Inca Trail 4d/3n

Introduction

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is known as the most famous and tough hiking circuit all over South America, because of the conjuntion of different elements that it offers to its visitors.
The route runs through an impressive range of altitudes, where climates and eco-systems range from the high Andean plain down to the cloud forests. The trail climbs up through two highland passes (the higher of the two, Warmiwañuska, lies at 4,200 masl) before reaching Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku or Gateway of the Sun.

The Inca Trail offers the traveler a wonderful combination of scenery including magnificent mountains, fauna and flora, subtropical vegetation and the amazing Inca ruins.
 

Over 240 species of orchids have been found in the Machupicchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as many species of birds, animals and reptiles.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco / Huayllabamba.

At 6:00 a.m., we pick you up at your hotel, we will depart from Cusco and travel to Urubamba, stopping briefly at Ollaytaytambo, where you can buy last minute gear and personal items. Then we move on to Piskacuchu (Km 82) and the start of the Inca Trail. We will have lunch in Miskay and relax a bit before hiking to our first campsite. Along the way, we will visit the Llactapata archeological site.

1. Meals provided: lunch And dinner .
2. Total distance: 12 km (7,47 miles)
3. Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours

Day 2: Huayllabamba / Pacaymayu

A steeper climb takes us through on the area of the rain forest and up to Llulluchapampa and the valley. There are some very good views on the way to the Warmiwañusca pass (4 200 m. s .n .m.) (13 700 ft.) That hike take 5 hours approximately. After the pass we steep down again into the valley of Pacaymayu.

1. Meals provided: breakfast , lunch And dinner .
2. Total distance: 11 km (6,84 miles)
3. Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours

Day 3: Pacaymayu / Wiñayhuayna

At 7:00a.m.we are continuing to climb to the second pass a small look out from here we look back to the first pass and forward to high Ice covered and the cordillera Vilcabamba. Across the other side of the Runcuracay pass (3,800m.s.n.m.)(12,900ft.). we quickly notice a change in the vegetation, since we have, now across the continental divided into the Amazon basin. The Inca trail itself now became more apparent, a defined path made of flat boulders descending into the valley and visit the ruins of Sayacmarca. After crossed the dry lake, and enter on the rain forest; the trees are hung with orchids paradise flowers and flock parrots can be seen on the trail, now unforgettable fowl lodge along the valley and passed at one point through an Inca tunnel before opening out at the ruins Phuyupatamarca, the 3th. Pass (3,600m.s.n.m.)(11,600ft.) Far away we get glimpses of Pumasillo and Salkantay and neared, but thousands of feet below, in once again the Urubamba river. Soon we can see Machupicchu huge mountain around it the long desert begging towards and 2 hours on way down we stop neared of the lodge of Wiñaywayna.

1. Meals provided: breakfast , lunch And dinner .
2. Total distance: 16 km (9,94 miles)
3. Estimated walking time: 7 hours

Day 4: Wiñayhuayna / Machupicchu / Cusco

After an early breakfast, we begin the final leg of the trek to the lost city of Machu Picchu. First, we will hike to Inti Punku ("Sun Gate"), where we will take in an inspiring and panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel. After a short hike down to Machu Picchu, we will register and then enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the sanctuary-city. After the tour of Machu Picchu, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we will enjoy before returning to Cusco by train.

1. Meals provided: breakfast
2. Total distance: 4 km (2,49 miles)
3. Estimated walking time: 2 hours

* Departure and arrival times are approximated.

Please note: In an effort to reduce impact the Peruvian government has lowered the number of people allowed on the trail. For this reason it is important that you make reservations as far in advance as possible to ensure your spot.

Group Size: 2 - 16 people

What is included:

• Transportation to and from: Hotel - Km. 82 (Piscacucho) -Cusco
• Bus Ticket: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
• Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide; 2 guides for groups over 9 people
• Cook: In charge of meal preparation
• Porters: Carry tents and cooking equipment
• Meals: 3 Breakfasts/3 Lunches/3 Dinners/3 Snacks
• Teatime everyday
• Ticket: Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
• Equipment: tents (2 people in each, 3-person-capacity), sleeping pad, dinner tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, table settings.
• Ffirst aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
• Backpacker Train Service: Aguas Calientes -Cusco

What is not included:

• Breakfast (day 1), usually hotels offer this service
• Lunch (day 4)
• Sleeping bag
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters

Extras

• US$12 Sleeping bag rental (-10°C) for the whole trek
• US$ 70 Personal porter for the whole trek ( 10 kilos )
• US$15 single tent accommodation
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes: US$25 Single room (per night)
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes: US$40 Double room (per night)

What you need to bring/carry: 

• Backpack 
• Sleeping bag (can be hired from our office for US$3 per day) 
• 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) 
• You also need to bring your original passport on the trail. 

DEPARTURE DATES 2011

We are Licensed Inca Trail Operator . Guaranteed Inca Trail departures for 2010 AND 2011 
Guaranteed Inca Trail departures for January 2011:(subject to availability for spaces on the goverment's web site):

http://www.nahui.gob.pe/Kratos/site/

We guarentee 100% that you can leave on any date you wish!!
Departures are Every Day, we just need 2 people!!
Importam Note: The Inca Trail is closed on February 2011. 

Available discounts:
Students: (students require a valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age)

Inca Trail not available? Why not do one of the alternative Inca Trails such as Salkantay trek, Inca jungle trail or Lares which also end at Machu Picchu.

Royal Inca Trail 2d/1n Salkantay trek to machupicchu 5d/4n Inca Jungle trail Golden Service 4d/3n Lares Trek 4d/3n Choquequirao 4d/3n Jungle Trail to Machupicchu 3d/2n Salkantay Inca Trail 7d/6n Putucusi and Machupicchu trek 2d/1n Huchuyqosqo to Machupicchu 3d/2n Choquequirao to Machupicchu 9d/8n Ausangate Expedition 7d/6n Expedition Vilcabamba Espiritupampa 8d/7n