Hola Amigos!
Thank you for choosing to Travel with Nat in 2024! We had epic adventures the last 2 years and we’re looking forward to doing it all over again with this AMAZING 10-day itinerary. We will show 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. 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 30 – June 8, 2024
Day 1:
Welcome to Cusco! We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have the day to rest or roam around on your own until dinner time. We will have a welcome dinner to meet your guide and fellow travelers. Overnight in Cusco [Dinner Included]
Day 2:
We will take you on a full day city tour of Cusco with a guide. This tour will include all the major highlights while making stops to taste some local street foods along the way. In the afternoon, we will take you to a city overlook in the for photo ops. You can stay there as long as you want with dinner on your own for the evening. Overnight in Cusco [Breakfast, Lunch Included]
Day 3:
Get ready for your first big mountain experience! We’ll pick you up at 5am for a full day visit to Rainbow Mountain. You’ll enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive before a challenging 4-hour round-trip hike to the Rainbow Mountain Summit. After the hike, you will have a filling lunch before the ride back to Cusco. Dinner will be on your own whenever you’re ready. [Breakfast, Lunch Included]
Day 4:
Today we will head out for a full day in the heart of the Sacred Valley. You will have a morning walk on the Urquillos trail where you will see some beautiful waterfalls before visiting the Maras Salt Mines, Moray Inca Site, and a local community where you will have lunch, talk to locals and learn about the famous culture of the area. We will return to Cusco for your trek briefing and leave you to rest early before the big hike starts. [Breakfast, Lunch Included]
Days 5-8:
Hiking the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu! You will spend 02 nights camping and 03 days hiking up and down the Andes before taking the train to Aguas Calientes on day 03. You will have a night at a hotel in town where you can have a warm shower and comfy bed before spending your 4th day on a guided tour of Machu Picchu. After your tour, you will return to the town of Ollantaytambo by train where you will have dinner, explore at your leisure, and sleep at a hotel in town. [4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners Included]
Day 9:
Your final day will start with breakfast and a tour of the Ollantaytambo ruins. You will have lunch in the Sacred Valley the way back to Cusco. After having some time to relax, we will have a goodbye dinner together in town so we can say “Hasta Luego!” and wish you safe travels. [Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Included]
Day 10:
We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Cusco airport for your flight home. [Breakfast Included]
What’s Included?
✓ All Accommodations and transportation
✓ 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 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 Airfare
X Alcoholic beverages of any kind unless offered as part of a tour
X Meals not listed
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/Travel with Nat” 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 $200 (total, not per night).
What is the weather like in 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 $500 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) we will do everything we can to refund your remaining balance in full (not including the non-refundable $500 deposit).
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 $2000 USD per person, we only need a $500 deposit to hold the space. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable. Portions of the payment will be due beginning in January 2024 with final balance due by April 30, 2024.
Steps to book:
- Click this link to be taken to the deposit page.
- 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)
**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.
