Transcription

1 INCA TRAIL TO MACCHU PICHU

2 INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 5 days / 4 nights Leaving from Cusco by vehicle to Piscaycucho (Km 82 of the railroad) we start trekking through a little visited section of the trail crossing the Urubamba River to then reach Llaqtapata. We will continue on the classic Inca Trail, through the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, surrounded by incredible landscapes and mountain scenery, entering Machu Picchu the way the Incas did, through Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), with a guided tour of the citadel, returning to Cusco in the afternoon on the last day. Itinerary: Day 1 Cusco/Llaqtapata, Day 2 Llulluchapampa, Day 3 Phuyupatamarca, Day 4 Machu Picchu, Day 5 Cusco Location: Cusco Duration: 5 days / 4 nights Fixed departures: Every Wednesday & Sunday Season: From March to December Day 1 CUSCO / LLAQTAPATA Transfer from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Piscaycucho. Start hiking for about 5 hours through a little visited section of the trail. We will stop at Q oriwayrachina for lunch and then cross the Urubamba River at Q ente, with an option to visit Wayna Q ente and Llaqtapata archaeological sites, in whose vicinity we will camp amidst Inca terracing. (Time: 5-6 hours, Distance: 11km). L/D Day 2 LLAQTAPATA/LLULLUCHAPAMPA Continue up the Cusichaca Valley passing houses of settlers to finally reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here the trail ascends steeply to a large Pampa below the first pass, where we camp. Here we have a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. Along the trail up this narrow hanging valley we begin to see a cloud forest that harbors the Queñua tree (polilepis), a rare forest to be found in the Andes. Camp will be set up at Llulluchapampa. (Time: 6 hours. Distance: 9Kms). B/L/D

3 Day 3 LLULLUCHAPAMPA/PHUYUPATAMARCA A steady ascent on an Inca Trail up to the Warmiwañusqa pass at 4,200m (13,692ft) affords a magnificent view of our ascent and the trail ahead of us. We descend on a restored Inca Trail down to the Pacaymayo River to then ascend again to the ruins of Runkuraqay and the second pass at 4,050m (13,200ft). From here we walk down to the site at Sayacmarca at 3,850m (12,551ft) on the original Inca Trail, passing a dry lake and the first signs of the cloud forest. A beautiful location overlooking the Aobamba Valley, it affords a respite for a leisurely walk through its imposing structures. Continue along the ridge through amazing landscapes, viewing Mt. Salkantay from the western side and Mt. Pumasillo, a silhouette to the north on the horizon. Walking through a rolling flag stoned trail we arrive at Phuyupatamarca (the village on the edge of the clouds) in whose vicinity we camp. (Trekking: 7-8 hours, Distance: 14kms). B/L/D Day 4 PHUYUPATAMARCA/MACHU PICCHU An early departure today will have us trekking along a buttress and passing Phuyupatamarca ruins, the flag stoned trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna located below the ridge on the same water course as the previous site, it has well restored Inca Ruins. After a two hour walk through a cloud forest covered Inca Trail we arrive to Machu Picchu the way the Incas used to come, watching the magnificent citadel at our feet from Intipunku, the door of the sun. Bus ride to the Village of Machu Picchu for an overnight at a local hotel, dinner on your own. B/L

4 Day 5 MACHU PICCHU A half hour bus ride will bring you to the citadel for a guided visit which on average takes three hours as your official guide walks you through the different sectors of the hill-top citadel, with astonishing views, learning about the aspects of Andean life, taking you back in time. Afternoon return to the village where the train will take you to back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco. (Hotel overnight and dinner on your own). B/L End of Services SERVICES INCLUDED Transportation by vehicle from hotel to the start of the trek, double occupancy tents with Thermarest sleeping pads, porters, kitchen crew and necessary camping gear with all meals included during trek, bilingual guide on the trek who will handle the first aid kit, full day guided visit to Machu Picchu and lunch on day 5, transfer from Ollantaytambo or Poroy station back to Cusco B- Breakfast / BL- Boxed Lunch / L- Lunch / D- Dinner SERVICES NOT INCLUDED Inca Trail entrance fee. Return train from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo or Cusco. Hotel and dinner in Machu Picchu Village on day 4, alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, taxes, laundry service, additional tours, insurance and airline tickets (where applicable), sleeping bags, hiking boots and other personal gear. WHAT TO TAKE Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts Long-sleeved shirts Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers Lightweight pants Regular and long underwear (at over 13,000 ft/4,000 masl) Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down Light cap and wool hat Rain poncho (or rain gear) Water bottle Light gloves

5 Medium weight socks Hiking boots Sleeping bag (-5º to 0ºC) Small day pack Strong waterproof duffel bag Sun glasses, Sun block, lip balm Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb Towel Personal First-Aid Kit. On each trip we carry a medical Kit but we suggest a small personal First-Aid Kit for bruises and blisters. A knee and ankle brace are sometimes useful especially if you suffer from weak knees or ankles. Include any special medication your doctor might suggest for you.