Machu Picchu Express

Good for: Private travellers, private tours peru

All content by Intrepid

7 days (Cuzco)

Destinations visited: Peru, Cuzco & The Sacred Valley, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,020

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Description

Travel to Peru to retrace the steps of the Inca, Peru's fascinating ancient civilisation. Follow the Inca traditions from Cuzco, through the fertile heartland of the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo, before reaching the magnificent Machu Picchu. This action-filled express Peruvian tour gets you closer to the secrets of this elusive civilisation on a breathtaking adventure.

Highlights

Explore Cuzco's historic centre.
Speak Quechua with the Sacred Valley locals.
See the sunrise over Machu Picchu .
Peruse Peru’s colonial and Incan architecture.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cuzco

Cuzco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and a city with majestic architecture, impressive ruins, a lively town centre and cultural significance around every cobblestone corner.

Day 2 Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo

The Sacred Valley was once the heartland of the Inca Empire and now contains picturesque villages and impressive archeological sites. Located in the Urubamba Valley, the city of Ollantaytambo is an incredible archeological site and the starting point of the classic Inca Trail trek.

Days 3-4 Cuzco

A World Heritage site set amongst red-green hills with ruins scattered close by, Cuzco is impressive in every way - be it history, culture, nightlife or architecture.

Day 5 Aguas Calientes

Sitting at the base of Machu Picchu in a picturesque valley, Aguas Calientes takes its name from the numerous hot springs that are dotted throughout the area.

Day 6 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Built sometime in the 15th century and rediscovered in 1911, the staggering ruins of Machu Picchu were thought to be an estate for the Incan emperor, Pachacuti.

Day 7 Cuzco

Cuzco is South America’s oldest inhabited city, and a whirl of colour, culture, smiles and activity.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel

Transport

Bus, Minibus, Train

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,020

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