Day 1
Overnight flight to Lima, Peru.
Day 2
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon tour of Lima. Lima has always been 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, religious building from the end of the 16th century and its catacombs. Also drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.
Note: check-in is normally after 2 pm. Early check-in may be granted subject to availability (not confirmed).
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.
Day 4
Afternoon city tour of Cuzco, visit the Korikancha Temple or Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. After your visits, you will continue to the nearby water shrine of Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), the amphitheater of Kenko and finally the Sacsahuaman Fortress. After the tour, return to your hotel.
Note: Because of the altitude in Cuzco, we recommend that this tour be done privately at your own pace, at an additional cost of $28 per person, based on two people.
Day 5
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 Cusco –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 km (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
We will wake up at around 6:00 am, and after breakfast we will leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek, which 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, 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
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due 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 with 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 made up of a 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 long 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
On this fourth and last day, we will get up at 4:00 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 the 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 ourselves and leave our backpacks. We will immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take about two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huayna Picchu mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, and the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we will meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in the thermal baths. In the evening, we will enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in the village of Aguas Calientes. Overnight at a hotel in Machu Picchu. Total distance: 4 kilometers (2.4 miles). Estimated walking time: 2 hours. Maximum altitude point: 2,700 meters (8,829 feet) Hotel altitude: 2,400 meters (7,872 feet).
Day 9
Day at leisure. You may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, we will board the train to return to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. Tickets are available for purchase only in the town of Aguas Calientes. Please ask your travel consultant if you would like these to be included for you.
Day 10
Transfer to airport, to return to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon shopping tour of Lima, taking you to the famous handicraft markets accompanied by our guides.
Day 11
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home.
The Inca trail
Cuzco
Machu Picchu
