Trip Details
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Moray – Salt Mine – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and then we drive in our private van to the stunning Inca site of Moray also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas” which is unique and fascinating. Different levels of terraces are carved into a huge bowl, part of which was further excavated by the Incas. The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep into the bowl they are and so they were thought to have been used by the Incas to discover the optimal conditions for their crops. After time to enjoy and explore this beautiful Inca sight, we continue driving towards the colonial town of Maras and to the Pre-Inca Salt Mine (Salineras). Thousands of salt pans have been 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 a salt that is used for cattle licks. Afterwards we continue our journey to Ollantaytambo, where we will explore the Inca remains and of course our guide will share with you the history of the amazing Inca city. Then we will take our train to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a hotel. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes a representative of the hotel will meet you and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
you will take the bus up to Machu Picchu! You can decide the departure time with your guide.
He will take you on a fascinating guided tour in the remains, lasting approximately 2 hours, then you will have plenty of free time for further exploring, taking photos and the option to climb Huayna Picchu or go up to the Sun Gate. Then back to Aguas Calientes and at approximately 4.22pm you will take your return train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy (Cusco) with a bus connection to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the evening.
What is included
Included
- Pick up at your hotel.
- Tour to Moray and the Salt mine
- Bus transportation to the train station
- Train ride to Aguas Calientes.
- Pick up from Aguas Calientes train station and transfer to the hotel
- Free afternoon to visit the hot springs or the flower garden.
- Accommodation in the hotel
- Breakfast in the hotel.
- Round trip bus ticket from Aguas calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- English speaking tour guide of the citadel.
- Return train ticket to Ollantaytambo then by bus to Cusco and to your hotel.
Not included
- Meals which can be organised at the restaurant
- Entrance to Wayna Picchu US$75
- Entrance fee to the hot springs.
- Entrance tickets to Moray and the Salt Mine (90 soles)
- Tips
PRICES:
- US$450 per person with 1 night hotel
- US$397 per person without hotel
***Private service is available for $50 more per person.
***All entrance fees are included and we operate our tours in small groups averaging 5 persons with a maximum of 8!
The “Moray, Salt mines & Machu Picchu Trip” its available on any date that its bets for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 people.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: US$30 Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card at booking is required & government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: US$40 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Huayna Picchu Climb: US$75. This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: US$75. This will need to be booked in advance, let us know about it at the time of booking.
- Upgrade to Vista Dome Train: US$67. (Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco) at 4:43pm)
- Upgrade Hotel – 3 star US$50. (Can upgrade to 4 or 5 star also)
- Single Supplement – US$30 2* and 3* $45 for single travelers
WHY YOU SHOULD TOUR WITH SAM TRAVEL PERU?
SAM Travel Peru is 100% Cusquenian Company & Direct Local Tour Operator
SAM (initials of Saul Alvarez Montalvo) Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and direct local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. We are a “1000% Cusquenian Company” … SAM is a real Cusquenian Company without any shareholders.
My dream was to create small personalised tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in high quality service and constant growth for our clients.
We take pride in having a reputation as being a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. My staff are my extended family. I ensure they are supported financially by paying them a good wage. I am proud of my team without them I couldn’t give the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
I am very proud of my guides! Highly professional, speaking in fluent English and very knowledgeable. Passionate for the Inca heritage/ history, dedicated to a steady personal development and learning to ensure that you receive accurate and recognised theories about the Inca Andean culture. Fun loving, great sportsmen and well educated crew, some having a degree in Archaeology, Botany, History or Anthropology. Great entertainers and the best “Salsa Dancers” on this side of Machu Picchu.
OUR DRIVER AND CARS
We use comfortable and fully licensed taxis, vans or buses which are used only by our clients and of course our drivers are very professional and cautious.
Important Information
“Please read carefully the following information; it will help answer any questions about our services and the treks to Machu Picchu”
WELCOME TO CUSCO
You will be greeted on your arrival at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel; please ensure that you communicate your full flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to trip start. Look out for our representative holding an orange board of SAM Travel Peru at the arrival terminal.
DEPARTURE
It can be done on any date that is best for you!
WHY THE 2 DAY TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU IS BETTER WITH SAM TRAVEL THAN WITH OTHERS?
“Because we are the specialist in small groups up to 8 people”
Because you will get a 2 hour guided private tour of Machu Picchu and then plenty of time for exploring further the citadel, eventually climbing the Wayna Picchu or going up to the Sun Gate.
THE BRIEFING
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6pm at our office which is located in Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:207 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center
Emergency number: 992126224
WHICH HOTEL IS INCLUDED AT AGUAS CALIENTES?
We include the Hostal Machu Picchu, Muyurina or Andean Terra Hotel. They all include the following things: private room, private bathroom, hot shower, buffet breakfast, storage, wifi, phone….. If you are looking for something luxury, you may UPGRADE your hotel to La Cabaña 3***, El Mapi Inn 3***, or Inka Tarra Hotel
MAY I HIKE UP TO HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN?
Of course!!! In our 2 day Machu Picchu tour, you have the opportunity to enjoy the Sun Rise at Machu Picchu and hike up to Mount Huayna Picchu after the guided tour
ABOUT OUR LICENSE
SAM Travel Peru is an official licensed Travel Agency & Direct Local tour operator based in Cusco, it can be founded on the official government website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe Our office is located only a block away from the main plaza which is open Monday to Friday 9am til 8pm and Saturday 9am til 2pm.
GROUP SIZE
Small Groups from 2 – 8 people (could be 2, 4, 5…), a small group will make your experience different with personalised attention from the whole team, where you can also enjoy the route according to its rate hike.
NOTE: A big group can be organised by request.
THE AVAILABILITY
“Any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers..”
ALL DEPARTURES ARE 100% GUARANTED – If you are booked, you are going!
HOW DO I BOOK MY TOUR MACHU PICCHU?
Please fill in the form from our “BOOK NOW” menu on our homepage. Then make a deposit of US$200 per person which you can do via PayPal to samtravelperu@gmail.com. Pay Pal does charge a small fee of 5.5% which has to be paid by the client. This comes to a total of US$211 per person including PayPal fees. As soon as we receive both we will book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets. Then email you with a confirmation and your final invoice which can be paid when you arrive in Cusco.
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 dates. Tickets are also not transferrable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!
WHAT TIME DOES THE TRAIN LEAVE ON THE WAY BACK TO CUSCO?
It will depend on the train´s availability BUT the idea is to allow as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train, you will take the train at 4:22pm. With this train schedule, you will have more than 9 hours for Machu Picchu and take the train during the daylight enjoying the scenic train ride.
DO I NEED MY PASSPORT FOR MACHU PICCHU TOUR?
OF COURSE! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it be the same passport number you sent to us. The rangers will check at Machu Picchu entrance and Huayna Picchu Mt entrance. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us your old number to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number…if so, please send the the new passport number as son as you get it.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN MACHU PICCHU?
The weather is very unpredictable and its difficult to know BUT you will have many different season´s as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend to bring your warm clothes and good rain gear on your day back pack.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. 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 more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, We are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principle of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind we have trained our staff to know, understand and respect the place and the local people.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TOUR?
Absolutely!!! On day 1st we will pick you up from your hotel and on last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we may drop you over there too!
FOR HOW LONG IS THE WAY BACK FROM AGUAS CALIENTES TO CUSCO?
It is 2 hours by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then another 2 hours from Ollantaytambo to Cusco by bus. If you upgrade to Vistadome all the way back to Poroy (Cusco), the train is 3.5 hours to Poroy, then 25mins by taxi to Cusco. Usually our clients are back at the hotel by 8.00pm, if you are planning to take the bus to Puno on the same night, that is totally possible.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
Please pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco we have have many ATMs and BANK to withdraw money BUT you can pay by VISA and PAYPAL. We are required to charge an additional 5% since your card is international.
