South America: Inca trail to Machu Picchu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 (SAT): Arrive in Lima, Peru. Transfer by private vehicle to a comfortable hotel. Overnight.

Day 2 (SUN): Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Transfer to a comfortable hotel. Afternoon free to relax and begin acclimatizing to the high altitude. Overnight.

Day 3 (MON): Day tour to the Sacred Valley. Return to Cusco. Overnight.

Day 4 (TUE): An early morning departure from Cusco takes us through the pastoral Sacred Valley to Chilca. Here, trekkers meet the Quechua porters accompanying them on the trip. The trek begins by crossing a small bridge over the Urubamba River. The trail meanders easily alongside the river with views of snow-capped peaks before reaching the ruins of Llaqtapata (2,550m/8364ft), a pre-Inca agricultural settlement. Veering away from the river and up the dry Cusichaca river gorge, the trail winds gently past terraced farmlands and flower-adorned houses to the village of Huayllabamba, built upon Inca foundations. There are views of the Urubamba mountain range and its most spectacular peak, Mt. Veronica (5,750m/18860ft). In Huayllabamba, there is a great opportunity to interact with the kids of the small village school. Campsite is at 3,000mt/9,840ft.
(L, D)

Day 5 (WED): After breakfast, trekkers start on a steeper trail up through a forest thick with Andean flowers and song of small birds. We’ll cross the Llulluchayoc and Huayruru rivers. The hike becomes more difficult but the truly spectacular scenery more than compensates for the effort. The trail continues upward through a forest with ice-covered streamlets. Vegetation thins and the day warms as we approach Warmiwañusca pass (4,270mt/14,000ft), highest point of the trail. After crossing the pass vegetation becomes more lush. Here, we’ll lunch and take in an unforgettable view of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. After a steep descend (a type that makes it impossible to use pack animals on the Inca Trail) the route cuts through a peaceful meadow with waterfalls, creeks, lakes and tiny Andean wild flowers. Campsite is on the Pacaymayo River (3,350mt/10,991ft).
(B, L, D)

Day 6 (THU): In early morning, the group climbs an Inca stairway to the fortified ruins of Runkurakay (3,700m/12136ft). This was an Inca tambo or post-house. Here begins the final push to Runkurakay pass (3,850 m/12628ft) where there are magnificent views of small lakes, gorges and the spectacular Mt. Pumasillo (6,246m/20,486ft) in the Vilcabamba range. The stonework on this stretch of the Inca Trail is well preserved. The trail starts a steady descent into a unique ecological area: a high jungle transitional zone rich in wildlife with a milder climate. After visiting the impressive ruins of Sayacmarca which overlook the Aobamba valley, the trail soon passes through a natural tunnel used by the Incas. We’ll continue on to camp at Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,650m/11,972ft). From this vantage point, we’ll marvel at the brilliant sunset and dawn colors. There is a magnificent view of the Urubamba River and Salcantay (6,271m/20,569ft). This mountain, the highest in the Vilcabamba range, was considered to be the sacred mountain of the Incas.
(B, L, D)

Day 7 (FRI): This morning, we’ll say goodbye to our porters as they transport the equipment back to Cusco. The trail becomes increasingly more dramatic as it leads down to the next Inca site: Wiñaywayna (2,900m/9512ft). This is a descend down a steep staircase of over 2 thousand steps! Wiñaywayna was an important administrative and agriculture center. We are now entering the cloud forest. Here, the jungle becomes denser and greener. A myriad of multicolored orchids festoon the trail. There are great views of the Urubamba River gorge and its mountains. Arriving at Intipunku (Sun gate), we’ll pause to rest with plenty of time to photograph the first overview of the famous Machu Picchu ruins. From Intipunku, it’s a short hike down to Machu Picchu (2,475mt/8,118ft) where we’ll catch a bus toAguas Calientes and stay overnight at a comfortable hotel. A late afternoon dip in the outdoor hot spring is a real treat.
(B, L, D)

Day 8 (SAT): Today is dedicated to exploring these enigmatic ruins. Morning is reserved for a private guided walking tour through the architectural complex of Machu Picchu (Old Mountain). There will be plenty of time for picture taking or just enjoying the panoramic views. Later on, it’s possible to climb Huaynapicchu — young mountain — (2,700m/8856ft): the jutting peak overlooking the ruins. In mid-afternoon, the group boards the train to Cusco. The journey winds through the beautiful Urubamaba river valley. You’ll be picked-up and transfer to the designated hotel. Dinner is at your expense.
(B, BL)

Day 9 (SUN): Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Airport assistance in Lima for connecting to your international flight.

Synopsis

Grading:

Length: 9 days total,5-Day trek

Transportation: Bus, train, and air.

Accommodation: 4 nights camping, 4 nights hotel

Price: $1635 US / $1795 CAD per person twin sharing.

SERVICES INCLUDED: Bilingual (English–Spanish) guide. Reception at the airport or train station and your other transfers as indicated. Hotel accommodation for 5 nights as indicated. Private bus to the trailhead, return train to Cusco and transfer to the hotel. Entrance fees: Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (US$50). Round trip bus ticket Machupicchu/Aguas Calientes. All meals indicated on the itinerary: CB= Continental breakfast, B= American breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner, BL= Box lunch. First class trekking services, including: camp cook, porters and camp assistant(s) All group camping equipment, double 4 season tents (Eureka, North face or REI) and thermarest or foam pad, kitchen and/or dining tent, and toilet tent. Tables, stools and all kitchen gear. 1 Porter per pax. Maximum weight 6kg/13lbs per pax. All meals during trek: wake-up tea, hot breakfast, lunch, and served dinner (soup, main course and dessert). No additional cost for vegetarians. Basic first aid kit.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: International flights (can be arranged by us at current fare levels). Flights from Lima to Cusco and return (Approx. $230usd). International and domestic airport taxes. Lima international tax $30 and domestic $6 each one. Sleeping bag (one can rent for $25 for entire trek). Any expenses incurred in preparing for the trip, such as, but not limited to, non-refundable airline tickets or trip insurance, or additional expenses encountered as a result of flight schedule changes, delays, acts of god or major forces, cancellations, or missed connections. Personal equipment and medicines. Tips to local guides/staff. Travel insurance. Items of a personal nature like individual gear, clothing, laundry, telephone calls, etc.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.