INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 4D 3N

(4 DAYS - 3 NIGHTS)
Inca Trail to Machupicchu.


We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour.

The Inca road system was the most advanced and intricate transportation system in pre-Colombian South America. The network covered a territory of over 5,000,000 square kilometers with approximately 60,000 kilometers of primary and secondary trails. The most essential roadway was theCamino Real (Royal Road), which spanned 5,000 kilometers and traversed the Andes mountain ranges of Peru. Along this important trail, the Incas built countless religious retreats and military stations, in addition to multiple reststops and administrative areas. Only people on duty, or with the permission of the government, were able to travelover this critical route.

The most important Inca roads began at the sacred plaza of Aucaypata in Cusco (the capital of the Inca Empire). From here, the road network connected the four sides of theTawantinsuyu Empire.

Join us for the different Inca Trails and alternative Inca Trails .Choose your program and options.


ITINERARY

DAY ONE:CUSCO,KM82,Huayabamba
DAY TWO:HUAYABAMBA;PACAYMAYU 
DAY THREE:PACAYMAYU;WIÑAYHUAYNA
DAY FOUR:WIÑAYHUAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU 

ITINERARY
TRIP ITINERARY:

Itinerary
 Enjoy an original Inca trail, plus the city of Machu Picchu and also the opportunity to see some Inca remains along this original stone path from the Incas times. Enjoy nature, see flora and fauna and hike one of the mountains of the sacred city, Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu(optional hike about 2,30minutes)

Day One: CUSCO, PISCAYCUCHO, Huayabamba

We begin at 8:30 am. Driving out of Cusco headed northeast for about 2 hours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas; where we will see the Archaeological Site of the once great city of Ollantaytambo. Rom there we continue driving for 1 hour until we reach the kilometer 82(Piscaycucho,2570 mts) marker where we have lunch and prepare our kits. Here meet the local porters who will carry the gear, camping equipment and commissary. We are now at the trailhead, all set and poised to enter the National Park. From its onset, the Inca Trail is noted for some beatiful arqueological sites along the trail and its abundance of orchids, bromelids and humming birds. Also some of the Andean scrub bush vegetation with bushes like the Chilca (bacharis peruviana) and some Molle (Schinus molle) and Tara (Caesalpina spinosa) tress used for medicinal purposes in the area. After 3 hours hike we visit a beautiful archaeological site called Patacllacta (alt.2740mts)where we will tour the site. Today we will begin our hike following the gorge of the Urubamba River(one of the main sources of the Amazon River). The hike lasts about 6 hours(incluiding the tour of the site) in duration and we cover 9 kilometers approximate( with different conditions flats,ups and downs). There will be along the way incredible views of the Vilcanota mountain range with some snow peaks. We arrive at our first camp at Huayabamba (2850mts Hot water hot drinks and beautiful scenery await for you.

Day Two:Huayabamba,Pacaymayu

Breakfast outside with the chance to see sun rise above the mountains by 6:30 to 7:30 am. Because we are –in effect- camping in the mountains. In fact we’re hemmed in by them from all sides and the sun does take a while to go over the mountains at any time of the year.

Today we hike early  and cover about 12 kilometers and 8 hours, mostly going up(granite rock steps with gradient in between 30 to 45 grades) with a beatiful Inca stones path in the midst of the marvelous scenery through the different and ever changing ecosystems of the interandean valleys. This ecosystem is part the Andean semidryforest or scrub bush vegetation filled with several species of asteraceas, bromeliads, muss. As well some finches, seedeaters and hummingbirds. This day is mostly a beautiful climb along the original Inca trail, when we get to Yuncaypata (at 3200mts), we will have the incredible view of the snow cape peak of Huayanay (alt 5188mts)about 2 hours hike to this point

Later we will encounter another ecosystem part of the forest called Unca forest ((Myrcianthes oreophyla) this passage of the trail will take you into the beautiful section decorated with ferns and many orchest, bromeliads and muss in this unic type of forest(beginig of the cloud forest). We will arrive to  the Andean Paramo called LLulluchapampa (3650mts)about 2 hours hike.where probably we will have lunch.Time for some bird watching with some good opportunities to see many Andean finches, Andean flickers and a few hummingbirds as well some flora of this ecosystem.them we will continue for 2 hours more to our first pass called Huarmiwañusta(4221mts),the high point of our expedition . After the incredible views we will continue down to Pacaymayu(3300mts)for about 2 hours, where we will camp (B, L, D)

Day Three: pacaymayu, Wiñay huayna

The day begins early we cover 13 kilometers and 8 hours aprox mainly up with beatiful stone steps(30 to 45 grades)in the first part of the day through a succession of valleys and ecological levels and we will visit the remains of Runkurakay(check in point) then we will attain the second high pass called Runkurakay(3780mts) with incredible views of the Vilcabamba mountain range from far away.

Then we will go down trough some stairs and visit and explore the remarkable archaeological site of Sayacmarca(religiuos retreat)  with the chance to see some orchest called(odontuglosun myanthum) and the Aya zapatillan(Calceolaria cypripediiflora)

After this site and lunch(Chaquicocha) we will continue in trough a beautiful section of the trail with the incredible views of the snow peaks(Salkantay6271mts) the undispute monarch of this cordillera and the snowcapped calledHumantay,5900mts)) and the cloud forest below for about 3 hours  untill we get to the ruins of Wiñay Huayna(forever young) at an altitude 2990mts)where we will camp. There are spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range and the Urubamba gorge or canyon and of the mountains around Machu Picchu. (B, L, D)

Day Four: wiñay huayna , MACHUPICCHU

Today after the visit of Wiñay Huayna we go down to finally see Machu Picchu. Along the way we will see some Inca remains and the thick cloud forest vegetation with great chances to see some orchest, bromeliads and many species of birds like tanagers and wrens. Also today we begin hiking to Machu picchu trough a beatifull trail filled with stones made it out of granite.also we will see the orchests like the name of the epiphytic orchid (Epidendrum secumdum) that is prevalent in the area. The bird population is impressive … and beautiful. We have picnic lunch and shortly after we come to the Sun gate (Intipunku 2950 mts), where we have our first view of Machu Picchu. In this point we will remain here for a while and take some pictures of the incredible city below.Today after 5 kilometers hike and 2 hours total we will go to the look out place to see Machu Picchu very close and explore the beginning of the site with an incredible tour of the Citadel(about 2 hours)and a optional hike to one of the sacred mountain called Huayna Picchu or Machu picchu Mountain(about 2,30 minutes round trip).In the afternoon we take the bus down to the town of Aguas calientes(Machu picchu district), where we can enjoy a good lunch and then take the train to Cusco city arriving aprox by 8 pm..(B; L;).


 
Include
Included

  • Sleeping bag(under 10 centigrades)
  • Tents (Eureka ,double occupancy and mattresses)
  • Meals, Snacks,cook
  • Lunch and dinner tent.
  • Radio communication, cell phone
  • Portable toilets.
  • Transportation in and out
  • Bus up and down Machu picchu
  • Train round trip
  • Tours of the sites 
  • Porters (2 per person)
  • Tickets for the park and Machu picchu
  • Treks mountains (optional hikes in the Citadel)
  • Guides (historical, natural)
  • First aid kit, bottle of oxygen
 
Prices
Prices

2 people 650 dollars each other

3 to 5 people 550 dollars each other

6 to 8 people 500 dollars each other

9 to 12 people 450 dollars each other

13 to 16 people 400 dollars each other.

 
What to bring
What to bring

This is a list designed to advise you what equipment is appropriate to bring according to the weather conditions predominating at the time of your trip:

  • Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).
  • Sun Block; Insect Repellent.
  • Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).
  • Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket) though not necessary during the months of July and August.
  • A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.
  • One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).
  • Sandals for River use or camp use (Teva types).
  • Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season).
  • Reading material.
  • Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).
  • Bathing Suit.
  • Water Bottle (I liter capacity).
  • Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.
  • A bandana for neck protection.
  • A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).
  • Camera and plenty of film.
  • Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).
  • At least one short sleeve shirt and one or two long sleeve shirts (dark colors, depending on the place and destiny chosen).

One set of clothes for Machu Picchu

  • And your regular medium to high altitude outer trekking clothes (Anorak-Wind Breaker, Pile or Down Jacket, Wool Hat, Gloves).
 
 

ALTERNATIVE TRAIL CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHUPICHU: 9D8N

(9 DAYS - 8 NIGHTS)Alternative trail
 Choquequirao Inca City. Machupicchu ( Inca religious retreat and palace)

We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

Read more:

SHORT ALTERNATIVE INKA TRAIL ABRA PACHACUTEC TO QUESWARANI(2days,1night)

(2 DAYS - 1 NIGHTS)
This is a unique way to see the Andean world

We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour. 

Read more:

SHORT INCA TRAIL: TO MACHU PICCHU 2D1N

 SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU(2 DAYS - 1 NIGHT)

We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

The Inca road system was the most advanced and intricate transportation system in pre-Colombian South America. The network covered a territory of over 5,000,000 square kilometers with approximately 60,000 kilometers of primary and secondary trails. The most essential roadway was theCamino Real (Royal Road), which spanned 5,000 kilometers and traversed the Andes mountain ranges of Peru. Along this important trail, the Incas built countless religious retreats and military stations, in addition to multiple reststops and administrative areas. Only people on duty, or with the permission of the government, were able to travelover this critical route.

The most important Inca roads began at the sacred plaza of Aucaypata in Cusco (the capital of the Inca Empire). From here, the road network connected the four sides of theTawantinsuyu Empire.

Read more:

ALTERNATIVE INKA TRAIL SALKANTAY TO MACHUPICCHU: 6D5N

ALTERNATIVE INKA TRAIL,SALKANTAY TO MACHUPICCHU (6 DAYS - 5 NIGHTS)

We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

Read more:

ALTERNATIVE INKA TRAIL SALKANTAY TO MACHUPICCHU: 5D4N

Alternative trail Salkantay to Machu picchu(5 DAYS - 4 NIGHTS)

We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

Read more:

SALKANTAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICHU: 6D5N

SALKANTAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICHU
(6 DAYS - 5 NIGHTS)
 Inka trail to Machu Pichu

We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

Read more:

ROYAL INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU: 3D2N

ROYAL INCA TRAIL (3 DAYS - 2 NIGHTS)
Magestic path to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World

We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

Read more:

ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAIL LARES TREK TO MACHUPICCHU: 4D3N

LARES TREK TO MACHUPICCHU (4 DAYS - 3 NIGHTS)
This is a unique way to see the Andean world

We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

Read more:

ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAIL: VILCABAMBA TO MACHUPICCHU: 6D5N

(6 DAYS - 5 NIGHTS)
Alternative Inca trail Vilcabamba to Machu picchu

We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

Read more:

INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICHU: 5D4N

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICHU
(5 DAYS - 4 NIGHTS)

We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

Read more:

ALTERNATIVE INCA TRAIL HUAYANAY TO MACHUPICHU: 4D3N

(4 DAYS - 3 NIGHTS)
Around Huayanay mountain, connecting with a section of the Inka trail and culminating by train in Machupicchu.

We recommend two days predeparture to acclimate. We have the city tour of Cusco Inca arqueological sites. Also the sacred valley of the Incas full day tour

 

The Inca road system was the most advanced and intricate transportation system in pre-Colombian South America. The network covered a territory of over 5,000,000 square kilometers with approximately 60,000 kilometers of primary and secondary trails. The most essential roadway was theCamino Real (Royal Road), which spanned 5,000 kilometers and traversed the Andes mountain ranges of Peru. Along this important trail, the Incas built countless religious retreats and military stations, in addition to multiple reststops and administrative areas. Only people on duty, or with the permission of the government, were able to travelover this critical route.

 

The most important Inca roads began at the sacred plaza of Aucaypata in Cusco (the capital of the Inca Empire). From here, the road network connected the four sides of theTawantinsuyu Empire. 

Join us for the different Inca trails and alternative Inca trails.Choose your program and options.


ITINERARY

DAY ONE:Cusco,Chilca,Ascashcocha pampa
DAY TWO: Ascashcocha pampa Paucarcancha
DAY THREE: Paucarcancha,Llacatapata
DAY FOUR: Llacatpata Machu picchu

ITINERARY
TRIP ITINERARY:
This is one choice jewel of a hike: close proximity of high snowcapped peaks, Andean villages in hanging valleys, deep gorges and broad wide expanses of Andean highland plateau. We connect with a section of the original Inka Trail and have a chance to see the different ecosystems. Plus, the train rides to and from Machu Picchu along the Canyon of the Urubamba River, are thrilling and impressive treat unto themselves.

DAY ONE:Cusco,Chilca to Ascashcocha pampa
We begin climbing out of the Cusco valley and then on a large highlands plateau, driving for some ninety minutes on the road to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. Our first stops are at some of scenic lookouts and spots with spectacular overviews of the Urubamba Mountain Range (their summits almost 3000 meters above us and yet the ramparts of the Cordillera are less than 50 kilometers away. Spectacular photography of the impressive panorama of the eastern Andes. The plateau (known as the plateau of Chinchero, after the principal village in the area) comes to an abrupt end at what is actually the south rim –or left margin- of the Grand Canyon of the Urubamba, which flows east to west at this point, several thousand meters below us.

The road then drops vertiginously from the highland of Chinchero to the Urubamba River valley floor. Along this stretch of valley there is a succession of villages, some which once were impressive Inka urban centers. One such is the town of Ollantaytambo, which boasts some of he most impressive and massive Inka Stone masonry among its archaeological remains. We put in a stop at this archaeological site, touring and photographing it. Having completed our visit, we continue by vehicle following a secondary gravel road and eventually reaching the small village of Chillca, which is where our trailhead begins. First, however we make the acquaintance of our field staff and camp hands. The wranglers soon strap our gear on the llamas and horses who will be packing the expedition appurtenances throughout, until later in the journey when we are close to Machu Picchu and walking on Inka Royal Roads, where pack animals are not allowed.
Today’s trekking will cover a distance of approximately 11 kilometers (8 miles). There will be good opportunities to catch glimpses of Andean wildlife as we gradually make our way up through the different Inter Andean valleys all the way to the beginning of the Puna ecosystem (Andean grass land). It constitutes a great chance for those fond of observing nature to see different Humming Birds (like the Giant Humming Bird and the Sparkling Violet Ear), as well finches (Rufus cellared sparrow); likewise also observe some of our native forestry and flora, such as the bush called Chillca (Bacharis peruviana), the Kiswar (Buddleja longifolio) and the Colle (Buddleja coriacea). ). We arrive at camp already in the afternoon, and partake of high tea and hot drinks. (L, D). In the evening and night, fantastic opportunities for star gazing.

DAY TWO:Ancashcocha to Paucarcancha
Today we’re up early and after a hearty breakfast off we go and climb to the top of the Pass of Anscascocha (“blue lake pass”) at 14 800 ft. above sea level) passing through diverse vegetation: different kinds of bromeliads (epiphytes) such as the Puya densifora bromeliad and the tall Andean grass called Ichu (stipa sp). There is a wonderful view of Ancascocha Lake (12,000 ft) and the snow capped peak of Huayanay (The Mountain of the five peaks, 19000 ft.)

Lunch takes place at this point, followed by a photographic session of the Urubamba range and the awesome and overpowering Mt. Salkantay which -at 21000 ft.- is the highest and most massive mountain in the Cordillera Vilcabamba. We now descend the pass - from the highland of the Andes we start going down following the original path of the Inkas and passing one of their well built Tambos, or rest stations, along the way. This was once an important Inka Road, leading from the aforementioned city of Ollantaytambo (on the Urubamba watershed) and leading to Tarawasi, another important administrative center located on the Apurimac River watershed. After a 13 kilometer (8.7 miles) trek, we finally set up camp in the vicinity of Huayanay mountain, in full view of its glacier field; this camp is at (11,800 ft). The star and constellation gazing in this camp is breathtaking. (B, L, D).

DAY THREE:Paucarcancha to llactapata
We have ahead of us a beautiful day. We continue our descent to the Urubamba basin floor A beautiful day, taking in part of the inter Andean valleys and the scrub bush vegetation ecosystem with the chance to see birdlife such as the Great Thrush (Turdus fuscater) and the Long Tail Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingi), as well as the Aplomado Falcon (Falcon femoralis). We also traverse the sections of the original Andean high forest characterized by arboreal species like the Huaranhuay (Tecoma stans) and the Chachacomo (Escallonia resinosa).

This day we will explore the archaeological site of Paucar Cancha (10000 ft), finely constructed at the confluence of two torrents, and go on to visit the once-important Inka Administrative nucleus of Llaqtapata (9000 ft.) It is large broad archaeological complex, with many sectors. It is also an admirable lunch spot. After lunch we go down to the gorge of the Urubamba river. In these places we will encounter other numerous archaeological sites to visit. After we’ve had our fill of ruins we go to camp for hot drinks and Dinner. Camp is in the proximity of Inka ruins. As usual, insuperable star-gazing. (B, L, D).

DAY FOUR:llactapata to Machu picchu(train)
Early this morning, we trek a short distance to the railway line where we board the train bound for Machu Picchu. After the spectacular train ride mentioned at the start of this description, we go up to Machupicchu for a good, in-depth tour with explorations and explanations of the archaeological site. Later, we shall have a good chance to climb one of the mountains which rise close to the complex. If we do this, our odds are greatly favorable of seeing orchids such as the forever young “Wiñay Wayna” (epidrendum secundum) and others.

After a good break, followed by lunch, we have an optional hike to Intipunku -the Gateway of the Sun- (an easy hike of one and a half hours) where we have the chance to admire a different view, or perspective of Machupicchu. The upper reaches of the hike to Intipunku are very bountiful in flora and fauna. There are other species of birdlife we hadn’t seen until now -like the Wrens- as well as innumerable species of orchids –both epiphytic and ground growing- and, of course, several other Inka Roads, their ashlars stairways vanishing into the forest. After that enjoyable saunter, we some time free for a spiritual journey in the Citadel. Late afternoon we catch the train to Cusco, arriving there by 8.30 pm.

Note: We can and are willing to recommend good hotels for you. Also highly recommended is to add a river rafting trip and a jungle trip plus a city tour this package.
 
Include
Included
  • Sleeping bag(under 10 centigrades)
  • dinning tent,portable kitchen
  • Trekking guide
  • Equipment and gear(portable toilet)
  • Tents(eureka) and mattresses
  • Meals and snacks,cook
  • Transportation in and out
  • Bus up and down in Machu picchu
  • Train round trip
  • Horses,Llamas and mules handlers,extra horse sit for customers)
  • Tours and tickets in the arqueological sites(optional hike Sun gate)
  • Guides Machu picchu (cultural and natural).
  • First aid bottle of oxigen
  • Radio communication,cell phone
 
Prices
Prices

2 pax $650 for each person

3 to 5 pax $600 for each person

6 to 8 pax $550 for each person

 
What to bring
What to bring
This is a list designed to advise you what equipment is appropriate to bring according to the weather conditions predominating at the time of your trip:
  • Flashlights (at least one headlamp among them).
  • Sun Block; Insect Repellent.
  • Towels (Small; cotton and hygienic).
  • Rain Gear (Pants and Jacket) though not necessary during the months of July and August.
  • A couple of pairs of socks, perhaps even an extra pair.
  • One pair of trousers for the evening plus two more pairs for trail use (zipp-offs).
  • Sandals for River use (Teva types).
  • Low ankle height hiking shoes or regular hiking boots (check the season).
  • Reading material.
  • Binoculars (always useful regardless of season and activity).
  • Bathing Suit.
  • Water Bottle (I liter capacity).
  • Good Sun glasses, perhaps two sets.
  • A bandana for neck protection.
  • A couple of sets of underwear (perhaps an extra pair).
  • Camera and plenty of film.
  • Passport (plus a couple of Xerox copies).
  • At least one short sleeve shirt and one or two long sleeve shirts (dark colors, depending on the place and destiny chosen).
  • A good waterproof jacket and anorak.

 
 


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