Trip Details
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival to Cusco, City Tour & Archaeological Ruins
Upon your arrival to Cusco, we will pick you up at the airport to transport you to your hotel. The morning is free time to rest in your hotel to acclimate.
In the afternoon, we will introduce you to the Imperial City of Cusco, a living example of the mix of Andean and Spanish culture. Continuing the journey, visit the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun Inti. Our tour continues to the truly impressive archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman and its military Inca architecture, which dominates the city below. Finally, we explore the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucará and Tambo machay, located in the north east of the city. We will head back to the hotel in Cusco by early evening.
- 3* Accommodations: Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin
- 4* Accommodations: Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection & Novotel
Day 2: Sacred Valley – Pisac to Ollantaytambo
We start this beautiful day at 7:30am, when the guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us to Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. See how the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years. Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you can see an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we can admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Here, we will spend about 2 hours, exploring the Inca city. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, then drive to Urubamba for lunch.
Our next stop is the fascinating archeological site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouse of the Incas” a deep basin of architectural wonder. Levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, which was carefully engineered by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are placed. Archeologists believe that they were used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops and experiment in hybridization.
Continuing on our journey to the colonial town of Maras, we look down onto the pre-Inca salt “mines,” called salineras in Spanish. Thousands of salt pans have been passed down through countless generations and used for salt extraction since before Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which is diverted into salt pans and evaporated to produce salt. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, taking the time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins, with a tour provided by our guide. Visit the massive architecture of the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces and learn about the importance of this site for the Inca during the beginning of the Spanish conquest.
After dinner, we take the train to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in our hotel. The train departs Ollantaytambo at 19:04 and arrives in Aguas Calientes at 20:45.
- 3* Accommodations: Ferre´ Hotel Machu Picchu
- 4* Accommodations: El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (superior room)
- Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3: Machu Picchu & Train back to Cusco
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! The guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see most of the important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. Learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Vistadome train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at pm, 3:20pm, 4:22pm or 4:43pm or 6:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel between 8pm and 10:30pm.
Please note: In the rainy season, January through April, the Vistadome Train only runs to the Ollantaytambo station. We will drive you from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
- 3* Accommodations: Waman Qorikancha or Maytaq Wasin
- 4* Accommodations: Hotel Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection & Novotel
- Meals included: Breakfast, Hot Drinks & Snacks on the Train
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu Mountain, this tour is without a guide.
Day 4: Cusco to Puno by Andean Explorer Train
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up at 10am from your hotel in Cusco and transferred to the train station. There, you will board the most luxurious train to Puno, the Belmond Andean Train.
The Belmond Andean Explorer train features an open-air observatory car, allowing you to take in the majestic views while enjoying the typical music and dances of the Peruvian Highlands. During your trip, you will have the chance to take panoramic pictures of some of the quaint essential Andean landscapes.
During the trip, lunch, & breakfast offers the finest in gourmet food. The quality of our personalized service is guaranteed. You will sleep in your own private cabin as you travel to Puno arriving at around 7am.
Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your Puno Hotel.
- Accommodations: Cabin overnight on the Train
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on Train
Day 5: Full Day to Lake Titicaca (Uros Floating Islands & Taquile)
You will have a 6:00 am breakfast on the train and be transferred to the Port of Puno for your tour at 8:30am. Our first stop will be Uros Floating Islands. The Uros are natives, who live on these man-made islands created from Totora reeds grown on Lake Titicaca. Their houses are built on top while the cooking is done outside the homes to avoid fires. After spending time at the Island of Uros, you will proceed to the Island of Taquile. Here, you will notice that the locals speak Aymara instead of the predominant Quechua of the Cusco region. The Island of Taquile was once a part of the Inca Empire. The influence can be seen in the buildings these people create. Once you arrive on the island, you will get a briefing, traditional dances, artisanal craft displays and lunch. In the afternoon, the boat will take you back to Puno. From the port of Puno, you will be transfer to your hotel.
- 3* Accommodations: Casa Andina (standard) or Tierra Viva
- 4* Accommodations: Casa Andina Premium Puno and Sonesta Hotel Puno
- Meal included: Breakfast
Day 6: DEPARTURE FROM PUNO
After having breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your remaining time in Puno. Then, in the late morning or afternoon we can drive you an hour and a half to the Juliaca airport to take your plane back to Lima. (Transfer out is not included and costs $60 per group).
- Meal included: Breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Included
- Transfer in from Cusco airport
- Pick up at hotel for tours
- Professional English speaking guide
- Private transportation to visit all Inca Archeological sites for tours
- Expedition train Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Vistadome Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy
- One way trip Cusco to Puno Belmond Andean Train
- Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- 4 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotels or 4 star hotel depending on your choice
- 1 night accommodation on the Belmond Andean train with your own private cabin.
- 4 breakfasts in your hotel and train (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Private guided Tours of Cusco, Sacred Valley, & Moray & Salt Mines
- All entrances to archeological sites & others
- Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Group guided tour of the Uros Floating Islands & Taquile as a part of your train service
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Tax
- Water for tours
Not Included
- International or domestic flights
- Tips for guides and SAM team members
- Hotel single supplement -$50 USD (for solo travelers)
- Meals where not otherwise stated
- Optional: Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes –10 soles per person
- Optional: Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person
- Transfer out to the Juliaca airport
***Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
PRICES
Our 6 day tour of Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca can only be booked to start on a Monday because the Belmond Andean Luxury train only runs on Thursday and we must have 2 participants minimum for the tour.
- $687 USD per person without hotels (train is separate additional price depending on cabin choice)
- $887 USD per person with 3* hotels (train is separate additional price depending on cabin choice)
- $1,087 USD per person with 4* hotels (train is a separate additional price, depending on cabin choice)
*** Private service is available for $100 USD per person.
ANDEAN EXPLORER TRAIN PRICES:
- 2 Twin Beds Cabin (double occupancy) – ask for the most updated prices
- 1 Junior Double Bed Cabin (double occupancy) – ask for the most updated prices
- 1 Deluxe Double Bed Cabin (double occupancy) – ask for the most updated prices
***Other option 1 day Peru Rail Titicaca Luxury Day Train Cusco to Puno $347 USD per person. (will need to add an extra night hotel in Puno)
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person
- Hotel single supplement: $60 USD per night 3* (for solo travellers with single room)
- Hotel single supplement: $110 USD per night 4* (for solo travellers with single room)
- Upgrade to 5 star hotels upon request
***Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR TOUR
Please read carefully the following information as it will answer all of your questions about our services and tours
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Machu Picchu Tour your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
FIRST, to book your Cusco City to Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Tour, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an an entrance to Machu Picchu or the train without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a Custom Deposit of $525.00 USD+Train Ticket cost per person in order to purchase a your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address: samtravelperu@gmail.com.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek or tour to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need student cards). For example: if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you must have a valid university ID card to qualify for the student discount.
- University students must provide a copy of their ID card showing a photo, University name and card expiration date. Cards must be valid for the current academic year only.
- All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30 USD.
- For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40 USD.
- Children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@samtravelperu.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the tickets has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances and reservations.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your 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 passports, old and new to be to enter into Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE TOUR?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend to always dress in layers as it is more easier to adjust to the different climates.
ARE WE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TOUR?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick ups and drop offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimate normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.
The recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness. See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.
TRAIN INFORMATION
Our package includes the 14:55 or 15:20 Vistadome train for the way from Aguas Calientes to Poroy or Ollantaytambo, then we drive you back to Cusco in our van, arriving 19:00 – 19:30. If you have an extra hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, we will buy the later Vistadome train at 15:20 or 16:22.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your tour. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator that incorporates universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
WHAT TO BRING
- A small backpack or carry bag (larger not allowed on the train or in Machu Picchu)
- Changes of clothing
- Comfortable shoes or runners
- Camera
- Water to drink
- Rain jacket or poncho
- A fleece or jacket
- Warm jacket for nights
- Basic toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent for mosquitoes
- Hat for the sun
- Some extra money for lunch, snacks and souvenirs
- Original passport (cannot enter Machu Picchu without it)
