winding path and the altitude. Therefore, we’ll have 3 hours to complete the trek, which is totally enough for us to ascend at a moderate pace. 

    Once we reach this point, you’ll realize that all that hard work has been paid off. The scenery is as impressive as you can imagine, with the majestic Salkantay mountain watching over us. After we’ve all taken in the beautiful setting of the Salkantay Pass, we’ll continue towards Huayracmachay, our lunch stop.

    Following the itinerary, we’ll get fully immersed in the cloud forest, you’ll notice how the landscape will transition into a thick and greener scenery with warmer temperatures. After a couple of hours, we’d have reached our campsite at Chaullay.

    Overnight in Chaullay.

    General Information:
    - Walking Distance: 22 Km.
    - Difficulty: Challenging
    - Maximum Altitude: 4,630 m.a.s.l.

  • day 6

    Salkantay Trek | Into the Wild

    Today we’ll wake up to the sound of birds and the soft touch of a morning fog. Every morning, our team will have a delicious breakfast and a cup of tea ready to get you all warm-up for today’s adventure.

    As we make our way through the Santa Teresa Valley, we’ll be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery of the region, where rivers, waterfalls, croplands, and delicate orchids will accompany us along the way.

    Once we get to Lucmabamba, our campsite for the night, we’ll have a tasty lunch to later have a well-deserved rest. On this occasion, you can choose to have the afternoon off or explore the tropical settings around the camp and visit a coffee farm. In the evening, we’ll have a hearty dinner to later sleep with the sweet sounds of the high jungle.

    Overnight in the Jungle Domes

    General Information:
    - Walking Distance:
    18 Km.
    - Difficulty: Moderate
    - Maximum Altitude: 2,900 m.a.s.l.

  • day 7

    Salkantay Trek | A First Glance of Machu Picchu

    This will be the last day of our adventure through the Andes and the cloud forest before we reach the most awaited attraction of this itinerary, Machu Picchu. Today’s trail will take us through a part of the ancient Inca Trail, where we’ll get to visit the ruins of Llactapata, an Inca archeological site right in front of the Inca Citadel.

    Llactapata is one of the most well-preserved ruins within the so-called Qhapaq Ñan. From here we’ll have a first glance of Machu Picchu and the Huayna Picchu mountain.

    After finishing the Llactapata tour, we’ll head down to Aguas Calientes, the beautiful touristy town at the foothills of Machu Picchu. We have two options for this part of the trail:

     - If you’re feeling tired and would like to skip this part of the trek, you can opt to take the train to Aguas Calientes. Keep in mind that this has an extra cost.
    - If you’re up for the adventure, you can continue walking by the rail track to Aguas Calientes. This trek will take about 3 hours to complete.

    Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

    General Information:
    - Walking Distance: 25 Km.
    - Difficulty: Challenging
    - Maximum Altitude: 2,800 m.a.s.l.

  • day 8

    Machu Picchu Tour

    The wait is finally over, now it’s time to live the dream! Today we’ll wake up early in the morning so we can catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, the idea here is to beat the crowds! The bus ride takes about 30 minutes from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu’s main entrance. 

    Our professional guide will provide all the details about this world wonder, including the mysteries and fascinating facts of the Inca culture. After our time in Machu Picchu, we’ll go back to Aguas Calientes for a lunch break, then we'll return to Cusco City by train.

    Overnight in Cusco.

    Now, if you’d like to spice up your experience in Machu Picchu, please check out these additional services:

    ♦ Exclusive lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, located just in front of the entrance to Machu Picchu.
    ♦ Return on the Vistadome train, a panoramic train with first-class seats.
    ♦ Hike the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These are the most in-demand additional hikes within Machu Picchu. These mountains offer outstanding views of the citadel and great picture opportunities. Make sure to book it in advance.

    For further information, please contact our sales team. 
     

  • day 9

    Transfer to Cusco Airport

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Our team will be waiting for you at the hotel to take you to the airport 2 hours before your flight departure. This will be the last of our services.

    Quick Tip: If your flight from Cusco to Lima departs in the afternoon, we encourage you to visit some of the museums within the historic center: The Contemporary Art Museum, the Regional Museum, the Coricancha Museum, and the Popular Art Museum. Don’t worry about the entrance fees, they are all included in your Cusco Tourist Ticket!

INCLUDED

Hotels with breakfast
- 04 nights in Cusco
- 01 night in Aguas Calientes
- 03 nights camping on the trail

Tours and Excursions in Portuguese
- Walking Tour in Cusco | Free of Charge
- Archaeological City Tour in Cusco | Regular Service
- Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour + buffet lunch | Regular Service

Tours and Excursions in Spanish
- Transfer from the hotel to the village of Mollepata
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu | Regular Service
- Specialized equipment for the trekking
- Salkantay Inca Trail 5 days/4 nights | Regular Service
- Specialized staff - cook, guides, support team, horses
- Food on the trail - 03 breakfasts, 04 lunches and 03 dinners
- Optional: vegetarian food with no increase
- Assistance with first aid kit with oxygen balloon
- Tourist bus | Aguas Calientes > Machu Picchu > Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
- Tourist Train | Machu Picchu > Ollantaytambo or Cusco
- Tickets to all archaeological complexes to visit

Transfers.
- Transfer Airport > Hotel in Cusco (Private Service)
- Transfer Cusco or Ollantaytambo Station > Hotel (Regular Service)
- Transfer Cusco Hotel > Airport (Private Service)

Benefits of Machu Picchu Travel
- 24-hour assistance in Portuguese / English / Spanish
- Professional guides and staff on all tours and excursions
- Spanish and English-speaking guides to inform in advance
- Personalized Concierge: support in all needs during the trip

What is not Included
- Extra horse
- Sleeping bag
- Travel Insurance
- Breakfast on the first day of the trail
- Dinner on the fourth day of the trail
- International and domestic airplane tickets
- Food and beverages not mentioned above
- Extra expenses: tip, laundry, phone calls and not mentioned in the itinerary

Prices

Hotels Categories Validity
Cusco: -Rojas Inn, San Francisco Plaza, El Andariego, or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s) - Buffet Breakfast
Aguas Calientes: -Flower House, Ferré Boulevard Machu Picchu, Sacred Stone Boutique, or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s) - Buffet Breakfast
Económica
AccommodationPackage value per person.
of 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023
Single $ 1,276 USD Double $ 1,103 USD Triple $ 1,059 USD
Cusco: -Casona Plaza Cusco, San Agustin Internacional, Taypikala Cusco, or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s) - Buffet Breakfast
Aguas Calientes: -Ferré Machu Picchu, Hatun Inti Classic, Tara Machupicchu, or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s) - Buffet Breakfast
Turística
AccommodationPackage value per person.
of 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023
Single $ 1,327 USD Double $ 1,128 USD Triple $ 1,112 USD
Cusco: -Xima Cusco ,Terra Andina, San Agustin Dorado, or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s) - Buffet Breakfast
Aguas Calientes: -Taypikala, Tierra Viva Machu Picchu, Golden Sunrise, or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s) - Buffet Breakfast
Primera
AccommodationPackage value per person.
of 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023
Single $ 1,514 USD Double $ 1,204 USD Triple $ 1,175 USD
Cusco: -Hilton Garden Inn, Sonesta Cusco, Costa del Sol Ramada, or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s) - With Buffet Breakfast and Dinner
Aguas Calientes: -El Mapi By Inkaterra, Hatun Inti Boutique, or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s) - With Buffet Breakfast and Dinner
Premium
AccommodationPackage value per person.
of 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023
Single $ 1,743 USD Double $ 1,318 USD Triple $ 1,314 USD
Cusco: -Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Belmond Hotel Monasterio, JW Marriott, Casa Cartagena Boutique, or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s) - With Buffet Breakfast
Aguas Calientes: -Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, Sumaq Machu Picchu, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s) - With Buffet Breakfast
Luxury
AccommodationPackage value per person.
of 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023
Request a quote $ 0 USD

Optional Tours

Buffet Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant:
Located within the luxurious Sanctuary Lodge hotel (formerly Orient Express), it is the only hotel facing Machu Picchu.
• From USD 45.00 per person.

Return Train Vistadome Service:
First-class train with panoramic views.
• From USD 60.00 per person.

Return Train Vistadome Observatory Service:
Experience a journey of luxury and culture on the first-class train, with live entertainment of shows and traditional dances in the observatory car, ensuring a unique and thrilling experience.
• From USD 80.00 per person.

Entrance to Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain:
A short trail from the Inca citadel to the Wayna Picchu lookout, a strategic and unique place offering the most complete view of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
• From USD 65.00 per person.

Apukunaq Tianan Quad Bike:
These sculptures, also known as "The Abode of the Gods," are a monument aiming to represent Inca deities and Andean beliefs, offering a glimpse into the culture of this region.
• From USD 150.00 per person.

Professional Photographer:
Throughout all tours, our professional photographer will capture the most beautiful and unforgettable moments.
Price on Request.

Private Tours and Excursions:
Ideal for those who desire a more personalized service where tour schedules can be adjusted, meaning there is more flexibility and tours and excursions can be tailored according to the client's preference.

General information


1. Would my admission ticket to Machu Picchu be refundable in case I change the date or cancel my trip?

Recently, the Ministry of Culture of Peru made an update regarding the changes to the admission ticket to Machu Picchu: all ticket sales are now final. Therefore, the tickets we purchase as part of your tour package are not refundable, and also cannot be transferred to another person or modified to another date.

2. Do you arrange commercial and international flights?

At the moment, we do not arrange international or commercial flights. However, we will help you organize your trip and flight schedules before traveling abroad. Make sure to contact our team and get personalized assistance for planning your trip.

3. Do you organize personalized travel packages?

Yes, our main goal as a travel agency is to provide an authentic adventure in our country. Therefore, if you’re looking to travel off the beaten path or to be provided with the best trip itinerary through Peru, make sure to contact our team.

4. Do you offer private tours?

Yes, we have private excursions to different locations in Peru. We are looking forward to ensuring your comfort while still showing a great part of our historical and cultural heritage.

5. How do I book a travel package?

Booking a travel package is as easy as requesting an estimate on any of our options. Once you’ve filled in your details, one of our travel assistants will contact you. If you still have no idea about what you’d like to do during your stay in Peru, don’t worry, we are here to help you.

Our sales team will take care of all the details involved with your trip as well as give you options about the different destinations to visit in our country. You’ll realize that planning a trip abroad has never been easier.

6. How far in advance should I book my trip?

We usually recommend booking your trip at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you’re planning on a long stay in Peru. Viagens Machu Picchu works with 3 to 5-star hotels and most of them request booking weeks in advance, as well as tours, train rides, transportation options, and other services.

7. What is the best train for Machu Picchu: Expedition or Vistadome?

We recommend you take the Expedition train on the way to Aguas Calientes since most of the departure times are generally when it’s dark. The expedition train has simpler wagons with smaller windows.

Usually, the return takes place during daylight, which is why we recommend you take the Vistadome train with panoramic windows to enjoy the visually striking scenery this road has to offer. In addition, the Vistadome train offers onboard service and typical dance shows.

8. Are the train tickets included in the package?

Yes, all of our packages include round-trip train tickets. Except for those who may choose to go to Machu Picchu by trek. In this case, we’ll only cover the return ticket.

9. Can I choose seats on train trips?

Unfortunately, Peru Rail (the railway company) does not allow passengers to choose seats on any of their different types of trains. The distribution of these is done automatically by the company’s system.

10. During the trip to Machu Picchu, where will my largest luggage stay?

Bags that weigh more than 5kg are not allowed on the train or in the Archeological Site of Machu Picchu. Therefore, you must leave your large luggage in the storage service of your accommodation.

For your comfort,  when in Machu Picchu, we highly recommend you carry a light backpack with the essentials.

11. What are the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains?

Those are the surrounding mountains of the Inca Citadel. Huayna Picchu is located 2,720 meters above sea level and offers an outstanding view of the archaeological site as well as several Inca ruins along the trail.

Machu Picchu Mountain is located 3,082 meters above sea level and serves as another viewpoint of the famous historical sanctuary. However, the trek to its summit is significantly less challenging than the Huayna Picchu mountain.

To trek either of these mounts, you must purchase an additional entrance ticket well in advance. For more information, please contact your travel agent.

12. What Currency is Used in Peru?

Nuevo Soles is the local currency in Peru, banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10. Whilst coins come in 5, 2, 1, 0.50, 0.20, and 0,10 units.

13. What is the best currency to use in Peru: US Dollars or Soles?

Almost all establishments accept payments in US Dollars, but we highly recommend you have both Dollars and Soles (the local currency) since there might be places where you’ll need to pay with the Peruvian currency.

14. What are the Peru entry requirements?

Depending on your nationality, you would either need a tourist visa, valid passport, or your national I.D. card to enter Peru, for example:

- Passport: Concerns to every country that isn’t in the Andean Community. It must have a validity of at least 6 months.
- Tourist Visa: This applies to visitors from Venezuela, Haití, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
- National I.D. Card: Valid for all the members within the Andean Community as, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

                                                                                Changes & Cancellations


1. If a tour is canceled due to weather conditions, do I get a refund?

Tour cancellations due to bad weather conditions have no refund, as they are factors beyond our control. However, we’d like to ensure the integrity of our passengers by acknowledging that some other situations may be taken into account. Therefore, if there is any inconvenience, make sure to contact your travel agent.

2. Can I change the starting date of my travel package?

Yes, you can change the starting date of your travel package. However, an administrative fee between 10% and 50% of the total value of the package will be charged, depending on the proximity to the original date of your trip (this is subject to availability and supplier policies).

3. Can I cancel my trip?

Affirmative, you can definitely cancel your trip. Your options for a refund are, however, subject to certain rules. Only a limited sum will be refunded by Viagens Machu Picchu under the following circumstances:

- There won't be a fee if you cancel up to 50 days before your trip, and you'll get a 10% reduction on the contractual package's worth on the deposit commission and other administrative services.

- A 50% fee of the package's total value will be charged for cancellations made between 39 and 21 days before the start date.

- An 80% fee of the package's total value will be charged for cancellations made between 39 and 21 days before the start date.

- The package's full amount will be withheld for cancellations notified less than 7 days before the start date.
 

Important Note: Machu Picchu Travel will have up to 50 days to refund the money to the passenger, according to the aforementioned conditions, counted from the date of cancellation of the trip.

For further information, we have a section with the most Frequently Asked Questions about Peru, Machu Picchu, and our company.

Payment Methods

To confirm your booking, we will send you a link with 50% of the total amount; the remaining 50% must be paid 15 days before the trip. Payment can be in US Dollars, credit, or debit card. For payment in installments of the remaining value, please consult your travel agent.

Our current payment methods are through PayPal and Visa.

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