PERU HIGHLIGHTS TRIP 12 DAYS

At a glance:

• TIMING: 12 days and 11 nights.
• STARTING POINT: Cusco Airport.
• ENDING POINT: Arequipa Hotel.
• DEPARTURE DATES: The date that you suit you better.
• TYPE OF TOUR: Trekking, Cultural and History.

Highlights:

• Explore the city of Cusco
• Full-day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Hike four days the Inca trail to Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu tour
• Visit the Islands of the Lake Titicaca (Takile, Amantany and Uros)
• See the deepest canyon of the world: the Colca Canyon.

Included acitivities:

• The city of Cusco
• Sacred Valley Tour – Cusco
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Cusco
• Lake Titicaca Tour – Puno
• Colca Canyon Tour – Arequipa.

Short itinerary:

Day 1:  Cusco

Arrival to Cusco at any time, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the designated hotel.

DAY 2: Sacred Valley

Full-day tour includes the visit of the Pisac Market and the guided tour of the Inca ruins at Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

DAYS 3-4-5-6: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Trek the 45 km of well-preserved Inca Trail surrounded with splendid mountains scenery. The last day, we will start very early to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu.

Day 7: Puno

Enjoy the bus tour from Cusco to Puno.

Days 8-9:  Lake Titicaca

Discover the floating island of the Lake Titicaca, with overnight at Amantani Island.

Days 10 – 11: Colca Canyon

Explore the Colca Valley and watch the Andean Condors overflying the deepest canyon.

Day 12: Departure Arequipa

Departure from Arequipa at any time.

DAY TO DAY TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival to Cusco

The Peru Highlights Trip begins once you arrive to Cusco at any time; however, we must know your fly details; we will meet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel where you will have briefing about Cusco and complete review of your tour itinerary. 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.

Our Recommendations:

• 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
• 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 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas.

For this tour, we will pick you up at 08:30 a.m from the hotel and 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, we will visit also 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 the next morning.

Our Recommendation:

• We suggest suitable footwear, you will climb stairs with many steps. Bring a small backpack, camera; wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
• In village of Pisac, do not forget to try the delicious empanadas, and purchase an artisan souvenir/memorabilia.
• When you arrive to the town of Urubamba, Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch where we invite you to try the corn of Sacred Valley.

DAYS 3-4-5-6: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

After breakfast, we’ll take the bus for one hour to Pisqhak’ucho or Km 82 where we will start the 4-dayInca Trail to Machu Picchu that is physically challenging but worthy, It is 45 km 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).

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’ll take the bus to Machu Picchu entrance and join the group for Machu Picchu tour. If you decide to do not make the trek, we 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 km
Estimated hiking time: 7-8 hrs.

Day 2: Llulluchapampa – Chaquiccocha
Approximate distance: 15 km
Estimated hiking time: 7-8 hrs.

Day 3: Chaquiccocha – Wiñaywayna
Approximate distance: 10 km
Estimated hiking time: 5 hrs.

Day 4: Wiñaywayna to Intipunku (Sun Gate) – Machu Picchu
Approximate distance: 5 km
Estimated hiking time: 2 hrs

Day 7: Cusco to Puno.

Today will be a fantastic journey through the Peruvian south lands, crossing the high «Altiplano». You will visit interesting places and stop along volcanic hot springs. We will arrive in the afternoon at Puno, a small city located at the banks of the highest navigable lake of the world.

Days 8-9: Tour to Lake Titicaca & Bus to Arequipa.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the Lake of the Port and board our comfortable and fully equipped, speed boat to explore the floating Island of Uros which is built with Totora that grows in the shallows of the lake; The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from the Qollas and Inca tribes. Sadly, the Uros language has died out, and today the islanders speak Aymara due to intermarriage with Aymara-speaking clans.

Later we will visit Taquile Island with unique culture style of dress and lifestyle make for a memorable visit. The men of the community do all the knitting, as this is strictly a male domain, while the women do the spinning. High quality, locally knitted goods are available for purchase at various cooperatives on the island; we will share their conditioned house one night and the next day, we’ll return to Puno arriving there in the afternoon and in take 6 hours bus to Arequipa and have accommodation in the hotel.

Our Recommendation:

• We suggest suitable footwear, you will climb stairs with many steps. Bring a small backpack, camera; wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
• In the Uros Island, purchase an artisan souvenir/memorabilia.

Days 10-11: Colca Canyon Tour.

The tour to Colca Canyon starts at 08:30 a.m where we will travel through the high Andes to the small picturesque village of Chivay where there is a magnificent natural hot spring. The next day, early in the morning, we will continue the tour toward «LA CRUZ DEL CONDOR», considered as the best place to enjoy the world’s deepest canyon and view the majestic condors over flying the canyon and then we return to Arequipa.

Our Recommendation:

• We suggest suitable footwear, you will climb stairs with many steps. Bring a small backpack, camera; wear a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
• In village of Chivay visit the hot springs

Day 12: Departure from Arequipa.

Departure from Arequipa at any time.

PERU HIGHLIGHTS TRIP INCLUDES:

• Transportation: All scheduled transportations; all transfers.
• Entrance Fee: For all the visited tourist places.
• Meals: All Breakfast in the hotels and along the road: in the trail 3 breakfasts, 3 hot lunches, 3 hot dinners prepared by our professional chef. Meals include pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruits, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking; hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for adjusting to the altitude. Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn). We offer a vegetarian menu option
• Guide & Porters: Licensed bilingual official Tour Guide; 2 guides over 8 people. Porters will carry both your personal items (6kg) in duffel bags (provided by Sunrise) and the
• camping equipment for the Inca trail. You must carry your day-to-day packings such as your camera, snacks and some drinkable water.
• Camping Equipment: We provide brand new 4 season four people capacity tents for two people, Thermal-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: Based on double occupancy: 7 nights ***hotel, 1 night with a local family and 3 nights in camping tents.
• Other Items: Local guide available for permanent assistance, first-aid kit, oxygen bottle.

EXCLUDED

• Meals: All lunches and dinners except on the Inca trail. You should consider a budget from $15 to $25 USD for each meal in an average restaurant. We will assist you with all local matters
• Sleeping Bag: You can rent it from us for $15 USD for the entire Inca trail trek.
• Entrance to the thermal baths: $3 USD
• 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.