The Peruvian Bucket List: Rainbow Mountains & Machu Picchu
From £1,499Deposit: 10%
A place where the diversity, culture, food and adventure hold all essence of life, we invite you to join us as we dive headfirst into an adventure of unparalleled proportions.
Peru, the richest country in the world, invites you to discover that being rich isn’t about having the most; but about experiencing the most unforgettable moments. A place where the diversity, culture, nature and food hold all essence of life, we invite you to join us as we dive headfirst into an adventure of unparalleled proportions.
This trip will give you non-stop adventure. After cycling the smooth dirt roads and rugged single tracks of Sacred Valley, you will embark on your journey to the magnificent Rainbow Mountains and world-famous Machu Picchu.
The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is an undiscovered land full of wild desert landscapes, snow-capped glaciated peaks, herds of alpaca, and pristine beauty. But it gets better. Once you have concurred one natural wonder, it's onto the next.
The spectacular Inca trail is perfect for adventurers who wish to become personally integrated into changing ecosystems from one day to the next. You will walk through sweeping, magical landscapes of a snowy mountain paradise to a tropical jungle where you will find a wide range of animals and medicinal plants and flower varieties.
This is a trip of a lifetime
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Cusco:
Welcome to Cusco! Upon arrival at the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel. Your tour leader or local guide will meet you at the lobby and will brief you about your trip.
Cusco is a favourite destination of many visitors to Peru. The city itself is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Inca Empire for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Inca foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for explorations into the Inca world or to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
Included Activities:
- Private Group Transfer from Cusco Airport to Hotel.
Meals included:
- None
Day 2
The Sacred Vally:
Today travel from Cusco to the Sacred Valley on a bike ride that combines smooth dirt roads to rugged single tracks, challenging-short climbs and exhilarating downhill. Enjoy the majestic views of the Vilcanota Range of Mountains from the seat of your bike.
Our private vehicle will drive us for 30 minutes to the Chinchero Plateu. Once we are all saddled up and on our bikes, we will visit Maras and Moray, before depending down to the Sacred Valley through ancient communities, farming fields and amazing Andean landscape. During the route, you will have the chance to appreciate Huaypo Lagoon, Moray Inka agricultural laboratory, Maras Colonial Town and the Maras Salt Mines.
Included Activities:
- Biking Maras & Moray (Private)
Meals included:
- Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
The Rainbow Mountains Trek (1/2):
Early morning pick-up at 5:30 am for a 3.5-hour trip via private van to the start point of the trail. Along the way stop in different villages surrounded by beautiful landscapes where you can take some pictures. Already at Quecheuno village 4,326 m / 14,189 ft, we will begin the hike to Qosqopata (4 hours hike to lunch area).
After lunch, we will continue the climb until we reach the base camp. Here we can enjoy a nice afternoon, only a stone's throw away from the Rainbow Mountains.
Included Activities:
- 02D/01N Rainbow Mountain Trek (Private)
Meals included:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
- Camping Site W/ Basic Facilities
Day 4
The Rainbow Mountains Trek (2/2):
This morning ascend through dark red mountains to Vinicunca Pass 5,020 m / 16,466 ft for the first spectacular views of the Psychedelic Rainbow Mountains of Peru. The Ausangate region is incredibly colourful with a magical landscape. After having lunch in our designated campsite (Caccapampa), we will begin to descent to Pucapause, where we can admire incredible views the whole way down.
Our vehicle will meet us to transfer us to Cusco. On route, we will make a short visit to Machupitumarca archaeological site.
Included Activities:
- 02D/01N Rainbow Mountain Trek (Private)
Meals included:
- Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Inca Trail Machu Picchu:
In the morning, we head to the local train station to board the tourist train towards the Km 104; the starting point of the trek.
At Km 104 after submitting passport control, start your full-day trek to the site of Machu Picchu. On route, visit the Chachabamba archaeological complex (2150 meters high), to then embark upon an 8 km (5 miles) ascending trail, which after four hours takes you to the archaeological complex of Winaywayna (2650 meters high). This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural centre with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. On the way up you will enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley, the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river, and a beautiful waterfall located just a few minutes away from Winaywayna.
Continuing and climb to Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in the highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, you may contemplate the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu.
From Inti Punku you will descend to the backside of Machu Picchu and then will head straight to the main entrance to take the tourist bus towards Aguas Calientes, the little town close to Machu Picchu.
Included Activities:
- 02D/01N Inca Trail (Private)
Meals included:
- Breakfast, Box-Lunch
Day 6
Inca Trail Machu Picchu:
In the morning, you will be taken to the Machu Picchu ruins starting with the short bus ride up the steep, zigzagging road to the impressive Lost City of the Incas.
Upon arrival, you will be taken into the archaeological zone of Machu Picchu and the tour guide will show you the most important sectors of this great Inca City, such as the great Intiwatana (solar clock), the Sun Temple, the urban sector, the agricultural sector among others.
Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Then in 1911, the explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon its remains. Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.
After the guided tour, return to the town by bus and in the afternoon, you will take the touristic train back to the town of Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Included Activities:
- 02D/01N Inca Trail (Private)
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Day 7
Departure from Cusco:
At the appropriate time, transfer from your hotel to the airport in Cusco to board your flight to your next destination.
Included Activities:
- Private Group Transfer from Cusco Airport to Hotel.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Accommodation
Included
- Hotel 05 Nights / Camping 01 Night
- Air conditioned vehicle transfers throughout
- 05 Breakfasts, 04 Lunches or Box-Lunches, 01 Dinner
- 1 English speaking tour leader throughout or Local Guides throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers are included on a group basis (Flight details are needed 45 days in advance).
- Biking Maras & Moray (Private)
- 02D/01N Rainbow Mountains and passes
- 02D/01N Inca trail and passes
Excluded
- International airport tax
- Any visas required
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Early check in and check out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tips for leaders, guide and driver
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Personal Insurance
- Optional activities
Essential Information
What is Altitude Sickness & Will I Get It?
Altitude sickness symptoms occur when the rate of ascent into higher altitudes is too quickly that the body doesn’t get time to acclimatise. Altitude sickness generally develops at elevations higher than 2,400 meters above sea level. The most common cause of altitude sickness is ascending too quickly, therefore, the main way to avoid altitude sickness is allowing the body to get used to the altitude slowly (Acclimatisation). Remember, this is not a race - look up and smell the roses!
Our professional guides will be monitoring you constantly throughout the trip, therefore, symptom checks will be a regular occurrence. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter, so please familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms before you depart and be very vocal about your own health during your trek. We will send you a full need to knows list at the time of booking!
If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your local guide know immediately so that we can monitor your condition.
[Click here to learn more about altitude sickness and how to avoid it] (http://)
How Fit Do I Need To Be & Do I Need To Train?
The short answer is: a basic level of fitness and good health is needed and training is highly recommended. However, you do not need to be a professional athlete or a marathon runner. What is going to get you to the end of your challenge is a mental and emotional commitment to the cause. As long as you set time aside to prepare for the challenge ahead, success will be on your side!
Check out our full fitness breakdown here
Climate:
INCA TRAIL CLOSURES: The Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works.
SEASONS: The wet season in Peru is from November to April. During this time it can be rainy or even snow heavily in the Andes. There have been occasions of torrential rains and flooding in some parts of the country, including Cusco. During the wet season landslides and inclement weather can cause disruption to road and rail travel as well as trekking and hiking routes. These can include Cusco, the routes to Machu Picchu and the north of Peru.
EARTHQUAKES: Peru is in an active earthquake zone and there are frequent tremors. If in a building when an earthquake strikes keep away from the windows and make your way to the safe zones marked in most buildings with an ‘S’ sign. If you are outside keep away from buildings and other areas where objects, like trees or power lines, could fall.
Visa:
Citizens of Australia, the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and South Africa do not currently require a visa for Peru.
For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa or entry requirements with the Peruvian consulate in your home country. On arrival you’re normally given permission to stay for up to 90 days. However, You may need to show your return ticket upon arrival and / or complete a landing card upon arrival. What's more, you’re staying for longer than 90 days then you’ll need to apply for a visa before travelling.
For the most up to date information on visa requirements, we recommend you contact the Peruvian embassy in your country or visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/peru/entry-requirements
Vaccines:
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country. Please check in with your local consulate and health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate in any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Tour leader/ local representative, who will take note of your insurance details and emergency contact number. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability of luggage, cancellation, curtailment and loss and personal effects, alongside covid-19 cover.
If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote. GoKo Travels is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd who are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority .
Covid-19:
Please click here to learn more about what we do to keep you safe while on a GoKo run tour.
For more up to date information regarding the current travel restrictions within Peru, please click here
Addtionally, you can email: info@gokotravels.com and a GoKo Travel Manager will get back to you as soon possible with all the relevant information.
Travel With Confidence:
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the safety and wellbeing of all of our travellers, leaders, suppliers and staff remains our top priority. Not only have we updated our booking policies so you can flexibly amend booking arrangements before departure and get the most out of your holidays while away, we have also introduced new measures and safety guidelines so you can travel with GoKo Travels safely and securely.
What does this new booking policy mean for me?:
Fully Flexible bookings for peace of mind - We understand that sometimes plans change. That’s why GoKo Travels have updated our booking policies, so you now have full flexibility to change your travel plans if needed.
Our flexible booking policy includes:
(a) Free date changes up to 45days prior to departure - with no interest or added fees
(b) Full refund giving if you have to cancel the trip due to any COVID-19 related issues or international restrictions.
(c) You can now lock in your trip with a small refundable deposit and then pay the rest in instalments whenever you like, with no interest or fees.
Booking Terms:
Please note: This trip must receive a minimum of three reservations forty-five days prior to the departure date. In the unlikely event that we do not receive three or more bookings for each departure, you will have two options:
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You will be able to change dates at no additional cost to you (flexibility up to 3 years
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Full refund will be given.
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Book with Confidence
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Full Flexibility
Free date changes and cancellations up to 45-days before departure on the majority of our holidays
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Your Money is Safe
Full financial Protection on all of our bookings so you can travel with piece of mind.
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COVID-19 Commitment
Full refund given if you have to cancel the trip due to any COVID-19 related issues or international restrictions.
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Travelling Safely
When you travel with us you can be confident that all of our holidays meet COVID-19 safety regulations.
Giving Back
As part of our commitment to preserving planet earth, we donate 3% of our profits to GoKo Travel's registered non-for-profit, "The GoKo Earth Preservation".
The GoKo Earth Preservation has been set up to protect and preserve the natural habitats of our planet and to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of threatened environments and endangered species around the globe. This is achieved through rewilding, reforestation and marine conservation projects, alongside local community support.
Securing A Rainforest Reserve
Support the purchase of our very own GoKo Rainforest reserve - preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species in the world's most important habitat.
Assisting Marine Conservation
With your help, we can buy boats to support marine conservation; securing the future for our fragile oceans and the wonderful beings that inhabit them.
Creating New National Parks
By helping with the creation of new parks, we can support local economies, empower native communities and put healthy landscapes into permanent protection.
Looking to Carbon Offset?
Although all of our GoKo holidays promise to warm your hearts, we don’t want it to contribute to warming the planet.
Upon request, we can help you go Carbon Neutral. Thanks for our contacts, we can support a 3-step carbon offset scheme to calculate and neutralise your holiday footprint, allowing you to travel conscious free. This covers every step of the journey where you travel with us, from international flights to hotel heating, transport, food and more.
If requested, the GoKo Carbon Offsetting scheme does not focus on just planting trees, but rather the purchasing, persevering and protecting standing forests from deforestation and degradation - helping revive forests back to full health and avoiding the release of stored carbon. This also enables the regeneration of degraded habitats, which gradually re-absorb atmospheric CO2.
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