
Price: |
from $1,690 |
Days: |
10 days |
Difficulty:: |
Intermediate |
Departs: |
Saturdays, |
Hike 25 miles of the Inca Trail and explore one of the Incas' greatest legacies nestled high in the mountains of the Andes: the "Lost City" of Machu Picchu. This adventure includes tours of Cuzco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, Sacred Valley's Pisac market and Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Day 1: Lima
Welcome upon your arrival in Lima. Transfer to your hotel in the famous Miraflores neighborhood. If time permits, we can arrange for a visit to some of Lima’s cultural sites or just relax while exploring Miraflores at your own pace.
Day 2: Lima
During the morning you will enjoy a guided city tour of Lima. In the afternoon you will visit the famous Larco and Archaeological museums. Enjoy the rest of the evening before your flight to Cuzco early tomorrow morning. (B)
Day 3: Lima / Cuzco
After breakfast in the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Cuzco. Upon arriving in Cuzco (11,152 ft.), our guide will take you to the hotel where you can spend the morning resting and acclimating to the altitude. In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided tour of Cuzco with its ancient cathedrals and amazingly crafted Inca walls. You will also visit Cuzco's nearby ruins; Kenko, Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Saqsaywaman. (B)
Day 4: Cuzco / Sacred Valley; Pisac & Ollantaytambo / Cuzco
Today you will visit the Sacred Valley (9,350 ft.) and experience the rich colors of its traditional towns and ruins. Through the scenic countryside we will make our way to the town of Pisac to visit the town's colorful market. Before returning to Cuzco, our afternoon will come to a close at the town of Ollantaytambo. Here, you will visit the site of the beautiful rose-colored stone ruins where the Incans fought against the Spaniards. (B, L)
Day 5: Ollantaytambo / Wayllabamba (9,679 ft.) - Hike #1
Depart early in the morning from the hotel to rendezvous with our quechua porters. From Km. 82 (9,072 ft.), we hike along the bank of the Vilcanota River and views of the magnificent peaks of the Nevado Veronica (19,000 ft.). The overnight camp is on a terrace at Wayllabamba (9679 ft.). This is a 9.9 mile hike (6 hours trek). Note: All camp gear is carried by the porters. You only have to carry a light backpack with personal essentials. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Wayllabamba / Pacaymayu (11,967 ft.) - Hike #2
We climb through the magical Polylepis forest to high camp at Pacaymayu (11,967 ft.). Today is one of the most demanding days of the trip as we climb to higher altitudes. The first pass at 13,750 ft., Warmiwañusca, offers views east to the Huayanay peaks and west into rugged Vilcabamba range. Camp at Pacaymayu after the 5.4 mile hike (6.5 hours). (B, L, D)
Day 7: Pacaymayu / Wiñayhuayna (8,695 ft.) - Hike #3
We cross the second pass at 13,100 ft., and follow a fine Inca highway to the restored town site of Sayaqmarka. The Inca trail in this section is made up of white granite, crossing through a thick mountainside forest. We will visit the ruins of Phuyupatamarka (12,460 ft.), then descend to Wiñayhuayna to our campsite. Estimated time of 7 hours to cover 6.25 miles. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Wiñayhuayna / Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.) - Hike #4
Early in the morning, we will descend from mountain forests into the high jungle habitat. Orchids and hummingbirds are common along this spectacular section of the trail high above the river. We arrive at the Gate of the Sun for our first view of Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.) and a guided tour of the sanctuary. In the mid-afternoon we descend to the town of Aguas Calientes. (B, L)
Day 9: Machu Picchu / Cuzco
Free day to return to Machu Picchu (optional) or explore nearby areas. You might want to wake up early and take some pictures from the Puerta del Sol in Machu Picchu. Today is also a great opportunity to climb Wayna Picchu. In the afternoon we will return by train to Cuzco. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival in Cuzco. (B)
Day 10: Lima / Cuzco
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima's international airport or continue on one of our extensions. Bon Voyage!! (B)
End of Service
(B): Breakfast (L): Lunch (D): Dinner
Important Notice Actual day-by-day itineraries may vary from those shown in order to take advantage of local sightseeing options, trains or flight schedules changes, or other unforeseen events.
Price
10 days / 9 nights from $1,690 per person based on double occupancy.
Add $390 for single occupancy or deduct $50 for triple occupancy.
Price based on check or cash payment (please add 3% back if paying via credit card)
What is Included
All hotel accommodations (based on double occupancy)
Meals as indicated in the itinerary - B: breakfast, L: lunch and D: dinner
All sightseeing as shown as part of an open group (private tours available).
Services of bilingual professional guides.
Cuzco/Machu Picchu train ticket (upgraded to the Vistadome Train). Note: If tickets are not available on the Vistadome and only on the Tourist train (Backpacker), you will get a $30/pp credit.
Admission pass to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (one day).
Airport transfers.
All gratuities except to guides.
Additional Budget Considerations
Domestic flights: about $160/segment (i.e.: Lima / Cuzco / Lima is around $320)
Airport taxes
Other Fees (if applicable)
Inti Raymi festival in Cuzco (from June 22 to June 27): $200/person ($300 single)
Please add $100/person for trips during the following year.
Items NOT included in the price
International or domestic flights unless stated. Note: We can purchase the domestic tickets at your request.
Personal expenses such as beverages; lunch or dinner (unless in the itinerary)
Second day pass and transfer to Machu Picchu (approx. $54/person)
Laundry services
Travel insurance (check www.travelguard.com)
Excess baggage fees
Communication charges
Airport departure or arrival taxes
Cost of obtaining passports or visas
Gratuities to guides
Any other expense not mentioned on what is included
Please do not hesitate to call 1-800-667-6134 for additional information.