INCA TRAIL

OVERVIEW

This eight day Inca Trail adventure begins exploring Cusco and then culminates with a sunrise over Machu Picchu- after trekking the 45km of ancient Incan trails. During the four days hiking Machu Picchu you will cross three passes with altitudes of 4,000+ metres. Each day you will discover scenic vistas, hidden archaeological sites and new friends on the trail.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Services of a local English/Spanish speaking tour leader.
• The Inca Trail is unique among our tours in that it has little need of private transport due to the walking nature of the trek. We will use a mix of train and automobile and ensure your comfort at every stage of transfer.
• 4 nights camping & equipment (except sleeping bag) + 4 hotel nights
• 4 day Inca trail hike including permits, camping, meals on the trail and porter support.
• Machu Picchu entry.
• Train/transfer from Machu Picchu back to Cusco.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Urubamba River rafting US$30
• Visit local museums in Cusco US$5-10
• Mountain biking (Sacred Valley) US$35

TRIP ITINERARY

Days: 1 Cusco

The city of Cusco situated in a fertile valley with a patchwork of fields surrounded by mountains. Here the timeless methods of agriculture prove the value of the knowledge of long ago and the rhythm of the year is still very much dictated by the annual cycles of sowing and harvesting. Cusco, once the imperial capital, was laid out in the rough shape of a puma. Today, it's orderly streets bear witness to the extraordinary skill of Inca stonemasons; many are still lined with precisely interlocked stonework, which serve as the foundation for later buildings from the colonial era, creating an atmospheric pastiche of contrasting architectural styles. In the afternoon you visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman lying just outside Cusco city. The skilfully constructed outer walls consist of massive blocks of stone (the largest weighing over 350 tonnes). The tour continues on foot in the city centre and reveals more of Cusco's historical and archaeological treasures.
Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotel included

Days: 2 Cusco

Today is free to wander around this fantastic city, relax or to visit some of the sites in the nearby Sacred Valley. You may wish to try your hand at white water rafting in the Urubamba River (Grade III), horse riding, mountain biking or walking in the surrounding hills (all optional).
Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotel included

Days: 3 Llactapata, Inca Trail

You wake up early and make your way by bus to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley (approx. 1 ½ hours). This is a traditional Inca village laid out on a grid plan (one of only 4 surviving examples) overlooked by the magnificent fortress of Ollantay, the only Inca stronghold ever to have resisted persistent Spanish attacks. On arrival you will look around the town and visit the impressive ruins before setting off to the trailhead. At Chilca, where the gorge narrows, you meet your guide and crew and start the trek. Stretching your legs you follow the Urubamba riverbank below the snow-capped peak of Mt Veronica. After lunch you head away from the river; a gentle climb soon brings you to a pleasant campsite at Llactapata (2850m). You carry only a daypack as a team of porters carries all other equipment. You camp in tents and your porters take care of all camp chores with the assistance of a cook and helper. A mess tent and a toilet tent are provided at camp.
Approximately 4/5 hours easy walking today.
Meals: All included | Accommodation: Camping included

Days: 4 Llulluchupampa, Inca Trail

You are woken with a hot drink and a bowl of warm water at your tent before you get ready for the day's trek. Getting into a good walking rhythm, you follow the course of the Cusichaca River, ascending a broad valley to the village of Wayllabamba ('Grassy Plain' - 3000m), the last human habitation on the trail. Here you can have a glass of fortifying Chicha or maize beer to help you up the hill. Your porters go ahead and prepare your lunch. After pausing to rest, you climb steadily and steeply to Llulluchupampa (3680m) - a beautiful flat area of pasture.
Approximately 5/6 hours moderate uphill walking.
Meals: All included | Accommodation: Camping included

Days: 5 Phuyopatamarka, Inca Trail

The tough day! An initial steep climb takes you across the highest point on the trail at Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman's Pass - 4200m); the views back along the valley certainly make the climb worthwhile. You descend to the Pacamayo River and a second ascent leads to Runkuracay Pass (3998m); from here on the trail is largely downhill and you encounter the first long stretches of original Inca paving which makes for easier going. You cross the Aobamba River below Sayacmarca ruins, high on a rocky spur. After a final easy ascent, with spectacular views over the Urubamba Valley far below, you emerge above Phuyupatamarca ruins. Approximately 7/8 hours moderate and demanding walking.
Meals: All included | Accommodation: Camping included

Days: 6 Machu Picchu

You awake to a spectacular vista and set off this morning on one of the most beautiful parts of the trail. A steep downhill section of some 2000 Inca steps brings you to your lunch stop at the picturesque ruins of Winay Wayna; meaning 'forever young' it is considered by many to be their favourite ruins. Excitement mounts as you conquer a steep flight of steps and arrive at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. The toil of the day is forgotten at a stroke as you are treated to a spectacular view of Machu Picchu below. After lingering to admire the panorama, you walk through the site and catch a bus down the narrow access road to rejoin the Urubamba River in the village of Aguas Calientes where you check in to your accommodation and enjoy a well-earned long shower. Approximately 4/5 hours walking today, mostly downhill.
Meals: All included | Accommodation: Hotel included

Days: 7 Machu Picchu & Cusco

Rising early this morning your group has Machu Picchu ruins largely to itself before the train brings in day visitors from Cusco. The magnificent lost city, discovered by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911, stands on a high saddle dominated by the jungle-clad peak of Wayna Picchu. You have time to make the vertiginous climb to its summit for dramatic views of the city spread out below or simply just wander the myriad of steps and stairways of the site, revealing as they do a vast complex of immense structural, historical and archaeological worth. Later in the day you catch the train back to Cusco (approx. 40 minutes).
Meals: All included | Accommodation: Hotel included

Days: 8 Cusco

You'll have the morning free to relax, explore or do some last minute shopping before catching a flight back home.

Tour ends upon checkout.

INCA TRAIL departing from CUSCO

You can book your trek online in minutes using our secure booking engine below. You only need to pay a deposit with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe & protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

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