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9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour

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9 Days From $ USD 1000.00

9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour

9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour

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9 Days From $ USD 1000.00

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Food
1B, 1L, 1D
Duration
9 Days
Physical Level
Easy
Altitude
15,090 feet (4,600 meters)
Accomodation
Glamping
Departures
Daily Departures
Cusco| Soraypampa

Overview

Trip Details

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9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour 9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour 9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour 9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour 9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour 9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour 9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour 9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour 9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour 9 Day Choquequirao to Machupicchu Tour

Itinerary at a Glance

  • DAY 1: CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU
  • DAY 1: CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU
  • DAY 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU
  • DAY 4: CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU
  • DAY 5: CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU
  • DAY 6: CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU
  • DAY 7: CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU
  • DAY 8: CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU
  • DAY 9: CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU

Itinerary

DAY 1

CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU

Arriving at Cachora town at 7.00 in the morning where we will have our breakfast while we arrange the equipment on mules and horses. Already from the village of Cachora we can observe the majestic Padrayoc snow covered peaks, the highest is 5482 m.a.s.l. The hike on this first day is 21.70 km or 10 hours. On the way we will observe Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora snow covered peaks. We can appreciate the beautiful change of the landscape from precipices to snowy mountains. The walk starts quite flat with views to snow covered peaks and small farms on the step mountainsides. From the viewpoint of Capuliyoc, where we might see condors, the descent towards the Apurímac Canyon starts. As the vegetation is changing from Agave and Tunacactus forest to dwarftree forest we have lunch brake at Chiquisqa (1950 m.a.s.l.). From here we continue the descent to the abundant Apurímac River in 1550 m.a.s.l. in the impressing deep canyon of the same name. After a short brake at the river we start the steep climb towards Santa Rosa, where we camp for the night in a small sugarcane plantation (2115 m.a.s.l.).

DAY 1

CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU

Early morning after breakfast, we continue our hike going up to Choquekiraw. The first 2-3 hours are going up steep, but then it will change between flat and climb the rest of the way surrounded by beautiful vegetation with several varieties of orchids. We will arrive to the archaeological place CHOQUEKIRAO after 5 hours. After a good lunch and a little break we will walk to the main square of Choquekirao, to enjoy this majestic place, where we will observe the three levels of the excavated ruin. Approximately at 3 o’clock in the afternoon (depends of the weather) • we can be lucky to appreciate “the flight of the Condors”. The guide will decide where to set our camp in Raqaypata (2910 m.a.s.l.). choquequirao machupicchu trek
choquequirao machupicchu trek

DAY 3

CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU

After breakfast we have good time to enjoy the majestic archaeological place. We can appreciate houses, terraces and other parts of this late Inca-town. Besides we see the ruin in progress of excavation and finally areas unexplored- that can tell us about this last refuge of the oppressed Inca empire. After the lunch we walk through Choquekirao, with all equipment going to our next camp. We follow the old water canal for a while before we start the 3 hours walk to the Pinchinuyoc ruins found in 1998. First we walk through cloud forest, but then all becomes steep open prairie with open views of the Mountains and valleys. Pinchinoyoc – these ruins are something very special. All of a sudden they appear in the cloud forest, almost invisible because of the thick layer of mosses and other vegetation that covers it. Here we spend the night basically on the old Inca Terraces.

DAY 4

CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU

This morning we walk down through an interesting vegetation know as Dry Andean Highland Forest. Trees and plants here look different to what we have seen before. We arrive to the river Victoria after a few hours and use the brake here to get a refreshing bath in the cold and clear river water. We cross walking through the river, since there are no bridges. After our brake we start the long and steep climb to our camp in Maizal, high over the river close to the sacred Apus of the Incas. On the way up we catch our breath in the shade of small trees and other vegetations on the way up. In Maizal we have our lunch and enjoy, that we can relax this afternoon- with only optional physical activity. Maizal is properly the camp in the most beautiful location of them all. From here we see 3 valleys and a great snow peak right across from us. A good place to lean back and think. choquequirao machupicchu trek

DAY 5

CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU

We leave our camp in Maizal and walk towards the San Juan pass. Again a long climb, but we walk in a amazingly beautiful area- first with cloud forest and then over Andean Puna with the well known ichu grass. We rest at some of the Victoria mines, where metal shining stones tell about a high concentration of minerals and metals. On our way through the Puna we walk on very well preserved Inca trails, among other characteristics with the classic zigzag. We take lunch at the pass in 4000 m.a.s.l. with view of the mountain Choquetakarpo, before we start the descent towards Yanama, a small isolated settlement at the bottom of a long valley surrounded by mountains.

DAY 6

CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU

We continue from Yanama up through the valley towards the highest point of the tour, The Yanama Pass in 4500 m.a.s.l. On the way we have a good view of the snow capped Sacsarayoc. Once again we have the chance to see condors, and this mornings smooth climb bring us through new landscapes- especially the wet grass fields under the snowline that distinguish from everything else seen on the tour. In the pass we might walk in snow, and the descent is a long foggy hike through grassy fields- and bush areas and crossing small wood/dirt bridges on the way towards the community of Totora, where we spend the night. choquequirao machupicchu trek

DAY 7

CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU

We now walk the about 2000 meters down through the changing vegetations to the warmer camp in the village of La Playa. Approx. 7 hours walking. On the way we see small waterfalls and get a refreshing natural bath. The area also has a big variation of bird life and it is now obvious that the climate and vegetations have changed totally, and now we see plants recognizable from the living rooms in Europe and several types of orchids. The Playa is the biggest village on the way, where we can find some small shops to buy snack etc. In this area we can see small plantations of coffee and bananas.

DAY 8

CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU

From the Playa to the Hydroelectric at the Urubamba River. This morning we will work up one newly opened Inca trail. This trail originally was used to transport agricultural products to the population on Machu Picchu and it takes us through an area with coffee plantations and subtropical fruits and crops. As we come up higher the trail the vegetations changes between dry and grassy with flowers and moist cloud forest. In the pass we are suddenly in a cool dense wood full of trees covered with thick mosses. Shortly hereafter we see for the first time the impressing Machu Picchu on a mountain saddle further into the valley. 10 minutes more and we arrive to our lunch spot called Llactapata. He we have our lunch while enjoying the views of Machu Picchu and the beautiful mountains. Then we walk the last part downhill and along the river to the Hydroelectric. Here we can visit on fine Intihuatana while waiting for the train or continue walking to Aguas Calientes where we arrive in the afternoon. We spend the night in a nice hotel. choquequirao machupicchu trek

DAY 9

CHOQUEQUIRAO & MACHU PICCHU

From Aguas Calientes we walk or take bus to Machu Picchu. We start our visit with a 2-3 hours guided tour, that will bring us to the most important locations at the archaeological site and the guide will tell us about the great importance Machu Picchu enjoyed as astronomical and religious center. The rest of the day we spend at this amazing ruin and you will have the chance to climb Wayna Picchu or visit the beautiful moon temple. We meet in the afternoon in Aguas Calientes where we take the train to Ollantaytambo, and from here bus to Cusco. In Cusco we go to at central placed hotel close to the colonial style Plaza de Armas.

Inclusions

Included

Included :

  • Private Transport to the beginning of the walk.
  • Spanish – English speaker authorized guide.
  • Muleteers, Mules for carryng the food and camping equipment and 8 kilos per person of your personal stuff.
  • Tents 4 people capacity provide for two people in each tent, kitchen tent, dining room tent.
  • Tables, seats, cloths and menajeria.
  • All the foods during the walk.
  • Cook.
  • 1 night Hotel in Aguas Calientes town.
  • Entrance ticket to Machupicchu.
  • 20 dollars off for International students 100 dollars off for South American Students.
  • Private transport back to cusco.
  • Train back to Ollantaytambo.
  • Boiled water for.
  • drinking.

No Included

Not Included :

  • Bus to Machupicchu up or down.
  • The last lunch in Machupicchu.
  • Huaynapicchu entrance fees.

What to Bring

RECOMMENDATIONS TO TAKE

  • A backpack.
  • Original passport.
  • 04 change of clothes.
  • Warm Clothes .
  • Trekking shoes.
  • Small towel.
  • Bathing suit (in case of going to the hot springs)
  • Rain coat.
  • Canteen of Water.
  • Camera and batteries.
  • Repellent, Sun block and a Hat.
  • Flashlight
  • Toilet paper.
  • Bottle of water and purifying pills.
  • Optional.
  • Walking stick covered with rubber tips for the walk.
  • Snacks: Cookies, sweet chocolates, energizing bars (optional).

Pricing List

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK TO MACHUPICCHU 9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS

Do not Hesitate to contact us via Whatsapp:

Whatsapp: (English)+51 984315337
Whatsapp: (Spanish)+51 972390728 

GROUP SERVICE: Prices are based on Number of people departing that date/ We will leave with minimum of 02 Persons.

02 persons group / US$1200 per person
03 persons group / US$1150 per person
04 persons group / US$1100 per person
05 persons group / US$1050 per person
06-8 persons group / US$1000 per person

We can leave any day of the week, as long as permits are available. Please remember, permits are only needed for your start date.


Travel Guide

When visiting the cities:

  • Take the logical precautions to avoid pickpockets and purse-snatchers.
  • Carry a copy of your identification documents. Keep the originals and the rest of valuable personal effects in the safety deposit box of your hotel.
  • 
Wear valuable items discretely; don’t carry large sums of cash and watch your bags and luggage.
  •  
Refrain from exchanging currency on the street.
  • It is advisable to use taxi companies for transportation (they can be requested by phone) or cabs authorized by the municipal authorities (in ima they are painted yellow and carry a bright identification sign on the roof).
    Road tourism:
  • Always carry your driver’s license, a copy of your passport and the rental agreement if you’re driving a rental car. International driver’s licenses are valid for one year, while driver’s licenses from other countries are valid for 30 days.
  • If a traffic officer signals you to stop, you must stop. Traffic officers must be wearing uniform and carry identification (they are required to wear identification cards including their last name on their chest.) They are not allowed to enter the vehicle.
  • Bear in mind that traffic officers are not allowed retain any personal or vehicle documents. Under no circumstances should you offer or agree to pay money to traffic officers.
  • In case of an accident or collision, call a traffic officer. If your car is a rental, call the representative of the insurance company provided by the rental agency. Do not leave the scene of the accident. Keep the windows closed and the doors locked.
    Prohibitions:
  • It is forbidden to take photographs of airports, military bases, police stations and areas surrounding high voltage towers.

Are there services for tourists with special needs in Peru?
In Peru we believe in the idea of “Tourism for Everybody”. This is why many public and private organizations have been working for years to ensure that their services are equally accessible for the differently-abled.
We advise you to contact your service provider in advance to ensure that your accessibility needs will be met.

What’s the weather like throughout the year?
Peru is a very large country that is crossed by the Andes and has a vast Amazonian region, so you are likely to notice differences from one place to the other, which may be more or less intense depending on the month of your visit.
It hardly ever rains on the coast, where there are usually two seasons:a warm season and a cold season.

  1.   The warm season runs from November 15th until the end of March.
  2. The cold season occurs from April to mid November and it is very humid.

Unlike the coastal area, the mountains and the jungle have a warmer rainy season running from mid November to late March, and the least warm season occurs between April and mid November.

Below is a weather table by city:

City Altitude HighTemp Low Temp
Abancay 2,378(7,802 fasl) 25°C (77°F) 12°C (54°F)
Arequipa 2,335 (7,661 fasl) 24°C (75°F) 5°C (41°F)
Ayacucho 2,761 (9,058 fasl) 24°C (75°F) 11°C (52°F)
Cajamarca 2,720 (8,924 fasl) 21°C (70°F) 5°C (41°F)
Cerro de Pasco 4,338 (14,232 fasl) 22°C (72°F) 4°C (39°F)
Chachapoyas 2,334 (7,657 fasl) 22°C (72°F) 13°C (55°F)
Chiclayo 29 (95 fasl) 33°C (91°F) 17°C (63°F)
Cusco 3,395 (11,138 fasl) 17°C (63°F) 2°C (28°F)
Huancavelica 368 (1,207 fasl) 20°C (68°F) 3.4°C (38°F)
Huancayo 4,107 (13,474 fasl) 17°C (63°F) 0°C (32°F)
Huánuco 1,912 (6,273 fasl) 24°C (75°F) 18°C (64°F)
Huaraz 3,091 (10,141 fasl) 18°C (64°F) 9°C (48°F)
Ica 406 (1,332 fasl) 30°C (86°F) 8°C (46°F)
Iquitos 104 (341 fasl) 36°C (97°F) 17°C (63°F)
Lima 133 (436 fasl) 25°C (77°F) 13°C (55°F)
Moquegua 141 (463 fasl) 25°C (77°F) 17°C (63°F)
Moyobamba 860 (2,822 fasl) 36°C (97°F) 22°C (72°F)
Piura 29 (95 fasl) 35°C (95°F) 16°C (61°F)
Pucallpa 154 (505 fasl) 38°C (100°F) 24°C (75°F)
Puerto Maldonado 183 (600 fasl) 34°C (93°F) 21°C (70°F)
Puno 3,827 (12,556 fasl) 19°C (6°F) 2°C (34°F)
Tacna 562 (1,844 fasl) 28°C (82°F) 6°C (43°F)
Trujillo 34 (112 fasl) 30°C (86°F) 16°C (61°F)
Tumbes 6 (20 fasl) 38°C (100°F) 19°C (66°F)

How much money should I expect to spend on my trip?

This answer depends on your personal preferences and the level of comfort you desire.
Bartering is generally accepted in Peru, with the exception of larger stores and restaurants. In larger cities prices in general may be higher, particularly in Lima, and may increase during festivities such as the National Holidays (July), Easter (April) or Christmas due to higher demand for services such as bus and air transportation.
Below is a price list of products and services that you may use as reference in order to prepare a travel budget.

Reference product or service US Dollars
Mineral water bottle 1.5 Lt (51 fl. oz.) 1.40
Medium soda pop 0.50 0.50
Burger 1.40
Apple 0.30
Shampoo bottle 2.00
Tooth paste 1.40
Lunch (frugal) 3.00
Lunch (basic) 12.00
Camera roll 4.00
Blank video tape 8.50
Pair of sneakers 30.00
Newspaper 0.50
Public internet booth or cybercafes (1 hour)  1.5
Train Cusco – Machu Picchu (return) 30.00 (backpackers)
70.00 (Autovagon)
Bus (one way)  5.00
Flight to Cusco (return) 140.00
Lodging per night (very basic) 5 – 10
Lodging per night (2 star) 20 – 40
Lodging per night (3 star) 50 – 90
Lodging per night (4 and 5 star) over 90

Other frequently Asked Questons about Treks and tours
What to Bring
Each web page has a specific list of what to bring for your trek and the list supplied here might not apply to you. However, remember that the weather in the Andes can be very unpredictable and you should be prepared for bad weather. Peru is located in the southern hemisphere meaning the winter extends from June to August. In the summer months daytime temperatures can be hot & sunny, but the nights can be very cold. During winter it can be cold and rainy during the day and particularly cold at night. It is usual to encounter some rain all year round so we recommend buying a cheap poncho in Cusco for about US $1. We also recommend bringing thermal underwear in order to combat the cold. It’s recommended to wear the thermal underwear in the evening and early morning. When packing try to bring a range of layers so that you can take off or add clothes as required in the ever changing Andean weather.

  • Original passport and valid ISIC student card
  • Insurance card. (We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance)
  • A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
  • Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
  • Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
  • Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
  • Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
  • Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
  • Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
  • Sun block
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
  • Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
  • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
  • Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
  • Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol etc.
  • Small towel or sarong
  • Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
  • Cash – sufficient for your final meal in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
  • Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
  • Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
  • Binoculars (if you have them)
  • Refillable Water Bottle

Equipment
Please see each page for specific notes in regard to the equipment that is carried on each tour. Generally, the following items are ‘normal’ unless specified on the tour page.

  • Tents – 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 08-10.
  • If you are travelling alone and would like your own tent, please request this. Normally we can accomodate single travellers in a 2 man tent. If you are travelling in a group of 3 we might accomodate you in two tents or a 5-6 man tent.
  • Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
  • Cook and Cooking equipment is included.
  • Dining tent
  • Toilet tent

Hiring Extra Equipment
We hire sleeping bags (rated for -5, -10 and -15 celsius temperatures) , thermarest (inflatable mattresses), walking poles, and extra horses for luggage.
Which sleeping bag to choose? Do you feel the cold – then opt for the -15 bag. Our foam mattresses (included in the price) are more than adequate but a thermarest inflatable mattress provides a lot more luxury! Walking poles – guides advise that two poles are better than just one as they provide much more balance, especially on steep descents (ie Llactapata on the Salkantay route and the Choquequirao and Choquequirao to Machu Picchu sections.) Please check our booking form for current prices.

  • Super Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg.
  • Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -15
  • Walking stick lightweight aluminum – Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes to aid balance.
  • Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) and Inflatable Pillow
  • Extra mule to carry YOUR things for alternative treks not applicable for the Inca Trail. This mule is if you think you will exceed the luggage allowance of 8kg.
  • Extra riding mule and muleteer to lead it . Included in the price of your trek is an emergency horse. If for some reason you think that you will need a horse for more than simply emergencies, then its advisable to have a personal horse. (ie for older people or younger people. Some parents like to have a horse for their children) However a horse cannot be used in all circumstances so you need to be fit.
  • Extra porter to carry your things – for the Inca trail treks only – if you think that you will exceed the luggage allowance of 7k that you need to carry by yourself.
  • When calculating costs for hire of walking stick, sleeping bag, calculate using the length of the tour. Even though you won’t use the equipment on the final day it will still be ‘on the road’ and ‘occupied.’

Luggage Storage & Load Limits

  • During the trek we advise you to store your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco- all hotels or hostals should provide you with luggage storage as a courtesy service.
  • At your briefing you will be loaned a small duffel bag to pack clothes for the trip. Please limit your luggage in this duffel bag to 8kg (15lbs) each person. The mules will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail applicable for Alternative Treks  not applicable for the Inca Trail. The duffel bags are waterproof but it is still advisable to put your things inside a plastic bag within the duffel bag. The approximate dimensions are 60cm by 30cm. PLEASE RETURN YOUR DUFFEL BAG AT THE END OF THE TRIP!!! You can do this by leaving it in the reception of your hotel. We have continued to “lose” the duffel bags so please be consciencious and return your bag!
  • For pictures of the duffel bags check out these pics duffel bag one and duffel bag two
  • Most people carry their own day pack with up to 7 kg of their things – a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera, sunscreen and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule or Extra Porters. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the muleteers travel at a different pace than the group.
  • Your sleeping bag is always included in your duffel bag, so allow approx 2 kg of weight. This still gives you 5kg of things, which is more than adequate for a hike of several days.
  • At the end of your trip, please leave your duffel bag in the reception of your hotel. We will come to collect it.

Do you need an extra luggage mule/or riding mule?
We include in the price of your tour 8kg (15lbs) of luggage each person. We LOAN you a duffel bag which you can put this 8kg in. The reason for this is that duffel bags strap onto mules much better than backpacks/your luggage and its better that our custom designed duffels get dirty than your luggage (also if your backpack has a fancy harness then it can get damaged on the mules). If you think that you are going to need more than 7kg (plus the things that you carry in your day pack) then you might like to consider hiring an extra mule. Each mule can carry about 20kg of equipment so its usually shared between 2 or 3 people. Most people find that 7kg is more than adequate if they pack normally or a little conservatively. We strongly recommend that you leave the bulk at of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco – all hotels or hostals should provide you with luggage storage as a courtesy service.
Included in the price of your tour is 1 emergency riding horse. If you have in your group younger children, or older people, people who are not very fit, or people who have never hiked in the mountains before, you might consider paying for an extra mule. This is especially if you think that someone in your group will utilize the horse a lot!

  1. if you wish to order an extra porter (Inca Trail Only) it MUST be done at the time of booking or permits will be sold out.
  2.  if you wish to order an extra riding horse or an extra cargo horse it can only be done as late as one week prior to your departure as the muleteers live in remote areas and are not easy to contact about the number of mules they need to bring to the trailhead only applicable for Alternative treks not the Inca Trail.

Extra Charges
We need to charge extra for the following:

  •  Single tent supplement (ie you don’t want to share a tent with anyone else) you need to pay $40.00  dollars extra for the whole tour
  • Private tour supplement (if only two passengers). if you want a private trek (only 2 passengers) then you need to pay the 2 person price plus a $150 dollars private trek price per person. If choose to list the trek on trekkers wanted, but no one joins the trek, then you will not need to pay this fee.
  • Passport name/number change fee. $20 per change. this applies to inca trail reservations. as permits are hard to obtain, sometimes people need to make their reservations using an old passport, but will be travelling with a new passport. We make the change when you have the new passport, and we strongly suggest you travel with both passports.
  • Change fee. $20 per change. this applies to date changes, and other changes not specified but will require administration staff time!
    • Train changes are explained below.

Train Tickets
For backpacker trains the timetable is 2.30pm and 6pm, and you return to Cusco approximately 4-5 hours later. A representative of the agency will meet the train in Ollantaytambo and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. We apologise in advance if we cannot get either of these times, if we cannot we have endeavored to do so. Some people want early trains, some people like later trains, and its impossible to anticipate people’s preference. Please also note that in high season (normally July-August) the trains to Machu Picchu and back again are completely over-subscribed and its difficult to get tickets, even with several weeks notice. (this is why we are inistent that you send your passport details asap!) In the case that Bioandean Expeditions is not able to obtain train tickets for you we will provide a car that returns via the Abra de Malaga to Cusco. (approx 6 hours of travelling).

  • If you have specific travel plans that might be affected by the Peru Rail timetable, you should advise us AT BOOKING. You cannot advise us at your pre trek briefing, this is too late!
    Train Ticket changes will incur the following charges
  • Difference between two types of ticket – usually a $38 ticket and $60 ticket ($22 per ticket)
  • 10% relocation fee, of first ticket
  • Admin fee per ticket $10.00
  • We can only make a change to a train ticket ONCE.
  • If you decide to come back at a different time than the rest (majority) of your group, then your transfer from Piscacucho or Ollantaytambo is NOT included in the price of your tour. You will need to pay this yourself.
    The cheapest & simplest way of changing your train ticket is to wait until the day you arrive in Aguas Calientes, and go personally, with your guide, and try to change it on the spot, paying only the 10% relocation fee.
    Water

We generally recommend that you start out from Cusco with 1-2 litres of water. You should also bring a refillable water bottle with you. (Any bottle you buy from the shop will do but we recommend a hardy plastic bottle) During the day, when you are hiking you can fill up from streams, on the advice of your guide. You should use purification tablets for this water. (Micropur tablets can be bought in Cusco or you might like to ask in your camping shop at home. Some people recommend iodine tablets). In the evening, your cook will boil water for your use and you can fill up your bottles every morning before setting out. As people have different requirements for water (ie some people drink a lot and others less) it is important that you take responsibility for ensuring you have enough water each day. You need to communicate your needs (via the guide) to the cook.

Cooking & Meals
Our cooks serve hygenically prepared food that features Peruvian and Western dishes. If you are a vegetarian or have specially dietary requirements and/or allergies, please specify on your booking form and remind us at your briefing. Water is boiled for three minutes before being used for cooking and raw vegetables, if served, are washed in boiled/ purified water.
For photos of some example meals, please see our Bioandean Expeditions  meals page

Bathing
There are few opportunities for bathing on our treks. However, in the evening and morning, please ask your cook to warm some water for you to wash your hands and face. There are cold water shower facilities on the Salkantay and Choquequirao trek.

Toilets
Depending on the tour you take, we provide toilet tents at each of the campsites or you can use the existing facilities. During the day, your guide carries a pick or lightweight shovel. Should you need to use this, please ask them. Ideally, you should relieve yourself at least 70 metres from any water source and also a good distance from the trail. Remember also to bring plenty of toilet paper but follow international leave no trace rules and carry it out… (Please no white flags along the route!)
Medical Kit Each trip departs with a basic medical kit and an oxygen bottle. We advise that if you have your own medications and needs that you bring these. We do not include altitude tablets in our kit. Please note that the blister care that we have is Peruvian style (band-aids and cotton wool) – we do not have second skin or Western style blister treatments.

Medical Kit
Each trip departs with a basic medical kit and an oxygen bottle. We advise that if you have your own medications and needs that you bring these. We do not include altitude tablets in our kit. Please note that the blister care that we have is Peruvian style (band-aids and cotton wool) – we do not have second skin or Western style blister treatments.

How much money should I take?
Please review what is included in your trek in order to estimate what you should take. Along the way you can buy snacks and souvenirs, mostly of a non expensive nature. (Though if you decide you want to drink a lot of PowerAde, it does add up!) Most people also like to enjoy a nice meal and some drinks in Aguas Calientes on the night you arrive from your trek. Aguas Calientes is generally more expensive than other parts of Peru, so expect things to cost more there. Finally, bring money to tip your staff and your guides. (Please see below) There is an ATM in Aguas Calientes, but don’t rely on it working so we suggest you take ample to cover your expenses while there.

Tips
Tips vary and depend on the traveller’s satisfaction with the quality of the service rendered. Although our staff are paid just above local industry rates, and we include all meals and transportation, they do appreciate tips. Tips also provide incentive for staff to work harder.
Deciding how much to tip the porters, the cook and guide is a difficult moment at the end of the trek and can be made more difficult when members of the group have different cultural understandings about tipping. (Some countries tip, other countries don´t tend to tip).

Generally speaking, if the group have been pleased with the service then try to ensure that (minimum) each porter/muleteer takes home an extra 20-30 soles per day of trek, cook 40-45 soles per day of trek, and the guide as you feel is appropriate. (these amounts are shared between all members of the group, and are not individual tips. if your trip is 9 days then the group as a whole would tip 10 soles x 9 days. Even if the muleteers were only with you for 2 days on the shorter treks, please calculate their tip based on your entire trip length. Ie the Expreso Salkantay is 4 days, and the muleteers will take at least 1 day to return home, even though they are not directly in your service). A recent, higher estimation follows: between $10 and $20 a day for guides, between $5 – $10 a day for cooks and drivers, and $3-5 a day for the muleteers. Again, that should be divided between everyone on your tour, is PER person, and multiplied by the full length of your tour. We believe that ultimately, tipping the guide and cook should be dependent on the quality of the service that you received. At no stage should you feel obliged to tip!

Safety
Trekking in the Andes is generally pretty safe. There is minimal theft – it does sometimes occur on the more touristed routes (ie Salkantay). Be cautious, not paranoid! We do recommend always sleeping with your valuables (ie money belt, passports) near your heads or in your sleeping bag. Your camera and day packs should be kept between you or near your heads – never near the flap of your tent. Shoes should be stored inside!

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Peru
Welcome to our FAQ section. This page might be helpful if you haven’t been able to find the information you needed on our website. We hope these FAQ about Peru have been helpful.

How far is Peru from my home?
In order to provide you with useful references we have created a table including the approximate arrival flight times.
Direct Flights.

Country City Approx. flight time
United States Dallas 7 hours 12 minutes
United States Houston 6 hours 45 minutes
United States Los Angeles 8 hours 35 minutes
United States Miami 5 hours 45 minutes
United States Atlanta 7 hours
Argentina Buenos Aires 4 hours 15 minutes
Chile Santiago 3 hours 25 minutes
Spain Madrid 11 hours 30 minutes

Flights with stopovers

Country City Approximate flight time
United States New York 8 hours 35 minutes / via San José
United States San Francisco 10 hours / via Los Angeles
United States Washington 9 hours / via Newark
Germany Dusseldorf 18 hours 40 minutes / via Madrid
Germany Frankfurt 15 hours 30 minutes / via Madrid
France Paris 14 hours 50 minutes/ via Miami

Italy Milan 14 hours 50 minutes / via Madrid
Italy Rome 15 hours 10 minutes / via Madrid
UK London 15 hours 10 minutes / via Madrid
Japan Tokyo 20 hours 35 minutes / via Los Angeles

Do I need a visa to visit Peru?
Citizens of most American and Western European countries are not required visa to enter Peru. Citizens of Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile do not require passports or visa to visit certain regions of Peru. Contact the Peruvian diplomatic representative in your country for further information. Addresses and phone numbers are included in the website of Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Relations: www.rree.gob.pe
If the purpose of your visit is tourism, the maximum length of your stay will be 90 days (you can apply for extensions with the immigration authority)
All travelers must carry a valid passport, or a safe-conduct issued by the Peruvian immigration authority.

Is it safe to travel in Peru?
Reality shows that it is very safe.
You may have read or heard on TV, websites or newspapers about terrorism, crime and economic and political instability. But the truth is that terrorism has been defeated a long time ago; Peruvians live in peace and work very hard every day to build and democratic and safe society. We can assure visitors that all they need to do is follow the normal precautions taken in order to visit other destinations.

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