Peru Treks and Adventure. The Main Square of Cusco was once the heart of the Inca Empire, which conquered a huge part of South America. It is actually quite easy to be impressed by the diversity of its architecture, especially in the center. And you might be even more amazed by how quickly the Machu Picchu got covered with plants and abundant vegetation, keeping the site invisible for more than 4 centuries, to be finally rediscovered so you can experience the unique feeling to enter on that prestigious site like you were finding it one latter time.
This is our ultimate Peru Trekking Journey, as you will experience the grandeur of the Inca Civilization and the treasures of the Inca capital, Cusco, while exploring the most breathtaking natural sights along the Inca trail, including the magnificent Machu Picchu.
Please contact us and one of our specialists will help you to come up with your perfect holiday.
Discover the heart of Incas' world, the colonial Cusco, and walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Explore the museums, markets, restaurants and ruins of the forever fascinating Cusco before your hiking experience trough the famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu. A lifetime adventure!
Meals provided= (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner
Upon your arrival at the airport, our friendly and reliable staff assists you with the transfer to your hotel. Our representatives brief you regarding all the services and tours included in your package.
You should now rest and acclimatize as you are at 3,400 meters above sea level. If you are up to it, an option for your afternoon could be a guided Cusco City Tour starting at 1:45 pm where you have the opportunity to visit: Qoricancha known as the "Sun Temple", Cusco main Cathedral, Saqsayhuaman Inca Complex, Tambo Machay, Qenqo and Puca-Pucara.
At 7:00 pm you have your pre-departure briefing presented by your Inca Trail tour guide at your hotel or in our Cusco's office.
Breakfast is served from 5:00 am at your hotel, so plenty of early energy to begin the journey with.
At 6:00 am everyone is collected early from their hotels and we all travel by bus for a bit more than three hours, crossing the charming villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, until reaching the kilometer 82, the real start of your Inca Trail walking adventure. We start our trek escorted by native "quechua" porters going through semi-arid terrain along the Urubamba River valley, with magnificent views of the snowcapped mountain Veronica (20,200'). We pass the Vilcanota River and keep on the trail on the right as it climbs steeply up from the river. After stopping at a small village, we can perceive the ruins of the Inca hillfort of Huillca Raccay high above the opening of the river Cusichaca, also known as 'happy bridge'. It is quite an enjoyable descent down to the Cusichaca River.
For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the village of Wayllabamba (3,000m), inherited name from the Quechua and meaning 'grassy plain'. We spend the first night here beside some spectacular ruins which, if you have the energy, you could discover.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Tea Time - Dinner.
After another tasty breakfast, we start our second day of trekking, possibly the most difficult as we need to climb to the pass of the impressive Warmihuañusca ("Dead woman's Pass") at 4,200 meters high. In the highest place in the Inca Trail, we enjoy a spectacular view of the Andes. The path continues on following a mountain stream up past hummingbirds and some amazing even though still flourishing cloud forest. We pass by the beautiful grassy area at Llulluchapampa (3680 meters), which also provides outstanding views down the valley.
After lunch, we start the descent towards the valley of Pacaymayu, where we make our second camp for the night.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner.
An hour of climbing up from Pacamayo and you reach the small circular ruins of Runkuracay, occupying a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below. Another 45 minute hike brings you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). You are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original and preciously preserved. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so it is better to pay attention. This section of the trail, up till the 3rd pass, is particularly beautiful as the path crosses high stone embankments and goes around deep precipices. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you arrive at Sayacmarca ('Inaccessible Town') by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name fits properly as it describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. To this day, no one knows the exact purpose of these ruins.
We are back on the trail passing Conchamarca, a small Inca dwelling situated in the shadows of Sayacmarca, which was probably a tambo for weary travelers on their way to Machu Picchu. From then on the path descends into a magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel carved into the rock. The trail then climbs up to the 3rd pass (3,700m), offering excellent views of several snow-capped peaks including Salkantay (6,271m) and Veronica (5,750m). A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca ('Town in the Clouds'), the most impressive Inca ruin so far. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water. And leaving the site is via an impressive thousand or so steps of an Inca staircase leading from the west side of the ruins (the far end from the baths). Of course, you have plenty of time to massage your sore knees once in camp.
After an early morning chance to catch the sunrise on the surrounding snowcapped mountains of Salcantay and Veronica, we leave our porters with a traditional song and dance. Our final day of hiking brings us into the cloud forest with a series of Inca stairways to Winay Wayna, one more remarkable site full of swallows and orchids. Finally we get to Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
We pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to our hotel in the colorful town of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formally known as Aguas Calientes) and celebrate our return to civilization.
In the late morning we have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time to climb Huayna Picchu if you happen to get your ticket at the same time you have booked this tour (as the daily entrances are more than limited) or else just wander around, soaking up the amazing atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we board the train for an exhilarating ride along the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once at the terminal, our bus brings us back to Cusco and your hotel. You are free to discover Cusco's interesting nightlife if you do not feel like sleeping right away.
Meals: Breakfast.
At the appropriate time and depending on your flight itinerary, our staff will organize your transfer from your hotel to the airport or bus station.
The government has strictly limited the number of people permitted on the Inca Trail (permits are issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters this 500 permits include 6 days inca trail). We recommend that you make a trek booking as early as posible we recommend 4 months in advance.
It's recommended to book the tour inca trail to Machu Picchu 6 days in advance, before booking flight tickets and hotels, because there are limited spots to reservation for Inca trail at INC and PERU RAIL (train Tickets).
Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for their location and atmosphere.
Moderate physical activity involving a generous time of walking through the Inca Trail, archaeological sites, Amazon forests, sand meadow village paths. For instance you are to walk for about 6-7 hours during the 4 days of Inca Trail.
Designed for outdoor adventurers. You don't have to be a decathlete to take an Active trip, just someone with a healthy love for getting active and the outdoors.
No more than 500 people per day are allowed to start the Inca Trail trek at km. 82 and 104. Once this limit of 500 people is reached, the Trail is effectively closed off for the day and no further bookings can be made. Reservations are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought as far in advance as possible with complete and correct passport information.