tripPhoto
"Un gros merci pour une vacance sans pareil! Des souvenirs pour plusieurs annees! Des vacances memorables grace a ton organisation incroyables et ton desire profond de nous faire decouvrir un monde nouveau."
Francoise F. et Michelle P. (Peru 2015)

Machu Picchu, Peru

On July 24, 1911, Hiram Bingham and two Peruvian companions crawled on hands and knees up a towering ridge. Rising out of a thick tangle of undergrowth and hidden from the outside world for nearly 400 years, they had discovered the "lost city" of Machu Picchu. The site left them speechless.

 

Once you see Machu Picchu with your own eyes, you too will be left speechless. It is mysterious, alluring and spectacularly beautiful, and is one of the most dramatic places on earth, for both Peruvians and visitors alike.

 

This holiday is based in the Urubamba Valley, better known as El Valle Sagrado de los Incas (the Sacred Valley of the Incas). It is a spiritual and peaceful place that lies between the Inca capital of Cusco and the estate of Machu Picchu. The Inca worshipped the sun god (Inti) and the earth goddess (Pachamama). They were skilled agriculturalists and extraordinary architects, and even without the benefit of a system of writing, they managed a complex accounting system. This rich history comes to life throughout our holiday.

 

From our home base at the PAKARITAMPU LODGE in the town of Ollantaytambo, we'll hike to the famous salt pans of Maras, explore the ancient ruins of Pisac, enjoy amazing views of the snow-capped peaks of the Urumbamba mountain range and even participate in a very special ceremony of sound and traditional offerings to Mother Earth.

 

And then finally, the day arrives – our hike to Machu Picchu. We board the Vistadome train and disembark at km104 on the Cusco-Machu Picchu railroad. The trail ascends up and away from the Rio Urumbamba, through cloud forest to Intipunku, the Sun Gate. Rounding the corner of the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time with your own eyes will give you goose bumps.

 

Dates

September 15 to 27, 2017

Grade

Challenging

What's Included

- 12 nights' hotel accommodations
- 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- 7 guided hikes
- Guided tours of Machu Picchu and Lima
- Ceremony of sound and traditional offerings to Mother Earth
- Entry fees for attractions per itinerary
- 1 domestic flight
- Ground transportation and transfers

Cost

$3795 USD land

For this trip, we believe that pricing in U.S. dollars is the fairest way to offer you the best rates - with no artificial inflation of prices or lack of protection against fluctuations in exchange rates.

Send $300 deposit to reserve - balance is payable July 17, 2017.

My Own Room

If you would like to share accommodations, we offer a roommate pairing service. If there is another solo traveller looking to share accommodations, we will pair the two of you up together; in this case there would be no single supplement to pay.

If you would like to have your own room (or if a roommate is not available), then the single supplement would apply.

The cost of the single supplement for this holiday is $800 USD.

Meeting Times/Places

In order to allow for greater flexibility and more competitive pricing, group airfare is not available for this holiday. However, we will gladly book your airline tickets on an individual basis. We can accommodate any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers. Call us to discuss and we will tailor your flights to meet your needs.

Status

This year's trip is full but we would love to have you join us in 2018!

  • Daily Synopsis

  • Map

  • Photo Gallery

  • Accolades

  • Waitlist

  • Terms & Conditions

Daily Synopsis

Day 1

HOLA
From the airport, we will go directly to the hotel to check in for a good night's sleep.

Day 2

LIMA
A guided tour of Lima includes the Plaza de Armas, the San Francisco monastery, and the Larco Museum. (Light, sight-seeing)

Day 3

PISAC
Fly to Cusco & drive from Cusco to Pisac. There is a colourful and lively artisan market in Pisac. After lunch, visit the Pisac Ruins - famous for their agricultural terracing cut into the mountainside. From Pisac, continue to Ollantaytambo.

Day 4

MORAY - MARAS
Visit the "agricultural laboratory" of Moray. From Moray, cross the Maras Pampas to the town of Maras for lunch. Afterwards, continue walking through spectacular Quechua scenery to arrive at the "salineras" (salt pans) of Maras. (Moderate, 15 km)

Day 5

HUCHUY QOSQO
From Tauca, hike uphill amidst beautiful mountain scenery to the mountain pass of Apacheta & stop for lunch. Then descend until the site of Huchuy Qosqo - an Inca archaeological complex. From these ruins, continue descending to Lamay. (Very challenging, 12 km, 2000ft elevation gain + 4920ft decent)

Day 6

DAY OF LEISURE
Ollantaytambo is one of the prettiest villages in the Sacred Valley with a lively main square and a handicrafts market near the Fortress Ruins, which we recommend exploring.

Day 7

CACHICATA
Ascend an Inca trail following the Rio Urumbamba and passing terraces & tombs until the base of the Apu Buena Negra. During lunch, experience a special ceremony of sound and traditional offerings to Mother Earth. After the ceremony, descend to the Andean community of Cachicata. (Challenging, 9km, 2000ft elevation gain & descent)

Day 8

INKARAKAY
Today's hike is in the Pumawanka area, following the cascading Rio Pacchi & using an old Inca trade route. Lunch will be beside the lovely Pacchi waterfall. On the descent, visit the InkaRakay complex, a sort of resting spot along their journey as well as a marketplace. (Moderate-challenging, 12km, 1900ft elevation gain & descent)

Day 9

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
This is the day we have all been waiting for! Board the Vistadome train & disembark at km104 on the Cusco-Machu Picchu railroad - the starting point of our hike. The trail ascends up and away from the Rio Urumbamba, through cloud forest to a magnificent waterfall. Then from the waterfall, it is just minutes to the archaeological complex of Winaywayna. After some time to explore, we break for lunch. We then continue and climb to Intipunku, the Sun Gate. Rounding the corner of the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time with your own eyes will give you goose bumps. (Challenging, 14km, 1800ft elevation gain)

Day 10

MACHU PICCHU
Half-day tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. (Light, sightseeing)
Free time to explore & then train back to Cusco.

Day 11

DAY OF LEISURE IN CUSCO
Explore Cusco on your own - visit to the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas and the bohemian quarter of San Blas. Wander around the charming colonial streets of Cusco and maybe shop for souvenirs.

Day 12

TAMBOMACHAY TO CUSCO
This is one of the most interesting hikes near the city of Cusco as it joins 8 archaeological sites along one footpath. Begin in Tambomachay and eventually make your way to Sacsayhuaman - one of the largest and most impressive archeological sites in the Sacred Valley. (Moderate-challenging, 9km, 850ft elevation difference)

Day 13

ADIOS
We say "Adios" at the Cusco airport and journey home full of memories and treasures.

 

Interactive Trip Map

 

Click on the interactive map to see where we'll be hiking.

 

Select satellite view to get even more detail.

 

Photo Gallery

We have some great photos of previous tours of this location.
Click on the photo gallery link to view the gallery.

 

polaroids

What an experience!

 

"Un gros merci pour une vacance sans pareil! Des souvenirs pour plusieurs annees! Des vacances memorables grace a ton organisation incroyables et ton desire profond de nous faire decouvrir un monde nouveau."
Francoise F. et Michelle P. (Peru 2015)

 

"You are our Kantuta flower, our Peruvian princess among the ruins. Your patience and grace on days of great climbs make you the perfect travel guide. Thank you for planning surprises as well as education."
Cherrill F. & Ron C. (Peru 2015)

 

"Thank you for the gift of your planning and passion for hiking that made the last two weeks a truly memorable vacation."
Cathy C. & Ernie W. (Peru 2015)

 

"Thank you so very much for making this trip an exceptionally memorable one for us all. This has significantly charted our future travels and look forward to more trips with you."
Pat & Peter S. (Peru 2015)

 

Make a Reservation

We're so glad you've decided to take a trip with us! We will do our very best to ensure you have a great time. Thank you for your business and we look forward to seeing you.

Please fill out the registration form below.

It is important that you read the Terms and Conditions before completing this form.

Note that this trip is currently full but you can complete the registration form to get your name on the waitlist.

Destination

Machu Picchu, Peru

Dates

September 15 to 27, 2017

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Dietary Notes:


Insurance

Medical and cancellation/interruption insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all our tours and can be arranged through our offices. We work with Allianz Global Assistance.


I understand that by not purchasing Allianz Global Assistance offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays, I may be exposed to financial losses ranging from the full price of my trip to the unknown costs of trip interruption/cancellation or out of province medical care. I waive any liability against Comfortable Hiking Holidays or Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc. for any costs I incur as a result of my choice not to purchase this travel insurance.
I hereby decline any Allianz Global Assistance coverage offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

Travel Waiver and Release

On this date, I requested that Comfortable Hiking Holidays, an independent contractor (the 'IC') with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., make one or more travel arrangements (booking of flights; lodging; car rental; etc.) on my behalf as well as on behalf of my family/travel companions. Direct Travel Inc., its officers, directors, employees, advisors and contractors, including Independent Contractors, are hereinafter called 'Agency'.

I acknowledge that travel plans made for me/us by the Agency may be delayed, interrupted, or cancelled by service providers (airlines, cruise lines, lodging, etc.). I also acknowledge travel plans may be delayed, interrupted or cancelled by acts of God, by actions of government entities or by other third-party entities over which the Agency has no control. I further acknowledge that the service provider’s own cancellation, rebooking and refund policies, subject to any applicable current and future laws, will govern my rights and remedies, including my right to receive a refund, in such an event.

Moreover, I understand that should I elect to purchase travel protection plan, the terms of the individual policy I have chosen will dictate whether, and to what extent, coverage for any financial loss may exist under these circumstances.

By agreeing to these terms, I hereby agree to hold the Agency harmless and release it from any and all liability for any damages, including but not limited to monetary losses, I may incur as a result of such interruption or cancellation of these travel arrangements.

I agree to these terms.

 

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No space will be held until deposit is paid.

Terms & Conditions

 

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS

A deposit is required at the time of booking (see individual trips for amount required for deposit). The balance is due 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise specified. Late payments causing penalties to be levied by the airlines or any other supplier shall be the responsibility of the traveller.

 

Reservations are to be made online. We accept credit cards and personal cheques (payable to Comfortable Hiking Holidays). If paying by cheque, mail cheque along with a reservation form to:

 

Maddalena Molino

Comfortable Hiking Holidays

251 Consumers Road, 7th floor

Toronto, ON  M2J 4R3  Canada

 

6079113 Canada Inc., doing business as Comfortable Hiking Holidays, is an independent travel affiliate with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., a Canada corporation registered under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 Registration Nos. 50023501 and 50023502.

 

 

DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATIONS

All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

 

Comfortable Hiking Holidays will base the decision whether or not to proceed with a trip taking into account several key factors, including but not limited to: the Canadian government’s travel advisory, the state of entry/exit requirements in each specific country, as well as the overall COVID-19 situation at that time. Rest assured, that our number one priority remains the safety and well-being of all our guests.

 

After the balance has been paid, refund will be made (less $50 per person and less any incurred charges by hotels, airlines etc.) if YOU can find a replacement person. If no replacement is found, then all monies paid will be forfeited. No refund for any unused portion of a trip. All cancellations are only considered to have been received on the date of receipt of written cancellation in the office of Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

 

If we are forced to cancel a holiday, Comfortable Hiking Holidays will endeavour to recoup any monies already paid, however full refunds are not guaranteed.

 

AIRFARE

Group airfare is not offered for any of our trips, but we can recommend and book flights for you. We can accommodate any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers. There is a service fee for booking flights, which is not included in the cost of the tour package. 

 

Should you decide to book your own flights (which is not a problem at all), Comfortable Hiking Holidays will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip’s itinerary, so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.

 

Do not book your airfare until you check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays that we have the minimum number of participants to move ahead with the trip. Comfortable Hiking Holidays is not financially responsible for additional expenses incurred by you (such as non-refundable airline tickets) should a trip be cancelled.

 

Call us to discuss and we will tailor your flights to meet your needs.

 

TAXES

H.S.T.

The Harmonized Sales Tax will be added to all trips taking place in Canada.

 

INSURANCE

Medical and cancellation insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and can be arranged through our offices; we work with Allianz Global Assistance. If insurance is declined, a signed form will be required.

 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Should a participant fall ill with Covid while on the tour, the participant will be expected to isolate themselves until they have recovered or have a negative Covid test. This may require a change of hotels or even hospitalization. Such additional costs associated with care, isolation, and repatriation if necessary will be borne by the participant him/herself and/or his/her travel insurance. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed.

 

It is the traveller’s responsibility to determine what documentation is necessary for each country to be visited. All Canadian and U.S. citizens require valid passports for travel. It is recommended and sometimes necessary that passports have a minimum of 6 months to expiry. Other nationalities should check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays. For more information on travel requirements per country, visit www.voyage.gc.ca.

 

It is imperative that the traveller discloses to Comfortable Hiking Holidays any medical condition(s) that may affect his/her ability to complete the hike and/or tour. Examples include (but are not limited to): allergies, ailments, diseases, medical conditions, special diets, medications and so forth. This information will be kept strictly confidential.

 

Our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, but if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, they are authorized to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be responsible for additional costs incurred.

 

In booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described. If you have any doubt about your abilities, please call us to discuss.

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Prices are quoted are in CANADIAN DOLLARS (with some exceptions which are quoted in USD). They were calculated based on the exchange rates at the tme of publishing and are subject to change without notice. Should tour costs increase, Comfortable Hiking Holidays reserves the right to increase the price accordingly. If the price change is more than 7% of the total price for the travel services (except for a price change that is a result of Government Taxation), you are entitled to cancel if you wish, with full refund. You must notify us of your intention at least 48 hours after notification or if the change is a last minute change, within 24 hours of notification.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Prices quoted are for shared accommodations (two to a room). A roommate will be arranged  when possible, otherwise the single supplement will apply. Single rooms are available on most holidays; cost for the single supplement is available on request.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS

The scenery is always picture-worthy so please take as many photos as you wish. We will do the same, but please note that it is customary for us to use photographs taken on actual hikes for our promotional materials. If you do not wish to have your photo used in any of our promotional materials, please inform your hike leader at the BEGINNING OF THE TRIP.

 

SMOKING

As the great majority of trip participants do not smoke, those who do are requested to refrain from smoking while with the group (e.g. on the bus, during the hikes, at meals, in the bar and in your room if sharing with a non-smoker).

 

CHILDREN

All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

 

SITE ACCURACY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays has attempted to make this site accurate. However, changes might occur for reasons beyond the control of Comfortable Hiking Holidays. In addition, the right is reserved to substitute hotels or change the itinerary when necessary, provided the travel facilities or other services are of at least the same standard or value.

 

HIKE LEADERS

All of our leaders are experienced hikers and have had first aid training. A representative of C.H.H. will accompany all of the trips (unless otherwise specified) to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. Our hike leaders will be your guides on most holidays, but in some cases we will use local guides. C.H.H. reserves the right to make changes in hike leaders when necessary.

 

FORCE MAJEURE

Neither Comfortable Hiking Holidays nor Vision Travel shall be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment of any nature or kind whatsoever, resulting from events beyond their control or a supplier’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, terrorist acts, fire, earthquakes, weather conditions, storms, hurricanes, flood, civil or military authority, government requirement or restriction, disease, epidemic or pandemic.

 

OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel the operators, its agents, and/or suppliers of services act only as agents for the traveler and accept no responsibility for services of any hotel, aircraft, vessel, train, motor coach or any other conveyance used in connection with these tours, nor any delays, loss or accident to travelers or baggage occasioned by such services, from whatsoever cause. In the event it becomes necessary due to changes by supplier's airlines, or for the comfort or well being of passengers, or for any other reason, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operator. The extra cost, if any, resulting therefore, shall be paid by the tour members. Conversely, refunds will be made to passengers if any savings are effected thereby. The right is reserved to cancel any tour and to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, at any time. Acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance of all these conditions. There may be different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodations outside Ontario. Climate conditions may affect the provisions of services and the accommodations included in our tours. Accommodations offered in the tour are, to the best of our knowledge, available at the time of printing and accurately described.

 

TRAVEL WAIVER

Participants are required to sign a “Travel Waiver” form, which acknowledges that your travel plans may be interrupted or cancelled through no fault of ours, and as such you may or may not be eligible for a refund should things go awry as they did in 2020.

 

AIRLINE CLAUSE

The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omissions or event during the time the passengers are not on board the aircraft. The Passenger Ticket in use by the airline(s) when issued constitutes the sole contract between the airline(s) and the purchase of the ticket and/or passenger.

 

Although every precaution is taken for your safety, this type of excursion involves, by its very nature, a certain amount of risk. All participants are therefore required to sign a form releasing Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel of all liability.

 

Effective September 7, 2023, until further notice.