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Trip Details
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Tauca – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
At 6am, leave the hotel and travel to the small Village of Tauca (3,750m/12,303ft), which is the beginning of your trek. We will be on level terrain and the landscape will be that of typical Andean Valleys, rich in corn, quinoa and potatoes. As you ascend towards the pass at (4,050m/13,287ft), the landscape begins to change dramatically to the classic of High Andean Savannah or Puna, with scant vegetation, mainly “ichu” or high altitude grass. The views of the Vilcabamba Mountain range are spectacular, see the snow covered peaks of Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon and San Juan. Soon after the pass, start your descent toward the Huchuy Qosqo plains, hiking along a path that leads to the Cauca Ravine, where you will be able to see archeological sites. You will also notice fascinating wild plants, which the Inca gathered for food and which local people still eat today, such as tarwi, and a large quantity of cactus.
Walk downhill towards the Leon Punku ravine, where you will find remains of an Inca bridge and trail. This canyon boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the small river to Huchuy Qosqo at 3,650m/11,975ft. Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco in Quechua) is a noteworthy Inca complex. It boasts sophisticated stonework in a large Kallanka (rectangular Hall), some residential and defensive quarters and interesting two-story buildings in stone and adobe. Huchuy Qosqo is located on a plateau, surrounded by Inca agricultural terraces and allows superb views of the Vilcabamba range. Your guide will tell you about its fascinating history.
Afterwards, we will go downhill to Lamay at 2,900m/9,514ft, where we will catch our transport to drive to Ollantaytambo. We will have dinner together in a restaurant, continue by train to Aguas Calientes. We arrive in Aguas Calientes and check into to your hotel. You may want to explore this small but beautiful town and do some shopping, or just relax after such an exciting day.
- Meals included: Picnic Lunch & Dinner
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Distance: 16kms/10 miles
- 3* Accommodations: Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll 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, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on the train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 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 by 7:00pm.
- Meal included: Breakfast
- Entrance tickets: Machu Picchu
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu, this tour is without a guide.
***IMPORTANT:
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 or 3:20, 4:22, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
- Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Included
- Private transportation from and to your hotel
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes: Intipunku Machu Picchu or Wiracocha Inn Hotel
Not Included
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD
- Walking Poles -$15 USD
- First breakfast and last lunch
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train -$67 USD (Return only)
- Optional upgrade for your hotel
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of SAM TRAVEL PERU
**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.
PRICE
This trek can be done any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers!
- $397 USD per person
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
- Optional hotel upgrade
- Upgrade to Vistadome train: $67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD
- Walking poles – $15 USD
- Hotel single supplement -$30 USD 2* for single travelers
**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.
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
- SMALL GROUP up to 8 people, usually around 2 to 6 hikers
- ENGLISH SPEAKING guide
- EARLY TRAIN for the way back to Cusco at 2:55 or 3:20
WHY CHOOSE SAM TRAVEL?
SAM Travel Peru is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. SAM Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
SAM Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself! Also we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet and by many blogs like: Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at SAM Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOUR GUIDES
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Anthropology.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
SAM Travel Peru has always believed that we should give back to the communities,we pass by through when on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
SAM Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support these beautiful people, not only employing them but also to keep things at grassroots, to share with their families. This makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
IMPORTANT INFO
Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel. Please ensure that you inform us of your flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange SAM Travel Peru board at the exit from 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 207 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Huchuy Qosqo trek, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please note that the train will not allow more than a carry on sized duffel or suitcase.
HOW TO BOOK THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK MACHU PICCHU
FIRST, to book your Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu, 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 Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu entrances and train without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
*** We require copies of your passport at the time of booking.
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Lares trek to Machu Picchu. 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 DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought for Machu Picchu, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Huchuy Qosqo Trek Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON HUCHUY QOSQO TREK?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport copy you sent to us to book your Huchuy Qosqo Trek, 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 the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions.
WHAT ABOUT 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 acclimatize 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. For more detailed information on Altitude Sickness click this link: Altitude Sickness.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provide a personalized service.
HIKING HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a small duffel bag to pack your clothes for the next day at Machu Picchu. It’s important to be aware that the train will only allow you to bring a carry on sized duffel or suitcase. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30L backpack is usually sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek Machu Picchu is a 16 kms/10 hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (4,200m/13,779ft). The trail is easy to moderate difficulty trek. You have to be moderately fit and be used to regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) or the Sacred Valley prior to starting the trek.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Sam Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we will pick you up there !
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore you we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20.
HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.
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 trek. It inspires them to give 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 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 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.
PACKING LIST
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
- A lightweight, waterproof day pack with change of clothes (about a 30 liter size)
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Warm clothes and trekking pants (trousers)
- Layers of clothes, include thermals, for variable temperatures
- Camera with extra film and batteries
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Extra plastic bags, especially in the wet season
- Waterproof clothing or a rain poncho
- Water bottles
- Personal medical kit
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips
- Walking poles (rentable)
- Favorite snacks
- Toilet paper
- Sandals or flip-flop
- Swimming suit (optional for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Original passport and university card if is applicable
