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Call our US Office 757-714-6649 or 757-270-9293
Who should do the 6-Day Machu Picchu Multisport Adventure?
For active travelers age 10 and over. The trip is designed to accommodate people of average fitness. We have a support vehicle for the downhill mountain biking and in case anyone is unable to hike the 1-day Inca Trail, they can take the train instead. Horses can be rented at Rainbow Mountain for part of the hike. But they do not take visitors to the top. Each person is expected to hike down about 1 hour. If you have any questions about any of the activities don't hesitate to contact our office in the US. Our local tour guides can assist with last-minute questions on arrival.
Day 1 Monday - Arrive Cusco Airport / Walking City Tour PM (about 3 hours)
Arrive Cusco airport anytime between 9AM-12N. Driver will be waiting to transfer about 15 minutes to your hotel for checkin. Your tour guide meets you in the lobby where you begin walking to the main Plaza de Armas, the heart of the legendary Inca Empire, and where the statue of King Pachacutec, whose brilliant vision led to the design and building of Machu Picchu, greets everyone. Continue on foot through authentic narrow Inca streets to explore the historical city and Coricancha Temple, also known as the "Golden Temple of the Sun." See the remarkable achievements of ancient Inca civilization, that include stone arches, Inca walls, cobbled streets, and many examples of exotic architecture. Observe the impact of colonial invasion and how the collision of two very different societies fused into one enchanting hub of modern Peruvian culture.
Meals Included. - none
Accommodation. - 3* hotel with private bath and breakfast
Day 2 Tuesday - Sacred Valley Tour with Mtn Bike / Chinchero weavers, Maras, Moray (8AM-5PM. Bring all your luggage)
Accommodation. - 3* hotel in Ollantaytambo (private bathroom and breakfast)
Day 3 Wednesday - 1-Day Inca Trail Hike (12KM) to Machu Picchu / Hotel
After early breakfast in your hotel, tour guide will meet you and begin 5-10 minute walk to the station where you board early morning train. Ride 1 hour to KM 104 where you get off and begin 12KM/7.5 MI hike up out of the canyon passing waterfalls, and the ancient Inca town of Winya Wayna (meaning "Forever Young" in the native language). Continue to the Sungate for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu (depending on cloud cover). Then descend to the guard shack in the upper terraces to enjoy the classic view of Machu Picchu before you exit the park. Take shuttle bus 30 minutes to the village of Aguas Calientes and walk to your hotel.
Meals Included. - Breakfast at hotel + Box lunch (leave room in your backpack)
Accommodation. - 3* hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 4 Thursday - Explore Machu Picchu Lower Circuit / Return to Cusco
After breakfast in your hotel, your tour guide will meet you in the lobby and walk to the bus stop for the 30 minute ride to Machu Picchu. Begin guided tour of historical sites on the lower circuit (average 2 hours) before you exit and return by bus to the village. Eat lunch (at your expense), then board the afternoon train for 2 hour ride to Ollantaytambo where driver will be waiting. Pickup excess luggage then drive 2 hours to your hotel in Cusco arriving by 6-7PM.
Meals Included. - Breakfast at hotel
Accommodation. - 3* hotel in Cusco
Day 5 Friday - Rainbow Mountain 5AM-4PM (drive 3.5 hours each way) 16,000 ft/4900 m.
Pickup from hotel and begin 3.5 hour drive to the parking area below Rainbow Mountain. Hike about 2 hours or you can rent from a local wrangler who will lead a horse while you ride part way (up only), then hike the remaining distance to the view point. (no experience necessary) Descend on foot about 1 hour to the parking area and return 3.5 hours by van to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals Included. - Ask hotel to provide box breakfast + Lunch/snacks and water refills provided
Accommodation. - 3* hotel in Cusco
Day 6 Saturday - Departure Day / Fly to Lima and your next destionation
Self-Transfer to Cusco airport at least 2 hours prior to scheduled departure. Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi (at your expense)
Meals Included. – Breakfast in hotel
Tour Options
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get altitude sickness in Cusco?
It's common for most people who are coming from sea level to experience at least mild symptoms of altitude sickness when they arrive in Cusco, which is 11,000 ft/3430 m above sea level. Symptoms vary from person to person, but can include:
-headache (the most common complaint)
-nausea
-insomnia
-fatigue
-loss of appetite
The best natural remedy is to drink plenty of water before you arrive at altitude and continue to drink water even at night. Coca leaf tea is available in every hotel coffee bar and restaurant. There is no way to predict if it will alleviate your symptoms. The most reliable treatment for headache is to bring your own treatments. Ask your physician about prescription treatments before you travel.
Is it safe to drink the water in Peru?
Tap water in Lima, Cusco and other larger cities is consumed by local people every day. But is it safe for you? There's only one way to find out and we suggest that you not drink the tap water or use it to brush your teeth. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere including small towns and villages.
We support the reduction of the use of disposable plastic water bottles and encourage you to bring a purification device to make your own safe drinking water. The device should be rated to purify water from microbes and viruses, not just for taste. We found a small, inexpensive passive portable water filter that removes not only bacteria, but heavy metals and inorganic materials like chlorine, nitrite and fluoride. Here is a link to read more, and a discount code if you choose to buy it. Drivers may carry purified drinking water to refill your personal water bottle on day tours and activities.
What is the best way to travel between Lima and Cusco?
We recommend flying 1 hour/20 minutes between the cities because other means require more time or are not practical for short vacations. There is no train service between Lima and Cusco. And while there is bus service, the drive is almost 24 hours long over paved, and winding mountain roads. There is no speedy highway. We recommend that you book Latam Airlines for the most reliable airline service. And we suggest you allow at least 4-5 hours layover in Lima airport if you intend to fly from Cusco to Lima for an international connecting flight on the same day.
Where should I stay if my international flight arrives in Lima in the evening?
There is only one hotel at the Lima airport. The Wyndham Hotel is connected to the arrivals terminal by a skybridge on the 2nd floor or by crossing a 3 lane road on the ground level. It takes literally 2 minutes to walk from the terminal to the lobby of the hotel.
This hotel is best for groups who arrive in Lima in the evening and plan to depart again by air the next day. For groups planning to stay in Lima, it's best to ask your hotel in the Lima city center to arrange a ground transfer, since there are no shuttle buses. The travel time is about 45 minutes each way when the traffic is moderate. Traffic can be routinely congested during the daytime, from 7AM to 8PM. The cost ranges from $35 USD each way and up. If your group is larger than 3 persons, you may need a transfer in a mini-van or two taxis.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Machu Picchu?
No. Covid vaccinations are not required to enter Peru. And other travel vaccinations are not required. The altitude of Machu Picchu is 8000 ft/2440 m and higher. Disease-carrying vectors do not thrive at higher elevations. US citizens are not required to get Yellow Fever vaccinations or prophylactic Malaria treatments. Although there have been no recent cases of Yellow Fever in Peru, some countries, including the US, recommend that visitors get Yellow Fever vaccinations prior to visiting the Amazon Rainforest, including Tambopata Reserve or Manu National Reserve. Even though these vaccinations are not required to re-enter the US, they may be required if you are transiting or traveling to another country before you return home. We recommend that travelers check the regulations for re-entry for any countries they will pass through after leaving Peru, Bolivia or Ecuador. Health regulations are subject to change from time to time. It is the responsibility of travelers to consult their own government health departments or tropical medicine clinics for up to date and relevant information.
This Adventure Includes
- 1-way Cusco airport transfer on arrival
- 5N in 3* hotel with private bathroom and breakfast
- Mtn bikes, helmet, gloves (with support vehicle)
- all ground transportation to all activities listed in the itinerary
- English-speaking tour guide for all activities
- Inca Trail hiking permits (subject to availability)
- Box lunch for Inca Trail hike (leave room in your backpack to carry)
- Box lunch/snacks for the day trip to Rainbow Mountain
- 1 Entry to Machu Picchu lower circuit
- Private, guided activities and tours in small group up to 10 people
- Bus tickets to Machu Picchu
- Round trip train tickets (all the trains we reserve have panoramic windows and full size seats)
- Trekking poles for the Inca Trail hike and Rainbow Mountain hike
Not Included
- International flight to Lima, Peru
- Domestic flights between Lima and Cusco, Peru. Latam Airlines has the most departures and the most reliable service.
- Lunches/dinners/drinking water - except where noted. Suggested budget is $35 USD per adult per day.
- Travel Insurance (as a courtesy here is a link to SQUAREMOUTH TRAVEL INSURANCE for a free quote or to get toll free number to talk to a trained agent)
- Tips
- 1-way Cusco airport transfer on departure
- hotel in Lima airport (if your flight arrives Lima in the evening, Wyndham Hotel at Lima airport is the most convenient place for an overnight. It's a 3 minute walk from terminal to lobby.)
- Tickets to hike Huayna Picchu (inside Machu Picchu national park)
- Horse rental at Rainbow Mountain (average cost is 60-80 soles per person. Pay the wrangler directly in cash. Bring exact change.)
Notes
- Day 1 starts every Monday and you can depart Cusco any time on Day 6 / Saturday. Additional days can be added on request.
- Group size is limited to 10 people.
- Inca Trail is closed every day in February for annual maintenance. We will substitute another hike and you will take the train to the village of Aguas Calientes
- The best time of year to travel is during the dry season from April to early December.
- Private trips can be arranged for your group on your dates if permits are available for the Inca Trail hike. Just ask: [email protected]
- Student rate in shared room with parents: $1220 USD. Maximum age 16. Minimum age 10.
- Families can share 1 triple room up to 3 people, 2 double rooms for 4 people, or combination if your family is 5 or more people.
- Altitude in Cusco is 11,000 ft / 3400 m. The first day is an easy walk around the historical city center since most people are coming from sea level.
- The mountain biking activity is mostly down on rolling hills in the Sacred Valley (9000 ft altitude)
- The Inca Trail hike does not exceed 10,000 ft altitude and averages around 1000 ft elevation gain
- Hotels can be upgraded on request.
- Single supplement is $275 USD per person for the 6 day trip in 3* hotels
- There is no refund for any incomplete tours or activities