Important Information

Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu trek.

Altitude & Walking Pace

What if I am a slow walker or worried about altitude sickness?

You do not need to worry about your fitness level or walking speed on this tour.

Here is how we ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience for every traveler:

• Private and Flexible Pace: Because this is a private tour, there is no large group pushing you forward. You set the walking pace, and your guide will gladly adapt to your rhythm with plenty of rest stops.
• Gradual Altitude Adaptation: We start your trip with easy city exploration and move into the lower-altitude Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu early on, which naturally helps your body adjust.
• Continuous Support and Safety: Your guide is trained in high-altitude support, listens to your needs, and carries a full first-aid kit along with emergency supplemental oxygen on all land excursions.
• Helpful Local Remedies: You can take advantage of simple acclimatization tips such as staying hydrated, taking it easy on your arrival afternoon, and sipping traditional coca tea provided at your hotels.

Remember that this itinerary is designed for sightseeing rather than intense trekking, so you can explore every historic landmark comfortably at your own pace.

How do I book this tour?

FIRST, to book your tour, click BOOK NOW on our website and complete the online reservation form.

Please have the following details ready for each participant:

• Full name exactly as shown on your passport
• Gender
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Nationality

Second, we require a deposit of $200.00 USD per person in order to purchase your Machu Picchu entrance permits and train tickets. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.

Can I change my departure date after booking?

Once Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train permits are purchased, government regulations strictly prohibit any date changes, name edits, or transfers. All permits and tickets are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.

Do I need my physical original passport on the tour?

Yes, you must carry the exact physical original passport used when making your booking. Student card holders must also present their physical valid student ID card to enter sites with a student discount.

What happens if I renew my passport before the trip?

If you renew your passport after booking, you must email us a copy of both your old and new passports before your trip. We will update your government permit details for an administrative fee of 25 USD, or you can bring both physical original passports with you on the tour.

Where do I leave my main luggage during the tour?

You can leave your large main luggage in secure storage at your Cusco hotel free of charge during the tour. You will only need to carry a small daypack containing your clothes and daily essentials for your nights in Urubamba and Aguas Calientes.

What circuit will I visit at Machu Picchu?

Your tour includes Circuit 2, which covers the primary sectors of Machu Picchu, including the upper and lower terraces for classic photos, the Sun Temple, and the main sacred plazas.

What is the difference between Expedition and Vistadome trains?

The Expedition train offers comfortable standard seating with panoramic overhead windows. The Vistadome train provides an upgraded experience featuring large side and ceiling windows, complimentary snacks, an onboard Andean dance show, and an alpaca fashion demonstration.

Weather climates in Sacred Vally, Machu Picchu and Cusco

What is the weather like between Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, and how should I pack?

Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu each sit at different altitudes, which creates distinct microclimates during your 3-day tour:

• Cusco rests at the highest altitude of 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), where mornings and nights are cold, requiring a warm fleece jacket, beanie, and thermal layers.
• The Sacred Valley sits lower at around 2,870 meters (9,416 feet) and enjoys milder, sunnier daytime weather, making light long-sleeve shirts and trousers comfortable.
• Machu Picchu is located down in the cloud forest at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet), where conditions are noticeably warmer and more humid.

Because Machu Picchu is warmer and humid, you will not need heavy winter coats or thick jumpers while exploring the citadel. Instead, dress in light, breathable layers that you can easily shed as the sun comes out, and carry a compact rain jacket or poncho in case of sudden cloud forest rain.

Where is the Apple Travel Peru office located, and what are your opening hours?

Our main office is conveniently located in the historic center of Cusco.

• Office Address: Calle Garcilaso 210, Office 201, Second Floor, Casa del Abuelo, Cusco, Peru
• Location Reference: We are located just off Plaza San Francisco, inside the Casa del Abuelo shopping center.
• Opening Hours: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays).

You are welcome to visit our office during opening hours to drop off your balance payment, pick up your pre-tour briefing information, or ask our team any questions about your upcoming trip.

Is 3 days enough time to visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu?

Yes. A 3-day / 2-night private itinerary is the most efficient way to see all three regions without feeling rushed. By sleeping the first night in the lower-altitude Sacred Valley (Urubamba at 2,870m / 9,416ft) and the second night in Aguas Calientes, you avoid severe altitude sickness while exploring Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Moray, Maras, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu Citadel on Circuit 2.

What is the train luggage weight limit for PeruRail to Machu Picchu?

PeruRail enforces a strict hand-luggage limit of 5 kg (11 lbs) per passenger with maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches (length + width + height). You should pack your overnight essentials in a small 20L–30L daypack for your nights in Urubamba and Aguas Calientes, while leaving your main suitcases in complimentary secure storage at your Cusco hotel.

Can Apple Travel Peru pick me up directly from the Cusco Airport (CUZ) on Day 1?

Yes. Because this is a private tour, we can pick you up directly from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco on Day 1 morning, provided your flight arrives before 8:30 AM. Alternatively, we provide door-to-door pickup from any hotel or Airbnb in Cusco’s historic center.

How difficult is the optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike?

Huayna Picchu is a steep, moderate-to-challenging 2-hour round-trip climb featuring narrow Inca staircases with steep drops, suited for active travelers comfortable with heights. Machu Picchu Mountain is a longer, less steep 3-hour round-trip hike on wider stone trails requiring steady aerobic endurance. Both optional hikes require purchasing permits 2 to 4 months in advance due to strict daily ticket caps.

Are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options available on this tour?

Yes. All included buffet lunches in the Sacred Valley cater fully to dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences. Please notify us of any dietary requirements or food allergies when completing your booking form so we can inform our partner restaurants ahead of time.

What are the time limits and entry rules inside Machu Picchu Citadel?

Under Peruvian Ministry of Culture regulations, Circuit 2 entrance permits grant up to 3 hours inside the citadel, which provides ample time for a complete 2-hour guided tour and leisure photo stops. Visitors must walk along designated one-way circuits alongside a licensed tour guide, and re-entry is not permitted once you exit the main turnstiles.

Is this 3-day Cusco and Machu Picchu tour suitable for seniors and young children?

 Yes. This itinerary involves zero long-distance trekking and low physical exertion, making it ideal for seniors, multi-generational families, and young children. Since this is a private tour, your private driver and guide move entirely at your group’s pace with custom rest stops, and spending Night 1 in the lower-altitude Sacred Valley helps prevent altitude fatigue in vulnerable travelers.