Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu

Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu

Attractions:

We'll make an early morning transfer from our hotel to the railway station, where we'll take a three-hour train ride. The ride has been described as one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. The train climbs out of Cusco to a high plateau before following the Urubamba River into the Sacred Valley of the Inca. From here, the train is drawn into the deep and narrow Urubamba gorge, surrounded by sheer mountains and thick forest. Enjoy a beautiful one day hike, arriving at Machupicchu via the famous Sun Gate.

Day 1: Cusco - Km 104 - Machupicchu

We'll begin our walk at Km 104 and cross the Vilcanota / Urubamba River. Along an Inca highway, we'll climb away from the river through luxuriant vegetation that is home to hundreds of bird and orchid species. We'll emerge from the cloud forest at Wiñaywayna. Wiñaywayna is a beautifull ceremonial site divided into two sectors and fashioned from finely-carved stones fit together with great precision. We'll continue our hike to the Sun Gate, where we'll get our first view of Machupicchu. Here, the final stretch of the royal Inca highway will take us to the citadel itself, covered for four centuries by forest and now laid out for our appreciation. From the Sanctuary, we will take the bus to the town of Machupicchu, where we will spend the night in our hotel.

Day 2: Visit of Machupicchu

An early rise will give us ample time for our guided visit of the Machupicchu citadel. After the tour, which will last approximately 3 hours, there is enough time to explore the Sanctuary by ourselves. In the afternoon, we'll descend to the train station, where the train will be waiting to bring us back to Cusco.

Includes:

• Pickup at your hotel
• Professional bilingual (Spanish / English) guide
• Expedition train from Cusco to Km 104 (trailhead) and from Machupicchu to Cusco
• Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machupicchu
• Box lunch on the first day
• Tourist bus from the Machupicchu site to Aguas Calientes (1st day)
• Overnight accommodation in a hostal in Aguas Calientes
• Tourist bus (roundtrip) from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu (2nd day)
• Transfer Poroy train station to your hotel in Cusco.

Not included:

• Breakfast on the first morning
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Entrance to the thermal baths In Aguas Calientes (US $ 3.00).

Option: travel by Vistadome train ($ 50.00).

Departures Poroy to Machupicchu:

• Vistadome departure 06:53 am arrival KM 104: aprox. 10:10 am
• Expedition departure 07:42 am arrival KM 104: aprox. 11:30 am

Return from Machupicchu to Poroy

• Vistadome departure 16:00 hrs arrival Poroy: 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 20 minutes.

Note 1: schedule subject to change.
Note 2: Note: The train ride from Poroy to KM 104 and return from Machupicchu to Poroy is subject to change and depends on availability.
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 Backpacker carriages are created for our adventure passengers or for 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-IT2D-P

Optional: Upgrade to Vistadome train from Cusco to Km 104 (trailhead) and from Machupicchu to Cusco
(Reservation code: CHA-IT2D-P-VD)

Note: For the Inca Trail a trekking permit is required. Permits are limited to approximately 300 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.

Inca Trail (2 days) packing list and rental options

Tops

• Poly/fleece (wind stopper) jacket
• Poly/fleece lightweight sweater
• Raincoat or poncho (plastic ponchos can be bought in Cusco)

Bottoms

• Wind/rain pants (Gore-tex or similar)
• Lightweight cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis)

Foot & hand wear

• Wool or synthetic socks
• Trekking boots (broken in)
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses that provide good UV protection
• Trekking boots

Miscellaneous

• Small daypack
• Trekking poles
• 1 water bottle
• Sun block
• Lip balm (spf 16)
• Insect repellent
• Toiletry kit
• Toilet paper
• Personal medications

Optional:

• Camera and memory cards
• Spare batteries and extra memory cards for your digital camera
• Binoculars
• Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

For Rent:

• Trekking poles: Leki and Black Diamond, 1 for US $ 4.00 and 2 for US $ 7.00.

2011 fixed departures

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

(All year except February: Inca trail is closed for clean up and maintenance)

March: 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31

April: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30

May: 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31

June 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30

July 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30

August: 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30

September: 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29

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

November: 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29

December: 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30

January 2012: open

February 2012: Close for maintenance