Walk in the footsteps of the Inca on one of the world's oldest pilgrimages, the Inca Trail. To acclimatize for our trek, we spend a few days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, exploring ruins and bargaining at busy Andean markets. The 4-day Inca Trail trek is an exciting, high mountain experience where we climb up to 4200 meters, passing glacier covered peaks and descending into lush, green cloudforest. Combine this journey with the Amazon Extension to create the perfect two-week adventure trip!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Lima. Overnight.
Day 2: Fly to Cusco
An early morning flight brings you to the Inca capital of Cusco. Colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the arrival of the Conquistadors. The church walls have fallen many times throughout the years, but the Inca walls remain.
The morning is yours to explore Cusco at your leisure. In the afternoon, you'll tour Cusco's traditional markets talking to the women selling natural medicines and charms for curing heartache and other afflictions. Afterwards, you'll head off to the old neighborhood of San Blas and a possible visit to a local artisan's workshop.
Day 3: Cusco Free Day
Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. You can wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. Or enjoy acity tour of the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of SUVs). The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.
Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas
The Sacred Valley is an area full of major Inca ruins and ancient villages. You'll wind your way past snow-capped mountains, Inca ruins and ancient villages. You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside near the seldom-visited town of Moras and the pre-Columbian salt mines of Moray. Eventually, you will make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo. Tonight, relax in front of a fire beneath the ruins of Ollantaytambo as you prepare for your trek the next morning.
Days 5-8 Pilgrimage on the Inca Trail (3B,3L,3D)
Walk in the footsteps of the great Inca civilization as you journey along their ancient trail to the sacred city of "Machu Picchu". Andean history comes to life along this ancient route as each day you pass ever larger ruins. Scenery changes from snowcapped mountains to lush green cloudforest. On Day 8, the group wakes early for a short walk to the Sun Gate to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Tonight, relax in the village of Aguas Calientes below the ruins.
Trek Details
Day 5 - Trek length: 7.5 miles (4-6 hrs); Camp elevation: 9,840 ft
Day 6 - Trek length: 7.5 miles (6-8 hrs); Camp elevation: 12,000 ft
Day 7 - Trek length: 4.9 miles (3-5 hrs); Camp elevation: 11,930 ft
Day 8 - Trek length: 8.1 miles (5-7 hrs); Machu Picchu elevation: 7,875 ft
Day 9: Machu Picchu/Cusco
Explore the ruins today at leisure and enjoy the ancient city in the tranquil morning hours. Later, climb Huayna Picchu overlooking the ruins or head off through thick cloudforest to the seldom visited Temple of the Moon. Return by train to Cusco in the afternoon
Day 10: Fly to Lima and Return Home
Accommodations: 6 nights comfortable hotels, 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: 2 local flights, buses, train and your own feet on the Inca Trail!
Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 12; Adventure Life Tour Leader/ Guide; porters for camping gear and packs.
An active itinerary of snowcapped mountains, ancient ruins, a rural pueblo and a vibrant colonial city. The Inca Trail is a moderate to difficult four-day hike so travelers should be fit.
Start Dates 2008: Jun 5, Jun 16, Jun 22*, Jul 3, Jul 17, Jul 24, Aug 9, Aug 14, Aug 28, Sep 25,Oct 16, Oct 23, Nov 8, Nov 11, Dec 13, Dec 18
Start Dates 2009: Jan 1, Feb 26, Mar 26, Apr 23, May 21, Jun 11, Jun 21*, Jul 2, Jul 16, Jul 30, Aug 13, Aug 27, Sep 10, Oct 8, Nov 15, Dec 17
Custom dates are available! *Inti Raymi Departure. 11 days - add US$335 for extra day
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$350
Note: Roundtrip flight Lima-Cusco-Lima is not included. Please add US$310 (flight cost subject to change).
Tour cost assumes the Inca Trail Entrance is $80. Travelers are responsible for any increase by the national park service.
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$160 for meals not included and drinks, US$28 international departure tax, US$10 local departure taxes, US$80 optional excursions. Return visit to Machu Picchu, including bus ride, is $55 US/185 soles
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$45, Single US$90
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Hiking & Trekking
Archeology/History
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