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THE INCA TRAIL AND TREKKING IN CUZCO

The most famous trek of the world is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in the Sacred Valley. All who have taken this trek will confirm that it is an unforgettable experience, with magnificent views at Inca Ruins, the mighty nature of the jungle and the magical visit to Machu Picchu.

For those who like trekking and want to walk in the footsteps of the Incas, we have selected several trekking tours in the Sacred Valley, see below.

Important: book in advance!! The Peruvian government has limited the number of people that can take these trekking tours to protect nature!


ACT-CZ06 Inca Trail to Machupicchu 2d/1n

Peru’s best-known hike visited by thousands of tourists every year. This still thrilling 2-day program covers a 13-km Inca Trail, joining the classical 4-day route at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, continuing through the famous Inti Punku or Sun Gate, and finally devoting the second day to a full day visit of the world-famous Inca citadel of Machupicchu. This program is recommended for those having less time or those looking to hike a shorter version of the Inca Trail without camping.

Duration: 2d/1n

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco to Aguas Calientes

We pick you up from your hotel at 05.30am and take you to San Pedro train station to board the train that will take us to km.104 on the Cusco – Machupicchu railroad (starting point of the trek), where we will arrive at around 10:00 am. We start visiting the Chachabamba archaeological complex (2150m/7052ft), located very close to the control point, to then embark upon an 8 km ascending trail, which after four hours takes us to the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft). This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. On the way up we will have magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river, and also of a beautiful waterfall located just a few minutes away from Wiñaywayna. We then go on and climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may contemplate the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend to Machupicchu and then by bus to Aguas Calientes. We are then accommodated at the selected hotel/hostel.
Meals: L (box-lunch)


Total distance:

13 km (8,08 miles)

Estimated walking time: 

6-7 hours

Maximum altitude point:

2,650 m (8,692 ft)

Campsite altitude:

2,400 m (7,872 ft)

Day 2: Aguas Calientes to Cusco

We wake up early and board a bus, which will take us up to Machupicchu where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon and the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
Meals: -

  • Departure and arrival times are approximated.

 

Prices per person 2009 = 320.00 USA (until May, 2009), Jun until November=420.00 USA


Available discounts:

  • Students: US$ 20.00 ( Only valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age).
  • Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
  • Children: US$ 40.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

Includes:

    • Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer to San Pedro Station in Cusco
    • Backpacker Train ticket from Cusco to km.104 (starting point of the trail)
    • Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee
    • English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
    • Meals 01L (box-lunch).Vegetarian menu available at no extra cost
    • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
    • Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes – 1st day
    • Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – 2nd day
    • Backpacker Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
    • Transfer train station – hotel.
    ACT-CZ07 Inca Trail to Machupicchu - Duration: 4d/3n

    Peru’s best-known hike visited by thousands of tourists every year. The classical 43-km trek leading to the Sacred Inca City of Machupicchu combines the visit of mysterious archaeological sites, amazing mountain scenery and lush cloud forest rich in Andean flora and fauna. Machupicchu is reached at sunrise on the fourth day.

    Itinerary

    Day 1: Cusco to Wayllabamba

    Between 04.00-04.30am our private transport and staff will pick you up from your hotel. We drive to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft), a community located on the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco –Machupicchu railroad, which is the starting point of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest along the Sacred Valley. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184ft), to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba (3000m/9840ft), where we set our first camp. All along the way we enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.
    Meals: B, L, D


    Total distance:

    12 km (7,47 miles)

    Estimated walking time: 

    5-6 hours

    Maximum altitude point:

    3,000 m (9,840 ft)

    Campsite altitude:

    3,000 m (9,840 ft)

    Day 2: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo

    We wake up at around 6:00 am and after breakfast, we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km. Along this climb, the landscape changes from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). On the way to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass – 4200m/13776ft), we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. We also cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft), where we camp after approximately 7h of hiking.
    Meals: B, L, D


    Total distance:

    11 km (6,84 miles)

    Estimated walking time: 

    6-7 hours

    Maximum altitude point:

    4,200 m (13,776 ft)

    Campsite altitude:

    3,500 m (11,480 ft)

    Day 3: Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna

    This day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting, due the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross, so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo we climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Halfway up, we stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. After going over the pass, we descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft). This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Along this climb we can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas´ ancient craft, by walking along paths semi-detached from the mountain, and seeing rocks that fill up ravines in perfect order, saving the trail from the multileveled Andean geography. We go through an Inca tunnel to later arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. This is one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machupicchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain. Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means ¨town over the clouds¨. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, close to which our camp is located. This campsite hosts a trekker lodge, a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, we enjoy our farewell dinner at our camp.
    Meals: B, L, D


    Total distance:

    16 km (9,94 miles)

    Estimated walking time: 

    8 hours

    Maximum altitude point:

    3,900 m (12,792 ft)

    Campsite altitude:

    2,650 m (8,692 ft)

    Day 4: Wiñaywayna to Machupicchu

    On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am to leave Wiñaywayna an hour later and climb to the Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend into Machupicchu, and 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the ¨House of the Guardians¨. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machupicchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the fabulous Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
    Meals: B


    Total distance:

    4 km (2,49 miles)

    Estimated walking time: 

    2 hours

    Maximum altitude point:

    2,700 m (8,829 ft)

    Machupicchu altitude:

    2,400 m (7,872 ft)

    * Departure and arrival times are approximated.
    ** Campsites are subject to change according to the designation of the governmental institution regulating the use of the Inca Trail, as well as to our guide’s criteria and the group progress
    Prices per person 2008 – 485.00 USD
    Available discounts (these discounts are not cumulative):

    1. Students: US$ 35.00 (students require a valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age. Please note that Youth Travel Cards are not valid)
    2. Teenagers: US$ 35.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
    3. Children: US$ 70.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

    INCLUDES:

    1. Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer to km.82 (starting point of the trail)
    2. Inca Trail and Machupicchu entrance fee
    3. Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field
    4. One sleeping bad per person
    5. Dining tent with tables and chairs
    6. Kitchen tent
    7. Toilet tent (only if assigned campsites do not have toilets)
    8. English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
    9. Chef and cooking equipment
    10. Porters (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
    11. Accommodation for all our staff
    12. Meals (04B, 03L, 03D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian menu is available at no extra cost
    13. Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead.
    14. First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
    15. Bus ticket from Machupicchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes
    16. Backpacker train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
    17. Transfer train station-hotel.

    What to Bring:

      • A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
      • Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
      • Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
      • Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
      • Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
      • Sleeping bag (please inform our Reservations Department if you wish to book this extra service at the moment of your booking)
      • Sleeping pad: will be provided by us but is to be carried by you
      • Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
      • Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
      • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
      • Sun block
      • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
      • Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
      • Handkerchiefs
      • Toilet paper
      • Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is not included in our selection
      • Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water- sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far
      • Small towel
      • Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
      • Cash in soles and/or US$
      • Original passport
      • Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
      • Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

      Prices per person 2009 = 350.00 USA (until May, 2009), Jun until November=450.00 USA

      ACT-CZ08 INKA JUNGLE 4D/3N

      Description
      This is a new Combination, between a Down Hill Mountain Bike Tour and a Jungle Trekking to Machupicchu.
      Itinerary
      Day 01: Cusco Santa Maria
      In private Van we pick our passengers up from their hotels, then we will begin to drive, passing the Sacred Valley and climbing until the Malaga High Pass 4,500 masl , there, our guide will bring a safety suggestions, alter that we start the down hill biking to the Jungla for about 4 hrs, we will arrive to Santa Maria, a Jungle Village(1,500 masl), Camp Site.
      Day 02: Santa Maria Santa Teresa
      This Day, we will begin early in the morning, climbing up the jungle Mountains, passing trought  Inca Ruis and  some parts of the original Inka Trail. will have: Nice landscapes, local people, different kind of plants and animals, in the afternoon, we will arrive to Santa Teresa, Campsite, there arethermal baths nearby.
      Day 03: Santa Teresa - Machupicchu
      We will be in Santa Teresa at 1,900 masl. we will walk from 4 to 6 Hours, after it, we will continue walking on the Train Rail from there, Arriving Aguas Calientes Village in the Afternoon, transfer to our Hotel.
      Day 04: Machupicchu - Cusco
      Today, early in the morning, we will begin to walk up  to Machupicchu archaeological site for about 2hrs, once there, we will visit the citadel of Machuppichu with our professional guide.In the afternoon, we will go down to Aguas Calientes, to take our train back to Cusco.
      Arriving in Cusco at 20.00 hrs Approximately
      Included :

      • Professional Speaking English guide
      • Mountain bike Equipment(Bicycles, Helmet and Gloves)
      • Entrance fees Machupicchu
      • Train ticket Aguas Calientes, back to Cusco
      • All meals
      • Camping Equipment
      • Hotel In Aguas Calientes(Doubles Occupancy Rooms)
      • Private Transportation
      • Not Included: The 1st Breakfast and the meals once we Arrive to Aguas Calientes.

       We Recommended to Bring:

      • Sleeping Bag ( It can be rented a tour office in cusco)
      • Sun Cream
      • Insect Repellent
      • Bottle of Water
      • Hat
      • Towel
      • Short Pants
      • Trekking Shoes
      • Personal Belongings
      • Rain Coat
      • Bathing Suit
      • Snacks
      • Some Extra Money(hot Springs in Aguas Calientes and/or Some Drinks)

      Prices 2009=250.00 USD (until May2cd, 2009=15% descount)


      Available discounts:

        • Students: US$ 20.00 ( Only valid International Student Identity Card and must be below 26 years of age).
        • Teenagers: US$ 20.00 (up to 15 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)
        • Children: US$ 40.00 (up to 10 years of age, passport copy required for all bookings)

         

        ACT-CZ09 Treking Lares - Ollantaytambo – Machupicchu 5d/4n

        Description:
        This trip Combine the best of the Lares Valley and the fascinating Inca archeological remains of Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. Our first stop is the colonial town of Lares, there, we can enjoy the hot springs before begin our four-day trek through the spectacular Urubamba Range.
        Each day we have timeto enjoy the wonderful scenery, the life of the Andean farmers. On the fourth day we reach the legendary Inca town of Ollantaytambo where we will take the train to the MachuPicchu
        Itinerary
        Day 1: Cusco/Cuncani
        We will Depart from Cusco early morning in our private bus through the Sacred Valley, until the Colonial town of Lares (3,100 masl. Or 10,230 Ft.). Here, we will spend some time taking a bath in the hot thermal springs, lunch.
        After it, accompanied by mules and llamas to carry all our packs, we will begin our hike up the river, and we will continue for about 3 hours until reaching the charming community of Cuncani (3,600 masl. Or 11,880 Ft.) Campsite.
        Day 2: Cuncani/Quishuarani
        Early in the morning, we will be soon in front of the snow-capped peak, of Silver Cross (5,700masl.) Continuing our trek, we will pass a succession of turquoise lakes and then continue to the first high pass at Uchuycasa (4,000 masl.) From this place, we will enjoy the nice views of the valley below us, our trail will take us down to the village of Quishuarani (3,700 masl.), where we will spend the night.
        Day 3: Quishuarani/Cancha Cancha
        Today, we will begin with a short walk to an impressive lake, there, we will also see the falls of Pausi. Our trail leads up to the right, passing many small waterfalls and following an original Inca stone path. As we reach the Pachacuti pass (4,500 masl.), we will have spectacular views of the snow-covered peaks of Pitusiray (5,750masl.) and Chicn (5,500 masl.). Down below, we can also see the striking Suirococha lake, located next to the village of Cancha Cancha (3,800 masl.), our last campsite.
        Day 4: Cancha Cancha/Ollantaytambo
        This will be our last difficult hiking day as we continue descending from the village of Cancha Cancha, passing local houses and pastoral farmland. As we will head into the warm valley, we will follow the mountain streams through a wide corridor filled with bird life and rocky formations. The trail comes out at Sayhuapata (2,800 masl.), from there our private vehicle will take us to Ollantaytambo, the legendary Inca town. In the afternoon, we will have plenty of time to visit this archeological site. In the night, we will sleep comfortably in a hostel with great views of the Inca temples.
        Day 5: Ollantaytambo/Machu Picchu-Cusco
        We will take the early morning train to Aguas Calientes (tourist class). There, we will take the tourist bus up to the famous archeological complex of Machu Picchu, arriving around 11:30 Am. An official english-speaking guide will lead a tour of approximately 2 hours, followed by time to explore the remains on our own. In the Afternoon, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and then, we will take the train back to Cusco.
        Included :

        • Professional Spanish/English Speaking Guide
        • Private transportation Cusco/Lares
        • Ticket train Back Machupicchu/Cusco
        • Camping Equipment(Mattress, Double Occupancy Tents)
        • Dinning Tent, Kitchen Tent and Bathroom tent
        • Cook
        • Horses and Llamas to take our Equipment
        • Muleteer
        • Entrances Fees to Machupicchu
        • All meals
        • 01 night Hotel(Double Room) in Ollantaytambo

         Not includes: 

        •  Meals in Machupicchu and Ollantaytambo.

         We recommended to bring:

        • Sleeping Bag (you can rent it a our office in Cusco)
        • Flash Light
        • Warm and Rain Clothes
        • Trekking Boots
        • Hat, Cap.
        • Personal First Aid Kit
        • Bottle of Water
        • Day Pack
        • Sunscreen, Insect Repellent
        • Many Pairs of Socks
        • Bathing suit and towel

        Prices: Email us for prices

         


        For more information and reservations, e-mail us with the code of your requested tour.
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