Machu Picchu Tours - Choosing the right tour company

Machu Picchu Tours - Choosing the right tour company 

Choosing the right tour guide can seem pretty difficult. With so many tour companies in Peru promising amazing trips and great deals you can easily become lost in promises.
So here's the best 3 question to help find the perfect tour company for you

Creating tours personalized for our travelers, adding new destinations all around Peru and Ecuador gives our trekkers more variety of adventure filled options to choose from.

#1 What type of tours do they offer?

Finding tours in Peru isn't hard. A lot of companies offer similar tours but there are companies that offer unique, personalized, hand-crafted experiences that basic companies can not offer. These tours include different sights, more historical landmarks and unseen Peruvian gems that other companies can not offer.

Offering meals each and everyday from your own private Chef gives our trekkers a more comfortable experience.

#2 What's included in the tours?

A lot of times when picking a tour company, we can search based on price but this is a big mistake. You may be paying less on the tour but you will pay more with added additional needs. .
Here is some included additional things we offer our trekkers.
https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/classic-inca-trail-trek-to-machu-picchu

Checking what their past customers say about their services and company is very important and critical.

#3 What does their past customers think about them?

With the first two questions being answered to your liking this last question can be a deal breaker. A tour companies reputation means everything to them and to their customers. It tells you everything about how they do business.
Good reviews equal good services but bad reviews equals bad service and less likely for customers to choose them. So make sure you do some research and make sure their reviews match their amazing tours.

Having bad reviews is normal for even the greatest tour companies so do not expect perfection. Try sites like Tripadvisor, Facebook, their website and other review sites.
Machu Picchu Tours - Choosing the right tour company
Using these 3 questions to search for the right tour company will not only help you but make sure your vacation everything you imagined and much more.

Machu Picchu Tours - Choosing the right tour company will lead you straight to US!

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 at 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.

7 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek

This is one of our longer treks along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that we offer. Travelers will spent time in Cusco before embarking on their trek along the trail to Machu Picchu! 

 7 DAY INCA TRAIL LINK

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - FLIGHT TO THE IMPERIAL CITY OF THE INCAS 

After arriving in Cusco, a representative from Valencia Travel Cusco will be waiting to pick you up.  You'll be transferred to your hotel in our private transportation. You will have a whole day to relax and enjoy what Cusco has to offer. There is the option of taking a free walking tour of Cusco. The tour is around 2 to 3 hours. Places visited include:

• Plaza Regocijo
• Plaza de Armas
• Plaza Nazarenas
• The town of San Blas
• The stone of  12 angles
• San Pedro Market

DAY 2- OPEN DAY

On this day, you will have two options to choice from:

CUSCO CITY TOUR

You'll be picked up at 2 pm and will go to the following places:

• The main cathedral - Plaza de Armas
• Qoricancha - Temple of the Sun
• Sacsayhuaman - Stones that weight up to 120 tons
• Q'enqo - dedicated to the Earth
• Pucapucara - Used to be a military control center
• Tambomachay - Temple of the Water

This tour end around 6 pm after which you'll be dropped off at your hotel.  

SACRED VALLEY TOUR

After having breakfast and picked up from your hotel. We will travel to the Urubamba valley and visit the following towns:

• Pisac - Famous for its indigenous market held every Sunday 
• Urubamba - We will have lunch here
• Ollantaytambo - An ancient Incan town still inhabited
• Chinchero- Also famous for its marketplace

This will be a full day excursion and you will be return to Cusco at the end of the tour. 

DAY 3 - THE START OF THE ADVENTURE

We will pick you up from your hotel and travel by bus to Piskacucho, also known as kilometer 82. This is where our journey begins as we head to Ollantaytambo for breakfast. 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 control point. The start of our journey will require us to cross the Vilcanota River and follow it along the right side.  The first day is relatively easy and we will have views of Incan fortress of Huillca Raccay, the incredible Incan site of Llactapata, also called Patallacta.  We will get to see how the Urubamba mountain ranger 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 in the small village of Wayllabamba.  

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

After having breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass called Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass.  Along the way, we will get the chance to see a variety of birds including hummingbirds. We will also get to admire a variety of native plants and trees including the polylepis or Q'ueuña trees. You will feel a real sense of achievement upon reaching the top. After resting, we begin our descent to our lunch stop which is located in Pacamayu. After lunch, we begin our second two hour steep climb towards Runkuraqay pass.  We will arrive at our campsite around 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 - BYE BYE CUSCO

After having breakfast in the hotel, you will be picked up and taken to the airport to catch your flight. 

Inca Trail Tips for First Timers

Inca Trail tips for First Timers

Classic Inca Trail

Inca Trail Tips

You’ve decided that Peru and its famous Inca Trail is at the top of your travel wish list, but how do you make it happen? Is it within reach for an inexperienced hiker and what should you know before you go? MatadorU student Leora Novick shares valuable tips to read before planning this popular trek to Machu Picchu.

I arrived at the Sun Gate at the end of a grueling four-day hike and took my first look at Machu Picchu. As the stone walls pierced the early morning fog, and the entire Inca city unfolded before me, the tiredness melted away.When I reached that peak on an early morning in January, I joined my hiking group in a series of hugs, high-fives and ear-splitting grins, but then pulled away for a moment of silent reflection. It had not been an easy journey, and there had been a moment when I’d seriously considered turning back. I’m not an athletic person by anyone’s standards, but I felt I should still be able to experience the Inca Trail.While it was the hardest, most physically challenging thing I’ve ever completed, the Inca Trail is a very realistic goal, even for inexperienced hikers. Here’s how to do it.

Hire a porter

There’s no shame in hiring a porter. In fact, I’d say anyone starting the Inca Trail without some training should take advantage of this service. Many people try to push themselves to do the trail on their own and end up burning out after one day. It may not seem like a big deal, but carrying your backpack full of snacks and clothing, with an attached sleeping mat and bag, adds up to a lot more weight than you may think.My entire experience changed on the morning of the second day, when I decided to take the advice of my guides. “If you don’t hire a porter, you’re not going to make it to Machu Picchu,” they told me. The moment I slipped off that bag and handed it over for 80 soles (US$35), my entire mood lifted and I finally started to enjoy the hike.

Not only was I able to change my personal trail experience, but by hiring a porter I was supporting a local family. Each trekker on the Inca Trail is obliged by law to sign up with a guided tour. While this includes a set number of porters who carry all campsite gear and food, you have the additional option to hire someone to help carry your personal belongings. These porters depend on this fee to help support their families.While each tour group varies greatly, there are specific companies that pride themselves on their ethical treatment of porters, providing them with clean uniforms and ensuring they receive a fair wage. Booking your Inca Trail tour with such companies can cost a bit more, but think about who that money is going to help.

Select your gear

The gear you’ll need depends on the season. I went in January, the peak of the rainy season, and had to account for that.

Rain gear

Waterproof hiking boots, pants and a solid raincoat are essential, but what really saved me was the poncho I decided to buy last-minute in Cusco. Get an over sized version that fits over your backpack and gear. When you finally reach the campsite after hiking all day at 14,000ft, and your sleeping bag is still dry, you’ll appreciate that $2 plastic poncho.

Walking sticks

Many people choose to purchase walking sticks, especially for the two-hour downhill stretch on day 3. I had a solid half hour of deliberation over taking one, but in the end decided against it. While I did have a few moments of “How the hell am I going to make it down that cliff?”, I chose to go slow and used the three-points-of-contact rule.

This meant I was pretty much crawling down a mountain, but I found a rhythm after a while and eventually felt pretty confident. If your balance isn’t great, I’d advise the sticks. Otherwise, ask yourself if this is really worth the extra weight. When you’re hiking for eight hours, every pound counts.

Clothing

After hiking those eight hours, I was happy I’d had the foresight to dress in layers. Hiking at 5am can be pretty cold, but after a few hours of uphill climbing I was sweating. Bring base layers that are good insulators. Then add a second t-shirt and hiking pants and bring a light jacket or raincoat. Make sure to add layers for your extremities for nights at camp. My last-minute purchase of an alpaca hat and gloves earned me a few extra hours of warmth in my tent, and saved me from nights of shivering sleeplessness.

Cusco lives off the tourism industry of Machu Picchu. Its streets are lined with shops offering hiking gear for rental at very fair prices. If you’re not sure you want to commit to an expensive pair of hiking boots or a North Face sleeping bag, save yourself the money (and having to lug those boots around on the rest of your trip) and go the rental route. The shops are eager for your business, especially during the off-season, so don’t be afraid to bargain. I paid 10 soles a day for my insulated sleeping bag, which totaled just $15 for the entire trip.

Consider food

The porters accompanying each group are responsible for carrying enough food for each trekker, and cooking it as well. I was surprised at how many gourmet chefs double as porters! There were some nights I was so tired from the hike I’d fall asleep in my tent before dinner. Don’t make that mistake.

Your body is burning calories at a much faster rate than normal and needs to be constantly nourished. Plus, the provided meal choices are super delicious, with options like honey-covered pancakes, vegetable soups and chicken with rice.

Snacks

It’s also important to bring along some snacks for the road. Nuts and power bars are good to keep energy levels up, but don’t forget to pack some cookies for a rush of sugar and carbohydrates.

On day two, as I was still a few hours away from the top of the pass, the skies opened and I was drenched before I could reach my poncho. Each step grew heavier, and with such thin mountain air I could barely breathe. I grabbed a packet of cookies from my pocket and quickly ate two. Instantly, I felt a little better. My dizziness grew fainter, and I was able to keep walking towards the campsite.

Plan your costs

The Inca Trail is not cheap. Yes, you can very easily find tours that cost $100 less, and swap good hiking boots for sneakers, but these decisions will affect you on the trail. As a newcomer to the world of trekking, do yourself a favor and create the most comfortable and supportive environment you can. It’s worth the extra money.

Sample budget:

Hiking boots: $200 or 50 soles rental
Plastic poncho: $2
Porter fee: 80 soles per day
Sleeping bag: $15 rental
Walking sticks: 10 soles
Snacks: 20 soles

5 day Inca Trail Trek

This is the ultimate Inca trail experience we offer our travelers!  Our 5 day Inca Trail Trek offers everything a traveler wants to experience what the trail has to offer including a visit to Machu Picchu and a relaxing stay in Aguas Calientes.  

 5 DAY INCA TRAIL LINK



ITINERARY

DAY 1- THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU ADVENTURE BEGINS

The day begins with us picking you up from your hotel and then travel by bus to Piskacucho, also called kilometer 82, this is where our journey begins. We will have breakfast in Ollantaytambo, 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 control point. After this, we will cross the Vilcanota River and follow it along its right side. The first day is relatively easy and we will have views of the Incan fortress of Huillca Raccay, the vast Incan site of Llactapata, called Patallacta. We will also 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 will be in Ayapata
,which is located an hour and half up the small village of Wayllabamba. We will spend the night at this campsite.

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

After breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Warrmihuañusca or Dead Woman's Pass).  On this day, a real sense of achievement is felt upon reaching the top. After resting, we will start to descent towards our lunch stop, which is located at Pacaymayu. Along the way, we will 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 begin our second steep climb, which is 2 hours, towards Runkuraqay Pass. We will arrive at our campsite by 5 pm.  We will spend the night at this campsite.

DAY 3 - BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

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

DAY 4 - MACHU PICCHU IN ITS GLORY AND AGUAS CALIENTES

On our final day, we will head hike towards the Sun gate or Inti Punku in order to see the sunrise. This will be where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu with the sun above it. Afterwards, we will walk along the trail towards a spot where you'll be able to take a classic picture postcard shot. Finally, we will visit Machu Picchu itself. Your guide will give you a 2 hour walking tour after which you'll be able to explore the citadel by yourselves.You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes for lunch and check into the hotel.   Afterwards, we will go and relax at the hot springs.  

DAY 5 - TIME TO RETURN TO CUSCO

After lunch, you will be given your return train tickets to Cusco. Your train will leave in the afternoon so you will have to be at the station 30 minutes early prior to departure. The train included is to Ollantaytambo and then by private transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.