| HIGHLIGHTS: Lima - Cusco - Inca Trail - Yuncachimpa - Pacaymayo - Winaywayna - Machu Picchu
It covers the major highlights of the Inca Empire, showcasing Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the magnificent trek along Inca trails to Machu Picchu.
Day 1 Lima. Our trip starts today in Lima, but with no activities planned you may arrive at any time. There is a pre - departure meeting with your local tour guide this evening. Please check the notice board in the foyer of your joining hotel for the exact time of this meeting and any other messages regarding your tour. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to the briefing.
Day 2 - 3 Cusco. A short flight across the mountains brings us to Cusco, where we spend the next two days exploring this amazing colonial city. Established on the foundations of the original Inca town, Cusco is a city of contrasts, both modern and ancient. Known the world over for the incredible archaeological ruins of nearby Machu Picchu, travellers flock to this trekkers haven to soak up its awesome culture and beautiful surroundings. At an altitude of over 3300 metres Cusco is also a great place to acclimatise in preparation for the hike to Machu Picchu. There is so much to see in and around Cusco. Your tour guide takes you on a walking tour of the central part of town, which includes the impressive Plaza de Armas, the cathedral and the Koricancha Museum. You also have time to make your own discoveries including travelling out to the great Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman, Quenca and Tambo Machay. You may also wish to explore further afield into the beautiful Sacred Valley and visit the market town of Pisac. Utilising these two days and your spare day at the end of your trek to Machu Picchu, there is time to take in all these great sites.
DAY 4 - 7 We trek the 'Classic' and the 'Lares' routes, both of which culminate in a visit to the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu. Although we normally trek the 'Classic' route, it is restricted by the number of trekkers permitted on the trail each day and unless you have booked early, it maybe difficult or impossible for us to secure the necessary group permits (especially during the peak season). It is also closed during the month of February for cleaning and rejuvenation. If we are unable to confirm your permit for the 'Classic' route we will use the 'Lares' trail. This is an exceptional alternative. Venturing further off the beaten path, this trek winds its way through remote rural villages and provides stunning views across the Andes Mountains. Along the way you can mingle with local families, llama herders and weavers, renowned for their brightly coloured hats and ponchos. The trek is of similar altitude and level of difficulty as the Classic route and also culminates in a visit to the village of Aguas Calientes and the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, recently voted one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World'. The following description refers to the 'Classic' route. Please refer below to the ' Variation' section of this trip note for details of the Lares route.
Day 4 Inca Trail to Yuncachimpa. We leave Cusco by bus and travel over the mountain range and down into the Urubamba Valley to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo. Built on a steep mountainside this grand citadel served as both a temple and fortress and is one of the few sites where the Incas were able to defeat the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Their success was however short lived, with the Spaniards returning with force to claim victory. Here we have time to gaze upon the massive Inca fortifications before continuing to KiLometre 82 - the starting point of our trek. Today is a relatively easy hike past the ancient hilltop fort of Huillca Raccay and the beautiful archaeological site of Llactapata. Along the way there are stunning views of snow - capped Veronica Peak (5860m). Our first camp is just past the village of Wayllabamba at 3000 metres.
Day 5 Inca Trail to Pacaymayo. Today is the most difficult part of the trek as we climb to Warminwanusca, or 'Dead Woman's Pass' (4200m). This is the first of three Andean high passes we traverse and the highest point on the Inca trail. Stopping to catch our breath we take in the superb panorama of the Vilcanota and Vilcabama mountain ranges, the ruins of Runkuracay ahead and Rio Pacamayo (Sunrise River) in the valley below. Here the trail changes from dirt to steps and stone pathways. Although not difficult we still need to make a steep descent to the valley below and our camp at Pacamayo (3600m). Located in a basin beneath the cliff tops, the campsite faces down the valley with a view over the cloud forest.
Day 6 Inca Trail to Winaywayna. We climb up to the unusual, round ruins of Runcuracay which is believed to have been an Inca tambo or post house. Forging on we continue to climb the Inca staircase and sighting the small mountain lake of Cochapata on the way to our second pass at 4000m, from where we are rewarded with spectacular views of Pumasillo (6245m) and the entire snow - capped Vilcabamba range From here it is a steep descent to our third pass and the ruins of Sayacmarca, where we enter the beautiful cloud forest full of orchids, ferns, flowers and hanging moss. The scenery will blow you away Butterflies flutter across the trail and the air is pure and clean as we head to the breathtaking Winaywayna, (2450m).
Day 7 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Cusco. The final leg of the trek to Machu Picchu is the most spectacular of all. We arrive at sunrise at Inti Punku, the Gateway of the Sun, where through a rectangular doorway we experience a panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After taking a short path down, it's time for us to explore The secrets of the Incas are slowly revealed to us on a guided tour. We depart by catching a bus down to the hot springs at Aguas Calientes and returning to Cusco on a late - afternoon train.
Day 8 Cusco. A free day in Cusco can be spent shopping for handicrafts or taking in some further sightseeing. Cusco is a maze of markets, artisan shops lining the streets and many museums filled with the rich history of Inca art. You might like to try some traditional cuisine - perhaps guinea pig, alpaca steak or ceviche, a raw seafood delicacy marinated in lime. If you haven't yet visited the Sacred Valley, this is your best chance to do so. Your tour guide can advise you on how to get there and show you where the bus to Pisac leaves from. Alternatively, you may just wish to relax and absorb the incredible experiences of the last few days whilst resting in one of the many caFes that line the streets of this quaint and fascinating town.
Day 9 Lima. We board our aircraft for a short flight over the Andes to Lima. Our adventure comes to an end upon arrival at Lima Airport. If you are planning to depart Lima today, we advise that you do not book to depart until at least after 5pm (17:00 hrs).
This short adventure is designed for those who are short on time and want to do something active during their time off 9 day tour departing Lima.3 nights accommodation in full service camping. 5 nights accommodation in hotels. 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.An experienced Peruvian tour leader, specialist trekking and assistant trekking guides and there will be the services of local guides at some sites.Local flights from Lima to Cusco (return)
Ask about our great airfaresConditions Valid for sale until 31 December 2012.Price is per person twin share.Airfares other than local flights from Lima to Cusco (return) are not included.You will need a sleeping bag for the Inca trek.If you don't wish to do the Inca Trail, we have non-trekking alternative available on this tour - please see the detailed trip notes under 'itinerary variation' for further information.Remember to book early for this trip The Peruvian Government has introduced strict quotas on the number of permits issued for hiking the 'Classic' Inca Trail route. These can often be sold out months in advance. To apply for your group's permits, we will need your deposit and your passport details, so we ask that you book your holiday early. In the event that we are unable to obtain permits for the 'Classic' route we will use the alternative 'Lares' route, an equally challenging trek culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu.Additional conditions may apply, please enquire for further details.Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes. Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice.Prices are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, please enquire for further details. |
