Highlights |
Escorted Package Includes
- Round trip flights Miami-Lima▲
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- Intra-flights
- 11 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels
- 4 nights Lima
- 2 nights Urubamba Sacred Valley
- 1 night Machu Picchu
- 2 nights Cuzco
- 2 nights Puno
- All transfers
- 17 meals: 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager Days 1-10
- Services of English-speaking local guides
- Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley and Pisac Market
- Puno and Lake Titicaca
- Nazca Lines
▲ Flights from the USA may arrive early on DAY 2. Sightseeing commences in the afternoon of Day 2
Also Available
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Itinerary |
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DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart the USA/Lima
Depart the USA for Peru. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Lima
Overnight: Lima
DAY 2, Thursday - Lima City Tour
Morning at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the "City of the Kings." See 2000 years of indigenous and colonial heritage firsthand on this tour of Peru's capital city. Visit Lima's historical center, including Plaza Mayor, City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. Afterward, visit Casa Luna, where you will be welcomed into the homes of craftsmen, giving you the opportunity to view a collection of unique Nativity scenes. Lastly, enjoy a chance to learn about fine Peruvian craftsmanship in the workshop of one of Lima's top goldsmiths
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Friday - Flight to Cuzco
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco, transfer to your hotel in Urubamba and spend the afternoon at leisure
Optional: Maras and Moray Tour (PM)
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Saturday - Urubamba Sacred Valley & Pisac Market
Today, discover Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, visit the colorful Pisac Market before enjoying lunch at a local inn. Following lunch, visit the incredible Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, a massive stronghold that still looks almost identical to how it appeared in the time of the Incas
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5, Sunday - Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Transfer to the Urubamba Sacred Valley's Ollanta train station for Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, where you will begin your guided tour of the ancient Citadel
Overnight: Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Monday - Morning in Machu Picchu
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station for your return journey to the Sacred Valley and on to Cuzco. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel
Optional: Second viewing of Machu Picchu (AM)
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Tuesday - Cuzco City Tour
This morning, enjoy a city tour of Cuzco including visits to Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cathedral, Old Town, Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara. Balance of the day to explore the area independently
Optional: Dinner in Cuzco
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Wednesday - Visit the Town of Andahuaylillas
Transfer to the bus station for your journey to Puno. En route, enjoy spectacular views of the dramatic highland plateau and visit the town of Andahuaylillas, known for its beautifully adorned Church of San Pedro. Upon arrival in Puno, transfer to your hotel
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Thursday - Visit the Floating Islands of the Uros
Take a motor-boat trip to some of the more unique islands of Lake Titicaca, starting with Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who live in a collectivist society based on ancient Inca principles. After a box lunch, proceed to the utterly fascinating Uros Islands. These islands are completely man-made structures, and their inhabitants, the Uros, continue to maintain them as they have since pre-Columbian times, using totora reeds from the lake to build not only the islands, but also their houses and watchtowers
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10, Friday - Visit to the "Chullpas" of Sillustani
Early morning visit to the "Chullpas" of Sillustani, the site where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in cylindrical tombs. Continue to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a dinner and Peruvian show and dance set to Andean mountain music
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Saturday - Nazca Lines
This morning, transfer to your bus for a drive along the Pan-American Highway to Ica, the heart of Peru's wine region. Upon arrival in Ica, board a small sightseeing plane and fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, which can only be appreciated fully from the air. Located in the sands of the Nazca Desert, these gigantic geoglyphs stretch 53 miles, depicting hundreds of stylized figures, the largest of which are nearly 900 feet long. Created centuries ago by the Nazca people, the reason behind their existence remains unknown. After approximately an hour of flying, land and return by bus to Lima before being transferred back to your hotel
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Sunday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Maras & Moray Tour |
Day #3 |
11 Jan 2009 - 02 Jan 2010 $85
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Enjoy an optional afternoon tour to Maras and Moray. Visit Maras and the terraced salt-pans of Las Salinas before continuing to discover the unusual Inca ruins of Moray, a large complex of terraced circular depressions in the earth which historians believe were used to study the climatic conditions on crops. As you descend each layer or pit, the surrounding temperature descends as well, degree by degree, making for a unique and highly sophisticated thermographic tool.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel.
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| Machu Picchu Bus Tour |
Day #6 |
11 Jan 2009 - 02 Jan 2010 $123
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Join an optional tour to the ruins of Machu Picchu to further explore the famed archaeological site and symbol of the Inca Empire, perched on a steep mountain ridge. In 1983, UNESCO declared the ruins a World Heritage Site, a site to which the National Geographic Society dedicated its entire April 1913 issue.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel.
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| Dinner in Cuzco |
Day #7 |
11 Jan 2009 - 02 Jan 2010 $74
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Enjoy an optional gourmet dinner at the stylish MAP Café, located within the Pre-Colombian Art Museum. This hip café, known as one of Cuzco's hottest eateries, offers a Peruvian fusion menu with Italian and French influences.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, domestic airport taxes of $50.43, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Lima-Cuzco, Juliaca-Lima.
Machu Picchu, Plan A: Jan 28 through Jul 15 departures will be accommodated in Superior Rooms at Hatuchay Tower Machu Picchu.
Cuzco, Plan A: Jun 17 departure will be accommodated at Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco.
▲ Flights from the USA may arrive early on DAY 2. Sightseeing commences in the afternoon of Day 2
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you’ll need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| Peru - While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially if traveling to the Amazon or onward to Bolivia. Please consult your physician before traveling to Peru.
Cuzco, situated at an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level, may cause in some travelers temporary altitude discomfort. Those affected should avoid over-exertion, drink extra water, and eat lightly. Gate 1 suggests you consult with your health care provider, who may recommend prophylaxis with acetazolamide. Other areas of Peru are also situated at high altitudes including Machu Picchu (7,800 feet), Sacred Urubamba Valley (9,300 feet) and Puno (12,600 feet).
| | Climate & Clothing | Peru - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Peru's climate is divided into two seasons. The wet season is from November through April. The dry season is from May through October.
Peru Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#peru-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
| | Peru Domestic Flights | The airline tickets enclosed are for your international flights to/from Lima (provided that you purchased them from Gate 1). If tickets for your flights within Peru are not enclosed, you will receive your tickets (for example, Lima to Cuzco and vice-versa) once you arrive in Peru. Please note that you may only bring a total of up to 50 lbs of luggage per person on flights within Peru. This weight restriction may differ from your international carrier's and is subject to change.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
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| Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Peru - Duty-free shops and artisan's shops offer tourists the opportunity to purchase Peruvian handicrafts such as pottery, carvings, and weavings.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Peru - The Nuevo Sol is the currency of Peru. Most tourist areas accept and exchange U.S. dollars.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Peru - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| Peru - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Peru, there are significant issues with theft in public places. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Peru
| | Languages | Peru - Spanish is the local language. Quechua is spoken in some areas as well. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Peru - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Peru - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. Please demonstrate respect for the cultural artifacts of the indigenous peoples.
| | Holidays - Peru |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Apr 9 |
Holy Thursday |
Apr 10 |
Good Friday |
Apr 12 |
Easter |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
Jun 29 |
St. Peter & St. Paul Day |
Jul 28 |
Independence Day |
Aug 30 |
Santa Rosa de Lima Day |
Oct 8 |
Battle of Angamos |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Dec 8 |
Immaculate Conception Day |
Dec 25 |
Christmas |
| | Food | Peru - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water.
| | Machu Picchu Trains | Due to the size of the trains to and from Machu Picchu, passengers may only bring 1 small (overnight) bag as luggage. Additional luggage will be transported to and held at your hotel in Cuzco for no additional charge.
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