Monday, August 31, 2015

Citadel of Machu Picchu to be open all of 2016


Citadel of Machu Picchu to be open all of 2016

Hillary Ojeda
Both mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu will be closed for a short period, but the citadel remains open all next year.
Citadel of Machu Picchu to be open all of 2016
Machu Picchu city is open all next year. (Photo: Andina archive)


According to a press release provided to Living in Peru, the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu will be closed for two weeks each in the month of April 2016. This leaves out the citadel of Machu Picchu itself, which will remain open all through next year.
The President of the Peruvian Association of Receptive and Internal Tourism Operators (Apotur), Enrique Quiñones, announced that the closure of the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu during the month of April 2016, only applies to the peaks of the mountains.
“Really, there exist three types of tickets: the citadel of Machu Picchu, mountain of Machu Picchu and mountain of Huayna Picchu,” said the president.
The closures only apply to the last two mentioned above.
“The closures will be from April 1-15 for Huayna Picchu Mountain; and from April 15-30 for Machu Picchu Mountain,” he explained.
The citadel of Machu Picchu will remain open for the 365 days of 2016 for visitors. He recalled however, that in the month of February of each year, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

13 Day Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Galapagos Tour



This tour is fit for a king, queen or the pampered adventurer.  The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and incredible trekking routes in the world. You'll also get to go to Quito,the Antisana Natural Reserve, the Avenue of the Volcanoes, Riobambo, the Devil's Nose railway, Cuenca,Guayaquil and the Galapagos Islands!  

 13 DAY INCA TRAIL, MACHU PICCHU AND GALAPAGOS TOUR LINK

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - ARRIVE TO THE IMPERIAL CITY OF THE INCAS: CUSCO

Upon arrival to Cusco, a Valencia Travel Cusco representative will be waiting to pick you up and transport you to your hotel. You will have the day to relax and enjoy what Cusco has to offer! 

You will have the option of taking a free walking tour. Places visited will be the following:  
  • Regocijo Plaza
  • Main Square or Plaza De Armas
  • Plaza Nazarenas
  • San Blas town
  • The stone of 12 angles
  • San Pedro market
This tour will last about 2 hours. 

Another option is the CUSCO CITY TOUR. Places visited will be the following
  • The Main Cathedral - Religious art
  • Qoricancha -Temple of the Sun
  • Sacsayhuaman - Stones that weight up to 120 tons
  • Q'enqo - Dedicated to the Earth
  • Puca Pucara - Ancient military control center
  • Tambomachay -Temple of the Water
This tour will end about 6 pm. If you would like to pick this option, you must book in advance to secure your spot. 



DAY 2 - OPEN DAY AT LEISURE
Today, you will have an open day to explore Cusco at your leisure. There is also the option to take the full day SACRED VALLEY TOUR

Places we will visit are:   
  • Pisac - Famous for its indigenous market held every Sunday
  • Urubamba - We will have lunch here
  • Ollantaytambo - The oldest occupied town in South America
  • Chinchero - Also famous for its markets 
Towards the end of our tour, we will return to the Plaza de Armas. The rest of the night is free at your leisure. 

DAY 3 - THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU ADVENTURE BEGINS

We'll start our day  by picking you up and traveling by bus towards Piskacucho, also known as kilometer 82. This is where our adventure will begin. We will make a breakfast stop in Ollantaytambo - this meal is not included. Upon arriving at kilometer 82,we will have some free time. It will be necessary to show your entrance tickets, passports, and student card at the trail's first control point. We cross the Vilcanota River at the start of the trail and follow it to the right. The first day is relatively easy and we'll have views of the Incan fortress Huillca Raccay, the Incan site of Llactapata, also called Patallacta. We will get to see how the Urubamba mountain range divided the jungle, the Andes and the beautiful snow capped peak of W'akay Willca, known in books as Veronica. We will keep going until reaching our first campsite of Ayapata, which is located an hour and a half up the small village of Wayllabamba.  

DAY 4 - THE INCA TRAIL TRIAL, WE GO OVER 2 PASSES
We start our day with a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass). On this day, a real sense of achievement if felt upon reaching the top. We will continue on descending towards our lunch stop, which is located at Pacaymayu.  Along the way, we will get to see a variety of birds including hummingbirds. We will also get to admire the variety of native plants and trees including the polylepis or Q'ueuña trees. 
After lunch, begins our second two hour steep climb towards Runkuraqay pass. We will arrive at our campsite by 5 pm.

DAY 5 - BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

We begin our day with a gentle climb towards the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (meaning town in the clouds). This is the third highest point along the trail! The view of the mountains, canyons and surrounding areas are spectacular!  We will continue walking through the cloud forest until we reach the Incan site of Intipata. We will arrive at our third campsite of Wiñay Wayna (meaning forever young).  A short distance from our campsite are Incan ruins of the same name.  





DAY 6 - MACHU PICCHU IN ITS GLORY

Today, we will get an early start in order to get to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate before sunrise.  This will be where you will get your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu with the sun above it. We will continue along the trail to a spot where you can take the classic picture postcard shot. Finally, we visit Machu Picchu itself!  Your guide will give you a 2 hour tour of the site and after this, you can explore the citadel by yourselves.  You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train will take you to Ollantaytambo and from there, you'll take a bus back to Cusco.

DAY 7 - CUSCO TO QUITO, ECUADOR

Today, we'll take you to the airport so you can catch your flight to Quito, Ecuador. Once in Quito, you will be picked up and welcomed. Quito is considered the biggest, best preserved colonial city in South America. It is considered the Cultural capital of South America and the second most important city of the Incan Empire. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the day exploring Quito and its surrounding areas.   

ECUADOR PURE LIFE can help organize your day with exciting tours:
  • Quito city tour including a visit to the equator line
  • Mindo cloud forest - Cotopaxi National Park
  • Quilotoa Crater Lake - Otavalo Native Market
  • Papallacta hot springs and more! 
Towards the evening, a trip leader will organize a welcome meeting to talk about the Galapagos trip.  The night is yours to explore!

DAY 8 - FLIGHT TO GALAPAGOS AND ISABELA EXPLORATION

Today, we explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory of evolution of species. We start off by boarding a flight from Quito to the Island of Baltra. Once there, we head towards the town of Puerto Ayora, the biggest town in the Galapagos. We will take a fast boat to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos and where the most volcanic activity is reported. The island is formed by 6 shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. Five of them are still active making this island one of the most volcanically active places on earth.  

DAY 9 - SIERRA NEGRA AND TINTORESTAS

After driving up from Puerto Villamil towards the trail head. We prepare to hike into a young dry forest ecosystem. Our destination is the rim of the Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which erupted last in October 2005. Upon arrival, we will explore the circumference of the massive, lava filled crater.  If we can, we will also hike to Vulcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations. In the afternoon, we will visit the Tintoreras Islet on a shared tour that is located a short distance from Puerto Villamil. This is home to a variety of wildlife including: white tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches is home to marine iguanas.



DAY 10 - LAVA TUNNELS AND SNORKELING

  Today, we will explore the amazing formations of lava created by previous eruptions. It is a labyrinth of lava arches inside breakers full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, fish, white tipped reef sharks and more. The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through Los Tuneles. We will have the opportunity to snorkel with all these beautiful animals including the Galapagos penguins.

DAY 11 - SANTA CRUZ : CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION VISIT

In the morning, we embark a fast boat from Isabela to Santa Cruz Islands. While crossing the islands, we will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July through October). Once on the island, we will check into our hotel. We will have time to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the many endemic species we met during our adventure. We will also learn about the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Islands.

Afterwards, we will go on a walk through dry forest towards Tortuga Bay (named due to the black turtles that nest there). There is vegetation along the bottom of the transition zone from the dry to coastal zones. Along the sand dunes, grow nolana galapagensis or Nolana, an endemic plant that helps stabilize the sandy area. 

DAY 12 - TRANSFER TO BALTRA AIRPORT AND FLY BACK TO QUITO

Today, will be our last day in the Galapagos. You will be transferred to Baltra's airport to catch your flight back to Quito. 

DAY 13 - QUITO TO USA

Today, you will take your connection flight from Quito to the USA.


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

9 Day Machu Picchu Tour



This 9 day tour is the best package we offer as it includes visits to many places within Peru including a visit to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. 

 9 DAY MACHU PICCHU TOUR LINK

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - MIAMI TO LIMA TO CUSCO

Board your overnight flight from Miami to Lima. You'll need to be 3 to 4 hours early at Miami Airport. After your arrival in Lima, you will take your connection flight to Cusco. Upon your arrival there, a Valencia Travel Cusco representative will be waiting to transport you to your hotel. You'll have the day to relax and enjoy Cusco and its surroundings.
We will pick you up from your hotel to start the city tour of Cusco and visit the following places:
  • The Koricancha: Temple of the sun
  • The Cathedral: Religious art 
  • Sacsayhuaman: Majestic place with impressive works in stone, some up to 120 tons
  • Q´enqo: A religious center dedicated to the Earth
  • Puca pucara: Used to be a military control center
  • Tambomachay: Temple of the Water
DAY 2 -SACRED VALLEY TOUR

We start our morning, by picking you up and heading to the Urubamba valley to visit the following places:  
  • Pisac - Famous for its indigenous market held every Sunday
  • Urubamba - Where we will have lunch
  • Ollantaytambo - The oldest occupied town in South America
  • Chinchero - Also famous for its markets
Towards the end of our tour, we will return you back to the main square in Cusco. 

DAY 3 - ON THE WAY TO AGUAS CALIENTES    

In the morning, we will pick you up and take you to the train station. The train leaves at 11:30 am, you'll go on a 3 and a half hour ride until you arrive in Aguas Calientes.   

Things to do in Aguas Calientes

Visit the Machu Picchu Manuel Chavez Ballon museum and orchid exhibition.  It is a 35 minute walk from Aguas Calientes to Puente Ruinas. You can also go to the hot springs.  Entrance is 10 soles per person. 



DAY 4 - MACHU  PICCHU IN ITS GLORY

Today, your guide will pick you up from your hotel so you can take the bus up to Machu Picchu. You will catch the sunrise and then begin your 2 hour tour through the site.   Afterwards, you can explore the citadel by yourselves. Then, you will meet your guide back in Aguas Calientes for lunch and be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train will take you to Ollantaytambo and then you will take the bus back to Cusco. 

There is the option to climb Wayna Picchu. This climb will need to be booked in advanced in order to schedule a spot. There are two time slots: 7 - 8 am and 10 - 11 am. We recommend the 10 am spot. 

DAY 5 - ON THE WAY TO PUNO AND SUN ROUTE


We begin by picking you up and taking you to the bus station to catch a bus to Puno.  The bus stops along these sites: 
  • Andahuaylillas: Considered the Sistine chapel of South America
  • Raqchi: This used to be an Incan temple of monumental dimensions
  • Sicuani: A beautiful town with a nice restaurant
  • La Raya: The half way point between Cusco and Puno.
  • Pukara: The most important and oldest ceremonial center of the Altiplano
We arrive in Puno around 5 pm, you'll be transferred to your hotel. 




DAY 6 - EXPLORING UROS AND TAQUILE ISLANDS ON LAKE TITICACA

We will spend a full day on a boat exploring Lake Titicaca. The next morning, we will learn about the day to day life on the islands. We will then continue on wards to Taquile. These islands are made completely of totora reeds. After three hours, we arrive at Taquile, this community was relatively isolated from the mainland until the 1950s. The island is famous for its craft production. This trip could be exhausting due to the steep path that goes up to the village. We will go to lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will return to the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure. The next morning, you'll be transferred to the bus station to board our transportation back to Cusco. It will be a 6 hour drive. Upon arrival to Cusco, we will take you back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. 

DAY 6 -  OPEN MORNING AND FLY BACK TO LIMA

In the morning, you will enjoy Cusco at your leisure.  In the afternoon, we will transport you to the airport so you'll catch your flight back to Lima.  

DAY 7 - DEPART FROM LIMA TO MIAMI

Today, you will take your connection flight from Lima to Miami. 

7 Day Machu Picchu Tour





This 7 day tour offers travelers the chance to see what Peru has to offer including a visit to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

 7 DAY MACHU PICCHU TOUR LINK

ITINERARY 

DAY 1 - MIAMI TO LIMA TO CUSCO

Board your overnight flight from Miami to Lima. You'll need to be 3 to 4 hours early at Miami Airport.

DAY 2 - EXPLORING CUSCO

After your arrival in Lima, you will take your connection flight to Cusco. Upon your arrival there, a Valencia Travel Cusco representative will be waiting to transport you to your hotel.  You'll have the day to relax and enjoy Cusco and its surroundings.


CUSCO CITY TOUR

We will pick you up from your hotel to start the city tour of Cusco and visit the following places:
  • The Koricancha: Temple of the sun
  • The Cathedral: Religious art 
  • Sacsayhuaman: Majestic place with impressive works in stone, some up to 120 tons
  • Q´enqo:  a religious center dedicated to the Earth
  • Puca pucara: used to be a military control center.
  • Tambomachay: Temple of the Water

DAY 3 - ON THE WAY TO AGUAS CALIENTES
    


In the morning, we will pick you up and take you to the train station. The train leaves at 11:30 am, you'll go on a 3 and a half hour ride until you arrive in Aguas Calientes.   

 Things to do in Aguas Calientes

Visit the Machu Picchu Manuel Chavez Ballon museum and orchid exhibition.  It is a 35 minute walk from Aguas Calientes to Puente Ruinas. You can also go to the hot springs.  Entrance is 10 soles per person. 


DAY 4 - MACHU  PICCHU IN ITS GLORY

Today, your guide will pick you up from your hotel so you can take the bus up to Machu Picchu. You will catch the sunrise and then begin your 2 hour tour through the site.   Afterwards, you can explore the citadel by yourselves. Then, you will meet your guide back in Aguas Calientes for lunch and be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train will take you to Ollantaytambo and then you will take the bus back to Cusco. 

There is the option to climb Wayna Picchu. This climb will need to be booked in advanced in order to schedule a spot. There are two time slots: 7 - 8 am and 10 - 11 am. We recommend the 10 am spot. 





DAY 5 - TIME AT LEISURE

Today, you have a free day to enjoy at your leisure exploring the city of Cusco or take a tour to Maras and Moray.

MARAS AND MORAY TOUR Option:
            
You'll be picked up and taken to Moray considered an Incan agricultural greenhouse or laboratory. Then, we will drive for about an hour and 20 minutes through the Andes and fields of wheat until we reach Moray. This Incan site displays amphitheater like terraces, which are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape. After exploring this site, we will visit the salt mines of Maras. This village is known as the former salt producing center thought to date back all the way to pre Incan times. There are over 3000 salt pools carved into the mountainside. The salty water emerges at a spring and it flows into an intricate system of tiny channels constructed so that the water runs gradually down onto the several hundred ancient terraced ponds. The water is exposed to the sun and leaves salt behind.  Ending our tour, we will drive back to Cusco.


CUSCO CITY TOUR - Half Day Option: 

On this half day city tour of Cusco, we will visit the following places: 
  • Koricancha: Temple of the Sun
  • The Main Cathedral: Marvel at the religious art
  • Sacsayhuaman: Majestic place with impressive works in stone, some up to 120 tons
  • Q'enqo: A center dedicated to the Earth.
  • Puca Pucara: Used as a military control center
  • Tambomachay: A center dedicated to Water
DAY 6 -  OPEN MORNING AND FLY BACK TO LIMA

In the morning, you will enjoy Cusco at your leisure. In the afternoon, we will transport you to the airport so you'll catch your flight back to Lima.  

DAY 7 - DEPART FROM LIMA TO MIAMI

Today, you will take your connection flight from Lima to Miami. 

6 Day Machu Picchu Tour




This 6 day tour will take you through Cusco, the Sacred Valley , Machu Picchu and as an added bonus Moray and Maras!   

 6 DAY MACHU PICCHU TOUR LINK

ITINERARY

DAY 1 -ARRIVE TO CUSCO

After arriving in Cusco, you will be taken to the hotel and then join your guide for a briefing of your tour. Then, you will go on a city tour of Cusco to enjoy the sites the Imperial city of the Incas has to offer. The remainder of the day will be yours to explore at your leisure. 

You have the option of taking a free walking tour, places visited will be: 
  • Plaza Regocijo
  • Plaza de Armas
  • Plaza Nazarenas
  • The town of San Blas
  • Main square of Cusco
  • The stone of 12 angles
  • San Pedro Market

This tour will be about 2 hours.  

DAY 2 - EXPLORING CUSCO
After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Urubamba Valley  to visit the following places: 
  • Pisac -  famous for its indigenous market held every Sunday
  • Urubamba - where we will have lunch
  • Ollantaytambo - the oldest occupied town in South American. 
  • Chinchero -  famous for its indigenous markets as well

Towards the end of the tour, you will be returned to the Main Square in Cusco.





DAY 3 - ON THE WAY TO AGUAS CALIENTES   

 In the morning, we will pick you up and take you to the train station. The train leaves at 11:30 am, you'll go on a 3 and a half hour ride until you arrive in Aguas Calientes.   

Things to do in Aguas Calientes

Visit the Machu Picchu Manuel Chavez Ballon museum and orchid exhibition.  It is a 35 minute walk from Aguas Calientes to Puente Ruinas. You can also go to the hot springs.  Entrance is 10 soles per person. 

DAY 4 - MACHU  PICCHU IN ITS GLORY

Today, your guide will pick you up from your hotel so you can take the bus up to Machu Picchu. You will catch the sunrise and then begin your 2 hour tour through the site.   Afterwards, you can explore the citadel by yourselves. Then, you will meet your guide back in Aguas Calientes for lunch and be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train will take you to Ollantaytambo and then you will take the bus back to Cusco. There is the option to climb Wayna Picchu. This climb will need to be booked in advanced in order to schedule a spot. There are two time slots: 7 - 8 am and 10 - 11 am. We recommend the 10 am spot. 


DAY 5 - TIME AT LEISURE

Today, you have a free day to enjoy at your leisure exploring the city of Cusco or taking a tour to Maras and Moray.

MARAS AND MORAY TOUR Option:
            
You'll be picked up and taken to Moray considered an Incan agricultural greenhouse or laboratory. Then, we will drive for about an hour and 20 minutes through the Andes and fields of wheat until we reach Moray. This Incan site displays amphitheater like terraces, which are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape. After exploring this site, we will visit the salt mines of Maras. This village is known as the former salt producing center thought to date back all the way to pre Incan times. There are over 3000 salt pools carved into the mountainside. The salty water emerges at a spring and it flows into an intricate system of tiny channels constructed so that the water runs gradually down onto the several hundred ancient terraced ponds. The water is exposed to the sun and leaves salt behind.  Ending our tour, we will drive back to Cusco.




CUSCO CITY TOUR- Half Day Option: 

On this half day city tour of Cusco, we will visit the following places: 
  • Koricancha: Temple of the Sun
  • The Main Cathedral: Marvel at the religious art
  • Sacsayhuaman: Majestic place with impressive works in stone, some up to 120 tons
  • Q'enqo: A center dedicated to the Earth.
  • Puca Pucara: Used as a military control center
  • Tambomachay: A center dedicated to Water.

DAY 6 - DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO

You will have the morning to enjoy the city of Cusco more. In the afternoon, we will transfer you to the airport so you can catch you flight back to Lima. 

Coca Tea, Some Llamas, and a Leo

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

5 Day Machu Picchu Tour




This 5 day tour is simple a classic experience of what Peru has to offer including a tour of the city of Cusco, a tour of the Sacred Valley and a full day visit to Machu Picchu.

  5 DAY MACHU PICCHU TOUR LINK


ITINERARY

DAY 1 - ARRIVE TO CUSCO

Upon your arrival to Cusco, you will be taken to your hotel and then join your guide for a briefing on the fantastic tour that awaits you. Afterwards, you will embark on a city tour of Cusco to enjoy the sights the imperial capital of the Incas has to offer!  When the tour ends, you will have the remainder of the day to explore the city at your leisure.

    CUSCO CITY TOUR
  • We will visit the following places:

  • Koricancha: Temple of the Sun
  • The main Cathedral: Marvel of religious art
  • Sacsayhuaman: Majestic place with impressive works in stone, some up to 120 tons
  • Q'enqo: A center dedicated to the Earth
  • Puca Pucara: Used to be a military control center
  • Tambomachay: Temple of the Water




      DAY 2 - SACRED VALLEY TOUR

      We start our morning, by picking you up and heading to the Urubamba valley to visit the following places:  
      • Pisac - Famous for its indigenous  market held every Sunday.
      • Urubamba - Where we will have lunch
      • Ollantaytambo - The oldest occupied town in South America
      • Chinchero - Also famous for its markets
      Towards the end of our tour, we will return you back to the main square in Cusco. 

      DAY 2 - CUSCO TO AGUAS CALIENTES

      Our day starts at 8 am with us picking you up and transferring you to the train station.  At 11:30 am, you'll take your train on a 3 and a half hour ride through majestic views until you arrive in Aguas Calientes. You will spend the night in this enchanting town with relaxing hot springs.     

      Things to do in Aguas Calientes:

      Visit the Machu Picchu Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum and orchid exhibition.  This sites are open from 9 am to 4:30 pm.  It is about a 35 minute walk from Aguas Calientes to Puente Ruinas. You can also go to the hot springs in town.  Entrance is 10 soles per person. 

      DAY 2 -  MACHU PICCHU IN ITS GLORY

       After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you will take the bus to Machu Picchu. You will catch the sunrise and begin your two hour guided tour around the site.  Afterwards, you will be able to explore the citadel by yourselves. Towards the end of the tour, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Then, the train back to Ollantaytambo in order to get picked up by us and we will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco. 

      DAY 4 -  DEPART CUSCO

      Today, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight.