TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival to Cusco and City Tour & Archeological ruins

• On arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transport to your hotel. The rest of the morning is free to rest in order to avoid ill effects due to the high altitude.
• Pick up from the hotel at 13:20pm – Tour begins from Cusco’s Main Square, Plaza de Armas.
• Includes a visit to Cusco’s cathedral in which you will be able to see the intricate woodwork and colonial paintings that contain detailed Incan iconography.
• After, we will head to the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) upon which the Convent of Santo Domingo has been built. Interesting fact: according to a legend, this temple was entirely gold plated which left many conquerors impressed with its magnificence when they came here!
• The tour continues with visits to 4 archeological sites: Sacsayhuaman is an archeological complex, a masterpiece of Incan architecture in which you will see mindboggling huge stone blocks, almost 9 meters in height that are still placed perfectly. Qenqo Temple is a temple dedicated to animal worship. Puca Pucara is another Incan archeological site located on top of a hill, used as a fort and administrative center. Tambomachay, which is also known as the Inca Baths.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
• Meals included: None.

Day 2 – Full day to Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Chinchero)

• Breakfast at hotel – pick up from your hotel at 07:30am.
• We then will then embark on a journey back in time to the Incan´s Sacred Valley beginning in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The ancient Incan archeological site and city is located on the top of a mountain. There you will have the chance to firsthand witness the impressive stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors.
• Afterwards, you will go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market where you can buy intricate, beautifully crafted locally hand-made products.
• After this, lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
• Then, you will continue to Ollantaytambo, a military, religious, and agricultural center of the Incas located at the top of a mountain. Note: unlike other small towns, this one has maintained its original Incan design including outstanding stone buildings and narrow streets. It was once used as a fortress and administrative and urban center.
• On our way back to Cusco we will stop in Chinchero, a place where the townspeople are famed for their preservation of traditional Andean spinning and weaving techniques. The locals have set up a market in the town square where you can purchase their beautiful handmade crafts.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 3 – Transfer to Km 82, Hike to Huayllabamba

• Pick up from the hotel at 05:00AM and transfer to Piscacucho Km 82 head of the trail (2,850m/9,350ft) where we meet with the porters. Our vehicle usually stops at the town of Ollantaytambo for about an hour so that people can have breakfast.
• The car trip from Cusco to Piscacucho takes around 3 hours; we begin touring the Inca Trail by crossing the overhead bridge on the Urubamba River. We then hike on the shore, left of the Urubamba River as it runs northwest towards the Sacred Valley. Staying on this Inca trail, which is on a flat surface, we reach Miskay, and proceed further and eventually see Llactapata from the highest peak, an inspiring Inca city.
• Resuming our trek on this trail through the valley, carved out by River Kusichaca, slowly climbing and after five hours we arrive at the Huayllabamba (3,000m/9,840ft), to camp for the night. Throughout the journey we take joy in the extravagant sights of the fantastic Vilcanota ridge, which is located on the far side of River Urubamba, where the imposing Veronica peak stands tall at (5,832m/19,134ft) over sea level. The first day of the Trail is simple and offers good training for the days ahead.
• Overnight in camp.
• Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.

Approximate walking distance: 10.5 km (6.52 miles)
Estimated time walking: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,970 m (9,744ft)
Campsite altitude: 2,970 m (9,744ft)

Day 4 – From Huayllabamba to Paqaymayu (Crossing the highest point)

• This day is without a doubt the toughest and highest in terms of altitude on the trail, which includes a sudden and sheer ascent that goes on for about 11 km, so inexperienced hikers are allowed time to settle in. We recommend that you make special preparations for this day by packing your day bag with plenty of chocolates or candies to keep your blood sugar level high and curb the threat of altitude sickness.
• After breakfast we will begin our demanding day with a sharp climb to the Warmiwañusca Pass, also called the Dead Woman´s Pass (4,200m/13,776ft). Along this path, the surroundings begin to transform to a mountainous terrain where we may see local alpacas and llamas grazing on the Ichu grass.
• We will continue downhill from here using a winding path that bypasses a valley beside our next campsite. We will also go by an area known as the cloud forest, a habitat for various species of birds such as sparrows, hummingbirds and also the Andean bear better known as the Spectacled Bear.
• After 6 hours of trekking we will descend into the valley of Paqaymayu (3,500m/11,480ft) where we will find our campsite. You will enjoy a wonderful meal and rest after an exhausting day.
• Overnight in camp.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5 – Paqaymayu to Wiñayhuayna (Descending into the Cloud Forest)

• After Breakfast we will make our way along the longest and most remarkable part of the trail. The presence of numerous archaeological sites as well as the green cloud forest and the rich presence of Andean flora and fauna will take your breath away. We will make our way from Paqaymayu to Abra Runkurakay, the second pass (3,955m/12,975ft).
• Midway along the Inca trail, you will come upon the remains of Runkurakay, a semi-circular Inca domicile overlooking the Paqaymayu valley. After a short visit we make our way into the Cloud Forest to the Archaeological site of Sayacmarca where you will have a chance to explore. Continuing the hike we will approach the third mountain pass at Abra Phuyupatamarca and descend to the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca, also known as “The Town in the Clouds” where you will have a chance to explore this astounding Inca vestige.
• Next, we will make our way down a long stone stair case that will lead us to Wiñayhuayna (2,700m/8,858ft), an inspiring Inca center consisting of a thriving agricultural complex, an urban sector and a religious hub in close proximity of our camp. Wiñayhuayna becomes the last official camp before Machu Picchu. Ensure that you are well rested so that you wake up in time to catch the marvelous sunrise at Machu Picchu.
• Dinner and overnight in camp.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6 – Hike to Sun Gate, Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary & Back to Cusco

• At around 04:00am you will get up, have breakfast and continue on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. This is the last part of the journey so we will arrive to the Sun Gate by 06:00am.
• Out of the blue every part of Machu Picchu will materialize before your eyes stuttering with its immense beauty – an incredible sight for all to see. The sight is overwhelming and you can imagine what the ancient Inca must have perceived after their taxing expedition to this expansive temple. At this point we move downhill towards Machu Picchu (2,430m/7,972ft), after a period of 40 minutes we will enter the citadel through the “House of the Guardians”.
• We then proceed to the control point where we register and leave our belongings.
• At 08:00am the guided tour begins, your guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can then wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered to be the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
• From 10:30am to 12:00pm once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, relax, or meditate.
• From 12:00 to 13:00pm take bus to Aguas Calientes.
• From 13:00pm to 14:30pm take lunch at local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
• Return to Cusco: later board the train for the return trip to Cusco. You will stop at the Ollantaytambo Station and then be picked up and driven to your hotel in Cusco.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 – Departure from Cusco 

Breakfast at hotel; at the scheduled time our representative will meet with you at hotel lobby, transfer and assistance on your departure.
Meals Included: Breakfast.

PRICES PER PERSON

Extra Optional Services

• Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain US$ 90 per person.
• Upgrade train to Vistadome return to Cusco US$ 35 per person.
• Additional extra porter to carry your personal items (up to 14 kg / 31 lb) US$ 150.
• Sleeping bag suitable minus 10 ºC for the whole trek US$ 20.
• Walking stick with a rubber base (one pair) for the whole trek US$ 20.
• Single tent supplement (if you don’t want to share the tent) US$ 20 per person.

INCLUDED IN TOUR PACKAGE

• Accommodation: 3 night(s) in hotel(s) in Cusco, 3 night(s) camping.
• Excursions: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu.
• Entrance fees to parks and cultural sights: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu.
• Transfers: All airport transfers, Hotel pickup and drop-off, all transfers are assisted by English-speaking staff.
• Transport: bus, train, minivan, on foot, walking.
• Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food).
• 4 day Inca Trail hike.
• Local top quality English-speaking guides to accompany visits and excursions.
• 24 hour support by our local staff.

INCLUDED FOR THE INCA TRAIL

• Pre-departure briefing, the night before your trek.
• Pick up from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Km. 82 (starting point of the trail).
• Inca Trail Permit (includes entry to Machu Picchu, but not to Huayna Picchu Mountain).
• Personal tents: 2 people in each 3-person-capacity tent, to allow for greater comfort and safe storage of backpacks. Our tents are 4-season and highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field.
• One inflatable sleeping pad per person.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs.
• Kitchen tent.
• Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities.
• English speaking professional and official tour guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people).
• Chef and cooking equipment.
• Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment).
• Personal Porter for up to 7kg (15lbs) of your own equipment – but if you do not want to carry anything; ask for an additional extra porter to carry your personal items.
• Accommodation for all our staff (guide, cook and porters).
• Meals (3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special diets are available at no extra cost.
• Lunch is included after visit Machu Picchu.
• A bag for your daily snack per person, to avoid using plastic bags and reduce pollution to the environment.
• Boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards.
• Bio-degradable personal hand soaps.
• Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff.
• Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead.
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes.
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Expedition service) – we can upgrade to Vistadome service upon request.
• Private transport from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco Hotel.
• 24 hour support by our local staff.

NOT INCLUDED

• International airfare, domestic airfare within Peru.
• Airport departure taxes (Approximate cost US$ 31.00 international flights, and US$ 7.40 for each domestic flight).
• Tips on included excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items.
• Pre & post tour accommodation.
• Entrance fee to the Aguas Calientes thermal springs.
• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance fee: if you would like to climb this mountain a new entrance fee applies.
• Sleeping bag.

SELECTED HOTELS FOR THIS TOUR PACKAGE

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOTEL CATEGORY

Tourist

• In this type of accommodation are the 2-star and 3-star hotels and some guest houses.
• Appeals to tourists looking for more than basic accommodation.
• The rooms and bed are simple, comfortable and adequate.
• Beds are made and rooms are cleaned daily. Clean towels are supplied.
• Rooms with private bathroom and hot shower.
• Breakfast is included.
• Ideal for travelers on a reduced budget.

Superior Tourist

• In this type of accommodation are the 3-star and 4-star hotels.
• Standard accommodation. Accommodation is deemed “very good”.
• The rooms and bed are comfortable and adequate.
• Beds are made and rooms are cleaned daily. Clean towels are supplied.
• They have spacious reception with seats and other public rooms.
• Some of these hotels have food and drink service; restaurant and bar.
• Buffet breakfast is included.

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