Hola Amigos!
Thank you for choosing to travel with Zach and Art of Story to help us tell the story of the Quechua people in the Cusco region of Peru. We are looking forward to showing you the best parts of the ancient Inca Empire.
During our time together, we will meet locals, learn about ancient traditions, eat amazing food, see some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth, and have a ton of fun while we do it!
This page has been set up to provide more information. Please select the options below to learn more about the trip and what you can expect.
The “How to Book” tab explains more about the payment process and how we’ll officially secure your reservations after Zach selects the team. Please note: You will be asked to provide passport information when reserving your space.
If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to send an email to info@firststepexpeditions.com at any time.
Itinerary
May 31-June 7, 2022
Day 1:
Welcome to Cusco! We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have some time to relax at your hotel before an afternoon walking tour of this former capital of the Inca Empire. The evening is yours to relax and explore the city on your own before the big adventure begins.
Day 2:
Today we will head out into the Umasbambas Community in the Sacred Valley where you will meet with the locals and begin to learn about their culture. They will teach you some of their traditional practices while sharing meals together and learning about their daily lives. You will stay overnight at a home in the community [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included]
Day 3:
The second day of your tour of the local community will include a visit to a local school in addition to meeting more locals. After a full day, we will take you to the town of Ollantaytambo will have a chance to stay at a hotel and prepare for your long trek over the following days. [Breakfast & Lunch Included]
Days 4-7:
Hiking the Ancascocha Trek! You will spend 03 nights hiking and camping in the spectacular Andes taking every opportunity to meet the locals and enjoy sunrise and sunset lighting. On the last day of your trek, we will return to your hotel in Cusco. Later in the evening, we will have dinner together so we can say “Hasta Luego!” and wish you safe travels. [4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners Included]
Day 8:
We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Cusco airport for your flight home. [Breakfast Included if time permits]
What’s Included?
✓ All Accommodations and transportation
✓ 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners
✓ Tent (based on double occupancy) and padded foam sleeping mats
✓ All trail permits and entrance fees
✓ Private, English-speaking guide
✓ Purified water at every meal stop on the hike
NOT INCLUDED:
X Gratuity for staff
X Sleeping bags (available for rent for $30)
X Walking Sticks (available for rent for $12)
X Optional extension to Machu Picchu (available for $350 per person)
X Airfare
X Alcoholic beverages of any kind unless offered as part of a tour
X Travel insurance
FAQs
How will you pick me up from my flight?
Prior to arrival, an email will be sent requesting your flight number and arrival time. Our driver will be outside the Cusco airport holding a “First Step Expeditions” sign. More information and a map will be provided with purchase.
Do I need to bring my own camping equipment?
We will provide a tent and padded sleeping mat. Tents are set for double occupancy. If you need your own tent, there will be an additional $30 charge (total, not per night).
Sleeping bags are available for rent for $30 per person.
What are the accommodations?
The actual location will depend on group size and availability as we get closer to the trip, but we work with 3 star hotel-level accommodations (two double or queen sized beds with private bath). Costs are set for double occupancy. If a single room is required for the duration of the tour, there will be an additional charge of $150 (total, not per night).
What is the weather like in May/June?
The weather in Cusco is consistent all year round with warm days (70-75F) and cold nights (30-40F). The mountains are unpredictable though so you should always pack layers and be prepared for rain. Packing recommendations will be provided with purchase.
What is your cancellation policy?
The $200 deposit is non-refundable.
Otherwise, if you cancel your trip, 100% of the remaining balance is refundable if you cancel more than 60 days before your trip. 50% of your balance is refundable if you cancel between 59 and 31 days prior to the trip. If you cancel within 30 days, no refund will be available.
If your trip is canceled due to circumstances out of your control (like a pandemic or quarantine restrictions) 100% of your remaining balance (not including the non-refundable $200 deposit) is fully refundable.
The $200 non-refundable deposit can be transferred to any future date within 2 years of your scheduled trek start.
Please visit this page to review our other terms and conditions prior to purchase.
How to Book
While the full cost of this trip starts from $1300* USD per person, we only need a $200 deposit to hold the space. The remainder of the payment will be due by April 30, 2022.
Steps to book:
- A link to the payment form will be sent directly to team members once all applications are complete and the final team is built.
- Fill out the form and click “Submit”
- Make your payment when redirected to Paypal**
- Receive confirmation from info@firststepexpeditions.com that your deposit was received. (Be sure to check your SPAM if you don’t see the response within 24 hours)
*The price may be reduced by $200 USD per person if enough applications are selected
**If you do not have Paypal, you can complete the deposit by checking out as a Guest using the “Pay by Debit or Credit Card” button on the page.
