Classic Inca Trail 4 Days
PRICE FROM:
$ 680,00 USD
Per person
- OVERVIEW
4-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
The 4-day Inca Trail Trek is one of the most famous trekking routes in the world, offering a stunning combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This approximately 42-kilometer (26-mile) route culminates at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you can enjoy the sunrise over Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tour Features:
- Ancient Sites: Along the way, you will discover ancient Inca sites such as Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca.
- Preparation: It is essential to be physically fit and acclimatized to the altitude. Reservations are essential, as permits are limited and sell out quickly.
All-Inclusive Trekking Experience
- Reservations: Check availability and additional options to upgrade your Inca Trail package.
- Comprehensive Service: Our package includes high-quality camping equipment, nutritious meals, transportation, and the expertise of professional guides. We take care of all permits and fees for a hassle-free experience.
- Pickup and Drop-off: We offer direct pickup and drop-off at your hotel, eliminating any travel hassles.
Custom Pickup
- Sacred Valley: We have expanded our pick-up services to include places such as Pisac, Calca, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
Group Size
- Our groups are made up of 8 to 10 participants, with a maximum of 12 people, guaranteeing personalized attention throughout the hike.
Amenities and Safety
- Personal Porter: We include a personal porter at no additional cost to carry your belongings, with a 7kg duffel bag.
- First Aid and Oxygen: Our guides carry a first aid kit and oxygen tanks to ensure safety at high altitudes.
- High Quality Equipment: We provide comfortable tents and high quality inflatable mattresses to ensure your comfort during the adventure.
Pre-Tour Meeting
- An orientation session will be held at 6:00 p.m. the day before the tour at our office. If you are unable to attend, we will arrange a virtual meeting on the Inca Trail!
1 FULL DAY TOUR
PRICE FROM $680.00 per person
Places to visit:
Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Piscacucho, Wayllabamba, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñaywayna, Machupicchu
Group size:
MAX: 10 people
Physical level:
Easy
Departures:
Daily departures
- TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: CUSCO – PISCACUCHO (KM 82) – WAYLLABAMBA
The first day of the 4-day Inca Trail is relatively easy, providing a gentle introduction to the trek. The trek begins early in the morning, with pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 5:30 and 6:00 am. The drive to the trek’s starting point, Piscacucho, takes approximately two hours. From there, you will cross the Urubamba River and enter the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
After passing through the checkpoint, the trail will take you through beautiful Andean landscapes, with snow-capped peaks and lush vegetation. You will also pass by some small Incan ruins, including Llactapata, which serves as a nice warm-up for the ruins you will encounter later in the hike.
The trail will continue through the valley until reaching Wayllabamba, where we will set up camp for the night. This is a good time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before continuing the hike the next day.
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Early Morning Pickup: Pick up from your hotel in Cusco between 5:30 and 6:00 am and transfer to the starting point of the hike, km 82.
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Hike Description: Begin the hike with a gentle stroll along the Urubamba River, passing small villages and archaeological sites along the way.
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Trail Details: Hike through lush vegetation until you reach the first campsite at Wayllabamba, located 10,830 feet above sea level.
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Total hiking distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km (6-7 hours).
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Campsite elevation: 3000 meters (high) above sea level.
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Difficulty: Moderate day (acclimatization to the Inca Trail).
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Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Accommodation: Camping in tents.
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Climate: warm and windy.
Day 2: HUAYLLABAMBA - HIGHEST POINT OF THE INCA TRAIL - PACAYMAYO
The second day of the Inca Trail is the most challenging, as it includes a steep climb to Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca), which is at an altitude of 4,215 metres (13,780 ft). The trail is quite steep and may prove challenging for some, but the views from the summit are absolutely stunning.
After reaching the pass, you will begin the descent towards Pacaymayo, passing through beautiful landscapes and cloud forests. This part of the hike is particularly interesting as it takes you past several Inca ruins, including Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.
You will arrive at Pacaymayo in the late afternoon, where you will camp for the night. This is a good time to rest and recover before continuing the hike the next day.
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Today’s Challenge: This is considered the most challenging day of the hike as you will ascend to the highest point on the trail, Warmiwañusca Pass, at 4,215 meters (13,780 feet).
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Trail Description: Take breaks along the way to rest and enjoy the stunning views of the Andean mountains and valleys.
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Descent: Descent to the Pacaymayo valley and establishment of camp to spend the night.
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Total walking distance: 6.2 miles / 10 km (6-7 hours).
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Campsite elevation: 3,700 meters (high) above sea level.
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Difficulty: Challenging day (you will have survived the two highest passes).
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Area: Andes and Cloud Forest.
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Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Accommodation: Camping in tents.
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Climate: Cold and rainy.
Day 3: PACAYMAYO - PHUYUPATAMARKA - WIÑAYWAYNA
The third day of the Inca Trail is a little easier than the second, and consists mainly of downhill hiking to Wiñay Wayna. This section of the trail is particularly interesting, as it passes several Inca ruins, including Phuyupatamarca, known as the “City in the Clouds.”
You will also find beautiful waterfalls and streams, giving you plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy the scenery. You will arrive at Wiñay Wayna in the late afternoon, where you will set up camp for the night.
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Trail Overview: Today’s hike includes a combination of steep ascents and descents, passing several Inca sites along the way, including Runkurakay and Sayacmarca.
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Altitude Challenge : Reach the second highest point on the trail at 3,840 meters (12,630 feet) before descending into the cloud forest and reaching the final campsite of Wiñay Wayna.
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Total hiking distance: 9.94 miles / 16 km (7-8 hours).
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Campsite elevation: 2,600 meters (high) above sea level.
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Difficulty: Moderate day, short uphill stretch, then – all downhill!
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Area: High Cloud Forest.
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Area: High Cloud Forest.
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Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Accommodation: Camping in tents.
Day 4: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
The final day of the Inca Trail is the most exciting, as you’ll finally arrive at Machu Picchu. You’ll start the day early with a short hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which offers stunning views of Machu Picchu from above. From there, you’ll descend into the ruins for a guided tour.
Machu Picchu is truly awe-inspiring, with its stunning architecture and breathtaking views. After the tour, you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own before taking the train back to Cusco.
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Morning Itinerary: Rise early to arrive at Inti Punku (Sun Gate) in time to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu.
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Guided Tour: Descend into the citadel and enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Inca city.
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Afternoon Plans: In the afternoon, take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and take the train back to Cusco.
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Experience: Considered the most exciting and magical day.
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Area: High Cloud Forest and Subtropical Zone.
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Climate: Hot and very humid (bring plenty of water).
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Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.
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Bus: Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes are included.
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Train: Train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo are included, the train leaves at 14:30 or 14:55.
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Transfer: Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is included; approximately 1.5-2 hours by car.
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Return to Cusco: You will arrive in Cusco around 6:30 PM.
- INCLUDE / NOT INCLUDE
- INCLUDE
The Inca Trail is a popular multi-day hike that leads to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Our all-inclusive 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail package includes the following services:
All-Inclusive Services
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Transportation: Includes transportation from Cusco to the start of the trail and back once the hike is finished.
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Permits: A permit is required to hike the Inca Trail, and this is included in your package through Machu Picchu Reservations.
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Entrance Fees: The cost of the Inca Trail hike includes entrance fees to Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites along the trail.
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Briefing : A detailed briefing will be held at our office in Cusco at 6:00 pm the day before the trek. The tour guide will provide all necessary information about the trek, the route, and safety.
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Porters : A team of porters will carry most of your gear, leaving you with just a backpack. They will carry your duffel bag (7kg per hiker), pitch your tents, prepare your meals and carry all your camping equipment.
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Professional guide : An experienced and licensed guide will accompany you throughout the tour and provide you with information about the history and culture of the Inca civilization. Our guides are fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua.
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Meals : All meals are included from breakfast on the first day to lunch on the last day. The food is plentiful and nutritious, providing enough carbohydrates to sustain you during the long hikes:
- 4 Breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 3 prices
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Camping equipment : You will be provided with a tent and a mattress for 3 nights. We provide 1 tent for every 2 people (Eureka Timberline tents designed for 4 but shared by only 2) and 1 Thermarest air mattress for each participant to ensure a warm and comfortable night’s sleep at the campsites.
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Guided Tour to Machu Picchu: Includes a guided tour of the ruins of Machu Picchu.
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Bus Ticket: From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
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Train Tickets: Expedition or Voyager train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo at 14:30 or 14:55, allowing you to return to Cusco around 19:00.
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Transfer Service: Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is included, returning to your hotel.
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Safety Equipment: Oxygen and first aid kits are provided in case of emergencies.
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Private portable toilets: available along the route.
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Vegetarian meals: Available upon request at no additional cost.
This comprehensive package guarantees a memorable and enjoyable experience on the Inca Trail, allowing you to focus on the adventure and the stunning scenery while we take care of all the details.
- NOT INCLUDE
- Sleeping bags: If you don’t have one, you can rent one from the company.
- Trekking poles: If you don’t have them, you can rent them from the company.
- Travel Insurance
Tips for the 4-day Inca Trail:
Tipping is a way of showing appreciation for services provided by staff and is considered an important part of the Inca Trail trekking experience. The tip amount varies depending on the level of service provided and the size of the trekking group, but a typical tip for a porter is around 20 to 30 soles per day, and for a guide, it is around 50 to 100 soles per day.
Tipping also encourages good service and can help build positive relationships between hikers and support staff on the Inca Trail.
It is important to note that tipping is voluntary and not mandatory, but it is a common practice and a great way to recognize and thank the hard-working staff who make the Inca Trail experience possible.
- WHAT TO BRING
If you plan to hike the Inca Trail, you will need to bring with you the essentials for the 4-day hike. Below are some essential items you should consider bringing:
CLOTHES:
- Comfortable hiking shoes/boots
- Moisture wicking hiking socks
- Quick-drying pants
- Light T-shirts
- Long sleeve shirt
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Rain jacket and pants
- Hat or cap
- Gloves
SLEEPING EQUIPMENT:
- Sleeping bag (suitable for cold weather): If you don’t have one, you can rent one from the company.
- Pillow (optional)
TREKKING EQUIPMENT:
- Small backpack (20 to 30 liters)
- Trekking poles: If you don’t have them, you can rent them from the company.
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle or hydration system.
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Passport and necessary documents
- Original student ID if applying for student rate
- Cash to tip your guides and porters
- Camera or phone with a good camera to capture memories.
- Portable charger for electronic devices
- Light towel
It’s important to note that there are strict rules about what you can bring on the Inca Trail, so be sure to check with your tour operator or guide to make sure you’re not carrying any prohibited items. Porters will likely carry most of your gear, so pack everything in a sturdy, waterproof duffel bag.
We provide you with a duffel bag so you can carry 7 kilos of your personal belongings. The porter will carry the duffel bags throughout the tour.
- PRICES
PRICES: 4-DAY INCA TRAIL TREKKING TO MACHU PICCHU – GROUP SERVICE – 2024 AND 2025 SEASONS
Fair and Reasonable Prices: We pride ourselves on offering fair and reasonable prices for the 4-day Inca Trail trek. We make sure that every service provided is accurately priced without unnecessary markups. Our goal is to optimize your travel budget so that the majority of what you pay directly supports the local people who contribute to making your travel experience exceptional.
Pricing details for 2023 and 2024:
- Adult: $700 USD per person
- Student: $680 USD per person (valid student ID required)
- Child (minor): $680 USD per person – Applicable for all visitors ages 3 to 17
Our prices reflect our commitment to providing you with a high-quality experience, including qualified guides, logistical support and the necessary permits to ensure a smooth and enriching trip on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Flexible Departure Dates: We offer the flexibility to start the tour any day of the week, subject to the availability of government permits. It is important to remember that permits are only required for the start date of your trek.
STUDENT PRICE
HOW TO ACCESS THE STUDENT PRICE FOR A TOUR TO MACHU PICCHU
The Peruvian government offers student discounts on entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. For this reason, on our Machu Picchu tours we offer a reduced rate for students. To qualify for this special rate, you must meet the following requirements:
- Student age: You must be under 25 years old at the time of your visit to Machu Picchu. This age limit is intended to benefit undergraduate students.
- Student ID material and format: The ID must be a physical plastic card, similar to a credit card, with all required information printed on it. Cards made from other materials or with information added via stickers or without printing are not accepted.
- Mandatory information on the card: The card must have the following information printed on it: university details, student personal details, student photograph, and a validity date no more than one year from the date of your visit. For example, if you plan to visit us in 2024, the card must not expire before 2025 and must be valid for the duration of your visit.
- Note on the ISIC card: While the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is recognized in many countries, it is not accepted by the Peruvian government to obtain student discounts at Machu Picchu. Just as the passport cannot be replaced by any other type of identification for international procedures, the student card cannot be replaced by an ISIC or any other document to obtain discounts in Peru.
The Peruvian government’s policy on student accreditation is strict. It is essential to present a card that meets these criteria in order to be eligible for student-priced tickets. At the entrance to Machu Picchu, you will be asked to show your physical student card. If you do not meet these requirements upon arrival at Machu Picchu, there is a significant risk that you will be denied entry and will be required to pay the full entrance fee, subject to availability. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your student card meets Peruvian regulations before booking your trip to Machu Picchu as a student.
- HOW TO RESERVE
How to make your reservation:
Booking the 4-Day Inca Trail is very easy. You can use any debit or credit card, with an additional charge of 2.9% for the customer. For customers in the United States, we offer the option to pay from a bank account with no additional charges.
Please read the details carefully before booking.
To book:
The price for the 4-day Inca Trail is $660 per adult and $630 per student or child. We require a non-refundable advance payment of $200 per person to confirm your reservation. This amount is used to purchase the Inca Trail permits and Machu Picchu entrance fees immediately. In accordance with Peruvian government regulations, these permits and entrance fees are strictly personal, non-refundable, and cannot be rescheduled. While the $200 advance payment is non-refundable, it guarantees your visit to Machu Picchu on the reserved date.
Payment of the remaining balance:
If you choose to pay only the prepayment, the remaining balance must be paid upon arrival in Cusco at our Machu Picchu Reservations office, at least 24 hours before the start of the tour. The balance can be paid in soles or US dollars in cash or by card (with an additional fee of 3.9%). You also have the option to pay online on our website with a fee of 2.9%.
Full payment option:
You may choose to pay the full cost of the tour online when making your reservation. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will be refunded the full amount minus the $200 non-refundable deposit.
Recommendations:
We strongly recommend that you fully understand all booking and cancellation policies before making your payment to ensure your investment is protected and you have a seamless booking experience for your Inca Trail adventure.
Please follow these steps to make a reservation:
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Start your reservation: To book your 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu experience, click on the yellow button that says “BOOK NOW.” By doing so, you will be redirected to our booking platform.
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Select Date, Number and Type of Visitor: On the platform you will be able to select the date on which you wish to start the tour. You will also be able to make reservations for adults, students and children as needed.
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Additional Options: You will have the opportunity to add extras to your reservation, such as tickets for Waynapicchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or the option to upgrade your experience with a Vistadome train ride. You can add these services according to your preferences.
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Personal Information Form: You will then be asked to fill out a form with your personal details. It is important that each participant provides detailed and accurate information.
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Payment Process: Finally, you will be directed to a secure payment form where you can make your payment online using any type of debit or credit card.
Important note:
We recommend that you review all the details and carefully select your options to ensure that your reservation perfectly fits your expectations and needs for this unique adventure on the Inca Trail.
After booking and completing payment:
Once you have completed your booking and payment, you will immediately receive an email confirming the transaction. This email will also contain a link that will allow you to modify specific details of your booking if necessary. Within the next 24 hours, our reservations team will send you a detailed email. This email will provide you with detailed information about your booking, including your Inca Trail permits and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
Contact our travel advisor to use this itinerary (or others) as a basis to design your perfect Peru adventure together!
OPINIONS ON TRIPADVISOR
We are proud to share that we have received 6,353 reviews on TripAdvisor, where our customers have highlighted our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. These comments reflect our dedication to providing unforgettable experiences at Machu Picchu.
María Rodríguez
25 enero 2024
¡Increíble experiencia con esta agencia de viajes! Desde el momento en que llegamos, nos hicieron sentir como en casa. El personal fue…
Emily Johnson
January 19, 2024
Absolutely fantastic experience with this travel agency! The tours were well-planned and allowed us to see the best of Cusco and Machu Picchu…
Carlos González
20 marzo 2024
Una experiencia inolvidable gracias a esta agencia. Los guías fueron muy conocedores y amigables, lo que hizo que cada tour fuera aún más…
Sarah Brown
February 5, 2024
An unforgettable trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu, thanks in large part to this travel agency. The tours were exciting and well-organized…
RELATED TOURS
We offer a variety of additional tours that maintain the same level of excellence and quality that you expect. Discover new adventures and possibilities with us without compromising the experience! Our optional trips are designed to enrich your visit to Machu Picchu and other nearby destinations, always guaranteeing first-class service.
BOOK NOW
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Reservations on Our Website are Individual
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We do not request any advance payment until we confirm the availability of your reservation on the selected dates.
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Once Availability is confirmed, we will send you an email from booking@mendozatoursperu.com with the link or payment methods available for your country. You can decide whether you want to cancel the entire amount or just a $200 deposit per person to confirm your reservation.
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Once your reservation is confirmed, we will take care of everything. We will be waiting for you the day you arrive in Cusco. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
