Quality South America Tours and Travel

South America - Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Following the Footsteps of the Ancient Inca's

Hike the famous Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail offers the traveller a wonderful combination of scenery including magnificent mountains, fauna and flora, subtropical vegetation and the amazing Inca ruins.
Hike along the Urubamba River, up through valleys and over mountain passes as you wind your way through spectacular cloud forest to reach the ancient Inca Ruins of Machu Picchu. Following the footsteps of the ancient Incas you will be amazed and intrigued to learn from your expert guide all there is to know about this mysterious race.  On the morning of the fourth day you will arrive at the Inca Sun Gate and will be rewarded with your first view of the magnificent lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins and some time at leisure before returning to Cusco.

Things you'll see

Cusco, Peru
4 Days

Day 1: Cusco (3,350m) – Km82 (2,800m) – Wayllabamba (3,000m)
Early morning rise. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and we drive to the start of the trail (approx. 2 hours) taking you through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo where we stop to take a break. We continue onwards to Km82 - the start of the trail. Here we enjoy the view of Veronica Snow Mountain (5,720m). We then commence walking for about 3 hours, whereafter we take lunch close to Llactapata Ruins and then continue our trek through lush farmland and woodlands to our first camp at Wayllabamba. (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca (4,200m) – Pacaymayo (3,600m)
After breakfast, we begin to walk the toughest part of the trail. After 3 hours walking we reach the highest point in the Inca Trail, Warmiwañusca, or more commonly known as Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m), where you have a beautiful panoramic view of the area. After lunch we continue down to Pacaymayo where we set up camp and have a nutritious dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Pacaymayo – Phuya Patamarka (3,600m) – Wiñay Huayna (2,700m)
Today we ascend towards the second most important pass on the trail which lies at 4,000m. We reach the Inca Ruins of Runkurakay and the Inca citadel of Sayacmarca. We continue trekking towards Puya Patamarka (Cloud-level town), another important archaeological monument, where lunch will be served. After a short break we continue walking to Wiñay Huayna (Forever Young), a beautiful Inca construction. We camp near to the ruins and have well deserved nutritious dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Wiñay Huayna – Machupicchu (2,500m) – Cusco
A very early start after breakfast in order that we can arrive in time for sunrise at Machupicchu. We walk for about an hour through the forest before arriving at the Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), where we will have our first inspiring view of Machupicchu. We admire the view before setting off for the short walk into the ruins. There will be a 2 hour fully guided tour around the ruins, visiting the main sites and monuments. After the tour you will have free time to wander around and explore by yourself. In the afternoon we take the train back to Cusco, where you will be transferred back to your hotel. (Breakfast)

NOTE ABOUT CAMPSITES ON THE INCA TRAIL
Please note that we are not in control of the campsites we are issued with from the Institute of National Culture.  In general your campsite allocation is dependent on how early you book, or rather, how many permits are left.  The first 250 spaces are generally given to Winay Wayna (3rd campsite) and thereafter you will have a longer walk to Machupicchu on the last day and it could mean you do not make it for sunrise.  Do not let this disappoint you as Machupicchu is marvellous in itself!

What's Included?

  • Hotel transfer by PRIVATE bus to start of Trail
  • Professional English speaking Guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons)
  • Pre-Briefing at your hotel
  • Personal Porter carrying 7kg personal luggage allowance per person
  • Duffles to put your luggage into including plastic bag to keep your gear dry during rainy season
  • Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (we provide generous amounts of nutritious meals and beverages and have vegetarian options available)
  • Entrance fee onto Inca Trail and into Machupicchu Sanctuary
  • Bus from Machupicchu to Aguas Calientes
  • Spacious tents and sleeping mats
  • Dining tent, kitchen tent, latrine tent
  • Tables and chairs for the group
  • Emergency Oxygen bottle and first aid kit
  • Porters to carry the group equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.)
  • Backpacker train ticket back to Cusco/Ollantaytambo. If Ollantaytambo there will be a transfer bus waiting for you to take you back to Cusco.

Important Notes:

  • Price based on minimum number of 2 passengers travelling.
  • DISCOUNTS APPLY FOR GROUPS OF 3+ PEOPLE.
  • Sleeping bags are available for hire for an additional USD $ 20.00 per person
  • It is possible to walk the Inca Trail as part of a SHARED GROUP SERVICE. This can reduce the costs but departure dates are limited. If you would like any more information about shared service treks please contact us for trek dates and prices.
  • If you wish to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, please let us know and we can arrange your hotel and return train for the required dates.
  • In order to undertake this trail you need to have a reasonable level of fitness – age does not matter! The most important factor is acclimatising to the altitude. The maximum height above sea level along the trail is 4,200m, so we suggest that you spend at least 2 days in Cusco before attempting to walk the trail. During this time you can explore the wonderful city of Cusco, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We can help you arrange any additional Cusco arrangements you may require.
  • Prices valid for 2010, subject to change

 


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Further Info:

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