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My son and I had a 5-day package. The tours were fantastic! All of the guides were knowledgeable, patient and provided an excellent tour and history of Peru. Hotel Marqueses was wonderful. The staff was very helpful. The hotel is beautiful and quaint. The highlight for us was the 1-day Inca Trail with Justino. The 1-day is a great alternative if you want to hike into Machu Picchu but are not up for camping out! The hike and scenery are fantastic! Justino is a great guide! I highly recommend this tour and SAS travel. Thank you for a vacation we will always remember.
read moreI recently did the 4 day Inca trail. Our tour guide was Isaac, and he was teamed up with an excellent chef- Walter, and porter team lead by Benedict. Isaac was excellent, definitely seemed like he was the most well connected, and positive guide on the trail. Walter was super impressive! I couldn’t believe the quality and diversity of the food he was serving- unreal! Benedict lead a very happy and hard worker group of porters. Overall, kudos to the staff team that you employee.
I will write a review on tripadvisor as well.
Best,
Katie Fenn
Very well organized and executed. Cooks, guide and office staff were always quick with a solution and answered all questions. Of particular note, our guide Elias Lazo was both an expert in his country's history but an outstanding guide. I would highly recommend him. Staff and hotel accomodations at the Matqueses Hotel (two doors away from SAS office) was tremendous too. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this trip.
read moreInca Trail - Classic 4D/3N -
- We did this trail with SAS Travel and Henry/Louis as our guide, Julio/Fred as our cooks, Smiler/Matteo/Bellisario/Enrique etc. as our porter team.
- This was a great team and always willing to help and made our hike very memorable.
- Overall, the hike was very enjoyable with food and views being the best part! The hardest was Day 2 and going down the steep stairs and the monkey steps on Day 4 to Initpunku.
- Hiking poles are very useful
Tips - 1 - Make sure to get electrolyte powder and keep hydrated.
2 - DO NOT Overpack (like we did!), lighter the better and maybe get a porter which was something we did not want to do but it might actually get someone employed.
3 - High socks, head lamps are recommended and the toilets at each site, except the first site are an experience I would like to erase of my trip.
*****More Details*********
Hike Orientation (pre-day 1 at 7pm) - Henry/Louis did a good job at orientation and this introduced us to the team and provided us with an overview of the hike.
Day 1 - We started out on a bus at 6am with the team, guides and cooks. We stopped for breakfast at Urubamba and got acquainted with rest of the team. Louis was good enough to point out some "Inca activators' - cocoa leaves and a black colored activator (probably Leija) and a eucalyptus concentrate (was very good to open up the lungs). Porters were picked up along the way at Ollataytambo and we proceeded to Km. 82 (which I believe is the rail road mile marker).
At Km. 82, we secured all our stuff and proceeded to the check point. We got a team picture at the trail's classic representative sign board. Passports and permits were verified ahead of crossing the bridge...and then we started the 4 Day "holy" trail with magnificent views of Mt. Veronica on our rear.
We had two Inca sites along the way and Henry was passionate about Inca culture in his descriptions and told us about "Pacahkuthec" (earth re-biulder - Thanks Louis!)
Overall, Day 1 (about 8 hrs, including lunch and breaks) was undulating (maybe 3X200m), although the schematic from SAS shows gradual climb up (1X200m). This is more like a pre-trail test and depending on how you feel, you can make a decision to continue or return.
The tents were already setup and there were hot showers here for 10/S and we could buy water etc. We had good views of veronica and the milky way's arm with an abstract view of a Llama and her calf which was somewhat used by Inca astrologers as an anchor.
We had happy hour with hot chocolate, tea, biscuits, coffee, conversation, POPCORN etc.
Breakfast - Papaya juice, Tea/Coffee, Bread/Scrambled eggs
Lunch - Ceviche to stat, Avoacado salad, Giant corn kernel cobs, rice, fish, mint tea
Dinner - I forgot to get a picture...Darn!
The bathroom was nice at this location and probably maintained by one of the villagers.
Tip - If you are at slow or on the latter half of the group to arrive, I would suggest starting early, say 15-30min, so you can catch up with everyone at lunch and then do the same so everyone meets up as close as possible at campsites etc.
Day 2 - We woke up early around 530am and before we started did introduce ourselves to the "Blue" team and vice-versa.
It was mentioned on the SAS travel graphic that today would be tough due to the ascent (~2000m). After a few minutes of ascent, we stopped for a quick break, sunscreen, bug spray, rest room etc., before we started the steep hike.
We ascended ~1000ft ahead of our first break, had a snack and then checked in with permit office. We started our second ascent ~1200ft. to Ayatapata. This was a good spot for break with rest rooms. The next ascent was ~1000ft to Llulluchapampa where we stopped for lunch. This has great views of parts of the Andes range.
This was a tough climb, but we kept slow and steady pace and reached the pass around 4pm enjoying the views around at ~13800ft (started at around 8800ft). It offered fantastic views of the surrounding mountain range.
The weather can change very rapidly here, the clouds started moving in with moderate visibility. We got to the campsite by 630pm.
This site had a lot of other groups camping as well, with common bathrooms (an experience I would like to erase of my Inca Trail trip).
Breakfast - Quinoa oatmeal, bread, jam, caramel spread, tea/coffee
Lunch - corn and veggie fritter?, Salad, Fried rice(with pork), Potato soup, Chicken in mushroom sauce
Dinner - As usual started with happy hour, pop corn etc., and I cannot remember but it was great!
Day 3 - It was a bit colder as expected and supposed to be the longest day. As we were slower than the group, we started hiking 20-30min earlier. The group caught up with us at the first Inca site, a watch tower, Runkurakay.
Then came the second pass, which offered similar views as dead woman's pass. It was also considered sacred to some extent to pile up stones and thank, "pachamma" - mother earth. We stopped here for a light snack.
The path after here was steep down until we reached the next Inca site. This was larger, was a watch tower, had a sacrifical place, living quarters etc. The second site's climb was very steep. We could also see another storage site and the lunch site site as well.
The path after this was undulating before it went steep down after Phuyupatamarca campsite. We were about one hour early than the group here and the weather changed very rapidly with clouds reducing visibility.
After here, we kept going down to Intipata, where there were more terrace farms and we could get beautiful views of the valley, train tracks and we saw a herd of llamas grazing.
After here, it was going down to the last campsite which also had a bunch of other teams.
Breakfast - Rice pudding(oatmeal?), bread, jam, tea/coffee, Omelettes
Lunch - Stuffed pepper, steak with mushroom, Egg Salad, Fried rice(with pork), lentil soup
Dinner - As usual started with happy hour, pop corn etc., Pizza etc. and I do not have a picture
- We had a little tipping ceremony for the porters this evening and the chef made a special CAKE!!!
Day 4 - After three days of beautiful weather, it started raining and kept on from the previous night to early this morning.
We woke up early as the porters had to pack up and leave to catch their train.
- There was some confusion on when to start, previous night briefing mentioned 530am but we had to basically pack everything up by 430am finish our breakfast and departed at 445-5am. After a brief walk, we came to a check point where our permits were verified. There was really bad stench at the point.
After checkpoint, the hike was undulating until it was very steep ("monkey steps") and then a gradual hike up to InitPunku where everyone was waiting for the fog to lift and get a glimpse of the Lost city of the Incas - Machu Pichu. We stopped here for maybe 15-20min and started our hike down. Along the way, we stopped at what is supposed to be "Customs" check during the Inca times with an altar to offer your prayers etc. Apparently, this was the place where only royals/nobility would enter and rest of the folks go back to Phuyupatamarca and hold.
We continued our hike down and got to the spot to get a representative view of Machu Pichu but it was still foggy and after about 15-20min, we started exploring rest of the sites. We went to the agricultural terraces, Temple of four elements, quarters, main square, Huayana pichu entrance, astronomical clock etc. where we ended the trip. The fog started to disperse around 11am and we went back up to get our pictures, took us about 20min. Ahead of going around the sites, we exited Machu Pichu and re-entered after leaving out bags at storage.
We completed the Classic Inca Trail in May and just loved the experience. Elias was a wonderful guide and the porters and cook cooked up delicious food and looked after us so well. This is a once in a lifetime experience and not to be missed!
read moreUS$ 2,100.00 p/person
(Based on Double / Triple accommodation)
Single Supplement for solo traveler US$ 450.00
You can be assured that this package will not be cancelled like many companies do at the last minute due to lack of passengers as this is not a tour where you travel with the same people from start to finish. You will meet different people on each of the tours to enhance your enjoyment of meeting new people in new places as the idea with our packages is that we link your favourite tours with lovely accomodation and the security of good transport and transfers between each point! Each different tour is run by experts in the field and you have the assurance that you will not be told your dates are cancelled at the last minute.
Adventure PERU-EXPRESS 17 Days (No trek): ... LIMA the city of the kings, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Floating Islands, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machupicchu by train, Cusco, Lima. DAILY DEPARTURES !!!.
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Day 1: Arrival to Lima. Transfer to 3 stars Hotel located at Miraflores.
Day 2: VIP class Bus Lima to Paracas. Peruvian coast and the Pacific. Hotel in Paracas
Day 3: Tour to Ballestas Islands - (Small Galapagos) Bus to Nazca. Night in Nazca.
Day 4: Flight over the mysterious Nasca Lines. Nazca Cementery Tour.
Day 5: Night Bus to Arequipa. The white city with El Misti Volcano. Hotel Posada.
Day 6: Colca Canyon guided tour stops in towns. Hotel Pozo del Cielo.
Day 7: Colca Canyon and Condors at Mirador Cruz del Condor. Tour bus Chivay to Puno Hotel Qalasaya
Day 8: Lake Titicaca, Lake Los Uros,Taquile. Night in Amantani Island -home stay with local family. 4 person per family.
Day 9: Taquile Island Hotel Qalasaya
Day 10: Inka Express bus or Train Puno – Cusco. Hotel Marqueses
Day 11: Free Day in Cusco. Optional See Cusco Dances & Music. Hotel Marqueses Help to acclimate.
Day 12: City Tour in Cusco, Saqsawaman, Koricancha. Hotel Marqueses
Day 13: Sacred Valley to Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chincheros. Cusco. Hotel Marqueses
Day 14: Cusco - Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) Hotel Inka Tower -nicer hotel.
Day 15: Early Guided Tour at Machu Picchu. Train return to Cusco. Hotel Marqueses
Day 16: Transfer to the Airport. Flight Cusco/Lima. Transfer to Hotel Melodia San Miguel.(20 min near Airport)
Day 17: Transfer to the Airport. International Flight Home.
Hotel Marqueses SPECIAL: Free up-grade to our Deluxe or Suite room in this tour / Package for early bookings (5-6 months in advance.)
Our staff will meet you at Jorge Chavez Lima's airport (at international arrival área) he will have a sign with your names) and driven to your hotel in the bustling, cosmopolitan Miraflores District of the city (45 minutes drive). Quite safe area with lots of nice restaurants and shops. (Most people speak english but learning a few words in spanish will be very helpful).
Mariel Hotel in Miraflores District.
approx 6am Transfer from your Hotel to the tourist bus terminal and departure to Paracas town, Comfortable bus journey from Lima to Paracas town (04 Hours). Transfer to your Hotel in Paracas, then once setting in your room, we will have a sightseeing tour to visit the National Reserve of Paracas scorted by an experienced guide. (3-4 Hrs) Lunch and Dinner not inlcuded
Breakfast
Emacipador Paracas or similiar
Collect for your hotel at 07:30 am, then we walk to the port for our 2 and half hours motor boat sightseeing tour to the Ballestas Islands (The small Galápagos), where you will be able to appreciate Sea Lions, Penguins and thousands of sea birds flying around the islands the Candelabro and Factories. After tour return to hotel to collect luggage and transfer to Bus. Bus Journey departs 11.30am. from Paracas and arrives in Nazca approx 3.30 pm. Only light snack served on board.
Transfer to your accomodation where you can settle in and relax for the rest of the day.! Hotel in Nazca.
Breakfast
Hotel Oro Viejo or Similar category hotel
Flight over Nasca Lines Am. Flight over the mysterious Nasca Lines for Panoramic views of a monkey, a fish, a spider, a hummingbird and many drawings and geometric figures on the desert visible only from the air. Pm. Overnight tourist bus Nasca - Arequipa (09 hours).
Breakfast
overnight bus
Arrival in Arequipa early at the morning and free Day to rest after many bus trips to get to this beautiful City. Take time to rest and acclimatize this morning. Maybe get some laundry done!!
After Lunch make sure to visit the famous Santa Catalina Convent. Take your time as you have tomorrow to visit the different Plazas and monuments here.
Hotel Corregidor or Posada Castillo Hotel
Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru with strong Spanish architecture influence maintained in a good conditions, The Plaza the Armas is spectacular. you can do an optional city tour (see Additional Options) or if you didn´t get time to visit the Santa Catalina Convent yesterday ensure you do today!
Available tours to add with extra cost: City tours + Monasterio de Santa Catalina , Tour Campiña tour + Mansión, Tour Campiña tour en bus Panoramico - Full loop.
Breakfast
Hotel Corregidor or Posada Castillo Hotel
We will pick you up from your Hotel between 07:30 – 8:00 am to initiate our trip to the one of the deepest Canyons of the world, taking the highway from Yura, bordering the snow-covered Chachani mountain towards Cañahuas Pampas. We stop for coca leaf tea at the Aguada Blanca National Park, the habitat of the beautiful South American cameloidaes, the vicuñas, alpacas, waris and llamas. At Tocra lake we will be able to appreciate a variety of migratory birds, sometimes flamencos. We will pass the crater of an extinct volcano (Chucura) and then stop at the famous volcanos panoramic viewpoint, at a high 4.800 meters above sea leavel. From here we will appreciate a great part of the western mountain range, where you can truly appreciate the Pre-Inca farming Terraces / platforms know as "andenerias". Approximately 13:30, Arrival to Chivay and stop for Lunch (not included).
At 15:00 our private transport will transfer to us towards the colorful town "pueblito" of Coporaque, from where we will initiate an walk of approximately 2 hours, to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and nature of this side of the valley; as well as a pre-Inca cemetery located in the skirts of a mountain. You will notice that this region was intensively populated by andean communities.
At 17:00 on return from the walk you have the opportunity to enjoy the thermal baths in the lime kiln whose thermo-medicinals waters oscillate between 35º to 38º degrees Celsius in the swimming pools. (US$ 3 entry).
At 20:00 Hrs Dinner (not included) accompanied by a folkloric show; be ready for the Peru andean dances.
Breakfast
Accommodation:Pozo De Cielo
Early breakfast, we continue 06:30 in our private transport to the view-point called " Cruz del Cóndor " about 1.5 hour drive into this National Park where you have a very beautiful view of the Colca Canyon. This is also the place where you should be able to observe several flying condors, sometimes passing very close to you (up to a few meters). Just near this area your tour guide will show you the Pre-inca tombs hanging in the mountains. Plenty of time to spend in this natural region for pictures and gentle walking around the San Pedro cactus area. On the return we will stop in the towns of Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque, with their beautiful colonial churches, as well as in the viewpoints of Choquetico and Antahuilque, from where we will observe impressive andenería farming platforms of the valley, and tombs in pre-Incas scale models.
13:00 approx. At the end of your tour of Colca Canyon, your guide will take you to your transportation and to meet another guide who will take you to the city of Puno , we will make several stops enroute such as Patapampa , the highest point of the route (4,900msnm), from where you can appreciate various mountain peaks belonging to the western mountains, such as the Sabancaya , Ampato , the Misti , Chachani , etc. .
We will also appreciate the cairns, mounds of rocks that were left by travelers in order to ask their deities for a safe trip and now tourists are encouraged to do the same. The route will be the same as already done in their journey from Arequipa to Chivay , to the area called Patahuasi , where it is then diverted to the city of Puno. Here there is a small restaurant located in the " Chinaman " where we also briefly stop. Continuing with the tour we see a number of small lakes where we will have the opportunity to observe migratory birds , including the beautiful flamingos.
Arrive in Puno at approximately 19:30 hrs approximately and transfer to Hotel Qalasaya.
Breakfast
Hotel Qalasaya
Between 7.20am and 7.45am Transfer from the hotel to the port and by motor boat we take you to one of the legendary Uros Islands where you can observe the lives of the Uros people who live on floating reed islands, some only 20 metres in length. After a beautiful 3hr boat ride we reach Amantani island where we will break into smaller groups to stay with the local families. You have the opportunity to trek to the top of the mountain (4150 mtrs) to see the Temples of the Pachamama and Pachatata and enjoy the traditional customs of the island people. Food and authentic music prepared and performed by your designated family.
Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Family rustic accomodation
After breakfast we take a short boat ride to the neighboring Taquile island, where we will tour around the ruins and visit these beautiful people, world famous for their intricate and fascinating weavings, After lunch we take the return trip to Puno. Arrival in the afternoon and transfer back to hotel approx 5-6 pm.
Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel Qalasaya
3860 mts
Approx 6.15am Transfer from your hotel in Puno to the bus Station to travel by the Inka Express VIP /service Tourist Bus to Cusco. departs 7am. Accompanied by an English speaking guide for tours of 3 sites along the way; Andahaylillas, Rhachi and Puka Pukara with spectacular views. (entrance to 3 sites not included = total 28 soles approx $10 )
Buffet Lunch near Sicuani town. Arrival around 5pm Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel Marqueses
3400 mts
Today we recommend to walk to San Pedro Market, San Francisco plaza, San Blas the artists neighborhood, Plaza Nazarenas, Inca Museum, Yale University Museum or Chocolate Museum.
Cusco Tour Inca Imperial City 14:00 Guided City tour of Cusco and visit to the four nearby Inca Ruins: Sacsayhuaman, with its massive walls they carry out here the famous Inti-Raymi in June Winter Solstice every year, Qenko, site of carved living rock, Puca Pucara, an Inca lodging Site & Tambo Machay, known as the Baths of the Inca. Our expert guides will help you to discover the secrets of the Incas. Overnight in Cusco. (Entrance fee for 6 sites, 105 Soles not included.)
Breakfast
Hotel Marqueses
Approx 8.20am transfer in a tourist bus, we travel from Cusco past Saqsaywaman & Tambomachay, over the mountains toward the Sacred Valley. We descend 1500 feet to the valley floor of the sacred Urubamba river and the village of Pisac where we will visit a traditional market and you can buy some local souveniers. We then drive up to explore the extensive ruins of Pisac with stunning views over the valley. On the guided walk into the Citadel of Pisac you can observe temples, residences, altars, channels, carvings, tunnels/caves and the famous Intihuatana “The hitching post of the Sun",
For those who would prefer to spend more time in the market instead of visiting the ruins, advise your guide so he can organise a time and place to pick you up when returning through the market.
We continue on to Urubamba where we stop for you to buy lunch. A further 30 mins drive takes us to Ollantaytambo surrounded by the sacred mountains, where we will again discover the magnificence of the Incan constructions, the amazing temple of the Sun, enormous blocks of rock perfectly carved and polished, stone water fountains, stairs, terraces and the beauty of the local people in their traditional dress, all surrounded by the sacred mountains and Valley of Patacancha and Willoq.
On our return, we quickly visit the famous church and archeological site in Chincheros, arriving to Cusco at about 6.30-7:00pm.
Breakfast
Hotel Marqueses
Classic Special Tour to Machu Picchu- Train Special Excursion. Am. Transfer from your Hotel to train station & departure to Aguas Calientes (4 Hrs).This train ride is suppose to be one of the nicest journeys in South America due to the very impressive views of the andean landscapes, snow capped mountains, andes pintoresques villages ,the sacred urubamba river,and some inca remains along both sides of the Valley and finally the high jungle of Aguas Calientes, where the representative from Hotel Wiracocha will meet you and settle you into your accommodation. Free time to wander around the markets and settle in. Buffet Lunch in Hostal Viajeros from 1.30pm. Recommended activities in Aguas Calientes to climb Putucusi Mountain or the solf hike to Mandor waterfalls to see the site of the first Base Camp of Hiram Bingham the discoverer of Machupicchu in 1911, see the renewed MP site Museum or just see the old Train Station Puente Ruinas. Late afternoon Free to relax in Hot springs. Pm.
Breakfast
upgrade hotel of your choice see Recommendations
The Magic of Machupicchu 05.00 early breakfast , 30 minutes bus to Machu Picchu. where you will have a guided tour of this amazing,magic & mysterious Inca Site so that you can get some insight into the various features of the city Inca temples, Nobles residences, Ceremonial buildings and rocks, water channels and fountains, farming platforms-gardens and plazas will be visited. Full Guided Tour and extra time to explore this unique site. Optional activities; climb to Huaynapicchu, temple of the moon, Inti Punku, the Sun gate or Inca bridge . late afternoon an hour walk to Aguas Calientes , Train back to Cusco. Arrival in Cusco & transfer to your Hotel Marqueses Cusco Breakfast included.
Breakfast
Hotel Marqueses
Flight Cusco - Lima Am. Transfer from your Hotel to Cusco airport & departure to Lima. Am. Arrival at Lima airport & transfer to Hotel Melodia. Overnight in Lima.
Hotel Mariel with Breakfast
International Departure Transfer at any time from your Hotel to the airport for your international flight
Inca Trail, Tours to Machu-Picchu & Alternative Treks Specialist !! Office: Calle Garcilaso 270 (near Plaza San Francisco) CUSCO
Phones: + 51 84 249194 , 256324 , 261920 / Emergencies: +51 974 218769, +51 984 652232
Office Hours: Mon to Sat: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm - Sun: From 4:00 to 7:30 pm
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SAS Travel is supporting many of the community projects run by Hotel Marqueses: Eg. "Cusco Hospital Regional Project", "Walk a Mile in my shoes", "Shoes shiners boys" If you are coming to Cusco please make a space for a couple of second hand clothes, shoes especially for kids, school equipment, toys and drop them off in our office. We will help distribute the items to people who really need them in small village schools and communities in the mountains of Lares. The project in the Cusco Regional Hospital is partly play therapy and so larger durable toys (like second hand fisher price items) are lent to the children not as presents but as part of daily therapy activities and are always appreciated. Smaller toy/ gifts are used for children spending Birthdays in Hospital or who have been specifically identified as having a particular need. Medicines such as Rifamacina, are what are gifted for patients particularly in the Burns Unit. Any one bringing a donation is welcome to come with us to the hospital to see the project and donate personally. Thank you.
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