CHONTA TOUR 1 DAY: A beautiful day Trip

At a glance

• TOUR START: At 8: 00 am
• TOUR END: At 8:00 pm
• PLACES TO EXPLORE: Killarumiyoc “Moon Temple” of the Incas
• ACTIVITY: The flight of the Condor experience
• TREKKING: Chonta to viewpoint of the Condor
• BEST TIME TO VISIT: March to November
• DIFFICULTY: Easy – Moderate

Highlights:

• Travel through the Andes accompanied by picturesque villages.
• Visit the Inca site of Tarawasi; a beautiful trapezoidal shape building next to the village of Limatambo.
• Many photo opportunities.
• Experience the flight of the Condors in the Apurimac Canyon.

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Chonta – Cusco

Approximate time for the tour:

• 07:30 AM: We start the tour by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Transportation by tourist vehicle
• 10:00 AM: Arrival to the city of Limatambo and visit to Tarayhuasi.
• 12:00 AM: Lunch in the village of Limatambo
• 13:00 PM: Travel in tourist transport to the community of Chonta.
• 14:00 PM: Beginning of the hike to “Mirador del Cóndor”
• 15:00 PM: See the condors overflying the canyon  
• 16:00 PM: Return to Chonta and then to Cusco
• 18:30 PM Arrive to Cusco approx.

CHONTA TOUR ITINERARY

After breakfast in your hotel, we leave the city of Cusco in our private transport at 8.00 am. And travel through the highlands of the “Pampa de Anta” towards the Northwest of the city.

After one hour drive we’ll arrive to the village of Ancahuasi where we’ll visit the temple of the moon of the Incas At “killarumiyoc”; here you’ll receive a guided tour and free time for further exploration; then we continue in our private car for 45 minutes on the well paved route until we arrive to the branch from where we’ll continue through a dirt road  that will take us over the Puna highlands with stipa grass to the scenic mountain hamlet of Chonta (3,400 m) near the Apurimaq Canyon.

The Route:

The road journey may take around three hours all together. We may stop on the way in order to visit a small hidden lagoon or in case we spot any interesting wildlife like deer, foxes, mountain caracaras or different birds of prey. If time allows we shall visit the school of Chonta that benefits from our tours through the donation of material, before we start our 1:30 hours walk of moderate difficulty. With a little luck we may spot typical highland birds on the way (sometimes even parrots can be seen), whilst appreciating the pretty flora and the spectacular scenery as we approach the deep canyon.

A short hike downhill takes us to the viewpoint in time for a delicious picnic lunch. We shall stay at this marvelous spot for 2-3 hours in order to wait for the condors soaring upwards, being transported by thermal winds. After all we return to the village of Chonta and take our car to return to Cusco.

CHONTA TOUR INCLUDES

• Pick up from your Hotel
• Private transport
• Professional bilingual Tour guide throughout the day
• Assistant Guide (for more than 8 passengers)
• Lunch
• Entrance to the canyon condor
• First aid kit

EXCLUDED

• Drinks: mineral water, soda, beer, chocolates
• Horses (OPTIONAL)
• Tips

WHAT TO BRING FOR CHONTA TOUR

• In your small backpack you must include the following things:
• Jacket for rain or poncho
• Cold Sweater
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent
• Binoculars
• Camera with extra battery
• Hat or cap
• Sun glasses
• hiking shoes
• Mineral water
• Extra money 100.00 average Suns
• Toilet paper

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT NOTES OF THE TRIP.

1. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including other names listed on your passport) for Machu Picchu Permits and train tickets. Charges may apply for changes to details within 45 days of departure and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
2. A single supplement is available if you prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Talk to your reservation agent for more information.
3. This trip includes a visit to Machu Picchu. According to the visiting regulations of Machu Picchu, all visitors must follow a predetermined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction and, once the guided tour has started, it is forbidden to leave and re-enter the site. After the guided tour is over, visitors must leave the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not allowed. See the Itinerary for more details.
4. Machu Picchu permits are sold on request only. Once the deposit has been paid and passport details provided, SPT Travel & Tours will attempt to obtain a permit for you.
5. Parts of your trip exceed 2,800 meters / 9,200 feet, where it is common for travelers to experience adverse health effects due to altitude, regardless of age, gender and physical condition. Consult your doctor for professional advice on high altitude travel if you have any medical conditions.
6. Most highland hotels are required to have oxygen cylinders, but you may be asked to pay extra for using oxygen for more than 5-10 minutes at a time.

ARRIVAL IN THE CITY OF CUSCO.

The tour begins in Cusco; You will be met at the airport and transferred in a private vehicle to your reserved hotel, make sure you tell us all your flight details at least 10 days before your trip. Once you arrive to the airport of Cusco, please look for our representative with a Blue SPT Travel & Tours sign.

TOUR’S BRIEFING.

It will take place at your arrival to the hotel. It will be for about half hour where with your guide you’ll review the details of the tour.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE IN YOUR OFFICE?

Yes, During the excursion your main luggage can be stored in our office or in your hotel, both are free of charge. It is very important ta have with you a small backpack for the day excursion where you’ll carry essential things for the day like water, jacket, etc.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

The remaining balance of the tour you’ll pay at the briefing time. We accept only in Cash and you will avoid high credit card fees in Peru, you can pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles). There are many ATMs in the historic center to withdraw money. You can also pay with VISA or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay a 7% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you must log in to your PAYPAL account and use our email address: sunrisetrek@gmail.com

HOW CAN I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

Under Peruvian law, you must be under the age of 18 at the time of your trek or visit to Machu Picchu (students over the age of 18 require a student ID). For example: If you book a hike at age 17 but turn 18 before taking it, you must have a valid college ID to qualify for the student discount.
College students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, college name, and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.

• All students from 11 to 17 years old, the discount is US$30.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old, the reduction is 40 USD.
• All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of booking to qualify for the student discount. Send us a copy to saleso@sunriseperutrek.com

CAN I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE TICKETS?

Unfortunately, the answer is NO. Once the tickets have been purchased, the government does not allow any changes, so we cannot change any departure dates after the tickets have been purchased. Tickets are also non-transferable and non-refundable. If you cancel your tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu, the deposit is absolutely non-refundable!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport that you sent us to reserve your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other tickets and reservations.

If you are renewing your passport or changing your name, feel free to send us your old passport information to secure your clearance, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or update your name for a fee of $25 per person. We need to have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before changing your passport, keep a copy of the old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee, you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport, but you will need to show both your old and new passports to enter Machu Picchu or on the train. If you do not have both, you will not be able to enter Machu Picchu or board the train.

VISA FOR PERU.

Citizens of Australia, United States, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and South Africa do not currently require a visa for Peru. For all other nationalities, please reconfirm your visa or entry requirements with the Peruvian consulate in your home country.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS.

If you travel above 2,500m, you can contract altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even if they are physically fit. You are at higher risk if you have ever had altitude sickness, if you exercise or drink alcohol before acclimatizing to the altitude, or if you have health problems that affect breathing. Consult your doctor before traveling and get advice specific to you and your situation.
check that your insurance covers emergency evacuation at height and associated medical expenses.

MEDICAL TREATMENT.

Medical treatment can be expensive and not always of high quality in some parts of the country. Make sure you have adequate travel medical insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Parts of your journey exceed 2,800 meters / 9,200 feet, where it is common for travelers to experience adverse health effects due to altitude, regardless of age, gender, and physical condition.

Before your trip:

Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to be severely worsened at high altitude and difficult to treat adequately on land, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition(s) with your physician. We understand that certain medications are reported to aid in altitude acclimatization. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip:

Although our Guides have basic first aid training and know the nearest medical facilities, it is very important that you know the cause and effects of travel at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly

MEALS NOT INCLUDED:

For this trip, we recommend between 25 and 50 USD per day. How to solve this problem?

Breakfast: If breakfast isn’t included, you can expect to pay $5-$10 at a local coffee shop.

Lunch: If you’re satisfied with a quick grab-and-go snack, you can get away with as little as $5 to $10 for a set menu at a local restaurant or a sandwich and drink at a coffee shop. In contrast, a lunch in a more touristy restaurant can cost between 10 and 15 USD.

Dinner: At dinner time, your chef will usually recommend restaurants where you can safely sample the local delicacies of the area. Expect meals to cost between $12 and $25 for an entree.
These are indicative prices only. If you are on a tight budget, only eat local food and don’t mind having a stomach ache from time to time, you can eat cheaper than this. If you want to taste the best cuisine in the best restaurants, you can expect meals to cost as much as in Western countries.

TIPS.

If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is appreciated, but not required. Although this is not common in your country, it is very important for the people who will take care of you during your Tour. It inspires excellent service and is an ingrained feature of the tourism industry in many SPT Travel & Tours destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as you see fit, based on your perception of the quality and length of your visit. Remember that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

COVID-19 ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS IN PERU.

• For the latest update on what is required to enter Peru, check your government’s foreign travel advice and visit the following website: https://www.peru.travel/en
  Requirements include an online health declaration, a negative PCR or antigen test performed within 72 hours of arrival, and an additional antigen test performed upon arrival.
• Also make sure you have your travel insurance policy that covers you for travel to and from Peru, as well as medical or COVID-19 related expenses in the country.
  Most air passengers are now required to take a COVID-19 test within 3 days of boarding their return flight. This includes citizens returning to their home country after their trip. Airlines must confirm a negative test result for all passengers before boarding; otherwise boarding will be denied.
• We can make it easy to take a COVID-19 test while you travel. Make sure you have funds available to cover the cost of this test, which will be paid directly at the test site. Your SPT Travel & Tours Guide will provide more details at the group meeting and schedule appointments for any travelers who need to be tested.