The Sun Gate: Trip Itinerary and Details - Southern Crossings Tours and Travel

The Sun Gate:
Econoclass
trip itinerary and details

The Sun Gate:
Econoclass (What's this?)

(Inca Trail section + Lares Trek)
8 days: US$2040 per person including internal flights
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(What's included)

The Lares Valley is one of the most picturesque in southern Peru, home to high alpine lakes, snowcapped peaks, and traditional weaving and farming communities. Our trip also features hiking within the Machu Picchu sanctuary, including a beautiful section of the classic Inca Trail to the famous Sun Gate. And as on all Southern Crossings tours, you're taken care of from beginning to end: airport transfers and internal flights are included!

Day

Location

1

Arrive Lima. City tour today or upon your return

2

Flight to Cuzco. City and ruins tour

3-5

Lares Trek

6-7

Machu Picchu tour, then free time at the site

8

Flight to Lima / Departure Day

Depart any day and customize your tour at no extra charge.

THE SUN GATE TRIP ITINERARY

Day	Activity/Location
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.
2	Morning flight over the Andes to Cuzco. After checking into our hotel, we'll head to the Plaza de Armas, the center of old Cuzco, then climb up to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman above town for great afternoon views over the city. Depending on your arrival time, there may be time for shopping or more sightseeing in the afternoon.
3-5	This morning our Lares Valley trek begins. Traveling by bus we make our way from Cuzco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the town of Calca. From here we head up into the mountains on a spectacular road, finally arriving atLares Pass at 4470ms for the drop into the Lares valley. We will have the chance to soak in the hot springs before an early lunch. While lunch is being served our horsemen prepare the equipment for our 27km trek. Our trekking over the next three days offers spectacular views of several peaks over 20,000 ft., passing by pristine glacier lakes and remote native communities. Visits to these native communities are a special feature of the Lares Valley trek, as we learn about the weaving and shepherding traditions of these villagers and visit their schools and homes. On day 5, our trail leads downhill to an overlook facing a wide valley. Descending into the valley, we eventually arrive into the community of Huylloc where we have lunch. From here it takes two hours to arrive to Pumamarka and its enormous terraces, entering the town of Ollantaytambo soon afterwards. Situated in a fertile river valley and sheltered by mammoth mountains, this ancient Inca village is considered one of the most important living museums in the world. This is a perfect place to appreciate the Inca's archeological remains and a wide variety of flowers and birds species. Afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, just below Machu Picchu.
6	Sunrise at Machu Picchu! After a guided tour, take your time and independently explore this magnificent place. Overnight in Aguas Calientes, below the ruins.
7	Our extra day at Machu Picchu is dedicated to day hiking (with your guide) the many miles of Inca road surrounding the site, including walking a section of the famous “Inca Trail”. Options and estimated round-trip times include: Hiking to the Sun Gate or beyond along the famous Inca Trail. No permit required – we can walk back along the trail as far as the last campsite, where there is a guarded gate. 2 hours for Sun Gate. 4 hours to campsite. Climbing Huayna Picchu, the much-photographed mountain in front of Machu Picchu. 2.5 hours Climbing Huayna Picchu and continuing to the Temple of the Moon. This trip includes a small, exquisitely-carved cave, an Inca trail perched on precipitous cliffs and good opportunities for wildlife viewing. Well worth doing. 4.5 hours Hike to the Inca Bridge. An easy, mostly-level walk to an Inca construction built against a giant rock face. Impressive. 1 hour Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain, the big mountain behind the ruins. The toughest option but the best views. 4.5 hours Hiking to Inca terraces. These are newly-opened Inca trails that lead all the way down to the river and then connect to the rest of the Inca road system. They are open to the public as far as some terrace complexes. 2-3 hours.
8	Morning flight from Cuzco back to Lima and a free day in Lima or our included city tour. International flights may depart any time after 2pm.

TRIP DETAILS

8 days: US$2040.00 per person
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Depart any day

Is this trip for me?
The Sun Gate: Econoclass is an eight day tour which includes four days of trekking. 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

· Airport pickup at the beginning of trip and drop off at end of the trip

· Southern Crossings bilingual guide

· All other internal transport (excluding transport to optional restaurants, bars, sights and excursions)

· Internal flights, Lima-Cuzco, Cuzco-Lima

· Five nights of Econoclass hotel accommodation, two nights camping

Lares Trek, including bilingual guide, mules, cook, tent and sleeping mat

· All food while on the trek

· Breakfast included every morning with your hotel stay

· 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

· City tours of Cuzco and Lima

· Machu Picchu excursion, including bilingual guide, round trip train fare, transportation to/from ruins/Aguas Calientes, and entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary

· Southern Crossings T-Shirt or Cap

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: $80 double/$60 single
In Cuzco: $80 double/$60 single

Single Accommodation supplement: $220
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

A yellow fever vaccination and certificate is required to travel to the Amazon. Travelers may wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all other standard vaccinations. The rainforest area of Peru (approx. 3500 ft. and below, east of the Andes) is a malarial and yellow fever zone. The yellow fever vaccination with the official certificate is required, and travelers may wish to take malarial prophylaxis. 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 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and for extremes of sun and the possibility of rain. A list of things to bring would include:

Please note: During our trek, porters will accompany us to carry most of our things, including all the camping gear. Each passenger is allowed 15 pounds of personal items which will also be carried by the porters. 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. Of course most people also carry a camera.

· Passport and, if necessary, visa

· Traveler’s checks and/or cash card

· Airline ticket

· Photocopies of airline ticket and documents

· Wearable pouch for documents and money

· Large, sturdy backpack or suitcase

· Smaller, comfortable day pack

· Trekking/walking boots, comfortable and worn-in

· Sandals or flip-flops

· Rain poncho or jacket

· Waterproof pants

· Sun hat

· Hat for cold weather

· Good, warm clothing for cold weather (think layers!)

· Scarf and gloves

· T-shirts

· Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments

· Towel and swimsuit for hot springs

· Camelback or Nalgene bottle (optional)

· Flashlight (head lamps are very handy)

· Sunscreen

· Insect repellent (15-30% DEET recommended)

· Lip balm

· Earplugs

· Alarm clock or watch

· Sanitizing hand wipes or gel

· Camera and film/digital memory cards

· Camera batteries

· Playing cards, games, reading material

· Prescription medications

· 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: 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.

Lares Trek: days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy, but you probably won't be cold while hiking. Nights are cold, and there is always the chance of 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 in markets, for example, run between $5 and $30.

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"You guys really do set the standard for what a travel adventure company should be. You came through on your promise of personalized service from the beginning to the end of the trip. During our trip (especially at the train station), we heard horror stories from tourists that booked their vacations with other companies. We are so glad that we found you guys! Margo and Kris were extremely helpful from something as routine as where to exchange our currency to helping us not only to book, but arrange for us to sit in an oceanfront restaurant serving ceviche! We're gonna be recommending you guys to our friends and family. Top notch!"

- Ray and Katherine Ky, USA, The Sun Gate, September 2008

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

"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

"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

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