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Peru Tours Packages
Classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu
4 days / 3 nights - Shared/Group Service
Peru's
best-known hike visited by thousands of tourists every year. The classical 43-km
trek leading to the Sacred Inca City of Machupicchu combines the visit of
mysterious archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest
rich in Andean flora and fauna. Machupicchu is reached at sunrise on the fourth
day.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco
to Wayllabamba
Between 04.00-04.30am our private transport and staff will pick you up from your
hotel. We drive to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd
kilometer of the Cusco -Machupicchu railroad, which is the starting point of the
Inca Trail. 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 (2800m/9184ft), to
then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the
impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along
the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five
hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where we set
our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota
ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica
peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild
flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Total distance: |
12
km (7,47 miles) |
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Estimated walking time: |
5-6 hours |
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Maximum altitude point: |
3,000 m (9,840 ft) |
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Campsite altitude: |
3,000 m (9,840 ft) |
Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo
We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we begin the most difficult
part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches
for 9 km. 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 Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass - 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated
llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high
altitude. We 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 (Tremarctus Ornatus).
We advise that on this day specially, 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 descend into the Pacaymayo
valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp after approximately 7h of hiking.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Total distance: |
11
km (6,84 miles) |
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Estimated walking time: |
6-7 hours |
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Maximum altitude point: |
4,200 m (13,776 ft) |
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Campsite altitude: |
3,500 m (11,480 ft) |
Day 3: Pacaymayo to
Wiñaywayna
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting,
due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we
cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second
pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the
archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft,
consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose
of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black
Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca
(3624m/11887ft). 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 arrive
at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). 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
archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, 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. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps
that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of
an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban
sector, close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge,
a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive
archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Total distance: |
16
km (9,94 miles) |
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Estimated walking time: |
8
hours |
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Maximum altitude point: |
3,900 m (12,792 ft) |
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Campsite altitude: |
2,650 m (8,692 ft) |
Day 4: Wiñaywayna to
Machupicchu
On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour
later and climb to the 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 may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of
Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we
enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨.
We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our
backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that
will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around,
climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of
all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the
Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the
town of Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) where, if you like, you can visit
and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of
Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals: Breakfast
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Total distance: |
4
km (2,49 miles) |
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Estimated walking time: |
2
hours |
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Maximum altitude point: |
2,700 m (8,829 ft) |
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Machupicchu altitude: |
2,400 m (7,872 ft) |
* Departure and
arrival times are approximated.
** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the
governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our
guide's criteria and the group progress
Difficulty degree of this hike
Moderate to challenging
Price Information
Prices per person 2010-
Standard Pool service Adult:
USD 499.00
NOTE: Prices are subject to changes according to the increase/decrease of
suppliers costs
Available discounts (these
discounts are not cumulative):
. Students: USD 40.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity
Card. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
. Teenagers: USD 40.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all
bookings)
. Children: USD 80.00 (up to 7 years of age, passport copy required for all
bookings)
Additional discounts (that may be added to the above-mentioned):
. SAE: 5% on full program price (valid South American Explorers Club membership
card required). This discount may not be applicable in case a promotional price
is offered.
Departure dates 2010
Fixed departures are available along the year. Exception: one-month closing
period of all Inca Trail routes in February (please contact us to check our
scheduled departures to alternatives routes).
All Inca Trail departures are subject to government space availability, please
check the following website: www.inc-cusco.gob.pe.
We have the following fixed departures dates scheduled:
. June: 2, 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18 (arrival Machu Picchu on June 21 / winter solstice), 23, 26, 28, 30
. July: 3, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31
. August: 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28
. September: 1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
. October: 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
. November: 3, 10, 17, 24
. December: 1, 8, 15, 21 (arrival MP on Dec 24 to enjoy Christmas in Machu Picchu), 28
(arrival Machu Picchu on Dec 31st for New Year's Eve)
Groups may be confirmed on alternative dates to the ones stated provided a
minimum group size of 6 passengers is reached upon booking.
Inca Trail - Important Notice
According to the Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD, published in El Peruano on Nov 12,
2004, modifying chapter III of the Inca Trail Regulation which refers to Inca
Trail space bookings, bookings will only be guaranteed by the governmental
institutions when providing full names, nationalities and passport numbers of
passengers, and when having paid the full amount of passengers and staff (cook
and team of porters) entrance fees.
THEREFORE:
The spaces booked provided will be guaranteed only if:
1. The booking has been first confirmed by our Reservation
Department by e-mail, this meaning that spaces are available on the Inca Trail
for the requested date at the moment of the booking.
2. The full passenger data have been provided and the required
deposit has been paid for.
. Since the Inca Trail has a maximum allowance of 500 people per day (including
passengers and agency staff), we strongly recommend making your bookings as much
in advance as possible to make sure you will find spaces on the desired
departure date. We are already receiving bookings for departures scheduled as
far as one year prior to the trek departure date, so if you wish to travel with
us to the Inca Trail, please make sure to confirm your booking as soon as
possible. Otherwise, we have also available alternative routes of equally
awesome beauty and interest to offer to you.
VERY IMPORTANT:
. The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking:
a. Complete names and surnames
b. Nationality
c. Passport number
d. Date of Birth
e. Gender
The exact information provided by you will be submitted to the governmental
institution in charge of regulating the access to the Inca Trail and will be
included in the official permit to enter the Inca Trail on the requested date.
Should there be any change in the above-mentioned data (ie. New passport number),
we kindly request you to inform our Reservation Department via email as soon as
possible. The government reserves the right not to allow the entry to any
visitor whose data are not the exact ones as those in the official permit.
We exclude any responsibility for a no entry in case the passenger information
has changed without prior notice to us.
Group Size
Maximum 12, no minimum required
What is included
Pre-departure briefing.
Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transportation
to km.82 (starting point of the trail).
Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee.
Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher
comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly
maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field.
One foamy sleeping pad per person.
Dining tent with tables and chairs.
Kitchen tent.
Toilet tent (only if assigned campsites do not have toilets).
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people).
Chef and cooking equipment.
Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
Accommodation for all our staff.
Meals (04 breakfasts, 03 lunches, 03 dinners + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day).
Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost.
Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water
to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if
requested with enough time ahead.
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Machupicchu Pueblo
(Aguas Calientes).
Transfer San Pedro Cusco train station to your Cusco hotel included only if
returning on day 4.
What is NOT included
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Train ticket from Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) to Cusco or
Ollantaytambo.
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Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machupicchu, you can
enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in
Machupicchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense. Arrival in Cusco is
estimated after nightfall, dinner being at your own expense too.
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Visit to the hot springs in Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes): a relaxing way
to end-up the trek while you're awaiting the return train to Cusco, only 10
minutes from the village center. Towels can be hired in Machupicchu Pueblo
(Aguas Calientes).
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Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip
or not as you wish.
Route: Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) to Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
i. Backpacker (tourist) Train ticket USD 48.00 per person.
ii. Vistadome (first-class) Train Ticket USD 71.00 per person.
Remark: Should there be no train tickets available in the direct route Aguas
Calientes - Cusco, a train ticket Aguas Calientes - Sacred Valley with an
additional private transportation from the Sacred Valley to your hotel in Cusco
will be provided. (*) Pls note that our guide travels back to Cusco in the
Backpacker train in all group services, so if you wish to book this extra
service, you will not be accompanied by our guide.
Route: - Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) to Poroy
iii. Luxury Hiram Bingham Train Ticket USD 307.00 per person.
Remark: This train departs Aguas Calientes at 6.00pm and includes pre-dinner
cocktails, accompanied by live entertainment and a 4-course gastronomic menu,
with an estimated arrival time to Poroy train station at 9.30pm, needing an
additional transfer from Poroy train station to Cusco. (*) Pls note that our
guide travels back to Cusco in the Backpacker train in all group services, so if
you wish to book this extra service, you will not be accompanied by our guide.
What we recommend that you bring
A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be
purchased in Cusco)
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Th
ermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
Sleeping bag (please inform our Reservations Department if you wish to book this
extra service at the moment of your booking)
Sleeping pad: will be provided by us but is to be carried by you
Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold
conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Sun block
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - no malaria risk has been
reported
Handkerchiefs
Toilet paper
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note
that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete
and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a
specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or
rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is
safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
Small towel
Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Machupicchu Pueblo -Aguas
Calientes-)
Cash in Peruvian Nuevos Soles and/or USD
Original Passport
Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a
student discount)
Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage
the Inca Trail)
Optional services to be hired
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An extra porter to carry your personal items. A porter can carry up to 18 kg,
which should be enough for 2 people
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An extra hotel night in Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) can be booked for
you at an additional cost depending on the hotel you choose. Please note that if
you wish to visit Machupicchu again the following day, the additional cost of
the entrance fee is not included
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Sleeping bag rent at an additional cost. Our sleeping bags are -18ºC-comfort (0ºF)
and mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use
and have a maximum usage of 30 trips
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Therm-a-rest inflatable sleeping pad rent at an additional cost
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Massage sessions at an additional cost. Our massage therapists have the highest
recognition in Cusco and offer the following treatments: relaxing massage,
stress-relieving massage, spinal column massage, energizing massage, Inca
massage, altitude problems, aroma therapy, therapy with honey, therapy with
glass, therapy with stones, foot reflexology, shiatzu, reiki and puddle of
flowering. We recommend massage sessions before and after your trekking program.
Services are at the hotel and are only available in Cusco.
Appropriate clothing along the
Inca Trail
Hiking pants and T-shirts are commonly used during the day, complemented by
sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light
raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as
the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing
is required in the first two campsites, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a
fleece and a jacket. During the third day (if sunny) and in Machupicchu,
convertible hiking pants are useful, and can be switched into shorts if
necessary. Machupicchu has a warm climate, getting only cold at night. The rest
of necessary implements are included in the "What we recommend that you bring"
list.
Weather
Cusco's climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season,
from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January
- March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so
temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.
Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it's
sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night in the first 2
campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are
usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
How to make a Booking
If you would like to make a reservation for this program, please go directly to
the Booking Online section of this website
1. Once you have chosen your tour, please fill out and submit the Reservation
Form that you will find in the Booking Online section of this website.
2. In a maximum of two working days, you will receive an email from one of our
travel advisors confirming or denying your booking.
3. In case your reservation is confirmed, a money deposit will be requested to
secure your reservation.
4. Once we confirm the deposit reception, your booking is confirmed. A Voucher
of Services will be sent to you including all the details of your program.
In case you have any doubts, queries or require additional information, please
contact us, we will be very pleased assisting you.
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