Explore Machu Picchu - National Geographic Collection
Uncover the secrets of Machu Picchu in Peru with our PRIVATE group departure. Immerse yourself in ancient ruins and stunning landscapes on a trip you’ll never forget. Sanja will be there for you, along with a local National Geographic guide.
On day 1, we will meet with Anita’s group for a special welcome!
What's Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Cusco Planetarium, Cusco
- Your G for Good Moment: Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), Pisac
- Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
- Your Discover Moment: Cusco.
- Arrival transfer.
- Two-day Sacred Valley tour including Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Pisac ruins and pre-Inca salt pans.
- Traditional pachamanca-style dinner.
- Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Internal flights.
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
♥ If you have travelled with Anita or G Adventures in a private group before - you will receive a 5% past guest discount.
To reserve a place on one of the tours, a deposit of 350.00 CND / 250.00 EUR is payable.
The rest of the payment is due by – 04 SEP. 2024
All transportation is by private vehicle.
It is planned that the accommodation will be shared with another person (double rooms).
(If you want your own room, please let us know).
Air transportation is paid extra, and we can provide you with a flight from Toronto, Belgrade, other cities of North America or Europe.
♦ Physical Grading: 2 – Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
♦ Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
♦ Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
♦ Trip Type: Small Group
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
PLEASE NOTE – this departure will be ONLY BY TRAIN from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Day 1 Lima
Arrive at any time.
Arrival transfer is included.
Day 2 Lima/Urubamba
Board an early flight to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca empire, then drive to Urubamba through the scenic Sacred Valley. Explore the terraced salt pans of Maras, which have been used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times, and tour the Inca site of Moray—believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where priests would test soils and crops. Later, we’ll enjoy a meal of local specialities, prepared in a pachamanca, or underground stone oven.
Day 3 Urubamba
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the G Adventures–supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you’ll walk through the park with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We’ll also tour the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
Day 4 Urubamba/Aguas Calientes
Catch an early transfer to the Ollantaytambo station and board a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Ride through lush Andean scenery, enjoying breathtaking views of ancient ruins and everyday life. Settle into your hotel in Aguas Calientes, and choose from a variety of optional activities: take a relaxing soak in the local hot springs, visit a beautiful botanical garden, or wander the handicraft stalls in town as you prepare for an early start the following day to go up to Machu Picchu.
Day 5 Aguas Calientes/Cusco
This morning, embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu—the 15th-century Inca citadel famously introduced to the world by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. After being taken through the temples and terraces of this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, return to Cusco by train.
Day 6 Cusco
Spend the day exploring charming Cusco. Opt to visit Plaza de Armas, the historic main square; the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress; or some of the city’s museums and ornate churches. This evening, we’ll head to the Cusco Planetarium to learn about the importance of astronomy to the ancient Inca and, weather permitting, look out at the glittering, starry sky through telescopes.
Day 7 Cusco/Lima
Fly back to Lima. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure or choose to take a half-day guided tour of the Peruvian capital. Visit the San Francisco Monastery, part of Lima’s World Heritage-listed historic center, and descend into its famed catacombs. Wander across Plaza Mayor, the city’s oldest public square, and enjoy Peruvian tapas and a tasting of pisco sours before returning to your hotel.
Day 8 Lima
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
| My Own Room: | 789.00 CAD (4 available) |
| Lima Cooking Class (4hrs): | 107.00 CAD (12 available) |
| Cusco Cooking Class: | 62.00 CAD (8 available) |
| 1-Day Inca Trail Hike: | 404.00 CAD (31 available) |
*** We will be adding 3 extra nights in LIMA for those who wish to stay longer and visit
- Nazca Lines.
- Miraflores.
- Ballestas Islands (Islas Ballestas)
- Lima Plaza Mayor.
- Huaca Pucllana.
- Barranco.
- Cathedral of Lima (Catedral de Lima)
- Historic Centre of Lima
About Accommodation
Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
My Own Room + $789.00 CAD
Please note that if you have booked the “My Own Room” option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
Accommodation
Hotel Antigua Miraflores (or similar)
Hotel – LIMA
Accommodation
Hotel Mabey Urubamba (or similar)
Hotel – URUBAMBA
Accommodation
Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu (or similar)
Hotel – AGUAS CALIENTES
Accommodation
Taypikala Hotel Cusco (or similar)
Hotel – CUSCO
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Important Notes
OPTIONAL ADD ONS
| Lima Cooking Class (4hrs): | 107.00 CAD (7 available) |
| Cusco Cooking Class: | 62.00 CAD (12 available) |
| 1-Day Inca Trail Hike: | 404.00 CAD (32 available) |
WHAT TO TAKE
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
PACKING LIST
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test
Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet
Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
LAUNDRY
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here
SPENDING MONEY
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
MONEY EXCHANGE
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN).
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
EMERGENCY FUND
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ’emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
TIPPING
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Lima
– Lima City Tour (40USD per person)
– Lima Cooking Class (4hrs)
– Bike Miraflores and Barranco (35USD per person)
– MALI & Peruvian Paso Horse with dinner (90USD per person)
– Huacas and Larco Museum by Night (90USD per person)
Aguas Calientes
– Butterfly House Visit
– Mandor Gardens Visit
– Hot Springs Visit (6USD per person)
Inca Trail
– 1-Day Inca Trail Hike
Cusco
– Cusco Cooking Class
– Cusco City Tour (45PEN per person)
– Inka Museum (10PEN per person)
HEALTH
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical rating for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.
1. MACHU PICCHU REGULATIONS
Current and correct passport details are required at time of confirmation. For more details please see the following page . Please also note that regulations have been implemented for all visitors to Machu Picchu which require that different circuits be followed within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The new circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. We will do all that is possible to get everyone traveling in a group on the same route, but be aware that it is possible that members of the same group might be visiting Machu Picchu on a different circuit and not be together during this visit. Rest assured that regardless of the circuit you will enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the site.
