Inca Trail Tour 2008

This fully supported 4 day group-service trekking tour along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most popular trek you will find in South America. It is a small group adventure; you will be sharing your experiences with a variety of like-minded travelers from all over the world. This is perfect for couples and small groups of friends. It is a great way to meet new people as well as seeing new places!

Over 250 species of orchid have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous rare birds, animals, reptiles, including several species considered to be in danger of extinction. In order to complete the Inca Trail, you need to have a reasonable level of fitness, age shouldn't be a barrier. The most important thing is to be well acclimatized to the altitude. The maximum height above sea level along the way is 4200 m (13780 ft), that is why we recommend anyone coming from the coast to spend at least 2 days in Cusco before attempting the trek. This period is ideal for visiting the city of Cusco, the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman and the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas.

You can choose to return to Cusco on Day 4, but we highly recommend to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco on the fifth day - giving you more time to explore Machu Picchu and the surrounding area.

Please be aware that permits are selling really fast, and the only way to access the trail is with a permit issued by the government (National Institute of Culture of Cusco, Peru).

(B)=Breakfast ; (L)=Lunch ; (D)=Dinner

Day 1: Cusco - Km 82 - Wayllabamba (about 5 hr. trekking) (L) (D)
The guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at around 0500 - 0530am in order to take the bus to Km 82, via Chinchero, Ollantaytambo. After joining the rest of the team we begin our trekking tour along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We will head towards our first camp at Wayllabamba, on the way we will have a good view of the archaeological complex of Llactapata, where we will have lunch. For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000masl/9843ft) where dinner will be served. Overnight in tents at the campsite.

Day 2: Wayllabamba - Pacaymayo (about 6 - 7 hr. trekking) (B)(L)(D)
After breakfast, the toughest part of the trail begins, walking towards the highest point of the Inca Trail - Warmihuañusca or Dead Woman`s Pass (4200masl/13780ft) - where we will have an unbelievable panoramic view of the whole area and will observe different types of microclimates. Here, you will have a tremendous feeling of achievement mixed with relief on reaching the top. After lunch we will continue our walking down to Pacaymayu where we will camp and have dinner.

Day 3: Pacaymayo - Phuyupatamarka - Wiñaywayna (about 7 hr. trekking) (B)(L)(D)
After breakfast we start the descent towards the second most important pass of the trail at 3850 meters above sea level (12632ft). Our ascent will include a guided visit to the archaeological complex of Runkurakay and the Inca citadel of Sayacmarca where lunch will be served. Continue your trekking towards Phuyupatamarka (Cloud-level town), another important archaeological monument. After a short break you will continue walking to Wiñay Huayna (Forever Young) for a guided visit of this impressive archaeological complex with a spectacular setting. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Day 4: Wiñay Huayna - Machu Picchu - Cusco (B)
After breakfast, have a very early start to arrive in time for sunrise at Machu Picchu. After a one hour walk through the forest towards the Inti Punku or Gate of the Sun, also known as the Entrance Gate to Machu Picchu, you will have the most impressive panoramic view of the citadel.
Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you will have a two-hours guided tour around the citadel, visiting the main sites and monuments. After the tour you are free to wander around Machu Picchu, then you will meet with the rest of the group to drive by bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, back to Cusco. Upon arrival to the Ollantaytambo train station, transfer to your hotel.

- Inca Trail Tour Informative presentation at your hotel in Cusco
- Transportation to head of trail (82 Km.)
- English/Spanish speaker professional guide during all Inca Trail Peru
- Personal pad (double foam)
- Tents
- Cook and cooking equipment
- Porters service (to carry the tents, food and cooking equipment only)
- Entrance ticket to Inka Trail and Machu Picchu
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu and the ruins along the trail.
- Bus ticket down to Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from the train station to your Hotel in Cusco
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (3B, 3L, 3D)
- Vegetarian food available on request with no extra charge.
- First Aid equipment

Note: If you are considering bringing some photography equipment or other heavy accessories, please request the services of an additional porter to carry your personal belongings, this way you will freely enjoy the hike.