CUSCO ADVENTURE TRIP 6 DAYS

At a Glance:

• TIMING: 6 days and 5 nights.
• STARTING POINT: Cusco Airport.
• ENDING POINT: Cusco Airport.
• DEPARTURE DATES: Daily Departure group service and private service.
• TYPE OF TOUR: Cultural and History.
• Suitable for everybody.

Highlights:

• Explore the city of Cusco.
• Full-day tour to Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Explore the Inca sites of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.
• Visit traditional markets.
• Travel by train through Urubamba valley to the town of Aguas Calientes.
• Visit the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes – Near Machu Picchu.
• Guied Machu Picchu tour.
• Visit the Rainbow Mountain.
• Optional climb Huayna Picchu Mountain.

Included acitivities:

• Cusco city
• City Tour in Cusco
• Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Machu Picchu trip with overnight.
• Rainbow Mountain Tour.

Short itinerary for 6-Day Cusco Adventure Trip

Day 1: Arrival to Cusco:

Arrival to Cusco at any time; we must know your flight details for the reception in the airport. Today there is Not planet activities, relax and be accustomed to the altitude.

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour:

Enjoy a full-day tour through the sacred Valley of the Incas. In the afternoon travel by train for two hours to the town of Aguas Calientes.

Day 3: Machu Picchu Tour:

Early in the morning explore Machu Picchu with your guide and in the afternoon, you’ll return to Cusco. Optionally, you can climb the mountain of Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu – see availability.

Day 4: City Tour in Cusco:

In the mooring, enjoy a guided city tour (4:30hrs.); where you’ll visit the city of Cusco and surrounding Inca sites. In the afternoon free time for further exploration.

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain Tour:

A full day tour to the most beautiful mountain of the Andes. The Rainbow Mountain located at 5030masl.

Day 6: Departure from Cusco:

After breakfast in the hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Cusco:

The tour package of 6-day Cusco Adventure Trip, begins once you arrive to the airport of Cusco.  So, we must know your flight details to wait for you in the airport and transfer you to the reserved hotel. Today there is Not planet activities. We recommended you to relax. It is important accept the coca tea served in the hotel; the coca tea is very good for your acclimatization to the altitude. The city of Cusco is located at 3,400masl.

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas: Cusco – Pisac – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes:

Today we’ll pick you up from your hotel at 7:30AM and take our private bus for guided Sacred Valley Tour. We leave the city of Cusco and after 15 minutes we’ll pass the Inca site of Saqsaywaman where the Inti Raymi or the festival of the sun is performed every 24^th of June. The trip continues by an undulating route until the pass of San Miguel from where descend until the sacred Valley. We’ll stop to visit some traditional markets in the village of Ccorao and later in the town of Pisaq. From the market of Pisaq we’ll continue travel by bus, up to the mountain of Pisaq where is located the Inca ruins of Pisac. Here, we’ll explore the extensive Inca ruins while enjoying stunning views over the valley. You will be given a guided tour for about 1 hour; in which we will see agricultural terraces, temples, homes, altars, carvings, tunnels, caves and the famous Intihuatana, «The hitching post of the sun». Then we’ll continue by bus (one hour) to the town of Urubamba where you’ll enjoy your lunch in one of the restaurants.

After lunch the tour continues toward the town of Ollantaytambo, wher is located also the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, which is probably the most beautiful Inca ruins in the sacred valley surrounded by sacred mountains. Here, we will spend about one and half hours. In Ollantaytambo, we get further exposure to Incan constructions, mainly the amazing temple of the sun, enormous blocks of rock perfectly carved and polished, stone water fountains, stairs and terraces.

From Ollantaytambo we’ll head to the train station located to 15 minutes from the town return and take the train for two hours to the town of Aguas Calientes where you’ll have accommodation in the hotel. The town of Aguas Calientes is located to 20 minutes from Machu Picchu; it’s a small touristic town with several restaurants and tourist facilities.

Recommendation:

• We strongly suggest suitable footwear, you will climb stairs with many steps.
• Bring a small backpack, camera; wear a sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
• In Pisac, don’t forget to try the delicious “empanadas”, and purchase an artisan souvenir/memorabilia.
• In Urubamba enjoy a delicious buffet lunch where we invite you to try the corn of Sacred Valley.

Days 3: Machu Picchu Tour: Aguas Calientes –  Machu Picchu – Cusco:

After a great rest in your hotel, wake up and get your breakfast. Leave you personal things in the reception of the hotel and then with your guide walk to the bus station (10-min). Take the bus for half hour up the entrance of Machu Picchu. Finally, we will arrive at the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, open your arms and feel the magic of this thousand-year-old place, enjoy the impressive view from the Inca citadel, surely it is a moment that you have been looking forward to. After the unforgettable moment, our guide will begin the tour that will last for about 2 -3 hours so that you can better know the history and architecture of this wonderful place.

After the guided tour you will be able to enjoy Machu Picchu in your own way, you will be able to take photos and explore the place freely. In the afternoon you will have time to have lunch and explore the town of Aguas Calientes, which has many restaurants and craft shops. Here we will board the train and return to Ollantaytambo where our representative will wait for you and he will take you to your hotel in Cusco.

Recommendations:

• Bring your identity document or passport.
• Arrive half an hour before at the train station.
• Do not take a lot of luggage, only 7kg are allowed on the train.
• We suggest bringing a small backpack along with your camera, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a bottle of water.
• At Machu Picchu you will climb a lot of steps, please wear proper walking shoes.
• After the guided tour in Machu Picchu, enjoy the magical moment, open your arms and recharge your energy.
• After the tour, optionally you can climb the Mountain of Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu; for it please see the availability.

Day 4: City Tour:

Our transfer will visit you at your hotel at 7:30AM to transfer you to the starting point of your Tour. The tour begins visiting the Cathedral of Cusco. The cathedral is located in the main square and it is decorated with fine carved woodwork and impressive altars and beautiful paintings, made by the hands of local artists from the Cusqueña School, which keep hidden elements of indigenous thought.

Then we will take a short walk through the streets of the historic center towards the “Qoricancha” or Temple of the Sun, considered an indigenous religious sanctuary, where we will appreciate the very fine work of lithic technology carried out by the Incas, with the highest level of hard stone cutting without a sheet of paper can be inserted and that despite the earthquakes they remain stable to date. After “Qoricancha” we will board the bus that will take us to Sacsayhuaman located 3km away from the city of Cusco. The Inca site of Sacsayhuaman offer us a panoramic view of the city of Cusco; Sacsayhuaman was built with large limestone blocks weighing from 25 to 120 tons. Composed of three superimposed terraces in a serpentine (zigzag) manner.

Later we’ll continue to visit the Inca site of “Qenqo”, which means labyrinth, it is located one kilometer from Sacsayhuaman, it establishes a construction based on limestone rock that shows stone sculpture in 500 m2 accompanied by structures that according to historians were used for the study of astronomy, religion and embalming and/or mummification.

We also will visit the Inca site of “Puca Pucara”. The name of “Puca Pucara” come from two Quechua words that means Puca (red) Pucara (fortress) «red fortress», a strategic place for control and surveillance of access and exit from the Imperial city of Cusco, which was used as a territorial border for divide the regions and establish the displacement regimes.

Finally, we will visit the Inca site of “Tambomachay”; a resting place, located 9 km from the city of Cusco, better known as the Inca Baths for the water sources, or also known as the waters of eternal youth for the flow of its waters that is constant and offers us part of the Inca trail that goes from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The tour last for about 4:30 hours and end in the next to the main square.

Recommendations:

• After the tour, stroll through the Plaza de Armas and surrounding areas, where you can appreciate the work of the Cusqueñian artisan craft stores.
• Grab a bite at the famous Peruvian cuisine restaurants nearby or relax on the park benches of Plaza de Armas and then take a photo there for memories to last during the warm weather in the afternoon, despite the cold nights of Cusco.
• And if you like the night around the square, you will find many nightclubs and bars filled with tourists and locals who expect to have fun with good music and drinks.

Day 5: Rainbow Mountain Tour:

A full day tour where you’ll visit the most beautiful Mountain of the Andes in Peru, Vininincunca or the Rainbow Mountain. The tour starts very early in the morning when we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 04:30 am. We will travel by car for two hours toward the south until we arrive to the town of Cusipata (3310m.a.s.l.), where we can enjoy a buffet breakfast. After the breakfast we will travel by car 1 more hour to the control point (Llaqto), where we will start the trek. The trek will last approximately 1:30 hours. The trail is a gentle up, but the last half hours it is very step.

Along the trail, we will appreciate the typical landscape of the Andes, its flora and fauna, among which Llamas and Alpacas stand out. Upon reaching the viewpoint of Vinincunca or Rainbow Mountain (5030 masl.), your guide will give you a description about the orography, ecosystem and color of the mountain. We can also use the moment to take photos to remember and to admire the beautiful landscape of the mountain chain of Vinincunca. Then we will return by the same trail to the point where we started the trek (Llaqto), where our transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusipata. Here we will enjoy the buffet lunch. After lunch we will start the return trip to the Cusco city, arriving between 4 and 5 in the afternoon.

Recommendations:

• Bring your identity document or passport.
• We suggest bringing a small backpack along with your camera, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a bottle of water.
• You will climb a lot of steps, please wear proper walking shoes.

Day 6: Departure from Cusco:

Transfer Out.

Cusco Machu Picchu Tour Includes:

• Transportation: Transfer in/out (Airport/Hotel/Airport), Private bus for Sacred Valley Tour and Rainbow Mountain; bus up and down from/to the town of «Aguas Calientes» to Machu Picchu; round-trip train ticket expedition class from Ollantaytambo to «Aguas Calientes».
• Entrance Fee: For the city tour, Sacred Valley tour, Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu.
• Guide: Licensed bilingual tour guide.
• Accommodations: Based on double occupancy: 4 nights in Cusco ***Hotel, 1 night in the town of «Aguas Calientes».
• Other: Local guide for permanent assistance.

The cost exclude:

• Meals: Lunch and dinner, you must consider a budget of US$15 to US$25 for each meal.
• Airport Taxes and tips.

PRICE OF THE TOUR

• In the following price is included 3-stars category hotel which we consider appropriated and very confortable hotel for thisTour
• We have other options based on the hotel, type of train; the options are adapted to all budgets and THE PRICE IS PER PERSON. We gladly will assist you, write or please call Us.

Daily Departure

WHAT TO BRING?

For a multi-day trip to Machu Picchu by train you’ll need to carry the following items:

Most travelers prefer to pack a small or medium-size wheeled suitcase, which is an ideal size for the storage capacity of our private vehicles. Regardless of what you bring, keep in mind that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, get in and out of your Hotel, and even walk short distances. Generally speaking, we recommend that you travel as little as possible. You will also need a backpack for activities and day trips. In terms of weight, airlines generally allow a maximum of 20kg for checked baggage.

In addition to the items and clothing you always need on a trip, here are some travel-specific packing tips:

ESSENTIAL:

• Closed shoes will help protect your feet from cuts and scrapes when walking in cities as well as in bushes/grasslands, and will also act as a protective barrier in rare cases of bites or stings.
• Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Original Passport, keep it in a dry and safe place while visiting Machu Picchu.
• Extra Cash in Soles, try to have in small coins to buy souvenirs.
• Camera for the good pictures.
• Sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Sunglasses.

RECOMMENDED:

• Electronic and/or hard copies of all important documents, plane tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep printed copies separate from originals. Although not valid, a copy makes it much easier to get replacements if needed.
• Water bottle. We recommend a capacity of at least 1.5 liters. The sale of bottled water contributes to a major environmental problem worldwide. In addition to bottled water, making a 1-liter plastic bottle requires 2 liters of water and 200 ml of oil. Much of it ends up in limited landfills or is released into waterways and natural settings.
• Electrical adapter plug.
• It is important to have a Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids.
• Fly spray
• You can use clock/alarm clock or phone for both

OPTIONAL:

•  Earplugs to protect against possible snoring from a roommate
• Phrasebook

VALUABLE ITEMS:

Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables and use your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to buy a money belt or pouch that is easy to hide.

LAUNDRY DETERGENT.

Laundry is available in many hotels and cities on this trip, but you may have to wait for a two-night layover to ensure you pick it up on time. While hotel laundry is usually charged per item, laundromats usually charge per kilo, which is usually inexpensive (around $2 per kilo).

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.