As the name suggests, a classic adventure in the Inca heartland: you have time to enjoy the beauty and vibrancy of Cusco, as well as visit the surrounding ruins, Sacred Valley towns and countryside; next you are hiking over Andean passes and through a variety of microclimates, on one of the world’s classic treks, the Inca Trail which culminates at one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Cusco: Arrival
After your arrival transfer from the airport, bus or train station, you have time to relax in your hotel and acclimatise to the altitude of over 3,000m (10,000ft) in the legendary capital of the Inca Empire.
This evening, you are free to explore the maze of markets and wander the cobblestone streets.
Day 2: Cusco: City Tour
Today, we take you on a guided bus tour of the city, in order to appreciate fully the magnificent blend of Colonial and Inca influence on the city. Your visit will include the Cathedral, the Rock of the 12 Angles, and monumental Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Koricancha.
Day 3: Cusco: Sacred Valley Tour: Lunch
Today, we explore the "Sacred Valley of the Incas". This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious.
Our first stop is the village of Pisac, with its famous market, where you can pick up a bargain! You have free time to wander the market stalls before we visit the ruins above the town, which were an important Inca religious centre.
After lunch in Pisac, we continue our journey along the River Urubamba, to the giant Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, which was the scene of one of the most famous battles between the Incas and the invading Spanish conquistadors, with the Incas being victorious.
After the day’s activities, we recommend having an early night and preparing for the challenge of the Inca Trail!
Day 4: Inca Trail: Cusco - Km 82 - Huayllabamba: All meals and snacks
Early this morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you by bus to Km 82 where you will arrive mid-morning and meet the team that will join you during the trek - porters, camp assistants and cooks.
The first day’s walk is quite easy and during the first part you will have a beautiful view of the snow-peaked Veronica Mountain above you and the Vilcanota River below you. Lunch will be waiting for you when you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta.
After re-energising, we begin the steady climb to Huayllabamba, where the first camp is set up.
Day 5: Inca Trail: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu: All meals and snacks
After breakfast, the hardest part of the trail begins, with a steep, three-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), at some 4200m (13,800ft) above sea level. Here you will not only enjoy incredible, panoramic views, but you will have a great sense of achievement at reaching this milestone.
After lunch in Vizcachayoc, we will descend towards Pacaymayu (3500m/11,480ft) for dinner and camp.
Day 6: Inca Trail: Pacaymayu - Wiñayhuayna: All meals and snacks
After breakfast, the ascent will begin to the second highest pass on the Trail, at more than 3900m (12,800ft) above sea level. On the way up, you can enjoy a guided visit to the Archaeological Complex of Runkurukay and, on the way down, the Inca Citadel of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,800ft).
Lunch will be ready for you in Chaqquicocha. Then, you continue walking towards Phuya Patamarka (Town in Clouds), another important archaeological monument.
After a brief rest, you will continue walking to the spectacularly-located Archaeological Complex of Wiñay Huayna (Always Young). You have a guided visit of the complex before having dinner and overnighting in the nearby campsite.
N.B. The above are our regular camp sites; however, these can be changed by the Machu Picchu Management Unit without previous warning. It will not affect the itinerary.
Day 7: Inca Trail: Wiñay Huayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco: Breakfast / Snack
After an early breakfast, you will make the one-hour hike through high rainforest to Inti Punku (Gateway of the Sun), the well-known entrance to Machu Picchu, with its unparalleled panoramic view of the Inca Citadel.
Upon arrival in Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemeteries.
You will then have free time to stroll around the Citadel, and maybe hike up Huayna Picchu, before descending by bus to Aguas Calientes, which has a range of restaurants and shops … even some hot springs, after which the town is named.
In the afternoon, you take the train back to Cusco, where you will be transferred to the hotel.
Day 8: Cusco: End of services
This morning, we transfer you to Cusco airport, bus or train station for your onward travel.
NB. There are countless activities in and around Cusco, including a wealth of rafting, horse riding, cycling and trekking, so if you would like to stay longer in Cusco, email us at uk@chimuadventures.com to find out how.
END OF OUR SERVICES
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All activities and transportation as mentioned in the itinerary, with the exception of the local Cusco area ticket which is payable locally for $US10 and will cover entrances into the ruins for the City Tour.
- Please note that whilst on the Inca trail, all accomodation is tented.
- All meals are provided and cooked by our support crew whilst on the trek.
- Porters will carry all that is needed on the trek, leaving you to carry your own personal belongings. Extra porters can be hired locally for a cost of US$15 - 20.
- Where we use hotel accomodation, daily breakfast is provided.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
History Whiz
Archeology/History
Hiking & Trekking
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