PERU CHASKI TOUR 17 DAYS

At a glance:

• TIMING: 17 days and 16 nights.
• STARTING POINT: Cusco Airport
• ENDING POINT: Lima Airport
• DEPARTURE DATES: The date that you suit you better.
• TYPE OF TOUR: Trekking, Cultural and History.
• TRANSPORT: Bus, trekking, train and airplane.

Highlights:

• Explore the city of Cusco
• Full-day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Visit the Island of Uros
• Takile and Amantany in the Lake Titicaca
• See the condors planning over the Colca Canyon
• Overfly Nazca lines
• Visit the Chauchilla a pre-Inca cemetery
• Explore the Ballestas Islands and visit the Paracas Natural Reserve.

Included acitivities:

CUSCO:

• Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

PUNO:

• Lake Titicaca Tour

REQUIPA:

• Colca Canyon Tour

NAZCA:

• Overfly Nazca Lines
• Chauchilla Tour

ICA:

• Islas Ballestas
• Paracas Natural Reserve

LIMA.

Short Itinerar:

DAY 1: Cusco

First of all Arrive to Cusco at any time; we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the designated hotel. Enjoy the city.

DAY 2: The Sacred Valley

In addition, a Full-day tour throught the Sacred Valley of the Incas; we will visit the traditional market at Pisac and we will explore the Inca ruins at Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

DAYS 3-4-5-6: Inca Trail

So, hike the ancient trail of the Incas surrounded by stunning mountain scenery along which you will see several Inca temples. The last day, we will start very early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu.

DAY 7 : Free Day.

Enjoy the city or you can do mountain bike or rafting.

DAY 8: Puno

Today will be a wonderful bus trip through the «Peruvian Altiplano», stopping at stunning places.

DAYS 9, 10: Lake Titicaca

Explore the Island of the Lake Titicaca and its inhabitants. In the evening, we’ll have a 6-hour bus journey.

DAYS 11, 12: Colca Canyon

Discover Colca Valley and the deepest canyon of the world with Andean Condors overflying.

DAY 13: Arequipa

We will have free time during the morning and in the evening, we will have a 10-hour bus journey to Nazca.

DAY 14:  Nazca Lines

Discover the mysterious Nazca Lines visible just from the air; In the afternoon, we will visit Chauchilla: a pre-Inca cemetery.

DAY 15: Paracas

Navigate the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the wonders of the «Ballestas Islands», then we’ll visit the Paracas Natural Reserve.

DAY 16: Lima

After breakfast, we will travel 6 hours by bus through the coastal desert to Lima.

DAY 17: Departure

You will be transferred to the airport.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrival to Cusco

The Peru Chaski Tour begins once you arrive to Cusco at any time; however, we must know your flight details; we will meet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the city (optional city tour in the afternoon). Cusco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city; the city of Cusco attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; this lovely Inca and colonial town offers much to the visitor with its nearby ruins, cobble-stoned streets, museums, churches and lively atmosphere. Among the more adventurous optional activities available in Cusco are: city tour around archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucara; white water rafting on the Urubamba River; and mountain biking down to the Sacred Valley of the Incas; there are several good museums in Cusco like: the Archaeological Museum, Art Museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum.

DAY 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas

After breakfast at 08:00 a.m, we’ll travel toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas which was an important cradle of food for the Incas, the Sacred Valley is a lush of agricultural region that continues to supply the city of Cusco with much of its produce especially with corn and vegetables. Visit the extraordinary Inca ruins of Pisac and the colourful artisan market where you can purchase some handicrafts directly from the producers. The day-trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo where we will also visit the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo that is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spaniards lost a major battle during the conquest. We will spend the night in this small town before heading out for the start of the trek on the next morning.

DAYS 3-4-5 and 6: Inca trail to Machu Picchu

Early in the morning, we will take the bus for one hour to Pisqhak’ucho or Km 82 where we will start the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that is physically challenging but worthy, it is 45 kms of distance, with 2 high passes to be crossed, one of which reaches an elevation of 4,200 masl (Dead woman pass) and 4,000 masl (Runku Pass); the trail is often steep, and it may rain even during the dry season. The temperatures change constantly: during the day is dry hot (18°C to 26°C) and at night may fall below zero, so it is important to come prepared. We will start the trek at km 82, the porters carry the majority of the gear for the trek in duffel bags that we provide, so those passengers doing the trek only carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. We will pass several Inca ruins, the first of which is «Llactapata» (up city); «Pata Wasi» (up house), «Runkuraqhay» (round balcony); «Sayacmarka» (inaccessible town); «Phuyupatamarka» (town over the cloud) and «Wiñayhuayna» (Young forever). Inca trail to Machu Picchu goes through beautiful scenery like: cloud forest, over the mountains, through high Andean valleys, etc. On the final day of the trek, we will climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was discovered by Mr. Hiram Bingham at 1911 and he assures that he found the famous Vilcabamba.

NOTE: The passengers who are not able or nor interested in the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for spending 2 days in Cusco, and then you will travel by train to the town of «Aguas Calientes», and the next morning you will take the bus to Machu Picchu entrance and join the group for Machu Picchu tour. If you decide not to do the trek, thus we would need to know prior to your departure in order to obtain train tickets.

Distances of the Inca Trail:

• Day 1: Km 82 to Llulluchapampa Approximate distance: 15 kms Estimated hiking time: 7-8 hrs.
• Day 2: Llulluchapampa-Chaquiccocha Approximate distance: 15 kms Estimated hiking time: 7-8 hrs
• Day 3: Chaquiccocha-Wiñaywayna Approximate distance: 10 kms Estimated hiking time: 5 hrs
• Day 4: Wiñaywayna to Intipunku (Sun Gate) – Machu Picchu Approximate distance: 5 kms Estimated hiking time: 2 hrs

DAY 7: Day Free

Enjoy the city or you can do mountain bike or rafting.

DAY 8: Journey from Cusco – Puno.

After breakfast, we will take our tourist bus and head toward the south across the high plains passing remote villages. We are going to reach Puno in the evening. This city is located on the banks of Lake Titicaca which is the highest navigable lake in the world.

DAYS 9 and 10:  Lake Titicaca & Bus to Arequipa

At 07:30 a.m, we will pick you up from your hotel in Puno and transfer you to the port and take you on a motorboat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca. First, we will visit the unique Uros floating Island, which are inhabited by fishermen and hunters. They use the cattail, a type of bush which grows in the lake to create conditions that ensure that the island stays afloat. Today, the inhabitants still speak «Quechua and Aymara» languages. Next, we’ll go to the Island of Amantani to have dinner and spend the night with a local family with basic accommodations. This is an opportunity to learn more about their culture and enjoy the hospitality of a typical Amantani home. The next day, you will be able to watch the sunrise over the lake and visit the families who live in the surrounding area. After that, we will visit Takile, another amazing island in the heart of the lake where people live and conserve their ancient traditions and then we’ll return to Puno, arriving here in the afternoon. In the evening, we will take a night first class bus to Arequipa (5 hours) and have accommodations in a hotel.

DAYS 11 and 12: Colca Canyon Tour by bus

Today, we will pick you up from the hotel at 08:30 a.m and continue our tour through the Andes. Along the route, we will see magnificent views complemented by the flora and fauna; we will see alpacas, vicuñas, llamas and guanacos as well as a variety of birds. In the evening, we will arrive to the village of Chivay, a beautiful small colonial village where you could enjoy a bath in the natural hot springs. Early the next day, we will travel to «La Cruz del Condor» to enjoy the world’s deepest canyon where the majestic Condors soar high in the sky. After that, we will return stopping at the traditional markets and visiting small towns. Once we arrive to Chivay, we will enjoy the local cuisine. The grilled alpaca is highly recommended. In the afternoon, we will return to Arequipa, and you will be transferred to your hotel.

DAY 13: Arequipa – Nazca

Free time in the morning; you could wander around the lovely city of Arequipa or you can rest. We recommend you to visit the Santa Catalina Museum where is placed the last Inca mummy named Juanita; who was found on the top of the snow-capped of Ampato Mountain associated with other 18 mummies. In the evening, we will take the first class bus to Nazca (10 hours) arriving there in the morning and have accommodations in a hotel.

DAY 14: Flight over Nazca Lines

We will pick you up at 09:00 a.m from your hotel in hotel and head to Nazca airport. Nazca is placed in the heart of the coastal desert. Here, we will fly over the mysterious Nazca lines for 40 minutes. This can be done in the morning and afterwards, we will continue the tour to the Chauchilla: Nazca’s cemetery where there are mummies aged over 1,500 years. Then, we will visit the local artisans in a city who still maintain ancient traditions and technology. Then, you will have accommodations in a hotel.

 DAY 15: Paracas, Islas Ballestas («Ballestas Islands)

Very early, we will travel 2 hours in our private transport to the port of Chaco for an exceptional tour of wildlife in the Pacific Ocean and the «Ballestas Islands». We will visit fantastic scenery with a naturalist as a guide and then, we will continue visiting the Paracas Natural Reserve and have accommodation in a hotel. We will also offer an optional tour to Huaca-China where you could try sandboard.

DAY 16: Lima

After breakfast, we will take the bus and travel to Lima along the ocean road and take in the beauty of the coast. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel.

DAY 17: Depart Lima

You will be transferred to the airport.

PERU CHASKI TOUR INCLUDES:

• TRANSPORTATION: All Transfers in/out airport/hotel/airport, bus transportation according to the programme and train to Machu Picchu.
• ENTRANCE FEE: For all the tourist places.
• MEALS: No meals included except all breakfast in the hotels and delicious meals on the Inca trail. Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, also hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude, teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn), (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 afternoon tees), we always offer a vegetarian option upon request, and we provide available boiled water each morning for your water bottles.
• GUIDE & PORTERS: Licensed Bilingual Official Tour Guide. Inca Trail Porters who will carry your personal items (6kls) in duffel bags that we provide and the camping equipment on the Inca trail you must carry your day pack with your camera, snacks and some drinkable water.
• CAMPING EQUIPMENT: We provide brand new 4 season four people capacity tents for two people, Therm-a-rest, dinning room tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, seats, tables, tent for the guides, tent for the porters, kitchen gear and backpacks, warm clothes and life insurance for the porters.
•  ACCOMMODATIONS: All hotel accommodations we use ***hotels, 1 night with a local family in Puno and 3 nights in camping tents.
• OTHER ITEMS: Local Guide for Permanent assistants, first-aid kit, emergency oxygen bottle.

EXCLUDED

• Meals: All Lunches and dinners except on the Inca trail you must consider a budget from US$15 to US$25 for each meal. We will assist you at these issues.
• Sleeping Bag: Can be rented in our office for US $20 for the entire trek. Airport taxes and tips for the staff.

PRICE OF THE TOUR

• In the following price is included 3-stars category hotel which we consider appropriated and very confortable hotel for Cusco Machu Picchu Tour
• 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.