Cusco quickly became the touristic city by excellence. This happened even before Machu Picchu got recognized as a World Wonder. As the capital of the Inca empire, Cusco kept the charm that the Incas found here to make it their most important city and at the moment keeps on being one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Cusco can amaze and wonder every kind of person due to the amount of activities that can be done based on the tourist likes, trekking, city touring, gastronomical touring, night live, Cusco has it all!
Of course Machu Picchu is the highlight when travelling to Cusco. Witnessing the World Wonder is on everybody’s bucket list. No trip to Peru is complete without a tour to Machu Picchu, the majestic, ancient city of the Inca Empire. Learn all about the Inca’s rich history as you explore the hills of Cusco. Soak in the wonders of the Sacred Valley and meander through the multitude of historical sites, museums, ruins and markets. Let one of our local guides lead you along a historic trail as you savor the surrounding beauty and learn all about the area.
See the Heart of Peru with a Tour to Machu Picchu
Our comprehensive 7-day itinerary is perfect for all ages. First, you will be guided through the incredible city of Lima. Next, you will be taken to bustling Cusco and the Inca ruins that surround this amazing city. Finally, you will be able to roam the Sacred Valley and see Machu Picchu. Your trip is an adventure that many wait a lifetime to experience.
There are so many things to see and learn on your tour to Machu Picchu. However, if you do not have the right person to guide you, you may miss something! Our guides don’t want you to miss out on your chance to see anything when you are exploring the 7th Wonder of the World. Therefore, as you travel, do not be afraid to ask your dedicated tour guide any questions you may have. They will be delighted to shed some light on your experience.
Why Choose Alpaca Expeditions to Guide Your Tour to Machu Picchu?
Our friendly and helpful guides are local to the area and extremely knowledgeable about the rich history of the Inca Empire. Plus, the guides have a lot of experience leading tourists through Machu Picchu. These experts show their groups everything that this magnificent area has to offer. There’s a reason why we are the leading tour operator in Peru. Everyone on our team goes out of their way to ensure that your journey to Peru leaves lasting memories!
Take a tour to Machu Picchu and you will have an awe-inspiring experience. We want you to savor every minute and ensure that your trip is a remarkably enjoyable one. Contact us today to find out how we can arrange your tour to Machu Picchu, one of America’s oldest cities!
Alpaca Expeditions will operate the best treks and tours the city has to offer but also want to show you the things you can do in your spare time, the secrets that can make your Cusco visit the highlight of your whole vacation.
Things to Do in Cusco (Other Than Machu Picchu)
Mysterious and visually stunning, seeing the well-preserved Inca city of Machu Picchu is a trip of a lifetime. But a trip to this beautiful part of Peru shouldn’t only be about seeing Machu Picchu. Here are five things to do in Cusco other than to visit the famous Machu Picchu.
1. TAKE A TRAIN RIDE
Travelling by train is an amazing way to see Peru. The most convenient way to get to Aguas Calientes, the community at the foot of the mountain upon which Machu Picchu is perched, is to hop on a train. It’s an unforgettable experience—picture the fast-flowing Urubamba River with its green embankments, craggy peaks of the Andes mountains high above, and Inca ruins spotting the countryside. Opt for a late afternoon itinerary to catch the sunset and get an early start at Machu Picchu the next morning. Most trains leave/arrive at Ollantaytambo which is well worth a visit. Ollantaytambo is the starting point for the Inca Trail and has Inca ruins of its own. Insider Tip: Land a seat on the left hand side of the train to Aguas Calientes and on the right on the way back; you’ll get the best views from the train’s panoramic windows. And be sure to buy your ticket to Machu Picchu before you book your train trip as tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and can sell out.
2. HUAYNAPICCHU
Being let off a bus at the entrance can make you feel like you missed out on the adventure of hiking the Inca Trail. If you want to earn your visit to the Inca city but don’t have three days to spend on the trail, opt to hike Huaynapicchu, sometimes called Wayna Picchu, the sugarloaf mountain that towers above Machu Picchu. This arduous, vertiginous hike up a steep, narrow set of Inca-carved stairs takes between 2 and 3 hours roundtrip. Only 400 people are allowed up Huayna Picchu per day at two entrance times (7-8 am and 10-11 am) and admission must be purchased at the same time as your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. Note: you must buy your Machu Picchu plus Huayna Picchu ticket at the same time, you cannot add on Huaynapicchu later. If you plan to hike Huaynapicchu, book tickets ahead of time. Aside from the impressive quad burn that says you’ve been there, done that, you’ll get an amazing new perspective on Machu Picchu from the various mirados (landings) along the trail.
Insider Tip:
Treat Huayna Picchu like any other day hike and bring water and snacks but don’t overburden your pack. Take it slow due to the altitude. Wear hiking boots, sunscreen, and a hat and dress in layers as mornings can be chilly but the afternoon sun is unrelenting and there is very little shade. Most importantly, don’t forget your camera.
Bonus:
Bring your passport with you to Machu Picchu—they’ll stamp your passport once you descend Huayna Picchu and one when you leave Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu mountain
also offers amazing views – the best view during beautiful weather. This hike is 1.5 hours to the top and higher than Huayna Picchu. This can be done anytime as long as you start before 11 AM and availability is typically not an issue.
If you have arranged with our office to have tickets, once your tour of the ruins are over, your guide will show you where to begin. This hike is typically done on your own (without the guide) unless you requested assistance. The permit for Huayna Picchu is $75 per person to hike unless you are doing one of our Inca Trail treks.
Unfortunately, if you are trekking the Inca Trail, no matter how long of a trek you chose, it will be $75 per person to climb Huayna Picchu. Why so much more for Inca Trail trekkers? When we purchase your permit for the Inca Trail, the permit includes entry to Machu Picchu. You don’t need a physical ticket into the Lost City of the Incas. But Huayna Picchu can only be purchased with an entrance ticket, forcing us to purchase an additional entry into the ruins to obtain this permit. This is something required by the Park office and not something done by Alpaca.
When choosing to purchase this extra hike, please remember that it is challenging, and quite steep. While the views are extraordinary, they are similar to the Sun Gate which is free to access. Also remember that we do not control the weather and if it’s cloudy, your view will be affected. But if you choose to do this hike, and the weather cooperates, you will have your Facebook profile photo for life – the views are incredible.
Please let us know if you have any further questions about Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu mountain or the Sun Gate.
Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.
World Travel Awards
Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.
TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS
Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.
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Hotel to Hotel service
Regarding the transportation provided by Alpaca Expeditions, we are committed to delivering a quality service. We strive to ensure that passengers feel supported throughout their journey. To achieve this, we coordinate closely with our guides and representatives to ensure timely pick-up at the start of their tours. Additionally, we have representatives responsible for escorting our passengers to their hotels at the conclusion of any tour.
Our drivers are not only trained in customer service but also come properly uniformed, and many are fluent in English.
Typically, all transportation types are included in each of our services. For instance, if you have booked a trekking tour, we will pick you up early, typically between 4 AM and 5 AM.
When visiting Cusco, it's important to note that traffic here is generally moderate. However, there are peak traffic times, such as between 7 AM and 8 AM, which coincide with school hours, and in the evening between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Therefore, if you have a flight during these times, it's crucial to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. The drivers of Alpaca Expeditions ensure their vehicles are prepared with all necessities before each service. They are acutely aware that delays can lead to missed trains, flights, or other connections. Consequently, they are always more than punctual, arriving at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time for any service, understanding the responsibility they carry in executing these tasks.
Personal Porter of 7KG
Remember that Alpaca Expeditions offers an extra 7 kg allowance for your personal belongings on any of our tours. We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag without any additional fee. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you reach your evening campsite. The bag should not exceed 7 kg, which includes 4 kg for clothes and 3 kg for your sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
When you visit our Alpaca Expeditions office, you will receive your duffel bags at your briefing. The porters will carry them and return them to you at each campsite. The bags measure 66 cm in length and 36 cm in width (approximately 2 ft long by 1 ft wide). Porters will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items, which must include your sleeping bag and air mat (if you bring or rent one). From us, these two items weigh a combined total of 3.5 kg.
Each Alpaca Expeditions porter is paid directly after each trek, allowing them to return home more quickly. They receive better wages than our competitors, health insurance, and all their equipment free of charge, including hiking boots, pants, jerseys, fleeces, jackets, hats, flashlights, sleeping bags, and high-quality food. We ensure each of our porters has a comfortable bed in a pleasant room to sleep in before and after each trek. We also visit the communities they live in, providing toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and other necessary supplies to their families, along with books for their children.
This is just the beginning for us, and we are always looking for ways to do more.
While the government allows each porter to carry up to 25 kg, we limit this to 20 kg to prioritize their health and safety. Each porter carries up to 15 kg of company equipment and 5 kg of personal items. This is why it is crucial to keep your personal duffel bag weight under our 7 kg limit. You might see other companies allowing their porters to carry more than the allotted weight, but at Alpaca Expeditions, we strictly adhere to these limits to ensure our porters' well-being.
Clases de Cocina
Alpaca Expeditions offers its passengers the chance to experience local cooking. We aim to immerse trekkers in Inca life by walking them through the original Inca paths and teaching them about Inca culture. Food is a significant part of Inca life, making it a special element in any tour or trek with Alpaca Expeditions.
In 2022, Alpaca Expeditions introduced a cooking class as part of each of our treks, conducted by our amazing trekking chefs and interpreted by our guides.
We will transform your dining tent into a makeshift kitchen, providing all the necessary supplies to prepare a Peruvian specialty. Your chef will guide you step by step through the process of making a traditional Peruvian meal, such as Lomo Saltado, and share some essential mountain cooking tips.
Peru is recognized as a top culinary destination, largely thanks to the popularity of our renowned beef dish, Lomo Saltado. This is most often the meal you will learn to cook, but there is also the opportunity to learn how to prepare other dishes like traditional Peruvian ceviche or even our signature drink, the pisco sour.
Cooking Class on the Inca Trail: These classes are voluntary and designed to be a fun, educational experience. Our clients consistently marvel at the amazing ability of our chefs to create culinary magic on a mountaintop. As you learn to prepare and cook Peruvian specialties, you will also see firsthand how such elaborate meals can be created on a small campsite stove.
Enjoy a cooking class in the mountains and be sure to take plenty of photos, just in case your friends won't believe your incredible experience.
Satellite Phones
The best way to hike in the mountains of Peru is to completely disconnect from technology, especially the internet and cell phones. The most impressive and exciting aspect is the opportunity to experience the true and wonderful nature that we often miss when we are at home, watching TV or absorbed in our cell phones during our leisure time. The feeling of being disconnected from work and the daily routine left at home is incredible.
However, this remoteness means limited access to emergency resources. That's why Alpaca Expeditions has invested in satellite phones for every trek.
We are prepared to assist you in case of any emergency, particularly health-related issues. For this reason, Alpaca Expeditions has invested in satellite phones, as they are one of the most crucial tools for any operator trekking in remote areas where telephone or television signals are absent. This means that every guide on our treks will be equipped with a fully charged satellite phone as well as radios. While these are primarily for emergencies, we allow our clients to use them at any time.
We ask that you cover the cost, which is $2.50 per minute. This fee can be paid in cash at our office or via PayPal once you have completed the trek.
Being just a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured of their safety. Radios, which all our guides carry, have limited reach, so Alpaca Expeditions includes satellite phones to ensure that we can connect no matter where we are on the mountain.
Portable private toilet
We understand that our clients will need restroom facilities at various times and locations during their journey. Along the Inca Trail, there are restrooms available, particularly those belonging to the communities near the trail. Alpaca Expeditions provides portable toilets to enhance this service, which will be set up at each meal site or campsite.
As with any mountain trip where we are exposed to nature, it is possible to use natural areas as restrooms. However, it is crucial to be mindful of the waste we generate, such as toilet paper or wet wipes used for cleaning. These should be carried with us and not discarded on the ground or left along the trail. Remember, the Inca Trail is a protected area overseen by a government institution. In places where garbage bins are unavailable, particularly at our camps, we provide special plastic bags for waste. Our porter team will be responsible for carrying out our waste.
Please be aware that although there are designated bathrooms for men and women, in practice, both genders often use the same facilities. Functionally, there is no significant difference between men's and women's bathrooms. Therefore, it is common for people of all genders to use whichever bathroom is available.
