Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Upon arrival at the airport a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and help you in registering.
Upon arrival at the airport a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and help you in registering.
Breakfast at your hotel. Flight to Cusco.Tour of Cusco and its Ruins - This afternoon's tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere includes important landmarks of enchanting Cusco and also the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-pucara, Tampumachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Once the center of the Inca civilization, modern Cusco is a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. During the tour, you will visit Cusco's Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church and the Plaza de Armas. (B)
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is rated among the best trekking trips in the world because of the exquisite beauty of its natural surroundings. These include different ecological areas from high deserts to Andean tropical rainforest. Following this ancient Inca trail we will be walking through mysterious archeological sites, half covered by jungle overgrowth, that looks like you are discovering them for the first time and finally arriving to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay, to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata. Continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the impressive Veronica peak. (B,L,D)
We will have breakfast early and start trekking to the highest point of the Inca Trail, where we can see different ecological zones and enjoy changing climates. We will cross the Warmihuañusca pass at 4200 meters above sea level. After lunch we will continue on to the campsite at Pacaymayo. (B,L,D).
We will walk approximately 45 minutes up to reach the second pass at 3850 meters above sea level, and will visit Runkurakay along the way. We will also visit the Sayacmarca archeological group and then go on to the Phuyupatamarca ruins. After lunch we head to Wiñaywayna, an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast, we start on the final leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. We will arrive at Intipunku or Sun Gate where we will have a panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will have free time to enjoy the town thermal baths. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. (B).
Tour guide at disposal to further enjoy one of the most incredible sights on earth, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Take as much time as you need to study these magnificent ruins, or stroll to the Inca Bridge a secret entrance used by the Inca's army, or hike the steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu, the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu for a breathtaking view of the citadel. A reservation is necessary to hike Huayna Picchu. Return to Cusco. (B).
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer from to airport for flight to Lima and your connecting flight home. (B)
Departures: Fridays and Saturdays. If you want to depart other day of the week, a surcharge will apply.
Inca Trail: What is included and what to bring, please
Not included: Sleeping bag, back pack and personal items.
2019 Prices per person in US$ | Double | Triple | Single |
---|---|---|---|
8 Day Package Tourist Class Hotels | $1659 | $1628 | $2722 |
8 Day Package First Class Hotels | $1795 | $1779 | $3036 |
8 Day Package Deluxe Hotels | $2232 | $2179 | $3783 |
Hotels to used:
Category/City | Lima | Cusco | Machu Picchu |
---|---|---|---|
Tourist Class: | El Tambo Peru #1 or Los Girasoles | Samay or San Agustin Internacional | Hatun Samay Machu Picchu |
First Class: | Casa Andina Select Miraflores or Jose Antonio | Terra Andina Mansion Colonial (Sup room) or Sonesta Hotel Cusco | El Mapi or Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu |
Deluxe: | Casa Andina Premium Miraflores or El Pardo DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel | Palacio del Inka A Luxury Collection | Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or Sumaq |
The Inca Trail includes:
What to bring for the Inca Trail:
A mid-size backpack, Thick cotton Socks , Sleeping Bag , Bandana , Rain wear (a large rain poncho), T- Shirts, Flash Light and batteries, Shorts and warm trousers , Water Bottle, Water Purifying Tablets, Sweater and Jacket , Sun block , Hiking boots , Insect Repellent Towel and bathing suit, Coramina (Glucose), Hat , One complete change of clothing
Suggested: Camera, binoculars, snacks, toilet paper, Peruvian currency and your own personal first aid kit and medicines.
Note: The guides will have basic medicines available included oxygen, but we recommend bringing your own ointment for swollen feet, sticking plasters, aspirin, etc.