Excellent tour guide

Carmen was an excellent tour guide, who was a lot of knowledge of Peru. All the other assistants (ie horseman + cooks) were great and friendly and made very good food. The trip itself is amazing.

Review by: Alyssa Desmont

Country: USA

Departure date: July 28, 2017

Tour: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days

Guide: Carmen Champi

Ausangate Trek in 6 Days

Ausangate Mount (6,377 meters) is the highest and most sacred mountain in Southern Peru, which for centuries has been the center of religious beliefs of the Andean people still go on annual pilgrimages to its icy slopes.

Hiking around this mystical mountain, camping near hot springs and turquoise lakes inhabited by numerous species of birds, including andean goose and the Andean condor. Walking among the herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native villages.

With spectacular views of glaciers, uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for experienced hikers who love a true outdoor adventure trip.

During this adventure you will be well taken care of by our professional team of English speaking guides, cooks and carriers with their mules. We also have some supporting saddle horses for the ones who rather ride than hike.

Climbing Ausangate mountain (6,377 meters)

ITINERARY

Day 1 : Cusco – Tinqui

We leave early from Cusco traveling by private bus to the small town of Tinqui. We will see the impressive mountain range of the Vilcanota passing through various traditional Andean villages and take time to stop and take some photos.

On arrival we meet our horsemen and organize our packages for the walk. We began by farming communities and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains. Let's walk for 3 hours and then it is time to stop for lunch. After we continue for another 2 hours approximately to reach the hot springs in Upis, where we spend the night.

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Day 2 : Upis - Pucaqocha.

After of a big breakfast, we are ready to leave camp and start our hike for the day. Let's climb to the highest pass of Arapa (4,850 m).

From this vantage point we can see the contrast of landscapes: dry desert-like hills near the glaciers of Mt. Ausangate, while below in the valley is bright green vegetation. If we're lucky we might even see a condor in the sky! We will enjoy the stunning views of snow-covered mountain.

Ausangate and Pucaqocha. This place has three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens and turquoises (Pukacocha, HatunPukacocha, and Qomerqocha). The second camp is located near a glacier.

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Day 3 : Pucaqocha – Huchuy Pinay.

Early in the morning after breakfast we begin the ascent of approximately 2 to 3 hours over the second mountain pass Apuchata (4,900 msn).

From here we descend for around of 1.5 hours to the campsite at Ausangate Qocha where a delicious lunch awaits us. This is the time to pause and enjoy the stunning scenery. After the lunch we have the second climb of two hours until pass of the third Palomani mountain (5,100 meters).

Then we descend in the small community of Huchuy Pinaya where we spend the night.

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Day 4: Huchuy Pinaya – Jampa.

Today we climb to the highest point of the trek: Jampa (5,150 meters). The silence of this remote wilderness is inspiring! From here we have an excellent view of Mount Tampa.

After of the pass we descend for 2 hours through an area of llamas, alpacas and vicunas to reach Pampacancha (4,050 meters). From here we follow an uphill trail for approximately 3 hours and takes us to the camp at Jampa (4,300 meters).

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Day 5: Jampa - Pacchanta.

After walking and acclimatise on Day 4, we're ready for another adventure! We take breakfast early and then begin the hike of approximately 1 hour to reach the glacier base and then to the top of the mountain!

After enjoying the spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range we descend back down to take a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we descend to the Qomerqocha lagoon before reaching at Pacchanta after a walk approximated 5 hours.

Pacchanta is a small community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip. Camp and spend the night here.

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Day 6: Pacchanta - Tinqui - Cusco.

In the morning we leave the village of Pacchanta and start to walk back to the village of Tinqui; the trek takes approximately 2 hours. Once in Tinki, we have lunch and have time to visit the village and speak with the people.

Then we board the transportation that will take us back to Cusco, arriving after nightfall

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END OF OUR SERVICES

INCLUDES

• Private transportation to start of the Trek
• Professional English speaking guide
• Meals
• 7 kgs personal luggage allowance to put on the horses
• Personal Duffle Bags for your extra luggage to put on the horses
• Spacious tents; Sleeping mats; Dining tent, Kitchen tent, Latrine tent
• Horses to carry the group equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.)
• 1 Emergency Horse
• Emergency Oxygen bottle and first aid kit

View complete details of tour at Ausangate Trek in 6 days

Sacred Valley with connection to Machu Picchu in 2 days

One of the classic and important tours in Cusco is the Sacred Valley of the Incas with connection to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. In this tour, the first day you will visit the typical local artisanal market in the village of Pisac and the Archaeological site of Pisac.


Then you will continue along the Vilcanota River until you reach Urubamba town, where you will enjoy the typical Peruvian lunch buffet. Later you will visit the Archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, then you will continue by touristic train to Aguas Calientes(Machu Picchu town) where you will spend the night in one of our hotels. The second day, early in the morning, you will visit the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. In the evening you will return to Cusco.

ITINERARY

Day 1 : Cusco – Pisac – Urubamba - Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

We will pick up you from your hotel at 8:20 am in our touristic bus, and then we will go to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and different archaeological zones like: Pisac and Ollantaytambo. We can also visit the typical artesanal markets of the town of Pisac.


The first place you will visit will be the typical local market of Pisac, where you will have the opportunity to appreciate different types of sweaters, scarves, and hats made of alpaca, wool, etc. After this short stop, we will continue to the archaeological site of Pisac. We will have to walk approximately 10 minutes to get there. Here you will have a guided tour for around 1 hour, where we will visit the most important places, like the agriculture place, cemetery of the Incas, the temple of the sun, etc. After visiting Pisac we will continue to Urubamba in our bus and around midday we will stop in a typical restaurant to enjoy our typical Peruvian lunch (buffet).

After our lunch we will drive 30 more minutes to visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Here you will again discover the magnificence of the Inca constructions and the beauty of the local people in their traditional dress. End of the tour of sacred valley at 15:45 pm.

After of our tour we will drop you at the train station in Ollantaytambo, from where you will take the train at 16:36 pm to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). You will travel by train approximately one hour and 45 minutes from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes where our transfer will await you to transfer to our hotel (Night in hotel).

(Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is at 16:36 pm, arrival in Aguas Calientes at 18:20 pm).

Day 2 : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

After enjoying your delicious breakfast in the hotel we will visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Early in the morning we will take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. This short trip by bus will be approximately 30 minutes along an unpaved road. During the trip by bus you will appreciate the fantastic and beautiful landscapes full of plants and beautiful flowers, and you will also see the Vilcanota River. Then we will visit Machu Picchu with our professional guide who will guide us through the whole Inca citadel of Machu Picchu for approximately 3 hours. Then you will have free time to visit more places in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and take the best photos in places that you like.

If would you like to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain you can go after our guided tour in Machu Picchu if you have an entrance ticket.

Machu Picchu was one of the most important cities of the Incas and you need to stay here more than 5 hour to experience all of Machu Picchu.

After visiting Machu Picchu, we will return to Aguas Calientes in our bus where you can enjoy your delicious lunch. Later you have to return to Ollantaytambo by train, and then travel by bus to Cusco (please you must arrive at the train station 30 minutes before departure time).

Touristic Train, from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

Bus, from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

End of our Services

INCLUDES

• Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Entrance ticket for the Sacred Valley Tour.
• Bus and professional guide for the Sacred Valley tour.
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba. (Sacred Valley tour)
• Round trip train ticket: Ollataytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
• 1 night in hotel in Aguas Calientes with breakfast.
• Entrance ticket to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Bus ticket (consetour) up to and down from Machu Picchu.
• Professional tour guide for Machu Picchu (tour in group)
• Bus: Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
• All the information about the tour (one day before).

View complete details of tour at Sacred Valley with connection to Machu Picchu in 2 days

Wonderful trip

Conquering Salkantay was great. Doing it with these guys made it so much better. Cheers to the Sexy Lamas, and keep on dancing!

Wonderful trip, the food was absolutely delicious and the campings were great. Our tour guide was always helpful and made sure we had a great experience. 100% would recommend. gracias!

Quelque part entre deux montagnes dans le coin de Santa Teresa.

Review by: Elisabeth Blais

Country: Canada

Departure date: May 11, 2017

Tour: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days

Guide: Santiago Ballon

Really excelent guide

 

Jorge is very good and interesting person and really excelent guide. It was a pleasure to spend this short hike trail with Jorge. The beauty of Inka Trail to Machu Picchu is not imposible to describe.

 

Review by: Marta Glinska

Country: USA

Departure date: November 7, 2017

Tour: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2 days

Guide: Jorge Calderon

Small group was great

Small group was great Santiago was very understanding and helped adjust our plan. He has a very good undestady of the trail. The food was excellent and loved eatiy new delicious every day! Keep up the great work.

View of Salkantay Mountain

Review by: Preeti Gandhi

Country: India

Departure date: May 22, 2017

Tour: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days

Guide: Santiago Ballon

Excellent service!!!

Carmen provided excellent service and knowledge throughout the entire trek.

She made sure that. I was not falling too far behind and even carried my backpack when I was slowing down too much.

She was a great guide!

Thank you, Carmen!

Review by: Nora Nakagawa

Country: USA

Departure date: July 28, 2017

Tour: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days

Guide: Carmen Chambi

Excelente Guia

Salkantay Pass (Altitude 4600msnm)

Excelente el guía que nos tocó. Al igual que los cocineros y la gente encargada de los caballos.

Lucia Benedetto and Maria Liz Mansilla

Review by: Lucia Benedetto

Country: Argentina

Departure date: July 21, 2017

Tour: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days

Guide: Edder

Machu Picchu

Great team

Our guide was very passionate and knowledgeable about the Inca history we learn more a lot from him.

Our chef Ignacio was fabulous. Hard worker always smiling and delicious food.

Great team

Review by: Julie Campbell

Country: Australia

Departure date: June 1, 2017

Tour: Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 7 days

Guide: Santiago Ballon

The tour was very good overall

The tour was very good overall. Our guide, Santiago, was very friendly, very good at English, very engaging and he know the history and current ways of Incan / Quechuan society extremely well.

I would say that there was no particular need to go to Aguas Calientes on such on expensive train.

Ingacio and Roberto were also fantastic. The Lares Trek has provided on invaluable insight into the ways of the Inca today and in the past

Review by: Ali Jamal Omar Sharif

Country: Great Britain

Departure date: May 15, 2017

Tour: Lares Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days

Guide: Santiago Ballon

Trip of a lifetime!!!

I did the 4 day/ 3 night Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. It was was an unbelievable experience that was led by our tour guide Santiago Ballon, along with 2 cooks, and 1 horse man.

The 4 of them took such good care of us along the trek. They prepped and cooked all the meals: great food that was made with love. They had our tents set up by the time we had reaches the camp grounds.

On the last day of our trek it was very hard to say goodbye to the staff. They had become so close to us. But I will highly recommend this staff because they are very reliable.

Thank you for an amazing Trip! =)

Review by: John Michael Cianca

Country: USA

Departure date: September 11, 2017

Tour: Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days

Guide: Santiago Ballon

The food was delicious

The food was delicious… huge portions and a wide variety. The staff was friendly and welcoming. Carmen was great. She let us set the pace and welcomed conversation and was a great photographer and appreciate her patience with my frequent stops.

Linda Elliott

Review by: Linda Elliott

Country: USA

Departure date: July 21, 2017

Tour: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days

Guide: Carmen Champi

Wonderful and memorable experiences

This was such a wonderful and memorable experiences. The trip was so organized, we had no worries and were able to experience and take in the beautiful trek more scenery. The cooks were outstanding, the horseman was so hard working more Santiago was the best tour guide. I will recommend to my friends and family!

Muchas gracias

Ashley Kalinske

Review by: Ashley Kalinske

Country: USA

Departure date: September 11, 2017

Tour: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days

Guide: Santiago Ballon

Maravillosa experiencia

Gracias por la maravillosa experiencia en el Salkantay trail lo disfrutamos de principio a fin, los paisajes, los campamentos pero sobre todo a las personas la comida que elaboraron Ignacio y Luis fue deliciosa, bien balanceada y presentada, siempre amables y dispuestos.

Santiago nuestro guía se portó siempre profesional y al pendiente de nuestro disfrute y seguridad sin duda una experiencia que vamos repetir y sin lugar a dudas con ITEP.

Lucy Peralta
México

Review by: Lucy Peralta

Country: México

Departure date: September 12, 2017

Tour: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days

Guide: Santiago Ballon

Una de las mejores experiencias!!!

Una de las mejores experiencias en actividades al aire libre que he vivido, gracias.

El guía (Santiago) muy profesional en todos los aspectos y con trato muy cálido y humano.

Asombrado también con los porteadores y cocineros (Luis e Ignacio) que siempre se esmeraron con el buen detalle y la buena comida a pesar del desgaste físico que en el trayecto tuvieron.

Reitero mis agradecimientos a la empresa ITEP por la calidad y calidez de sus servicios.

Hasta pronto.

Jorge Alberto Aviles Sandoval

San Luis Potosi, S.L.P. México

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Review by: Jorge Aviles
Country: MX
Departure: September 12, 2017
Tour: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days
Guide: Santiago Ballon

Availability Online for Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2017 & 2018

We strongly recommend you to -Act NOW with your online bookings for NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2017 and 2018 -We are now taking bookings for trek departures in 2018.

We have been informed by the government that Inca Trail Trek Permits for departures in 2018 will go on sale in early October. (Last year trek permits for some dates in April, May and June sold out within a few hours so you must book much earlier this year). Please try to book before the end of September if possible to avoid disappointment. (Permits are so limited every year... we recommend you to book (9-7 months in advance)

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will be closed the month of February by disposition of the Ministry of Culture, because maintenance, upkeep and cleaning will be performed. The entrance to the Inka Trail will be re-enabled from March 1.
In this section you can check the availability of the trail provided by the Ministry of Culture. Here some information should take into account:

• The month of February is rainy season so the Ministry closes the Inka Trail.
• The availability we use is the same to any other agency, because this information is directly provided by the Ministry of Culture.
• The number of spaces is very variable. Agencies usually book up to 30 spaces, do not be surprised if in a moment the available spaces are sold out.
• The spaces shown are for either route be it Short Inca Trail 2 days or Classic Inka Trail 4 days.
• Availability is exclusively administered by the Ministry of Culture. Only they can manage and authorize the access to the Inka Trail.
• The Inca Trail is enabled only for 500 spaces per day, within which includes staff spaces.

View the complete Availability at Inca Trail Permits 2018

Excelente trekking!

He encontrado la organización del trekking EXCELENTE en todos los aspectos y todas las personas magnificas

Review by: Francoise Brun

Country: ES

Departure: August 26, 2017

Tour: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 4 Days

Guide: Jorge y Edder

Well organised service!

Carmen is an excellent guide, I highly recommend her.

Review by: Derek Ellens

Country: US

Departure: August 16, 2017

Tour: Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 4 days

Guide: Carmen

Excellent staff!

Really good organization during the all trek, amazing food. Thank you to Cirillo, Carmen and Rubin for everything, especially for my birthday cake :)

Review by: Antimo Andolfi

Country: FR

Departure: July 21, 2017

Tour: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days

Guide: Carmen

Amazing trip!

Amazing trip with the best guide! Not only was the trek beautiful, but Eder was very knowledgeable, personable, and fun. He made sure we were happy and comfortable and tought me so much. Leo, our master chef, also cooked some of the best meals I have ever had the best time every!

Review by: Amanda Flodstrom

Country: US

Departure: August 21, 2017

Tour: Classic Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 5 days

Guide: Eder

Humantay Lake Full Day

At Humantay Lake Full Day you can find spectacular scenery with exotic flora and fauna along this trek adventure you will find beautiful valleys and snow-capped mountains and one of the most important and sacred lake.

ITINERARY

Pick up from your hotel, we will begin our adventure towards Lake Humantay with a 4 hours private transportation to Soraypampa (3850 masl).

Soraypampa is the camp for the first day of the Salkantay Trek. In Soraypampa we will have a delicious breakfast to start our day before starting our trek. In Soraypampa we will begin our trek to Humantay Lake (4200 masl) with beautiful views and if the sky is clear enough, we can even see the impressive Apus Salcantay and Humantay (The Apus are the spirits of the mountains).

It is a 1.5 hour walk to the lake with a low to moderate difficulty, but it will be more than worth it when you see the magical view. It is also possible to rent a horse in its place. We will have enough time to take photos, bring an offer to the Apus, and for the true bravest; Swim in the lake when it's sunny! After some free time, we will begin our descent to Soraypampa of approximately 1.5 hours, which is much easier than climbing. In Soraypampa we will wait for lunch and after a bit of rest we will return to Cusco where we will arrive at 6:00 pm

END OF OUR SERVICES

INCLUDES

• Transport to/from Soraypampa
• 1 Breakfast
• Professional English/Spanish speaking guide
• 1 Lunch.
• First aid kit and oxygen tank.
• Vegetarian options / special diet available

Not Included

• Horses
• Additional Personal horse for riding 30.00 USD
• Tips for the wranglers and guides

YOU HAVE TO BRING

• Poncho/raincoat.
• Warm clothes.
• A bottle of water.
• Strong walking shoes/tennis shoes
• Sunscreen
• Camera and films
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks and TIPS.

ROUTE ON GOOGLE MAPS

Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 6 days

Salkantay Trekking

The Vilcanota Mountain Range is an impressive range of mountains in Peru which include the snowcapped Salkantay (6,264 meters) and three others over 6000 meters that you will appreciate in this trek.

Salkantay Pass (Abra de Salcantay)

This snow is really exceptional, located less than fifty miles northwest of the city of Cusco in south central Peru. It is the highest mountain of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range. Because of its proximity to the city, it is easily accessible and is climbed frequently. Join us on this incredible Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu. Book early.

La Playa - lunch

INCLUDES

• Transfers In / Out
• Transportation Cusco - Mollepata. (Start walking)
• Professional bilingual tour guide English / Spanish.
• Assistant tour guide (for groups of 9 or more people)
• 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 afternoon snacks, 5 dinners. ”Vegetarian (vegan) food on request at no extra cost!
• Cook. (Professional)
• Drinking water along the Salkantay Trail and Inca Trail, only on meal times.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• 1st Aid Kit
• 01 Oxygen Ball
• Horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
• Horse men
• Quadruple & waterproof Camping tent “02 people only”
• 01 Sleeping Mattress per person “therma rest”
• 02 Bus ticket Machu Picchu Inca City to Aguas Calientes
• 02 nights in touristic hostel in Aguas Calientes “Machupicchu Village”.
• Return train tickets (Machupicchu - Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco) transfer to Hotel.

Machu Picchu

View complete details of tour at Salkantay Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 6 days

Sacred Valley Tour Full day

OUR ITINERARY

08:30 am pick up from your hotel.

09:00 am beginning of your excursion.

The Pisac market

The Pisac market is a must-see for those visiting the Cusco region. Every day, the streets fill to overflowing with artisans selling their goods and tourists from all over the world buying them. Sunday is the best and busiest day to visit by far. Villagers from miles around pack up their llamas and donkeys in the early hours of the morning in order to arrive and set up stalls where they sell vegetables and other produce. 

Even if you're not a shopper, the market is worth a visit. It's a great place to take photos and people-watch. Many of the cafés around the market have second-story balconies providing good views of the commotion below. The quality of the goods can be a little sketchy, and, if you're looking to spend a lot of money on any one item, you're better off in a fine gallery or store in Cusco or Lima. But prices are low (though higher than in the Cusco markets) and it is a great place to buy memorable souvenirs for friends back home.

P'isaq Archaeological Park

The Archaelogical Park of Pisac is one of the most important archaeological region. Possibly its name comes from a very common type of Bird in this area known as "P'isaqa". Some scholars suggest that the pre-Columbian city was in the form of a "P'isaqa" representing the local faun. Today there are a colonial Town named P'isaq.

In the Inca City there is a famous Local Market, full of crafts and local products.

Archaeological Complex of Ollantaytambo

The archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo was a strategic military, religious and agricultural center. The architectural scene is exceptional in its the size, style and originality of its buildings. For the Quechua language, the name comes from the word

Ollanta (which is the name of an Inca captain, whose story was saved as an oral tradition, and written as a drama of Antonio Valdez Urubamba priest in mid-eighteenth century) Also a Spanish derivation of the word tampu (Tambo) Quechua, which means

"City that offers accommodation, food and comfort to passengers."

Agricultural activity in this area benefited from the presence of the Patacancha creek, where there are large terraces that currently are damaged and abandoned.

Chinchero

The typical Chinchero is a Inca city, the conquerors wanted to "civilize" and establish their culture, but never succeeded, because they fully resisted. Today you can see this resistance in its inhabitants, as they inhabit the Inca constructions almost intact, in the same place where their ancestors lived and formed the largest and most prosperous civilization in America.

the Rainbow City is located 28 km. northwest of the Cusco city, over 3,762 meters, at an intermediate location between the highlands and warm valley, surrounded by snow-capped Salkantay, Veronica and Soray. The view from here is awesome. Chinchero was chosen by the Inca Tupac Yupanqui to establish his residence

At 19:00pm aprox, we'll arrive in Cusco, transfer to your hotel or if you decide you can stop in the beautiful mean square of this City.

End of our services

Includes

• Transfers from and to your hotel.
• Personal assistance along your tour.
• Entrance fees to all touristic attractions
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
• Touristic Bus with insurance SOAT
• Professional bilingual guide (English - Spanish) along your excursions.
• Sacred Valley included the visit of Pisaq, Andean Market, Archaeological Parks of Pisaq, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero.

Not Included

• Entrance to recreational sites, such as "Clubs" "Waters Springs, Amusement Parks"
• Unscheduled Meals.
• Others not specified in the Program

Route on Google Maps

View complete details of tour at Sacred Valley Tour Full day