Classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu

Classic Inca Trail to Machupicchu

Attraction:

A trek organized for you and your partner or a select group of friends. A porter will carry your personal gear; you will carry only a small day-pack. For private services, we do not add other people to your group. Departs daily.
Journey through many of the Machupicchu Historical Sanctuary's ten ecological zones, from high grasslands, tropical mountain forest, ancient Inca ruins, and granite pathways to the famous lost city itself,

Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco - Km. 82 - Wayllabamba

After an early morning departure from our hotel, we'll travel through the Sacred Valley of the Inca. From Km82, we'll begin our trek by hiking along the left bank of the Vilcanota river, watched over by the summit of Mount Veronica (5,900 metres / 19,000 feet). We'll camp that night on a terrace near the small village of Wayllabamba. (15.8km – 9.8mi / 6 hours walking)

Day 2: Wayllabamba - Pacaymayu

We'll trek upward through native forest to the highest camp-site on the Inca Trail, at Pacaymayu. Today will be one of the most demanding days of the trek as we ascend to the mountain pass at Warmiwanuska (4200 metres/13,750 feet). From here, we'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the peaks of Huayanay to the east, and the rugged Vilcabamba range to the west.
Afterward, we'll descend to our campsite at Pacaymayu. (8.6km – 5.3mi / 6.5 hours walking)

Day 3: Pacaymayu - Wiñaywayna

Today, we'll cross a second mountain pass at 4,000 metres (13,100 feet), and follow a finely-paved and well-preserved Inca highway to the restored archaeological site of Sayacmarka. This section of the Inca Trail is paved with white granite and traverses a thickly forested slope. We'll camp at Wiñaywayna after a spectacular descent from cloud forest and high jungle. Wiñaywayna is a beautiful ceremonial site divided into two sectors and fashioned from finely-carved stones fit together with great precision. (15km – 9.3mi / 7 hours walking)

Day 4: Wiñaywayna - Machupicchu

Orchids and hummingbirds are a common sight along this stretch of the Inca Trail, and the Urubamba river is a constant presence far below us. From Wiñaywayna we'll continue to Intipunku, or the Sun Gate, from where we will see Machupicchu for the first time stretched out below on a rocky outcropping. Overhead you'll find the peak known as Wayna Picchu. From here, we need only stroll down the final stretch of the royal highway and enter at last the enigmatic citadel, which lay hidden for four centuries before being revealed to the world by chance discovery.
(5km – 3.1mi / 2.5 hours walking) Guided excursion of Machupicchu and in the afternoon, we'll return to Cusco by train, arriving in the evening.

Note: Campsites may change as dictated by government regulation.

Included:

• Pickup at your Hotel
• Transportation by Bus to Km82
• Entrance Ticket to the Inca Trail and Machupicchu
• Professional bilingual Guide
• Mountain Hardwear tents (3-person tent for every 2 individuals)
• Therm-a-Rest self-inflating mattress
• Cooking equipment, mess tent, dining tent, chairs, tables, accommodation for the porters and cook
• A Cook preparing all meals
• Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and snacks; food is programmed for trekking and is rich in carbohydrates.
• Boiled water provided at meal times to refill your water bottle
• Porters (to carry the tents, food, cooking equipment and personal gear up to a maximum of 7.5kg, including sleeping bag)
• Bus from Machupicchu Archaeological site to Machupichu town
• Return by Expedition train: Machupicchu town - Poroy
• First aid kit, emergency oxygen
• Radio communications
• Transfer from train station to hotel.

Not included:

• Lunch on the last day
• Sleeping Bag
• Tips for the porters, cook and guide

For rent:

• Trekking poles: Leki and Black Diamond, 1 for US $ 7.00 and 2 for US $ 10.00.
• Sleeping bag, US $ 16.00. Our sleeping bags are a mummy model and rated -11 Celsius (12 Fahrenheit).

Reservation code: CHA-IT4D-P

Option: travel by Vistadome train ($ 30.00).

Return from Machupicchu to Cusco / Poroy

• Vistadome departure 16:00 hrs arrival Poroy train station: 19:42 hrs Transfer Poroy to your hotel in Cusco by car approximately 20 minutes.
• Expedition departure 17:03 hrs arrival Poroy train station: 21:01 hrs Transfer station to your hotel in Cusco by car approximately 15 minutes.
• (Timetable valid till may)

Note 1: schedule subject to change.
Note 2: Note: If this train if fully booked you will journey by bus to the Sacred Valley and board the train in Ollantaytambo. On your return you will get of the train in Ollantaytambo and continue by bus to Cusco.

Vistadome versus Expedition

Vistadome
These spectacular carriages have beautiful panoramic windows offering unsurpassed scenic views and photographic opportunities. With glass surrounding them on all sides, passengers feel as if they are part of Peru's remarkable landscape. Vistadome is the quickest way to visit Machu Picchu and apart from the carriages of the Hiram Bingham, the most comfortable. Snacks and hot and cold refreshments are included on the journey.

Expedition
The Expedition carriages are created for our adventure passengers or fo r those seeking comfort and security, without all the frills. These carriages offer travellers a true Peruvian experience. Seats are upholstered with indigenous fabrics, giving a touch of local flavour. Snacks are served on this service and additional storage space is available for backpacks. (Reservation code: CHA-IT4D-P-VD)

Note: For the Inca Trail a trekking permit is required. Permits are limited to approximately 200 per day, and booking in advance (4 to 6 months during the high season, and 1-2 months during the low season) is recommended in order to secure your reservation.

In Private Service it is possible to leave on any day of the week.

Please check out the following dates for our fixed departures in Shared Service:

Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

January: 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29

February: Inca Trail is closed for maintenance

February 2012: Close for maintenance

2011 departure dates open for Private Tours