Peru: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

South America

Peru: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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Machu Picchu At its height, the Inca empire had an extensive network of roads running the length and breadth of the Andes. These stone-paved trails connected the highland valleys with the coast. After the Conquest, some of these paths were used as roads and continue in this function to this day. The modern Pan-American Highway and the routes leading eastward into the Andes are good examples. In the highlands, some of these trails are in their original condition and used by local people to reach their fields. Others have been forgotten and reclaimed by the jungle.

“The Inca Trail” is one of the world’s most spectacular treks. This 4-day walk goes from the highlands of 4,200m/13,000ft through the cloud forest before arriving at Machu Picchu (2,380m/7,800ft). Hidden under the dense foliage of a highland jungle, forgotten by the Incas themselves, Machu Picchu escaped the Conquistadors and eluded treasure hunters until Hiram Bingham brought “The Lost City of the Incas” to the world’s attention in 1911. Further exploration uncovered an ancient highway: a royal road that connected Machu Picchu to Cusco: the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas.

Camp with striking views of the high sierra and dense selva (jungle). Finally, after crossing two high passes, we’ll arrive at Intipunku (Sun Gate) for the first view of Machu Picchu spread below us. This is a site that will remain etched in the memory forever.

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Detailed Itinerary

(Sat)

Arrive in Lima, Peru. Transfer by private vehicle to a comfortable hotel. Overnight.

(Sun)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Transfer to a comfortable hotel. Afternoon free to relax and begin acclimatizing to the high altitude. Overnight.

(Mon)

Full day guided tour to the Sacred Valley (private). Stay overnight in the Sacred Valley. Private Sacred Valley tour: Early pick up at your hotel Cusco and continue to the colorful town of Pisac (2,960m-9,708ft) with its famous artisan markets with a wide variety of high quality handicrafts such as textiles, woven goods, carvings, etc. Next, visit the archaeological site of Pisac. This complex is perched on a high hilltop with a commanding view of the town and the Urubamba River below. We´ll have lunch in Urubamaba. Later drive along the valley to Ollantaytambo (2,820m -9,249ft) and visit the ruins and town. Then we continue to the hotel in in the valley. Overnight.

(Tues)

A morning start and meeting the Quechua porters that will accompany you on the trip. The trek begins by crossing a small bridge over the Urubamba River. The trail meanders easily alongside the river with views of snow-capped peaks before reaching the ruins of Llaqtapata (2,550m/8364ft), a pre-Inca agricultural settlement. Veering away from the river and up the dry Cusichaca river gorge, the trail winds gently past terraced farmlands and flower-adorned houses to the village of Huayllabamba, built upon Inca foundations. There are views of the Urubamba mountain range and its most spectacular peak, Mt. Veronica (5,750m/18860ft). In Huayllabamba, there is a great opportunity to interact with the kids of the small village school. Campsite is at 3,000mt/9,840ft. (L, D)

(Wed)

After breakfast, trekkers start on a steeper trail up through a forest thick with Andean flowers and song of small birds. We’ll cross the Llulluchayoc and Huayruru rivers. The hike becomes more difficult but the truly spectacular scenery more than compensates for the effort. The trail continues upward through a forest with ice-covered streamlets. Vegetation thins and the day warms as we approach Warmiwañusca pass (4,270mt/14,000ft), highest point of the trail. After crossing the pass vegetation becomes more lush. Here, we’ll lunch and take in an unforgettable view of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. After a steep descend (a type that makes it impossible to use pack animals on the Inca Trail) the route cuts through a peaceful meadow with waterfalls, creeks, lakes and tiny Andean wild flowers. Campsite is on the Pacaymayo River (3,350mt/10,991ft). (B, L, D)

(Thurs)

In early morning, the group climbs an Inca stairway to the fortified ruins of Runkurakay (3,700m/12136ft). This was an Inca tambo or post-house. Here begins the final push to Runkurakay pass (3,850 m/12628ft) where there are magnificent views of small lakes, gorges and the spectacular Mt. Pumasillo (6,246m/20,486ft) in the Vilcabamba range. The stonework on this stretch of the Inca Trail is well preserved. The trail starts a steady descent into a unique ecological area: a high jungle transitional zone rich in wildlife with a milder climate. After visiting the impressive ruins of Sayacmarca which overlook the Aobamba valley, the trail soon passes through a natural tunnel used by the Incas. We’ll continue on to camp at Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,650m/11,972ft). From this vantage point, we’ll marvel at the brilliant sunset and dawn colors. There is a magnificent view of the Urubamba River and Salcantay (6,271m/20,569ft). This mountain, the highest in the Vilcabamba range, was considered to be the sacred mountain of the Incas. (B, L, D)

(Fri)

This morning, we’ll say goodbye to our porters as they transport the equipment back to Cusco. The trail becomes increasingly more dramatic as it leads down to the next Inca site: Wiñaywayna (2,900m/9512ft). This is a descend down a steep staircase of over 2 thousand steps! Wiñaywayna was an important administrative and agriculture center. We are now entering the cloud forest. Here, the jungle becomes denser and greener. A myriad of multicolored orchids festoon the trail. There are great views of the Urubamba River gorge and its mountains. Arriving at Intipunku (Sun gate), we’ll pause to rest with plenty of time to photograph the first overview of the famous Machu Picchu ruins. From Intipunku, it’s a short hike down to Machu Picchu (2,475mt/8,118ft) where we’ll catch a bus toAguas Calientes and stay overnight at a comfortable hotel. A late afternoon dip in the outdoor hot spring is a real treat. (B, L, D)

(Sat)

Today is dedicated to exploring these enigmatic ruins. Morning is reserved for a private guided walking tour through the architectural complex of Machu Picchu (Old Mountain). There will be plenty of time for picture taking or just enjoying the panoramic views. Later on, it’s possible to climb Huaynapicchu — young mountain — (2,700m/8856ft): the jutting peak overlooking the ruins. In mid-afternoon, the group boards the train to Cusco. The journey winds through the beautiful Urubamaba river valley. You’ll be picked-up and transfer to the designated hotel. Dinner is at your expense. (B, BL)

(Sun)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Airport assistance in Lima for connecting to your international flight.

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Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 9 days total, 5-day trek

Max. Altitude: 4,270m/14,000ft

Begins/Ends in Lima

Land Cost: $2040usd

Jun 04 – 12 ’17
Jul 02 – Jul 10 ’17
Aug 29 – Sep 07 ’17
Sep 03 - 11 '17
Oct 01 – 09 ’17
Oct 29 – Nov 06 ’17

Transportation: Bus, train, and air.

Accommodation: 4 nights camping, 4 nights hotel

Services included: Bilingual (English–Spanish) guide. Reception at the airport or train station and your other transfers as indicated. Hotel accommodation for 5 nights as indicated. Private bus to the trailhead, return train to Cusco and transfer to the hotel. Entrance fees: Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Round trip bus ticket Machupicchu/Aguas Calientes. All meals indicated on the itinerary: CB= Continental breakfast, B= American breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner, BL= Box lunch. First class trekking services, including: camp cook, porters and camp assistant(s) All group camping equipment, double 4 season tents (Eureka, North face or REI) and thermarest or foam pad, kitchen and/or dining tent, and toilet tent. Tables, stools and all kitchen gear. 1 Porter per pax. Maximum weight 7kg/15lbs per pax. All meals during trek: wake-up tea, hot breakfast, lunch, and served dinner (soup, main course and dessert). No additional cost for vegetarians. Basic first aid kit.

Service not included: International flights (can be arranged by us at current fare levels). Flights from Lima to Cusco and return (Approx. $370). International and domestic airport taxes. Lima international tax $30 and domestic $6 each one. Sleeping bag (one can rent for $25 for entire trek). Any expenses incurred in preparing for the trip, such as, but not limited to, non-refundable airline tickets or trip insurance, or additional expenses encountered as a result of flight schedule changes, delays, acts of god or major forces, cancellations, or missed connections. Personal equipment and medicines. Tips to local guides/staff. Travel insurance. Items of a personal nature like individual gear, clothing, laundry, telephone calls, etc.

IMPORTANT:
This program demands physical fitness, you should be in reasonable physical condition before your trip.

NOTE: CANADIAN HIMALAYAN EXPEDITIONS reserves the right to modify or change any program itinerary to ensure client safety. The company does not accept any responsibility for maltreatment (damage) of equipment, loss, accident, unforeseen costs, unavoidable delays, services provide by intermediaries, nor direct or indirect acts which are out the company’s control.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.