The Galapagos Islands

A Must See Destination 

Why must you visit the Galapagos Islands? 

Besides the fact that Charles Darwin created his fundamental work, "The Theory of Evolution" from the influence
of his first observations of the amazing islands and people matching the wildlife experience on Galapagos
similar to the likes of Africa, these unbelievable Islands present the most amazing wildlife experience in South America.
Here's 5 reasons why you must book this life-changing, unremarkable wildlife adventure with us.

#1 WHITE SANDY BEACHES

Thinking you’ll get the time to enjoy the amazing beaches of all the Galapagos Islands isn’t likely but getting to roam
around the clear water and white soft beach enjoying the wildlife makes the experience that much more beautiful. 

#2 WILDLIFE

Imagine being able to visit wildlife of all types such as sea lions, birds, crabs, tortoises and many more in their natural
habitat with no fear of your human presence as you are trusted and able to interact with all these amazing creatures. 

This along with the abundance of wildlife makes the experience on the Galapagos Islands better than any wildlife
adventure around the world.

#3 SNORKELING AND DIVING

With most of the year delivering warm waters and smooth tides, snorkeling and diving with sea lions, manta rays
and many different species of fish give this trip nothing short of perfection. With the ability to greet the underwater
wildlife in their natural habitat feels almost as if they are inviting you into their home as they playful swim with you
while you explore.  

What better way to interact with these beautiful creatures? 

#4 ISLAND HIKES

Learning about the wildlife and the process of evolution on the Islands with short informational hikes as your tour guide
shows you around barren volcanoes makes this unbelievable experience turn into the greatest classroom lesson of your life. 

#5 LEARNING THE HISTORY

Learning about the history of the impressive Galapagos Islands from the man who discovered the beautiful lands to
the effect of Charles Darwin studies is more than necessary but important. This place is home to the fundamental
works of Charles Darwin “Theory of Evolution”, and has been classified as a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO for
it’s precious and delicate ecosystems. Traveling here will be the most creative and interesting science lesson of your life. 

Don't miss your opportunity at experiencing the vacation of a lifetime with us. Choose the Galapagos
Adventure you would like

Inca trail to Galapagos Islands

Peru to Galapagos Islands 

Hiking to Machu Picchu

Hiking to Machu Picchu 

It´s 3 Most Famous Alternatives

     

Machu Picchu is the most popular place in South America peaking at 5,000 people traveling to see this amazing site daily. With all those people, it´s hard to make your trip as unique as possible. 

At Valencia Travel Cusco, we offer 6 treks that allow you a unique experience unlike the norm to the magnificent Machu Picchu but let´s talk about the 3 most popular Inca Trail, the Lares Trek and the Salkantay trek. 

Inca Trail Trek

Inca Trail is so famous not only because it leads you to Machu Picchu but

1. There is only a limited of individuals who can participate inside this trek daily. 
2. It is protected so you can see all the natural wildlife, an array of wild orchids in full bloom and many more untouched gems.
3. The Trail leads you directly to the Sun Gate which overlooks Machu Picchu. 

And last you get to see the ruins leading to Machu Picchu that travelers on different routes do not get to experience. The Inca Trail Trek is, by far, one of the best hikes you will ever take.
4 Day Trek
5 Day Trek

Short 2 Day Trek

Lares Trek

Inca Trail is obviously talked about a lot but what deserves more recognition is the beautiful Lares Trek. This trek is not a "runner-up" or in any competition to be the best. This beautiful trek is surrounded
by stunning mountains, lakes, and valleys. And it starts in a small city inside the Sacred Valley.  Just by looking at the picture you can tell this trek is nothing like the Inca Trail and anyone who has experienced this hike loves that it´s not.
This is the trek I would recommend :)

4 Day Lares Trek

Salkantay Trek 

National Geographic Adventure Magazine rated the Salkantay Trek as one of the Best Treks in the World. The most impressive is the snow peak Salkantay.  If you have missed to sign up on time for the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek 5 days 4 nights, is your best option to get to Machu Picchu. There are also excellent hot springs at the end of your trek. Note: The Salkantay Trek in private service, is addressed to small groups since there is personalized attention so you can really get an insight into the local Andean communities and way of life.

This trek is perfect for slow, peace seeking individuals that loves mountains.

5 Day Salkantay Trek

As each trek will deliver its different essence of the Inca Culture, whichever trek you choose will deliver it`s amazing once in a lifetime experience. And if we were to recommend something, it would be to take the chance to plan out how you can witness not one but two of these unforgettable journeys.

 

Please tell us your experience below which trek did you choose and what was your favorite part?

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Experience of a Lifetime By Valencia Travel...

How to get off the tourist track

You want to trek through the Peruvian landscapes but want to move away from the business of the Inca trail and experience something a little lesser known. We offer a number of treks that will take you away from the tourist track down the road less-travelled.

Huchuy Qosqo

This 3 day tour will lead you to Machu Picchu via rural Quechuan communities in the mountains but on the second day, still allows you to get a little taste of the Inca trek as it follows the trail for a short time into the Sacred Valley.

Day 1

Start at the Incan site of Tambomachay, just outside of Cusco, and head through valleys, small communities and stunning lakes. With the various landscapes and grasslands, there are many varieties of wild birds including birds of prey that can be spotted along the way.

Today, will see you reach the traditional Andean community of Qenko. As tourists rarely venture into their village, they welcome those who do with open arms and are always intrigued by the visitors they receive.

Day 2

Learn about the culture and traditions of the people by visiting the home of a local family, and after, if you wish, buy some locally made souvenirs. After this, follow the route of the Inca trail to Huchuy Qosqo to enjoy a guided tour around the site. In the afternoon, you will head down to the quaint little town of Lamay where you will take a bus to Ollantaytambo then a train to Aguas Calientes.

Day 3

Rise and shine bright and early to head up to Machu Picchu to watch the sun rise over the stunning citadel. Following a guided tour with one of our extremely knowledgeable guides, you have time to explore the ruins yourself, before heading back to Ollantaytambo via train and then Cusco by bus.

Choquequirao

For those that don't want to wander with the masses in Machu Picchu, why not head to Choquequirao? These lesser known ruins are equally as spectacular but a lot less famous, drawing in a significantly smaller crowd.

Day 1

After a four hour drive outside of Cusco, you begin down a path to the Apurimac Valley where you will have beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains. Though there are some groups that choose to hike to Choquequirao, our guides will take you to an alternate campsite further down the trail from the other groups giving opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery without distraction.

Day 2

On day 2, the hike is tough through humid conditions, however, the stunning natural floral displays to be seen make it all worth while. After a tough trek, you settle at a campsite close to Choquequirao to enjoy the views, and, on a clear night, the views of the sunset are crazy good and it can be possible to witness the condors soaring above the valley below.

Day 3 

Waking early, you will head into Choquequirao for a guided tour of this mysterious forgotten city. As only 25% of it has been discovered, much of it is still hidden and little is known about its history. After the tour, you begin the track back along the path on which you came, making camp in the vally by the Apurimac river.

Day 4

This is the final stretch of the trek, travelling back to Cachora where you will board a bus that will take you back to Cusco, but not before a final view of Choquequirao as you wind your way back up the valley.

Ausangate

Get completely off the tourist trail with this 7 day trek. This challenging trail may not visit any ruins but it gives you some great cultural perspective with visits to numerous Quechuan communities in the mountains.

Day 1

The first day involves a 6 hour drive to Tinki. But, don't fret. There are numerous stops at interesting points along the way. The first stop is at Urcos where you can take some memorable photographs of the colourful market. Then, stopping at Cattca, a small community where you can take in the amazing views. The final stop is at the capital of the district, Ocongate, before driving a further hour and a half to Tinki where you will rest in local lodge ready for the beginning of the adventure the following day.

Day 2

After breakfast, you pay a visit to a Tinki public school where you can spend some time with the children of the local community and gift them with things like school supplies. After this will begin the two and a half hour walk the next rural village of Pacchanta. Here, we will have lunch and you can take a midday dip in the hot springs whilst enjoying the incredible views of Ausangate mountain. The afternoon sees you continuing up the valley to the first campsite, where there are impressive panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 3

After a morning of hiking, enjoy lunch by the group of turquoise lagoons. You will continue the hike in the afternoon, eventually stopping in a valley; making camp with views of the three peaks that surround it. 

Day 4

The morning takes you past the Black Lagoon, called this way because of the volcanic soil giving the impressing that its waters are black in colour. After heading over the mountain pass, you are met with beautiful coloured mountains and three spectacular lagoons.

Day 5

On day 5, you will face the challenge of the mountain pass you camped next to the night before.It will be tough, but the views will be amazing! After the ascent, you cross another mountain pass before descending to the lake and lagoon of Sibinacocha, witnessing the impressive glacier that nourishes its waters. This is where you will camp for the night.

Day 6

Hiking along the shores of the lagoon, you will walk until you reach the community of Yayamari beside the mountain of the same name. From here, you will continue to the final lagoon of the trek where you will make camp. It is surrounded by snow capped peaks and small, rural communities.

Day 7

The final stretch of the trek takes you to the Andean community of Phinaya, where the only vehicles in the town are horses and bicycles. After lunch, you will drive back to Cusco, arriving at nightfall. 

Lares

For the adventurers that want to experience the wonder of Machu Picchu but want to get off-the-beaten-track, the 4 day Lares trek is perfect for you, letting you experience the authentic communities along the way.

Day 1

Leaving Cusco early, we travel to Ollantaytambo then drive to Patakancha, a rural community that live traditionally. Visit the community as well as the local school before beginning the hike up a mountain pass, past lagoons before heading downhill towards your first campsite.

Day 2

After breakfast, descend into another rural community whilst enjoying the views of the vast grasslands. You will learn weaving techniques from the locals in this thatched village. Following another few hours hike, you find yourself at the hot springs where you will set up camp for the night.

Day 3

After a short trail, a bus will pick you up and you will be driven to Ollantaytambo. Here, everyone can rest and enjoy some lunch in the scenic town. From there, you will hop on a train that will take you on a journey with wonderful views of the mountains and through the tropical vegetation. You will spend a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (hot showers!) and get some rest for the big day tomorrow! 

Day 4

After an early breakfast, you will board a bus that will take you up to Machu Picchu to watch the sunrise over the citadel. The guide will take you on a tour of Machu Picchu for 2 hours, after which, you are free to explore the ruins yourself. Meeting the guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch, you will receive your train tickets and head back by train to Ollantaytambo where you will be taken, by bus, back to Cusco.

So why not give it a try? Take the road less travelled. See sights that few people have seen. Have an adventure on one of our Inca trail alternatives.

Best of Stamford Award 2015: Travel Agencies

Valencia Travel Cusco has been selected for the Best of Stamford 2015 Award in the travel agencies category! We feel very grateful to be acknowledged for this award as we always try our best to accommodate any special request or need that our clients have, as well as make their vacations as stress-free as possible.

Here you can find the official press release:

Inca Trail - MachuPicchu- Valencia Travel Cusco Receives 2015 Best of Stamford Award

Stamford Award Program Honors the Achievement
STAMFORD September 30, 2015 -- Inca Trail - Machu Picchu- Valencia Travel Cusco has been selected for the 2015 Best of Stamford Award in the Travel Agencies category by the Stamford Award Program.

Each year, the Stamford Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Stamford area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 Stamford Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Stamford Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Stamford Award Program

The Stamford Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Stamford area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Stamford Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Stamford Award Program

8 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek

This 8 Day Inca Trail Trek offers everything a traveler could want including airfare. This is our longest Inca Trail trek we offer!   

 8 DAY INCA TRAIL LINK

ITINERARY


DAY 1 -  DEPART FROM MIAMI AND ARRIVE IN LIMA THEN FLY TO CUSCO

Overnight, you will board you flight from Miami to Lima and then taken the connection flight to Cusco. After arriving in Cusco, you will join you guide for a briefing about your trek. Then, you will be able to enjoy the sights of the Imperial city of the Incas. 

There is the option to take the CUSCO CITY TOUR. You can be picked up from your hotel at 2 pm to visit the following places:

• Koricancha - Temple of the Sun
• The main cathedral - Home to religious relics and art
• Sacsayhuaman -  Built with stones weighting up to 120 tons
• Q'enqo - A center dedicated to the Earth.
• Puca pucara- An ancient military center
• Tambomachay- Temple of the Water

This tour is end around 6:30 pm , you will be dropped off at your hotel.

DAY 2 -  OPEN DAY AT LEISURE

You can enjoy Cusco at your leisure today or there is the optional full day SACRED VALLEY TOUR.  It starts after breakfast, by picking you up from your hotel at 8:15 am.  

We will travel towards the Urubamba valley to visit the following places:  

• Pisac- Famous for its indigenous market held every Sunday
• Urubamba - We will have lunch here 
• Ollantaytambo - The oldest town still occupied til this day
• Chinchero - Also famous for its markets

Towards the end of this tour, we will return back to Cusco at 6:30 pm. 

NOTE: Tonight, we will have a briefing with the Inca Trail guide at the hotel at 7 pm.

DAY 3 - THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU ADVENTURE BEGINS

We begin our day by picking you up from your hotel and travel by bus towards Piskacucho, also called kilometer 82, this is where our journey begins.  We will go to Ollantaytambo and have breakfast there, this meal is not included. Upon arrival 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 point. The start of our journey begins with crossing the Vilcanota River and following its route to the right.  The first day is relatively easy and we'll have views of the Incan sites of Huillca Raccay,and Llactapata, also known as Patallacta. We will get to see how the Urubamba mountain range divides the jungle, the Andes and the beautiful snow capped peak of W'akay Willca, known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite called Ayapata is located an hour and half up the small village of Wayllabamba.

DAY 4 -  THE TRAIL TRIAL, WE GO OVER 2 PASSES

After having breakfast, we will start a steep ascent to wards the highest pass (Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass).  On this day, a real sense of achievement of felt upon reaching the top. After resting, we continue descending towards our lunch stop which is located in Pacaymayu. Along the way, we will get the chance 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,we start our second two hour steep climb towards Runkuraqay pass. We arrive at our campsite by 5 pm.

DAY 5 -  BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

After having breakfast, we will start our day with a gentle climb heading towards the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (meaning town in the clouds). We will also reach the third highest point along the trail and view the spectacular surrounding areas including mountains and canyons. Then, we will continue walking through the cloud forest towards the Incan site of Intipata. We will then arrive to our third campsite called Wiñay Wayna (meaning forever young).  A short distance from our campsite is the Incan site of the same name. 

DAY 6 - MACHU PICCHU IN ITS GLORY

On our final day, we will head towards the Sun gate or Inti Punku to catch the sunrise. This will be the place where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu with the sun above it. Afterwards, we will keep walking along the trail to a spot where you'll be able to take the classic picture postcard shot.  Finally, we will visit Machu Picchu itself! Your guide will give you a two hour tour of the site, after which, you will be able to explore this ancient citadel by yourselves. You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and be given your return train tickets to Cusco.The train included goes to Ollantaytambo and then you will take a bus back to Cusco. Your train will leave Aguas Calientes in the afternoon so you'll need to be at the station 30 minutes early. Once in Cusco, a Valencia Travel Cusco representative will take you to your hotel for the night.  

DAY 7 -  FLY BACK TO LIMA 

In the morning, you will have a full day at your leisure in Cusco. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight back to Lima. 

DAY 8 -  DEPART FROM LIMA TO MIAMI

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

2 day Inca Trail Trek

One of the shortest treks, we offer to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.  Our 2 day Inca Trail trek allows travelers to enjoy what the trail has to offer without having to endure days on end in trekking.

2 DAY INCA TRAIL LINK

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - CUSCO TO WIÑAY WAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU

We will start the day picking you up from your hotel and take you to the train station.  By train, you'll enjoy a picturesque route for about two hours until the train stops at kilometer 10 (the start of the Inca Trail).  From here, we will walk about 4 hours towards the Incan site of Wiñay Wayna (meaning Forever Young). We then continue on toward the Sun gate or Inti Punku, from where you'll have the first dramatic view of majestic Machu Picchu. We will take a side path away from the trail to go towards Aguas Calientes (known as Machu Picchu town).  Here, we will rest for the night to be fresh for the early morning!     

DAY 2 - MACHU PICCHU THEN RETURN TO CUSCO

After having breakfast, we will take a bus up to Machu Picchu!  Your designated guide will give you a 2 hour walking tour. Afterwards, you will have time to explore this amazing ancient citadel by yourselves!  There is an option of hiking up to Wayna Picchu (which takes about 45 minutes). Regulations concerning visiting this site requires travelers to book in advance. Time slots are : 7 - 8 am and 10 - 11 am.  *Choosing the 7 - 8 am slot means you will miss the Machu Picchu tour* You will then meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and be given your train tickets back to Cusco. The train usually leaves between 2:30 pm and 6 pm depending on the time slots and availability. You can also request an extra night in Aguas Calientes, as this will give the traveler more time to explore the area.    

Inca Trail Treks

Valencia Travel Cusco offers amazing treks along the infamous Inca Trail ending in majestic Machu Picchu.

The following are treks we offer:

• 2 Day Inca Trail

• 4 Day Classic Inca Trail

• 4 Day Private Inca Trail

• 5 Day Inca Trail

Additional Treks:

• 7 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  
  
• 8 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Inca trail Packing Lis

Valencia Travel Cusco's Packing List For Treks