Cusco, Short Inca Trail & Lake Titicaca Tour 8D/7N – Apu Pachamama Travel

City-tour-short-inca-trail-to-machu-picchu-titicaca-lake-8-days

Group Size: Up to 8 People

Max Altitude: 4400 m.s.n.m

Service: Group

Transportation: Van, Bus,Train, Boat

Difficulty: Challenging

Duration: 8 Days

Come appreciate the charm and beauty of Cusco City! Visit its archeological jewels and the architecture of the Spaniards and Incas mixed in harmony. Enjoy the best highlights of the Sacred Valley, such as the archeological sites of Pisac, Moray and Ollantaytambo, and the Salt Mines of Maras. Hike the last section of the Inca trail, arriving into Machu Picchu by walking and explroe the Lake Titicaca and the Uros Iland. All of this is provided in a small private tour with a guide that is passionate about Inca history.

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READ THE MOST DETAILED INFORMATON ABOUT THE TREK!

DAY 1: CUSCO CITY TOUR

Upon your arrival in Cusco, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. There, you will receive a short briefing with the rest of the morning being at your leisure to rest and acclimatize. We will pick you up from your hotel in the afternoon and start to visit the Imperial Cusco City, a living example of the mix of Andean and Spanish cultures. Continuing our journey visiting the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun God. You will have time to enjoy these beautiful sights; proceeding to visit the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman with its military Inca architecture, which dominates the city.

Finally, we go to the north east of the city to the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucará and Tambomachay. Afterwards we take you back to your hotel in early evening to rest and then you can enjoy Cusco by night in one of the many terrific restaurants surrounding the Main Square of the Plaza de Armas.

3* Accommodations: Maytaq Wasin or Waman Hotels
4* Accommodations: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collections & Novotel

DAY 2:CUSCO- PISAC – MORAY- SALT MINES- OLLANTAYTAMBO

We start this beautiful day at 7:30am, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us towards Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. You will 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, spend about 20 minutes visiting it and 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. Here you spend the night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready to start the Inca Trail the next day.

2* Accommodations: Veronica View Hotel or Tunupa Lodge
3* Accommodations: Pakaritampu Hotel or Albergue Hotel
There are no 4* hotels in Ollantaytambo
Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel

DAY 3: Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – WIÑAY HUAYNA – SUN GATE – MACHU PICCHU

We start this exciting day early; your guide will leave the hotel with you at 5:30am. When you arrive at the train station, you will receive your lunch to add to your daypack. Your train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery and have breakfast (not included). Your hotel can provide you a picnic breakfast to take with you or you can pack your own breakfast.

You get off the train at the famous Km104, where your trek begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level). After crossing the Urubamba River on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit your first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half are a gentle upward climb. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. You also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the hike!

When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some time for photos and as you do you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate and answer any questions you have before the short 5-minute walk to your lunch spot.

You have lunch at a covered shelter at the Wiñay Wayna campground, which is the last campground for those hiking the Classic Inca Trail. Nearby are outdoor sinks to wash your hands and also restrooms. Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!

After lunch, you have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, from which you have your first view of Machu Picchu! Though the hour-long walk is a gentle rolling up and down, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca. Once you reach the stairs you will know that you’re almost at the Sun Gate! As you turn the corner from the Sun Gate, you will enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. So, take some time to savor the moment and take photos. The last 60 minutes down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from this unique vantage point. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last bit of your hike to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site (Guard House), where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Your will have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes
3* Accommodations: Ferre´Hotel Machu Picchu
4* Accommodations: El Mapi Hotel or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (superior room)
Difficulty: Moderate

***You will leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.

DAY 4: 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 busses 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! Your guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see most of the important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.

After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own. 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 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 2:55pm, 3:20pm, 4:22pm 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, your 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 7pm 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: Maytaq Wasin or Waman hotels
4* Accommodations: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collections & Novotel
Meal included: Breakfast at your hotel
Difficulty: Easy

***IMPORTANT:

On the 2-day Inca Trail, we will be doing the circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.

Early trains can be organized by requested and it has to be done by booking time.

DAY 5: CUSCO – ANDAHUAYLILLAS – RACCHI – LA RAYA – PUNO

We pick you up at your hotel at 6:30am to take you to the bus station (Inca Express or First Class). Both companies provide royal class service with an English-speaking tour guide, and a waiter who is ready to assist you with hot, and cold drinks on board. During the trip, you will stop to visit some Inca ruins, museums and the Andahuaylillas Church, which is considered to be the Sistine Chapel of South America because of its amazing frescos. Then, we stop at the Racchi Inca ruins, which used to be a religious and resting place for Inca travelers. The next visit is at La Raya, the border between Cusco and Puno, where the most traditional animals of Peru can be seen, llamas and alpacas. In Pucara, we will visit a museum where it is possible to see some pre-Inca remains. Finally, by 5:30 pm we arrive in Puno, where our representative will pick you up to take you to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast & lunch
3* Accommodations: Casa Andina Classic Puno or Tierra Viva Puno
4* Accommodations: Casa Andina Private Collection or Sonesta Puno

DAY 6: PUNO – UROS ISLANDS – AMANTANI ISLAND

After having breakfast in your hotel, the tour leader will pick you up to take you to the port of Puno. There, you will embark on a 30-minute boat ride until arriving at the floating islands. You will be welcomed by the locals, who will show you the island and the products they weave. Then, we will have a 3-hour boat ride to get to the Amantani Island. At 2:30 pm, we arrive at our destination where our guide will introduce us to the local families who are going to share their homes with us. After lunch, we will hike for one hour up to the mountain called Pachataita (Mother Father). There, you will enjoy an amazing view of the sunset over the lake and a chance to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Afterwards, we will come back to your local home for dinner and then you will have the opportunity to dress in traditional clothes provided by the locals and go to the local school where a party with them will take place.

Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Basic homestay

DAY 7: AMANTANI ISLAND – TAQUILE ISLAND – PUNO

You will have an early breakfast with your local family and then take a two-hour boat ride to arrive at Taquile Island. The inhabitants still live according to their ancestral traditions and dress with gorgeous colored traditional ropes. They are also famous for the magnificent weavings that the men do not the women. You will have some time to learn about ancestral farming techniques and try to use a few Inca tools. We will have lunch in a traditional restaurant and take the boat back to Puno and your hotel for the end of the Tour.

Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch
3* Accommodations: Casa Andina Puno or Tierra Viva Puno
4* Accommodations: Casa Andina Private Collection or Sonesta Puno
Day 8: DEPARTURE FROM PUNO

After having breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your remaining time in Puno, then in the late morning or afternoon we will drop off at the airport in Juliaca to take your plane back to Lima or bus station in Puno. Transfer out costs $60 per group.

Meal: Breakfast

***You have the option to do a one day tour of Lake Titicaca, without homestay, instead of 2 days.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel
Pick up at your hotel for the tours and for the trek departure
Private transportation
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
English speaking professional guide experienced in mountains
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM104
Vistadome Train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy station (Cusco) (During the rainy season from January through April the train only runs to Ollantaytambo)
Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex
Private guided tour and entrances to the archeological sites
Roundtrip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back
Visit to the ruins along the way to Puno
Tourist bus to Puno with English-speaking tour guide
Pick up in Puno bus station and transfer to your hotel
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the port of Puno
Tourist boat with English-speaking tour guide
Visit of the islands on lake Titicaca as indicated in the itinerary
Dress up with traditional clothes and party with the locals
All entrance fees
Homestay with family
Taxes (18%)

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Huayna Picchu Mountain –$75 USD
Energy snacks – chocolate bars, dried fruits (recommended)
OPTIONAL UPGRADES for hotels to 4* or more!
Tips for the guide and team members of APU PACHAMAMA TRAVEL
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.

This unique package can leave on any date, as long as we have a minimum of 2 participants.

PRICES:

$907 USD per person without hotels
$1,207 USD per person with 5N 3* hotels, 1N 2* hotel & 1N homestay
$1,507 USD per person with 5N 4* hotels, 1N 3* hotel & 1N homestay

***A completely private tour is $200 USD extra per person except for Lake Titicaca Tour, where it is not possible to have a private tour due to the boat transportation.

***There are no 4* hotels in Ollantaytambo

DISCOUNTS

18 to 25 years old: $30 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
Single supplement- $50 USD per night for 3* (for solo travelers with single room)
Upgrade to 4 or 5 star hotels
Hotel single supplement -$60 USD per night for solo travelers 3*
Hotel single supplement -$100 USD per night for solo travelers 4*

WHY CHOOSE APU PACHAMAMA TRAVEL?

Apu Pachamama Travel is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. Apu Pachamama Travel 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.

Apu Pachamama Travel 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: Salkantay/Inka Trail ! July 14th to 20th 2016 Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3.

SMALL GROUPS

To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at Apu Pachamama Travel 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 SUPER COOL PORTERS

Trekking with Apu Pachamama Travel is a life changing experience with a fully portered trek, where your comfort and enjoyment are our first priority. We make sure that you get the best experience for your holiday in Peru, while you interact with the locals, explore fantastic sites and re-discover remote ancient Inca towns. Our porters will carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up your tents by avoiding crowded campsites and take care of you while you sit back and relax.

On the Salkantay portion of the trek, your camping gear will be carried by pack horses. To protect the trail, horses are not allowed on the Inca Trail. For this section of your trek, your camping gear will be carried by porters.

We provide the following items to our horsemen and porters for free: Jacket, sun hat, warm hat, t-shirt, pants, hiking boots, comfortable duffel bags, canteen, a girdle for protecting their spine, sleeping bags, mattresses and travel insurance. All of our porters are hired from isolated mountain communities and are given the opportunity to work with our company. This will better their economic circumstances as well as provide help for their children’s education! We ensure that all of our porters are treated like family!

OUR EQUIPMENT

Our team (Guides, cooks and porters) and our equipment are what really makes Apu Pachamama Travel stand out from all of our competitors…. For all our adventurous hikes we include the following items:

OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4 person tents, ONLY 2 will sleep in them, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.

OUR FOAM MATS: They are included insulate you from the ground.
AIR MATTRESSES can be rented for $25 USD.
OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at meal times. This is a great time to sit back relax and catch up for a chat.
OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, easily adaptable to the day’s weather.
DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower and bio-chemical toilet are all provided on the trek.

Please note: On the Salkantay portion of the trek, your camping gear will be carried by pack horses. To protect the trail, horses are not allowed on the Inca Trail. For this section of your trek, your camping gear will be carried by porters.

OUR SERVICE PROJECTS

Apu Pachamama Travel have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.

Apu Pachamama Travel is so proud to be able to support these people, not only employing them but go back to our grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!

IMPORTANT INFO

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SALKANTAY – INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Salkantay Trek & Inca Trail Trek.

ARRIVAL IN CUSCO

You will be welcomed at 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 a Apu Pachamama Travel board at the exit from the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!

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 Salkantay Trekking & Inca Trail your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please don’t leave anything you will need for your hike.

HOW TO BOOK THE SALKANTAY – INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU?

FIRST, to book your Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek, 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 Inca Trail permit without the following information:

Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender
Passport number
OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Salkantay – Short Inca Trail 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.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought for the Inca Trail the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek, 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 classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit. 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. Please send the new passport number as soon as possible.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

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 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.

DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK

The evening before you start your Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad (foam or air). This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. 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 30 to 40L backpack is sufficient.

IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?

The Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek is a 76km (47.2 mile) hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 4,880m/16,010ft. The trail is a fairly difficult trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise.

In preparation: try walking 15kms/9 miles in a day or working out 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 (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

ARE THERE TOILETS ON THE SALKANTAY – INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU?

This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! Apu Pachamama Travel toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent. Our toilet is always set up a comfortable distance from our campsite. At night, if you need to use the toilet, it is readily accessible and clean, unlike the facilities supplied by the government which may be dirty. Check out the picture, which illustrates how we set up our camping toilet on the trek by using this link: picture of toilet tent.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?

In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health reasons, Apu Pachamama Travel 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 continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.

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 excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Apu Pachamama Travel destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you would like, 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 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.

Please read carefully the following information as it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Tour Package.

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 Apu Pachamama Travel at the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).

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 your Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Tour Package your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, both are for free.

HOW TO BOOK

FIRST, to book your Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Tour Package, 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 Inca Trail permit without the following information:

Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
Gender
Passport number
OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Classic Inca Trail 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?

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 ticket has been bought. Tickets are also not transferable nor refundable. If you cancel your “Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca Tour Package”, 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 package for classic Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit, entrances & other reservations. 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. Please send the new passport number as soon as possible.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?

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.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our trekking groups are usually between 2-6 persons. Apu Pachamama Travel specializes in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service. The boats on Lake Titicaca hold more than 8 people.

ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL?

Absolutely! Included in our packages is dropping you off at your hotel on the return from your trek or tour. 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, we will pick you up there.

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 Apu Pachamama Travel 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 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 FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU & LAKE TITICACA TOUR PACKAGE

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu section DOES NOT INCLUDE a porter, so, you will need to carry all your thing, please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoy this amazing trek. If you wish to have a porter to carry your belongings, it is $60 USD extra for this add on service (10 kilos or 22 lbs maximum).