INCA TRAIL

Inca Trail 4D/3N

INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

DURATION TO INCA TRAIL: 4 days / 3 nights.
SEASON: From January / to December 2010
DEPARTURE: Daily
PRICE PER PERSON
ADULT US$320
STUDENTS AND KIDS UNDER 12 YEARS OLD: US$290
RETURN: Back Packer Train
Note: return in Vista dome available for an additional of US$45 per person

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”.

ITINERARY:
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 to Inca trail, 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 trail 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 Inca trail.

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 Inca trail.

Day 03: Pacaymayo – Wiñaywayna
This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting of Inca trail, 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 only one´s of Inca trail, 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 of Inca trail.

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 return to Cusco, depends which time we have the train back, but your guide he´s will explaining to each one.

OUR SERVICE INCLUDED:

Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure
Private bus from your hotel to the start of Inca trail
Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees (value US$80)
English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 9 persons)
Igloo tents - 2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space for your backpacks
Double thickness foam mattress
Cook and Cooking equipment
Meals (03B,03L,03D) - food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude.
Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
Porters (to carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment)
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Accommodation for our porters and cooks
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Train ticket (Backpackers service) from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (value US$ 35 )
First aid kits including emergency oxygen bottle.

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.
Bus from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes (value US$7)

YOU SHOULD BRING:

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 Inca trail- 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)

IMPORTANT NOTES

- Reservations need to be done two months prior to arrive to Cusco.
Nevertheless take note there is a limit of visitors per day so I suggest you to book the trip as soon as possible to guarantee your spots.

- Remember to take your passport and your isic card on the Inca trail because without they you are not going to be able to do the hiking and take only the necessary items for the 4/3 days trek, the rest of your luggage’s you can leave it at your hotel in Cusco (most of hotels and hostals has an storage where to keep until your return)

- Participants need to be in good physical health and condition it is good for travelers who are in condition to hike up to ten hours, with breaks in a single day to enjoy the Inca Trail. The trekking will be difficult if you have not exercised regularly before your trip. To fully enjoy an Inca Trail adventure, we advise passengers to get into an exercise program for their own safety and enjoyment. If a passenger suffers from any medical condition, we advise him/her to consult a physician about joining an Inca Trail.

STUDENT DISCOUNT:
Note: To apply to this discount It is necessary to send us your scan copy ISIC (International Student Identity Card) with your other information. Without this copy we will not be able to make the discount. The group is form 8 by 16 persons

PARK REGULATIONS
Park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicate The Inca Trail is part of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, a protected area of
32,592 hectares, managed by the National Institute of Natural Resources, INRENA. Every visitor must obey park regulations prohibiting littering, cutting or damaging trees, removing or damaging stones of ruins and the Inca Trail, removing plants, killing animals, lighting open fires or camping in the archeological sites (Only authorized campsites can be used).