Peru

Starting Price:	$9,512.00
Trip Length:	11 days
Includes airfare allowance from Miami (US)

Inca Trail

Sanctuary Lodge

Miraflores

Luxury and Private Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Description Pricing Itinerary

This luxury Yampu tour includes a private trek to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail. This trip is a great blend of luxury, adventure, learning and relaxation. You will stay at the best Orient Express hotels in Lima, Cuzco and Machu Picchu, and hike the Inca Trail up to the stone citadel with your own private staff. On return from Machu Picchu to Cuzco, you will take the Hiram Bingham Train on a spectacular journey through changing landscapes, lush fields, colorful villages and vistas of the Andes Mountains.

Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.

This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Usually there are no set dates for our trips, however because of Government regulations the Inca Trail must be booked with plenty of notice. Permits may sell out about 3 or more months in advance during high season months and will be confirmed on a first come-first served basis. Passport number and date of birth must be provided at time of booking. If there are no spaces on the Inca Trail we are able to offer the Lares trek to Machu Picchu which does not require a permit. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you.

All tours and transfers are private, and most meals are included in this amazing Yampu trip.

We offer a choice of standard rooms and suites in the Orient Express Hotels: the Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu, Monasterio in Cuzco and the Park Plaza in Lima. Orient Express accommodations in Peru are very much sought after so please book with plenty of notice.

This tour includes airfare allowance from Miami (US), on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via Miami; Yampu will fly you the most direct way to your city of destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city or country of origin.

Additional information on this trip:

Days of Week the Trip can Start:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Dates this trip is NOT available for online booking (please submit a regular request):
20 June - 30 June

Day 1

Flight to Lima. Upon arrival at Lima Airport, you will be picked up in a private car and transferred with our English-speaking guide to your hotel.

Day 2

Morning private tour of Lima, one of the most important cities in South America since its founding in 1535. Journey through the historic center of the city. Admire the beauty of San Martín and Major squares, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and visit San Francisco Convent, a religious building from the end of the 16th century, and its catacombs. Also drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. After the tour, we will have lunch at a typical cevicheria in Miraflores facing the Pacific Ocean.

Afternoon visit to Larco Herrera Museum, Archeological Museum or Gold Museum. Evening transfer and dinner at one of the best restaurants of typical Peruvian cuisine: Las Brujas de Cachiche.

Day 3

Morning transfer to the airport to take the flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure to acclimatize. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4

Morning walking tour of Cuzco. We will visit the Cathedral (hosting some of the finest artwork in all of Peru) and San Francisco Church. We will pass by some of the city’s most colorful streets and Major Square (Plaza de Armas). We will have time to eat lunch before we start the afternoon tour of the Korikancha temple or Temple of the Sun, and the Inca ruins around the city of Cuzco: Tambomachay (Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (Red Fortress), amphitheater of Kenko and finally the Sacsahuaman Fortress. Afternoon, return to your hotel. Evening, transfer and dinner, and folkloric show at La Tunupa.

Day 5

Cusco, Wayllabamba
Between 4:00 and 4:30 am, we will pick you up at your hotel in our own private bus. We will then drive to Piskacuchu (2,700 meters above sea level), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cuzco-Machu Picchu railroad. Starting at this point, we will cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we will arrive in Miskay (2,800 meters), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the Inca city of Patallacta (2,750 meters). We will continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach our first campsite in the Wayllabamba village (3,000 meters). All along the way, we will see spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5,832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley. Total distance: 12 kilometers (7.4 miles). Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours. Maximum altitude point: 3,000 meters (9,840 feet). Campsite altitude: 3,000 meters (9,840 feet).

Day 6

Wayllabamba, Pacaymayo
We will wake up around 6:00 am, and after breakfast we will leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek. It consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 kilometers along this climb; the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuańusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), we will see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that altitude. We will also cross an area of the so-called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the spectacled bear. We advise that on this day especially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we will descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3,600 meters), where we will camp after approximately 6 hours of hiking. Total distance: 11 kilometers (6.8 miles). Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours. Maximum altitude point: 4,200 meters (13,776 feet). Campsite altitude: 3,500 meters (11,480 feet).

Day 7

Pacaymayo, Wińaywayna
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due to the number of archeological sites that we will visit and learn about from our guide. From Pacaymayo, we will climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3,970 meters). Halfway up, we will visit the archeological complex of the same name. This site, located at 3,800 meters, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we will descend toward Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3,624 meters). This is a beautiful complex of semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we will arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3,700 meters). Along this climb, we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas’ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means “town over the clouds.” From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley and the descending stone steps along which we will continue to Wińaywayna (2,700 meters). At this campsite, we will find a lodge with a restaurant, bar and bathrooms with hot showers. The campsite has the same name as the complex located only five minutes away from the lodge. Wińaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. Total distance: 16 kilometers (9.9 miles). Estimated walking time: 8 hours. Maximum altitude point: 3,900 meters (12,792 feet). Campsite altitude: 2,650 meters (8,692 feet).

Day 8

Wińaywayna, Machu Picchu
On this fourth and last day, we will get up at 4 am to leave Wińaywayna an hour later and climb to Intipunku, or the Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we will see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku, we will descend into Machu Picchu and 40 minutes later we will enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians.” We will then descend to the control point where we will register and leave our backpacks. We will immediately begin a complete private guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cuzco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, which was a privilege of the Inca royal family and priests. Typical English afternoon tea will be served at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Dinner at the Sanctuary Lodge. Total distance: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). Estimated walking time: 2 hours. Maximum altitude point: 2,700 meters (8,829 feet). Campsite altitude: 2,400 meters (7,872 feet).

Note: Government regulations limit the number of visitors to Machu Picchu daily. Entrance is subject to availability. Please book with plenty of notice so we may confirm your entrance to the ruins today and tomorrow.

Day 9

Our resident guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning for a second exploration of the Machu Picchu ruins. Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, and early evening return to Cuzco by the Hiram Bingham Train. Cocktails and dinner will be served on board. Upon arrival in Cuzco, transfer to your hotel.

Day 10

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon shopping tour of Lima, taking you to the famous handicraft markets accompanied by our guides. You may also visit some of the fascinating art galleries in Barranco or Miraflores.

Evening farewell dinner at La Rosa Nautica. This restaurant is located on a pier on the shores of the Pacific Ocean with amazing views.

Day 11

Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or choose from optional tours in Peru or other South American countries.

11 days , from $9512

Occupancy Type	Standard Rooms	Suites
Double	$9512	$10623
Single	$13456	$15821

Prices shown above are per person, in US Dollars ($).

Price includes:
Air transportation from Miami to Lima in economy class. Surcharge applicable from other cities. Business class available; please inquire.
Air transportation from Lima to Cuzco round trip in economy class
Deluxe hotel accommodation including buffet breakfast
All transfers in a private car and English-speaking guide between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling
Private guided tours by English-speaking guides including all entrance fees
Meals where specified
All tips and airport taxes already included

Note: Cost includes Expedition train for 3-star category, and Vistadome train for 4-star category and above. Expedition train features comfortable seats, fixed tables, backpack storage, panoramic windows as well as heating and air conditioning. Vistadome is ideal for travelers who want a personalized immersion of Andean culture with traditional dances and music along the way. This train features panoramic windows, leather seats, new table design as well as heating and air conditioning. Upgrades available from Expedition to Vistadome; please add $46 per person.

Deluxe service Hiram Bingham train features an observation wagon with a bar and two dining cars. In addition, this train includes a gourmet brunch on board, exclusive bus return to Machu Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu as well as a guided tour. Afternoon tea in the Sanctuary Lodge, pre-dinner cocktails and a 4-course, a la carte dinner is also included. Does not operate on Sundays. Upgrades available from Vistadome to Hiram Bingham Deluxe; please add $575 per person.

Private Inca Trail includes:
Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance fee (valid for 4 days);
Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-camper-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safekeeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, 2005-new, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in the field;
One foamy sleeping pad per person;
One sleeping bag per person if requested: our sleeping bags are -10şC-comfort and mummy form. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
Dining tent with tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Toilet tent (only if assigned campsites do not have toilets)
English-speaking professional guide
Cook and cooking equipment
Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
Porters to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 9 kilograms/18 pounds per person (including mattress and sleeping bag)
Accommodation for our guides, cook and porters
All meals, daily morning snack and daily tea service during the trek
Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes
Drinking water
Hot shower at Wińaywayna
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
All tips for staff

Note: Availability at the Orient Express hotels is very limited. We recommend booking with plenty of advance notice. If we are not able to book some of the hotels, we will request the Libertador Hotel in Cuzco, the Pueblo Hotel in Machu Picchu or the JW Marriott in Lima and will put you on the waiting list at the Orient Express, with a chance of confirmation 30 days prior to arrival. If the Orient Express does not confirm, there will be a price adjustment. The Hiram Bingham Train does not operate on Sundays;

Hike rate: Moderate to difficult due to the high altitude and steep ascents. We recommend that you rest on your first day in Cuzco; if you are prone to altitude sickness, please consult with your physician.

Inca Trail Departure Dates:

2011

Jan: 5, 12, 19, 26
Feb: (Inca Trail closed, other treks available)
Mar: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Apr: 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
May: 2, 4, 7, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 25, 28, 30
Jun: 1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18 (arrival in Machu Picchu on June 21 / Winter solstice), 22, 25, 27, 29
Jul: 2, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30
Aug: 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 31
Sep: 3, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28
Oct: 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
Nov: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Dec : 7, 14, 21 (arrival in Machu Picchu on Dec 24 to enjoy Christmas in Machu Picchu), 28 (arrival in Machu Picchu on Dec 31st for New Year’s Eve)

2012

Jan (Wed): 4, 11, 18, 25
Feb: (Inca Trail CLOSED)
Mar (Wed): 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 31
Apr (Wed, Sat): 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
May (Wed, Sat + 3 Mon): 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30
Jun (Wed, Sat + 2 Mon): 2, 4, 6, 9, 13, 16, 18 (arrival MP on June 21 / winter solstice), 20, 23, 27, 30
Jul (Wed, Sat + 2 Mon): 2, 4, 7, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 25, 28
Aug (Wed, Sat + 2 Mon): 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 29
Sep (Wed, Sat + 1 Mon): 1, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
Oct (Wed, Sat): 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31
Nov (Wed): 7, 14, 21, 28
Dec: 5, 12, 20, 27

Groups may be confirmed on alternative dates to the ones stated provided a minimum group size of 6 passengers is reached upon booking and Inca Trail spaces are available.

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