Start | End | |||
Royal Inca : 7D | 09/13/2018 | 09/19/2018 | Book now | |
09/22/2018 | 09/28/2018 | Book now | ||
12/01/2018 | 12/07/2018 | Book now | ||
The Best Of Southern Peru : 20D | 09/06/2018 | 09/25/2018 | Book now | |
09/13/2018 | 10/02/2018 | Book now | ||
Salkantay & Inca Trail To Machu Picchu : 8D | 09/12/2018 | 09/19/2018 | Book now | |
09/25/2018 | 10/02/2018 | Book now |
SEASON | March to January |
DURATION | 5 Days / 4 Nights (Cusco - Cusco) |
FITNESS LEVEL | Very active (high altitude, long distances, occasional narrow paths with sheer drops) |
DEPARTURE DATES | Daily & according to availability-Except February |
ACTIVITIES | Hiking, camping, nature exploration & history |
Known as one of the world’s ten best hikes, the Inca Trail is unparalleled for its ecological diversity and wealth of archaeological treasures. The Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary covers 32,952 hectares, and it is home to a network of Inca highways, scores of archaeological sites, ten ecological zones (from glacial peaks to tropical forests), over 450 species of birds, and more than 350 hundred species of orchids, as well as the legendary city of Machu Picchu.
An early morning scenic bus ride will take us to the starting point of our hike at Km 82. From here, we will follow an easy path along the Urubamba River towards the first archaeological site at Llaqtapata (2650 meters / 8,750 feet). After a short rest, we will continue to the Cusichaca valley, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will follow the course of the Cusichaca creek on a gentle climb to our first camp.
Camp at Huayllabamba (3000 meters / 9,900 feet)
After an early breakfast, we will start the long and steep climb up to Warmiwañusca Pass (4200 meters / 13,900 feet), which is the highest point on the Inca Trail. The ascent takes us through different ecological zones and a variety of flora and fauna, including endemic bird species. From the pass, there is a fine view of the second pass and the ruins of Runcuracay. We will reach our next camp in the valley in the afternoon, after a descent of approximately two hours. On a clear day, the camp offers fantastic views of the glaciers of Mount Veronica.
Camp at Pacasmayo (3600 meters / 11.811 feet)
Today’s hike offers many fascinating attractions. In the early morning, we will start the day with a climb to the second pass at Runcuracay (3900 meters / 12,900 feet). In good weather the views of the Vilcabamba range from the high pass are stunning. After a two-hour descent, we will arrive at the fascinating archaeological site of Sayacmarca. After exploring this beautiful Inca settlement, we will continue along stone Inca pathways, passing through the lush vegetation of high cloud forests, and glimpsing waterfalls, deep valleys, canyons and glacial peaks, including Mount Salkantay. In the afternoon, we will arrive at the last high pass of our trip: Phuyupatamarca. From here we will get our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. In clear weather, there are spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding snow peaks and it is possible to see far down into the Urubamba Valley.
Camp at Phuyupatamarca (3600 meters / 11.811 feet).
After breakfast we will say goodbye to our Quechua porters and continue our hike with a long and steep descent along ancient Inca pathways to the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, often described as one of the most beautiful sets of ruins on the entire Inca Trail, due to its spectacular location and fine architecture. After visiting the site and enjoying an excellent lunch, we will rest briefly before continuing our hike through the high cloud forest with its diverse flora and fauna towards the famous Sun Gate, or Intipunku. From here, we will have a fine view of the Lost City of the Incas: legendary Machu Picchu (2400 meters / 8,000 feet). A short walk will take us down to the main entrance, from where we will board a bus to the town of Aguas Calientes. Here we will have time to relax and visit the nearby natural hot springs.
Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel
After an early breakfast, we will take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to enjoy the morning at this magical place. Arriving at the ruins, we will explore the site in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Following our tour, we will descend to Aguas Calientes for the train ride back to Cusco, where you will be escorted to your hotel.
TRANSPORT | Private transport from Cusco to Km 82, bus and train tickets |
OVERNIGHT | Hotel ***1 / Camping 3 / Total Nights 4 |
TOURS | According to program, & camping gear |
ENTRANCE FEE / PERMITS | To national park and Machu Picchu ruins |
MEALS |
Dx3
Lx3
Bx4
BLx1
|
STAFF | Bilingual guide / Cook / Porters |
Please note, campsites may be subject to changes by the park authorities
EXTRAS | Travel insurance, sleeping bags, tips, tours & meals not mentioned in the itinerary |
2024 cost per person in US dollars
Service | 1 Pax | 2 Paxs | ||
Private | US 4,321 | US 2,692 | ||
Group | US 1,232 |
Prices are subject to change.
Departure
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN |
8,22 | 6,20 | 3,17 | 8,22 | 5,19 | |
JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
3,17 | 7,21 | 4,18 | 2,16 | 6,20 | 4,18 |