DETAILED ITINERARY
Day
01: Transfer in Cusco & City Tour
Reception at airport of Cusco and transfer
to your selected hotel.
Walking City tour
Enjoying the architecture of Cusco Palaces,
Churches and streets. Visit of Temple of the Sun Koricancha
and the Cathedral. Then Hatunrumioc Street by finally San
Blas Church. Return to your selected hotel for overnight.
Day 02: Sacred
Valley Tour
Duration: from 09.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Transfer by bus to the Sacred Valley (1.5 hr ride). Then
visit of Chincheros ruins, transfer by bus to the agricultural
systems of terraces of Moray, after 2 hours of walking visit
of the Salt Mines. Then get down to Pichingoto village,
transfer by bus to Urubamba finally. Return to Cusco at
6.30 p.m. Return to your selected hotel for overnight.
Day 03: Inca trail
to Machu Picchu (Day 01: Cusco - Km 82 – 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 04: Inca trail
to Machu Picchu (Day 02: Wayllabamba - Warmiwañuska - Pacaymayu)
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 05: Inca trail
to Machu Picchu (Day 03: Pacaymayo - Chaqicocha - 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 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 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 06: Inca trail
to Machu Picchu (Day 04: Wiñaywayna - Machu Picchu.)
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 Machupicchu,
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. Return to your selected
hotel for overnight.
Day 07: Transfer
out
After breakfast, transfer assistance
on your departure. End of our services.
What is included:
- Transfer of in / out
- 03 nights accommodation in Cusco
- All food as mentioned in the itinerary
- All tours include entrances
- All tours include transportation
- Entrance tickets to The Inka Trail and Machu Picchu
- English / Spanish speaking guide for all tours mentioned.
- Cook In charge of meal preparation
- General porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
- All applicable taxes - except Airport taxes
What in not included:
- Sleeping bag ($15.00) rented from our office for the
4 day trek.
- Additional personal porter: You can hire and additional
extra porter to carry 18 kilos.
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