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Machu Picchu Mo!
Biking the Inca Empire
8 days:
US$2145
Currency Converter
12 days
(with Cloud Forest Adventure add-on):
US$2725
%20copy.JPG) Bike the Land of the Incas and visit Machu
Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Our
trip includes massive downhills, cross-country adventures
and uphills if you want 'em. And a support vehicle is
of course always on hand.
Depart any day and customize your tour at no extra
charge.
Bookmark
Us! (Ctrl+D)
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Day |
Location |
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1 |
Arrive Lima.
City tour if time allows |
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2 |
Cuzco
area biking and walking tour |
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3 |
Sacred Valley - downhills, markets, ruins and the train to Machu Picchu |
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4 |
Full
day
Machu Picchu guided visit |
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5 |
Cross-country to Moray Inca Terraces and Maras Salt
Pans |
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6-7 |
Lares
Valley two-day bike excursion - stunning views and
thermal baths! |
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8 |
Departure day OR
beginning of Cloud Forest Adventure |
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9-11 |
Nature
walks, cloud forest lodges and many miles of all
kinds of biking terrain. Return to Cuzco
evening of Day 11. |
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12 |
Early
morning flight to Lima. Intl. flights may depart any
time after noon. |
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MACHU PICCHU MO!
TRIP ITINERARY
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Day |
Activity/Location |
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1 |
Arrive
in Lima and transfer to our hotel. If arriving during the day, your
hotel will be in the neighborhood of Miraflores, with good shopping
and restaurants, and you'll have an included city tour in the
afternoon. If arriving late at night, you'll be close to the
airport for a bit more sleep before your next day's flight, and
you'll have a tour of Lima upon your return.
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2 |
Today we fly over the Andes to Cuzco, old capital of the
Inca Empire. Our tour of the area today will begin
high above Cuzco at the site of two Inca ruins. After
a visit to each site, we'll begin our first, mostly
downhill, ride through the open valleys and eucalyptus
groves above Cuzco. We'll visit the massive Inca
fortress of Sacsayhuaman before cruising down to Cuzco's
main plaza. Here we'll end our first biking excursion
and explore downtown Cuzco's colorful sites and sounds on
foot.
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3 |
This morning we're off to the Sacred
Valley, and then on to Aguas Calientes, just below Machu
Picchu, on the evening
train. Fifteen hundred feet lower than Cuzco, the warm
and fertile Sacred Valley was of immense strategic and
agricultural importance to the Incas. We'll visit two
sites today: Ollantaytambo and Pisac. First we'll
set off on another long, beautiful downhill through the
Andes to Pisac, a
small village with a great handicrafts market.
After shopping and bargaining for Andean goods, we'll
climb by van over 1000 feet up to the imposing Inca complex.
After a tour of the ruins, we'll bike back down on an
insanely fun set of paved switchbacks. Then on to Ollantaytambo,
Ollantaytambo is the only Inca
village still inhabited in the present day. Peer
through ancient, trapezoidal doorways into courtyards
where life has changed little in 500 years, then explore
the huge ruins which loom above the town. Finally
we board an evening
train to Aguas Calientes, below Machu Picchu, where
we'll spend the night.
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4 |
We can spend many hours today visiting the Sacred City of Machu
Picchu with our guide. After the visit, you may have time
to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, hike to
the Sun Gate or do other walks in the area. In the afternoon
we'll take the train back to
Ollantaytambo where we will spend the night.
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5 |
Today
offers off-road excitement, culture and spectacular scenery.
On this route, situated less than an hour away from Cuzco,
you will visit the impressive terraces of Moray (an ancient
Inca agricultural experimentation area) and the Maras Salt
Pans. Today you will not only cycle up and down hill through
defined paths, but you will feel the excitement of following
very fast and fun downhill single tracks towards the Sacred
Valley. A picnic lunch will be served in a nice spot,
overlooking beautiful scenery, then back to Cuzco for the
evening.
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6 |
It's the beautiful Lares
Valley today with thermal baths at the end! Your
transportation picks you up early in
the morning from the hotel in Cuzco to take you
on a 3 hour trip to the highest point on the way between Cuzco and the Lares Valley (4470m
/ 14665f). Depending on how fit you feel today, we will
drive you all the way to the mountain pass, or do some
uphill cycling to reach it on your bikes.
Once on the pass, you begin
what will be a relaxing day of mild dirt road downhill.
From time to time you will find some fun shortcuts to bike
through. A light picnic lunch will be served in a nice
spot overlooking the river.
Once in Lares you have plenty of
time to relax in the thermal baths. A great warm dinner is
served at night, to finish the day.
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7 |
After a healthy breakfast we
pack up camp and the private bus will take you back to the
Mountain Pass. Once again the Mountain Pass is the departure
point of your biking ride, but this time heading to the
Sacred Valley. The ancient Inca trail and a quick flowing
narrow stream lead you on your way down. Without even
noticing it, you go into a small hidden canyon where you may
appreciate a few Chulpas (pre Inca tombs) hanging from the
walls.
The path leads you to the native
community of Totora, where you may decide between following
a narrow single track offering breathtaking views of the
Sacred Valley, or just continue riding on the wide dirt road
to the town of Calca.
We return to Cuzco in the
afternoon for an included celebration dinner party with a
free buffet and drinks!
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8 |
Morning flight to Lima
for those only doing the eight day trip. International flights may depart any time after 12pm
from Lima.
If you
are staying for the four-day add-on, this day begins with a beautiful ride
throughout the
mountains towards the cloud forest beyond the Sacred Valley.
The cycling trip goes along a downhill dirt road with a few
up-hills, leading you to the town of Paucartambo. On the way
we'll visit ancient cave paintings. On arrival in
Paucartambo you can rest and enjoy a light energizing lunch.
Afterwards, you continue on the private bus to Ajanaco
mountain pass (11,810ft). Depending on how you feel at this
point, you have the chance to ride your bikes again and
pedal the last 14km of flat terrain to the camping site at
Tres Cruces (11,745ft).
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9 |
Today you get up before dawn to see the fabulous spectacle
of the sunrise which comes up between the clouds of the
forest and reaches your feet. After a hot breakfast you
take your bikes and start to pedal on what will be a day of
down-hill on dirt roads. You will be surprised by the
extreme change in scenery as it gradually changes into the
dense vegetation of the jungle. At about noon you enjoy a
picnic lunch in the middle of the forest. A couple of hours
later you arrive at the lodge in the cloud forest where you
can take a shower. During the afternoon you can walk around
the area and see some of the many species of animals and
plants living there.
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10 |
You begin the day very early with a short walk. If you are
lucky you may see the cock of the rock, Peru’s national
bird. After breakfast you take the bicycles and get back on
the dirt road, which through a combination of descents and
flat ground takes you to Pilcopata, where you have the
chance to get in the bus, or continue biking all the way to
Atalaya. At this point you take a short boat ride to the
lodge where you take a refreshing shower. During the
afternoon you can walk along the jungle paths and observe
some of its incredible flora and fauna.
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11 |
In the morning you are taken back to Atalaya, where the bus
is waiting to drive you back to Ajanaco, which will take
about 4 hours. From this point you ride descending on a
dirt road to Paucartambo. After lunch you continue by
bus to Cuzco.
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12 |
Early morning flight
to Lima. International flight may depart any time after 12:00pm |
TRIP DETAILS
8 days:
US$2145
Currency Converter
12 days:
(with Cloud Forest Adventure add-on):
US$2725
Depart any day!
Is this trip for me?
Machu Picchu Mo!
is an eight or twelve day tour which includes several mountain
biking excursions through various terrains, day hiking, and some
camping. As always, a
certain patience is required for the inconsistencies and delays of
developing-world travel.
Joining
the tour
On all Southern Crossings tours, you are met
at the airport by one of our representatives (holding a placard),
who will accompany you to our joining hotel. No bargaining or being
ripped off by airport taxis!
What's
included in the trip
Eight day tour:
·
Airport pickup at the beginning of trip and drop off
at end of the trip
·
Southern Crossings bilingual guides
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Internal flights, Lima-Cuzco and Cuzco-Lima
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Six nights of hotel accommodation,
one night of
camping
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Three one-day biking excursions, one two-day biking excursion,
including bike, helmet, gloves, meals while on excursions, and
camping gear (tent, mat, bag)
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All entrances
on excursions
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Four wheel drive vehicle support, mechanic and First
Aid
on all
excursions
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Breakfast every morning with your hotel stay
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Machu Picchu excursion, including bilingual guide,
round-trip train fare, transportation to/from ruins/Aguas
Calientes, and entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary
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Lima City Tour
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Cuzco City Tour
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The Cuzco Visitor's Ticket, which includes entrance to the
ruins in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, and many churches
and museums in Cuzco
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Farewell dinner party in Cuzco!
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Southern Crossings T-Shirt or Cap
Twelve-day tour:
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All of the above plus a four day/three night excursion by bike and
private transport to the Peruvian cloud forest.
Includes
bike, helmet, gloves, meals while on excursion, one night camping
(gear included), and two nights cloud forest lodge. One night
hotel in Cuzco is also included
What's not included
International flight to/from Lima, airport
taxes (approx. US$44), pre- & post- tour accommodation, visas, vaccinations,
personal insurance, meals except where specified above, drinks,
laundry, souvenirs, tips while on optional excursions and other
items of a personal nature. Medical travel insurance is not included
through Southern Crossings though we do require that you have a
policy. Check
www.travelguard.com to purchase a policy for your trip.
Extra Accommodation
We will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you before or
after your trip:
In Lima: $110 double/$90 single
In Cuzco: $120 double/$100 single
Single
Supplement: $780
Please add this to your total payment if you will be
travelling alone or wish to have private accommodation
PRE-TRIP PLANNER
Required documents
All travelers to Peru are required to have a passport
valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are not
required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand
passport holders. For other nationalities, please consult the
nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate. An onward ticket and
proof of funds may also be required at entry and should be available
to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks, currency, or a bank
statement, from the bank or printed off the internet, are sufficient
for proof of funds.
Required immunizations
No immunizations are required of travelers to these
areas of Peru. Travelers may wish to receive hepatitis
vaccinations and should be current on all other standard
vaccinations. There is no yellow fever or malaria in the areas
you will be visiting. Please consult your physician or local
health department for more information.
Things to bring
One should come well prepared for outdoor activity at
temperatures ranging from 30 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and for
extremes of sun and the possibility of rain.
Please note:
We provide a sleeping bag, foam mat, and of course tent. While
on excursions, each passenger is
allowed 15 pounds of personal items to be carried in our transport. Such items would include warm clothing for
camping, toiletries, a book, CD player, or other entertainment, etc.
During the day we’ll be using a daypack and will just need to carry
water, snacks, rain gear, and a layer or two for changing weather
conditions. Most people also carry a camera.
Suggested list of things to bring:
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Passport and, if necessary, visa
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Traveler’s checks and/or cash card
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Airline ticket
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Photocopies of airline ticket and documents
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Wearable pouch for documents and money
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Large, sturdy backpack or suitcase
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Smaller, comfortable day pack
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Trekking/walking boots, comfortable and worn-in
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Sandals or flip-flops
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Rain poncho or jacket
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Waterproof pants
· Sun
hat
· Hat
for cold weather
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Good, warm clothing for cold weather (think layers!)
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Scarf and gloves
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T-shirts
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Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments
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Towel and swimsuit for hot springs
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Camelback or Nalgene bottle (optional)
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Flashlight (head lamps are very
handy)
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Sunscreen
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Insect repellent (15% DEET recommended)
· Lip
balm
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Earplugs
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Alarm clock or watch
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Sanitizing hand wipes or gel
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Camera and film/digital memory cards
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Camera batteries
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Playing cards, games, reading material
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Prescription medications
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Toiletries
Note that common clothing, batteries, film,
medications, and such toiletries as toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet
paper, deodorant and feminine hygiene items are available in Peru.
It is best to bring from home such items as prescription meds,
eyewear and care, extra large clothing, shoes, unusual film and
camera batteries. Also note that most digital camera memory cards
can be downloaded and burned onto a CD in internet cafes in any
large city.
Climate
Rain is possible at any time of year, especially in
high mountains and cloud forest, and one should always be prepared.
The climate in sites we will visit is as follows:
Cuzco area:
days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy. Nights are
cold in Cuzco.
Lima:
warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain. Often
overcast.
Machu Picchu:
lower and warmer than Cuzco, with rain possible all year round.
Cloud forest: hot days, mild
evenings. Always a chance of clouds and rain.
Baggage
For your international flights, please check with
your airline. Within Peru, you are allowed 20 kilos (44 lbs)
of checked baggage, as well as one carry-on and another small,
purse-like item. The carry-on size regulations are the same as
international carry-on size regulations.
Money guide
The unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol.
Current currency conversion
Currency Converter
Automatic cash points are available in Lima and
Cuzco. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are the most common usable
types of cards. Traveler's checks (American Express is best!) or a
Visa or MasterCard for cash advances are also options. Do not
bring MoneyGrams or International Money Orders, as they are
extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange houses are
available in Lima and Cuzco. For currency, U.S. dollars are
recommended and most easily exchanged.
Please note that cash must be untorn. It can be
older-looking, but even the slightest tear on an edge will make it
un-changeable. Acceptable bills come out of the ATMs in
country.
Expect to spend about US$3-10 on a meal, US$2 on a
beer, water or soft drink in Peru. Shopping prices are usually
lower than people expect. Alpaca sweaters, for example, run
between $5 and $30.
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info@southerncrossings.com
Consultants and
participants in the
Kids TV Series
Are We There
Yet?
Read More...
"Amazing tour, well packed; made changes as
necessary… superb new bikes, new tires, very safe and
comfortable… I would very highly recommend the tour and
guide to all mi friends and family. Very professional
all the way"
Saul Wiesel, USA,
Peru Mountain Biking, June 2007
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It was a
great pleasure working with Doug Newton and Southern Crossings on
our National Geographic family travel TV series ‘Are We There
Yet?’. Doug showed a great flair for coming up with fun things for
kids to do at Machu Picchu, and put a lot of thought and time into
working with our specific needs. He was reliable, organized and
thorough, plus he was so friendly and calm that he was a pleasure to
work with! Thanks again, Doug!
- Stacey
Jenkins, Associate Producer, Sinking Ship Entertainment
Read More
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"This is
the first package tour we have taken. Karen made our trip personal,
packed in all we asked for, and kept us worry-free. Competant
friendly guides met us at every stage, with tickets and any other
time savers and we were whisked off to the next stage of our trip.
Without Southern Crossings we would never have been able to fit in
all we did, and time is our most precious commodity! It is the first
time we have had a hassle free holiday - any issues were not our
concern and were resolved by Karen before they effected us - THANK
YOU!"
- Julie
and Greg Rapley, UK, Amazon Adventure, August 2007
Read More |
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"I found
Southern Crossings to be wonderful. I went to Peru in October, 2006
(alone) and and then went again in May, 2007, to Brazil (with my
adult daughter). I really can't say enough about how much I enjoyed
working with Doug and the crew...They are highly recommended!!!!!
Hope you have a wonderful, wonderful trip."
- Helen
Vanston, USA, Inca Heartland October 2006 and Brazil Custom Tour May
2007
Read More |
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"The
whole trip was a fantastic experience and I'd like to thank Doug and
Juan especially, for making the Cuzco/Machu Picchu part of the trip
so memorable. We were very well taken care of and felt in safe hands
throughout. We managed to pack in a great deal in a short time
thanks to the fine schedule. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your
company to my friends. Thanks once again and remember you are
welcome to drop by any time you find yourself in England!
- Edna and Michael
Crone, UK, Nazca Express, April 2007
Read More |
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Thank
you so much for organizing our trip to Peru. The personal attention
and care you took of us made this vacation one of the best we have
ever had. We couldn't have had a better time and have thoroughly
recommended Southern Crossings to our family and friends. We look
forward to taking another trip with you very soon.
- Paul
Murray and Elizabeth Mathias, UK, The Sun Gate, August 2008
Read More |
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info@southerncrossings.com
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