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The trip starts in Cuzco today. The group flights usually arrive into Cuzco in the early afternoon. The Inca capital - though small enough to be easily manageable - is among the most attractive cities in South America, with much of the centre comprising colonial-era buildings with Inca foundations, and it is full of interesting museums, churches and pre-Columbian sites. We will have a short walking tour around the compact city centre to get our bearings. It is recommended to take it easy upon arrival into Cuzco and to drink plenty of water to allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude (3400m). There will be a welcome briefing in the hotel lobby this evening. *Hotel Warari/ Koyllur Inn/ Hotel Garcilazo (or similar) *
Today has been left free for exploring Cuzco. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people watching, and Qorikancha (the ‘Sun Temple’), located in the Santo Domingo Church and monastery is worth a visit. The Mercado San Pedro is the place to try some local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs such as alpaca jumpers and scarves. If you fancy something more active then there is an array of other optional activities available from Cuzco, although you may wish to leave these until your return to Cuzco after the Inca Trail trek, by which time you will be fully acclimatised. These include paddle-boarding on a lake, mountain biking, or a combination of via ferrata and zip-lining in the Sacred Valley. *Hotel Warari/ Koyllur Inn/ Hotel Garcilazo (or similar)*
We leave Cuzco very early this morning, around 5am, and drive for approximately 5 hours to Capuliyoc Pass (approx. 2915m) in time for lunch, stopping to explore the archaeological sites of Tarawasi and Saywite en route. From the top of the pass, we enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Apurimac River and the surrounding snow‐capped peaks, as well as Choquequirao itself. Descending from the pass, the path zigzags its way through dry forest above the raging waters of the Apurimac River. Our camp tonight is at Chiquisaca (1950m). *Full-Service Camping - Chiquisaca (1950m)*
Distance in Km: 7
Distance in Miles: 4.3
Activity Hours: 6
Altitude Loss: 1000
Another very early start for a long day’s trek. Just over an hour of walking downhill brings us to Playa Rosalina (1500m), from where we cross over the Apurimac River before beginning the long and steep switchback climb up to the village of Santa Rosa. After a rest stop, we continue climbing to a plateau above Maranpata (2920m) where we usually have a lunch break in a small village. The gradient eases off a little here and the path undulates towards Choquequirao for a couple of hours. The forests here are home to Spectacled bears, and we may catch sight of them as we approach the Inca citadel. After walking through the terraces, we set up camp close to the ruins themselves (3035m). This campsite has cold showers and flushing toilets. *Full-Service Camping - Choquequirao (3035m)*
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 6.8
Activity Hours: 10.5
Altitude Gain: 1535
Altitude Loss: 450
We have ample time to fully explore the vast, sprawling ruins of Choquequirao. Larger than Machu Picchu, the site is made up of nine different areas which each had a distinct role covering religious, political and military functions. The quality of the stonework indicates that it housed important Inca officials or royalty, and in common with other important sites, it features ritual baths and temples dedicated to the sun, moon and Pachamama, the earth spirit. Much of Choquequirao is unexcavated and many buildings are still hidden beneath the thick forest which surrounds the main site. There are incredible views of the whole site and the Apurimac Valley from the truncated hilltop of Sunch'u Pata, a short distance up from the main plaza. In the afternoon we will visit the terraces of Pacchanta. *Full-Service Camping - Choquequirao (3035m)*
Distance in Km: 3
Distance in Miles: 1.8
Activity Hours: 4.5 (inclusive of the time for visiting the site itself)
We cover a lot of ground today, starting with a short but steep climb to the top of the Choquequirao Pass (3215m) from where we enjoy our last panoramic view over Choquequirao. After the pass we walk steeply downhill on a wide but dusty road to Pinchinoyoc (2400m) where we visit Inca terraces that were previously covered in vegetation. We continue our descent right to the bottom of the valley, where we cross the Rio Blanco (1800m) and begin our ascent up the other side of the valley. This is a long, steep climb up to Maizal at 3000m. This is a strenuous day, descending over 1500m and ascending over 1500m over the course of the day. *Full-Service Camping - Maizal (3000m)*
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 8.7
Activity Hours: 10.5
Altitude Gain: 1500
Altitude Loss: 1535
We start the day with a steep, switchback climb (approx. 5hrs) up the San Juan Pass (4170m) - the effort of ascending the pass is balanced with incredible views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, including Choquetacarpo, Pumasillo and Sacsarayoc. On a clear day you can see the magnificent glaciers and enjoy a 360 degree panorama of these beautiful, serrated mountains. As we near the top, we stop at the 500-year-old La Victoria silver mines. Crossing the pass, we descend for roughly three hours to our camp at Yanama (3400m), following an old miners track which glitters with silver dust. In May this path winds through landscapes filled with wild lupins in flower. Today you have good chances to spot a mighty Andean condor as it soars on the thermals. *Full-Service Camping - Yanama (3400m)*
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 7.5
Altitude Gain: 1000
Altitude Loss: 600
Stunning scenery abounds today as we trek deep in the heart of the Vilcabamba Range, climbing for approx.5 hours up to the highest point of the trek, the Yanama Pass (4660m). There is a new road from Yanama village up and over the pass, however, our trail avoids it wherever possible – and vehicles are few and far between. Our gravelly trail follows the river up the valley before it begins the climb, crisscrossing the new road until reaching the top of the pass and the high point of the trek where lofty Sacsarayoc dominates the skyline from the pass. A long (approx. 4hr) descent from the pass brings us through along the valley, passing small villages along the way and following the river to Totora campsite (3440m), where we spend the night. *Full-Service Camping - Totora (3400m)*
Distance in Km: 19
Distance in Miles: 11.8
Activity Hours: 9.5
Altitude Gain: 1000
From Totora it is a descent (approx. 7hrs) to Lucabamba. We will notice more trekkers around today as we converge with a section of the Salcantay trail and pass enter a more inhabited area. We follow the road for a short section, then a gravel path beside the river; the surroundings are green as we are walking through cloud forest once again. We’ll also see lots of fruit trees and coffee plantations. Tonight’s campsite is particularly special: your tents will be pitched on Inca terraces, and the campsite is in the middle of a coffee plantation. Time permitting, there is the chance for a tour of the coffee plantation (for PEN10, or free entry should you purchase some coffee, PEN25 for a large bag). *Full-Service Camping - Lucabamba*
Distance in Km: 21
Distance in Miles: 13
Activity Hours: 7
Rising early, we follow an original Inca trail which climbs uphill for three hours to the site of Llactapacta. After a final two hour descent, we reach the hydroelectric station at Santa Teresa (1900m) – a good spot for lunch. After lunch, we cross the Vilcanota River and finish our trek at the train station. We board the train to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon and check into our hotel upon arrival for a well-earned rest and a shower! *Hotel Inti Punku El Tambo (or similar)*
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7.5
Activity Hours: 5.5
In order to beat the day-trippers arriving from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible, a very early start is required to queue for Machu Picchu; only government-registered buses can make the 30-minute drive up the winding road to the site entrance and during high season (May-October) queues can be hours long. Machu Picchu is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world and what makes it all the more dramatic is its mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. New regulations for visiting Machu Picchu are now fully enforced; of the three possible visiting slots, Exodus will purchase the morning slot from 06:00 until 12:00 (unless unavailable), you will be limited to a maximum of four hours within the site and must be accompanied by a guide. There will also be three set routes to follow around Machu Picchu; Exodus selects the most comprehensive route. We catch an afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30 mins) where we spend the night. *Tunupa Lodge (or similar)*
We wake to explore the narrow cobbled streets and the colossal Inca stone terraces which dominate the hillside above Ollantaytambo town. The archaeological site at Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Inca Emperor Pachacuti as well as being of religious and defensive significance. Travelling by road we next visit the ruins of the Citadel at Pisac where Inca terraces are carved into the solid rock itself and there will also be time to walk around the colourful market. Afterwards, we continue the drive to Cuzco, passing through high-Andean scenery dotted with old towns and villages dating back to pre-Columbian times. *Hotel Warari / Koyllur Inn / Hotel Garcilazo (or similar)*
For land only travellers, the trip ends in Cuzco after breakfast today. Those who are travelling on the group flights will be taken to Cuzco airport to catch the flight back to London.
* 5 nights en suite hotels and 7 nights full-service camping
* 8 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Altitude maximum 4660m, average 3000m
* Travel by private bus and train
All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners are included in the price of the
tour.
Peruvian cuisine has developed a reputation for its flavours and originality
and it’s well worth trying out a few of the local delicacies. Amongst these
are ceviche (a spicy dish of seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo
saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry) and various hearty soups such as
the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig),
alpaca steak, and to drink, the national beverage: Pisco Sour.
Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffet-style affairs, usually including
bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dishes, sometimes
fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee that
wheat/gluten-free products will be available for breakfast in all locations -
if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food.
Where lunch and dinner is not included in Cuzco/Aguas Calientes/Ollantaytambo
we'll visit a variety of cafes and restaurants.
During the trek hearty breakfasts are served and good quality cooked lunches
and dinners are provided, and usually consist of soup or a starter, a main
course with meat/fish and some form of carbohydrates, followed by a dessert.
Some snacks between meals are also provided. Drinking water (boiled and
filtered) is provided in the mornings and at lunch during the trek so that
you can refill your bottles. Bed tea/coffee is brought to your tent each
morning and juice or hot drinks are provided with all meals during the trek.
Drinking water is provided. The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink;
boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek and elsewhere your
leader will buy large water containers for you to refill your bottle from.
* 5 nights en suite hotels and 7 nights full-service camping
* 8 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Altitude maximum 4660m, average 3000m
* Travel by private bus and train
This full-service camping trek is graded as Challenging/Tough (Activity Level
6), with eight days point-to-point walking and full porterage throughout.
Please refer to our activity level guidelines [1].
Significantly more strenuous than the classic Inca Trail, this demanding trek
takes you up to high altitudes on steep but well-defined trails, mostly
following mountain switchbacks as you move from valley floor to mountain pass
on your journey through the Andes. This trail follows ancient Inca pathways
the same as the Inca Trail, but without the restrictions of trekking permits
and human porterage. Expect early starts and long days (up to 11 hours) with
steep gradients throughout, all rewarded with breath-taking views across the
Andes. This trek is not technically difficult and is suitable for all walkers
with a good level of fitness and some experience of multi-day trekking. There
are some steep drops and narrow paths which makes this trek unsuitable for
vertigo sufferers or those without a head for heights.
You may find our
https://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf"
target="_blank"Fitness Training Guide a useful reference.
As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the
altitude warning within the Trip Notes. We spend two days in Cuzco (3400m)
acclimatising before starting the trek. the maximum altitude reached on this
trip is approximately 4,660m (Yanama Pass).
Protest action/strikes are not uncommon in Peru, and whilst these are
generally peaceful, they can involve roadblocks and cause disruption to
travel. Occasionally your leader may have to adapt your itinerary in response
to this.
Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only.
Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the
pace of your group.
*List of Regulations for visiting Machu Picchu:*
The main points impacting your visit are the following:
1) The tickets are valid only for one entry which means that you cannot
leave the site and re-enter.
2) Once you have done the chosen circuit with your guide, you cannot walk
back to view anything already visited and once you finish the circuit,
you will have to leave the site. You can no longer explore the site
further after the guided tour.
3) The two visit times for visiting the site, either 6am-12pm or 12-16.30pm.
4) The local authorities have restricted the temples which can visited at
Machu Picchu depending on the time of the visit to the site.
These regulations will affect how long you are able to spend at Machu Picchu
and which temples you can visit. In the past, after the guided tour
passengers could stay longer to explore the site, this is not possible
anymore. The alternative that we are implementing on our visits to allow you
further time, is to explore the upper part of Machu Picchu (Sun Gate and Inca
Bridge) before starting the guided tour. The guided tour will be about 2
hrs in duration, and unfortunately at the end of it, you will need to exit
the site. You will be able to visit the Condor’s Temple, but not the Sun
Dial Temple or the Sun Temple on this itinerary.
Schedule of visit to Machu Picchu on this itinerary:
* Early bus to Machu Picchu and explore upper part with the tour leader
* Between 9-10am start the guided tour
* Between 11.30am-12.30pm passengers leave Machu Picchu
[1] node/714
Hotels & Camping
We spend five nights in hotels during this tour (in Cuzco, Ollantaytambo and
Aguas Calientes). All of our hotels are small and locally-owned with en suite
bathrooms and breakfast facilities. In Cuzco, all are located within walking
distance of the central Plaza de Armas. Most hotels have a safety deposit box
in the room but if not, there will be one at the reception.
Please note that central heating is very rare in Peru, even in good standard
hotels. Most hotels provide plug-in heaters and spare blankets. Additionally
whilst all of the hotels have a hot water supply, it can be temperamental
when there is high demand.
A railway line runs straight through the centre of Aguas Calientes and whilst
we try to allocate rooms away from it whenever possible, the trains might be
heard from some rooms.
The seven-night trek is on a full-service camping basis with full porterage,
meaning that our camp staff will erect and dismantle the tents for you, cook,
and do all of the camp chores for you. You need only carry your daypack.
There is a separate dining tent for meal times, as well as a toilet tent for
use both in camp and during lunch stops. A bowl of warm water for washing
with is provided each morning and evening, and boiled and filtered drinking
water is also provided in the mornings and at lunch and dinner times so we
can fill our water bottles.
*Additional accommodation*
Should you wish to extend your stay in Peru, Exodus can book additional
nights' accommodation prior to or after your tour in Cuzco. Please enquire at
the time of booking. We recommend the early booking of pre/post tour
accommodation to guarantee availability.
*Single Supplement*
Single accommodation (including tents) can be booked, subject to
availability. Please request this at the time of booking.
On this trip we have a local tour leader, and for the trek we may also have
an assistant guide (depending on group size), and a full trekking crew
including cooks and mules/horses to carry our kitbags.
All breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners are included in the price of the
tour.
Peruvian cuisine has developed a reputation for its flavours and originality
and it’s well worth trying out a few of the local delicacies. Amongst these
are ceviche (a spicy dish of seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo
saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry) and various hearty soups such as
the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig),
alpaca steak, and to drink, the national beverage: Pisco Sour.
Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffet-style affairs, usually including
bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dishes, sometimes
fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee that
wheat/gluten-free products will be available for breakfast in all locations -
if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food.
Where lunch and dinner is not included in Cuzco/Aguas Calientes/Ollantaytambo
we'll visit a variety of cafes and restaurants.
During the trek hearty breakfasts are served and good quality cooked lunches
and dinners are provided, and usually consist of soup or a starter, a main
course with meat/fish and some form of carbohydrates, followed by a dessert.
Some snacks between meals are also provided. Drinking water (boiled and
filtered) is provided in the mornings and at lunch during the trek so that
you can refill your bottles. Bed tea/coffee is brought to your tent each
morning and juice or hot drinks are provided with all meals during the trek.
Drinking water is provided. The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink;
boiled and filtered drinking water is provided on the trek and elsewhere your
leader will buy large water containers for you to refill your bottle from.
A variety of transport is used during this tour and vehicle types may vary
depending on group size: travel is by bus and by train. Airport transfers are
by private car or mini-bus. All main road journeys are by private mini-bus or
coach with heating/air-conditioning.
We travel by train (with Peru Rail/Inca Rail) between Aguas Calientes (the
town below Machu Picchu) and Ollantaytambo in Expedition/Executive Class.
Seating is four seats to a table and the carriages have panoramic windows and
there is air conditioning/heating.
This point to point trekking holiday requires customers to walk between each
overnight stay under their own steam. Other forms of transport may be
available along the route (horses, jeeps etc) but Exodus is not able to take
responsibility for the safety or the cost of any transport that customers
choose to take even if provided with the assistance of our leader or staff.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London:* *15 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of LATAM (depending on availability).
As flight timings and schedules change regularly, we recommend you call one
of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date
timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be
confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 13 days starting and ending in Cuzco*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Cuzco in the afternoon of
Day 1 of the itinerary Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
*Collecting baggage in Lima*
If you are flying via Lima, you will need to collect your baggage in Lima,
even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Cuzco (and even if
you are told in London that you do not need to pick it up). After collecting
the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then drop it off
at the bag drop for the onward flight. If you do not pick up your bag, there
is a chance it may not reach Cuzco for the start of the trek. This is a
requirement of Lima airport and also applies to your return flight.
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about US$10 should you decide to make your
way independently.
Peru's diverse geography results in a very varied climate.
The coastal desert including Lima, is generally dry but cloudy through most
of the year. The exception is January to March when the skies are clear and
the temperatures rise.
Cuzco and the Andes have a temperate climate. December to March is the rainy
season in Cuzco/the Andes and April to November is the dry season;
characterised by clear skies and strong sunshine in the mornings, sometimes
clouding over as the day progresses. Daytime temperatures are usually
pleasant (approx. 20 degrees C on average) but night times only 5-10 degrees
C, except for May, June, July and August when days are cooler and nights are
often close to, or a few degrees below, freezing (particularly at the higher
parts of the trek). In the Andes, however, anything is possible at any time
of year, including cloud, rain or even snow, and rapid and unexpected
changes!
Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are in the cloud forest and as such attract
large amounts of precipitation all year as clouds move up from the Amazon
Basin. Rain here can be heavy, but is seldom prolonged. Cold fronts sometimes
occur from July-August.
Peru is affected by the El Niño weather phenomenon whereby warming of
Pacific Ocean surface water off South America drives a shift in the
atmospheric circulation resulting in abnormally high levels of rainfall over
parts of South America. These events occur at irregular intervals of two to
seven years, and last nine months to two years. A strong El Niño event
occurred in 2014-16.
The weight limit for internal flights in this destination is generally 20kg.
A 3 or 4 season sleeping bag (4 season for May to August departures)
Warm jacket (particularly for May to August departures)
Several layers of clothing to cope with varying temperatures during the trek
Leather or lightweight walking boots
Warm hat and gloves
Waterproof jacket and over trousers
Lightweight, pale-coloured clothes for hot days (Sept & Oct departures
especially)
Sunglasses, sun hat with neck cover and sunscreen
2 x 1-litre water bottles (ideally metal or reusable Nalgene)
Daypack (between 25 and 35 litres should be sufficient for trekking days)
A lightweight quick-drying towel
Insect repellent (mosquitos can be a problem in the cloud forest)
Long-sleeved shirt and trousers
Small trek towel
Exodus provides (in Cuzco) a sleeping mat for the duration of the trek. The
mat is full length and approximately 4cm thick when inflated.
A sleeping bag is not included but is required for the trek - these can be
hired locally through your leader in Cuzco from US$40 (PEN128).
Whilst any type of normal luggage or suitcase can be used for this holiday, a
soft kitbag or duffel bag will need to be used for the trek portion (since
horses/mules cannot carry hard suitcases or bags with wheels etc.).
If you book this trip, we provide an Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in
whilst on trek. Once you have booked you will be sent instructions on how to
claim your free bag (they will not be sent out automatically). There are also
details on how to claim for another item from the Exodus shop should you
already have one of these. If you book via an agent, it is at the agent’s
discretion and you should speak directly to them to arrange delivery. Please
note that if you book less than three weeks before the departure date we
cannot guarantee that your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts, so if
this is the case please contact us on
*datateam"mailto:datateam@exodus.co.uk"*datateam**
@exodus.co.uk to let us know. For full T&Cs see
https://www.exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/our-kitbags"
target="_blank"*
.*
www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags.
style="background-color: transparent;"If you can't fit the kitbag in your
main luggage (or do not receive one in time) then our local partners will
provide a soft duffel bag in Cuzco (this should be returned to your leader
after the trek).
The is no set weight restriction on this trek (as you would find on the Inca
Trail) as porterage is by horses/mules, however, please try to keep your
duffel bag to a maximum of around 10kg.
*Donations for porters*
The porters we work with are mostly from rural farming communities. If you
have any old walking gear you no longer need, or any unwanted warm
children’s clothing, these would be much appreciated by the porters and
their families. Please leave any donations with your leader in Cuzco, or
alternatively, you can give items directly to your porters on the last night
of the trek.
We strongly recommend taking trekking poles for the Choquequirao Trek, as
steps and prolonged ascents/descents can be hard on the knees. Walking poles
can be hired through your leader in Cuzco from US$16 (PEN52) per pole.
We also recommend:
A small sewing kit (with safety pins)
Wet wipes
Cold water detergent or laundry soap (biodegradable)
A personal music player/books/pack of cards
We strongly recommend storing electronics (cameras etc.) in a sealed
waterproof bag to prevent damage during rain.
We recommend either taking cash with you to change into Sol locally, or using
local ATMs to withdraw money in Peru as you go, so you are not left with
excess at the end of your trip. It is a good idea to change a small amount
into Sol at the counters in the baggage hall upon arrival. Change is often in
short supply, so ask for small denomination banknotes and try to break up any
large notes at the earliest opportunity. It is possible to obtain Peruvian
Sol before you travel but exchange rates can be lower than exchanging money
locally in Peru. Some larger establishments and hotels accept US Dollars but
the vast majority of places will only accept Sol.
Food, drinks and similar incidentals can vary in price enormously in Peru and
are relatively expensive compared to other developing nations. Allow about
US$15-20 per meal not included to eat at tourist class restaurants. Cheaper
food is abundant at small local cafes, although sanitary conditions at these
places cannot be guaranteed. Bottled water and soft drinks are readily
available for around US$1-2 each.
You may want to hire equipment for your trek in Cuzco - please see the
Packing Section for prices.
Please note that there is a possibility the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism may
increase entrance fees to archaeological sites at any time. If this happens,
we will inform you of the increase and the additional amount will be payable
locally.
*Peruvian Passport or Identity Card Holders*
Please note that the cost of Exodus holidays in Peru is based on the
assumption that you do not hold a Peruvian passport or resident's card. If
you are officially resident in Peru or are a Peruvian passport holder, you
will be liable to an additional 18% tax on the majority of services, and this
extra sum will be payable locally to our local partner. Other nationalities
are exempt from this tax. Please notify us at the time of booking if you are
legally resident in Peru or hold a Peruvian passport so that we can advise
you of the total cost of these taxes.
*Optional Excursions*
Your tour leader will be able to tell you about the full range of optional
excursions available throughout your holiday however the most popular ones
are as follows:
A Partial Tourist Ticket (BTG) is required for entrance to the sites in and
around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley – this is not included in the excursion
prices below but can be purchased locally From PEN70 (approx. US$21).
*Cuzco city tour and 4 ruins (half day – 5 hours):* From US$48 per person
(based on 4 participants), excludes BTG. This includes visits to the nearby
ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucará as well as a tour
of the city itself, including the Plaza de Armas, where the Cathedral is
located, Qorikancha ‘Sun Temple’ (entrance included) and San Pedro
Market.
*South Valley tour (full day – 7 hours):* From US$66 per person (based on
4 participants), excludes BTG. Visit the little-known valley to the south of
Cuzco, including the terraces at Tipon, the pre- Inca ruins of Pikillaqta and
the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Americas’ in Andahuaylillas (entrance
included); return to Cuzco.
*Cuzco: Stand Up Paddle (half day – 4 hours ):* From US$55 per person.
Minimun of 2 participants. Fruit, water and hot drinks included.
*Cuzco: Zip-Line (full day – 8-9 hours):* From US $66 per person.
Includes Transport security equipment, specialized guide, box Lunch.
*Cuzco: Via Ferrata (full day – 8-9 hours): *From US$66 per person.
Includes Transport, security equipment, specialized guide, box Lunch.
*Cuzco: Via Ferrata + Zip line( full day – 8-9 hours):* From US$100 per
person. Includes Transport, security equipment, specialized guide, box Lunch.
*Mountain Biking Excursion in the Sacred Valley (full day – 7
hours):* From US$172 per person (based on 2 participants). Includes
private transfer, security equipment, specialized guide, box Lunch.
*White Water Rafting (full day – 8 hours):* From US$130 per person
(minimum of 2 participants). Drive to the Chiquicahuana area of the Southern
Valley to start rafting in Vilcanota river. Spend 2-3 hours rafting and
experiencing rapids level III and III+. Finish your adventure with a picnic
lunch before heading back to Cusco. Activity available from April-December.
Prices of excursions vary depending on the number of people taking part. The
prices given within these Trip Notes are based on 4 participants and are
intended as a guideline only. Actual prices will be more for smaller group
sizes and less for larger group sizes. All tours use private transport and
there will be an English-speaking guide. *Please note that cash is the
preferred method of payment for any of the optional activities. *
For some activities, a minimum number of participants may be required. Some
activities may not always be possible due to weather, seasonality, national
holidays, or unforeseen circumstances.
Exodus encourages customers to tip local support staff if they would like to.
In Peru, it has become customary for local staff to receive tips and these
tips can be an important source of extra income for hard-working crew.
Whether to tip and how much to tip should be a personal decision. As
customers often ask us for a suggestion of how much is appropriate for
different individuals, we have prepared some guidelines together with our
local partner - your leader will provide a handout which we hope will be
useful to your group. Please note that PEN is the preferred currency for
tips.
*Tipping Kitty:* On this trip we recommend running a tipping kitty. A
tipping kitty means we tip as a group, and individuals don’t need to worry
about giving out small tips to various people who have helped during the trip
(i.e. drivers, local guides, boatmen, hotel staff). The contribution per
person per day we suggest is US$5 (PEN 15).
*Tour Leader:* Leaders are fairly paid for their role but are of course
always grateful for recognition of their skills and hard work. Tips for
your leader should be based on their performance and engagement with the
group, and if you are happy with the leader’s work, we recommend somewhere
around US$5 (PEN 15) per person per day, but customers are encouraged to
contribute what they feel happy giving - either less or more than the amount
suggested above.
*Tipping of your trekking crew*
The trekking crew is made up of guides, cooks, kitchen staff, toilet wrangler
and horse wranglers. Tips are best arranged on a group basis, and a volunteer
from the group should gather the money and split the total collected into
smaller amounts for each person. This is normally done on the last night of
the trek. Your leader will be happy to assist as needed.
The recommended contribution per group member is PEN280-400 (or PEN340-440pp
for small groups of 6 or less).
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Sleeping bag (hire locally from US$40)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.