Cusco is Peru’s main tourist destination and one of the most important destinations in the Americas. Known by the Incas as the “Home of the Gods,” Cusco became the capital of one of the largest pre-Columbian empires: the Tawantinsuyo. Its name in Quechua means “Navel of the World”.

Day 01: Cusco – Wayllabamba/

Between 7:00 and 7:30 am, we pick you up at your hotel in our own private bus. We then drive to Piskacuchu (2700 masl), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco –Machu Picchu railroad. Starting at this point, we cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River as it flows north-west along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800 masl), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the Inca city of Patallacta (2750 masl). We 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 (3000 masl). 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 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.

Day 02: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo

We wake up at around 6:00 am, and after breakfast we leave Wayllabamba behind to 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), we see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at that 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 day pack 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 (3600 masl), where we camp after approximately 6h of hiking.

Day 03: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna

This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites that we visit and learn about from our guide. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3970 masl). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800 masl, 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 (3624 masl). 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 de Phuyupatamarca (3700 masl). 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 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 on to Wiñaywayna (2700 masl). At this campsite we 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. Wiñaywayna is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector.

Day 04: Wiñaywayna – Machupicchu

On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna 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 may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machu Picchu, 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 Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in the thermal baths. From here we take the train to the city of Cusco, where we will arrive after nightfall.

What is included:

Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure

Private bus from your hotel to the start of the trail

Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees (value US$73)

English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 9 persons)

Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space for your backpacks

Double thickness foam mattress

Cook and Cooking equipment

Meals (03B,03L,03D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude.

Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)

Porters (to carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment)

Dining tent with camp tables and chairs

Kitchen tent

Accommodation for our porters and cooks

First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Bus from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes (value US$6)

Train ticket (Backpackers service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (value US$ 44, 2006, and US$ 46, 2007)

Transfer from the train station to your hotel.

All Sales Taxes IGV (19%)

transfer airport to hotel or terminal of bus to hotel

What is not included:

Breakfast on the first morning. Some hotels offer an early morning breakfast service. If not, we stop at the town of Urubamba on the way to the start on the trek where you’ll have the opportunity to have breakfast.

Meal in restaurant in Aguas Calientes on day 4 of the trek.

Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$3.

Sleeping bags can be hired in our office for US$15 for the 4 day trek.

Tips for the guide, cook and porters

What you need to bring/carry:

Backpack

Sleeping bag (can be hired from our office for US$ 15.00 for the 4 day trek)

Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)

Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars)

Strong, comfortable footwear

One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below)

Sweater and jacket (something warm)

Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco)

Flashlight and batteries

Hat or cap to protect you from the sun

Sun block (sun protection cream)

Insect repellent

Toiletries, towel and toilet paper

Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc,

Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries

Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek - entrance not included in price)

You also need to bring your original passport on the trail and your student ISIC card (if claiming a student discount)
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