Day 1 (Friday) - Lima
Arrive in Lima where you
will be transferred to your hotel. If time permits, you might be able
to arrange at the hotel for a quick visit on your own to some of Lima’s
cultural sites.
Day 2 (Saturday)
- Sacred Valley; Pisac & Ollantaytambo
After breakfast in the hotel
you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Cuzco (11,152
ft.). Upon arriving in Cuzco you will visit the Sacred Valley (9,350
ft.) and experience the rich colors of its traditional towns and ruins.
Through the scenic countryside we will make our way to the town of Pisac.
Our day will come to a close at the town of Ollantaytambo. Here, you
will visit the site of the beautiful rose-colored stone ruins where
the Incans fought against the Spaniards. (B, L)
Day 3 (Sunday)
- Ollantaytambo - Wayllabamba (9,679 ft.) - Hike #1
Depart early in
the morning from the hotel to rendezvous with our quechua porters. From
Km. 82 (9,072 ft.), we hike along the bank of the Vilcanota River and
views of the magnificent peaks of the Nevado Veronica (19,000 ft.).
The overnight camp is on a terrace at Wayllabamba (9679 ft.). This is
a 9.9 mile hike (6 hours trek). Note: All camp gear is carried by the
porters. You only have to carry a light backpack with personal essentials.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 (Monday)
- Wayllabamba - Pacaymayu (11,967 ft.) - Hike #2
We climb through the magical
Polylepis forest to high camp at Pacaymayu (11,967 ft.). Today is one
of the most demanding days of the trip as we climb to higher altitudes.
The first pass at 13,750 ft., Warmiwañusca, offers views east
to the Huayanay peaks and west into rugged Vilcabamba range. Camp at
Pacaymayu after the 5.4 mile hike (6.5 hours). (B, L, D)
Day 5 (Tuesday)
- Pacaymayu - Wiñayhuayna (8,695 ft.) - Hike #3
We cross the second pass
at 13,100 ft., and follow a fine Inca highway to the restored town site
of Sayaqmarka. The Inca trail in this section is made up of white granite,
crossing through a thick mountainside forest. We will visit the ruins
of Phuyupatamarka (12,460 ft.), then descend to Wiñayhuayna to
our campsite. Estimated time of 7 hours to cover 6.25 miles. (B, L,
D)
Day 6 (Wednesday)
- Wiñayhuayna - Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.) - Hike #4
Early in the morning, we
will descend from mountain forests into the high jungle habitat. Orchids
and hummingbirds are common along this spectacular section of the trail
high above the river. We arrive at the Gate of the Sun for our first
view of Machu Picchu (7,875 ft.). Then, we stroll down the Royal Road
and at last, enter the lost city of the Incas; Machu Picchu. Overnight
we will rest at a local hostel in Aguas Calientes or "Hot Springs"
and enjoy the natural hot springs near the town. (B, L, D)
Day 7 (Thursday)
- Machu Picchu - Cuzco - Hike #5
Return early to Machu Picchu
for a morning guided exploration. There will be time left for you to
climb Wayna Picchu or revisit some of your favorite sites within the
citadel of Machu Picchu.. During the afternoon we will take the train
and bus back to your hotel in Cuzco. (B, L)
Day 8 (Friday)
- Cuzco
Today you will explore Cuzco, called by some the “ Belly button
of the World.” In the morning you will enjoy a guided tour of
this beautiful city and nearby ruins. You will have the afternoon free
to shop and walk Cuzco's streets at your own pace. ( B)
Day 9 (Saturday)
- Cuzco - Lima
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to
Lima's international airport. (B)
Please note: Actual day-by-day
itineraries may vary from those shown, in order to take advantage of
local sightseeing options.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch
and D = Dinner
Package Details
9 days / 8 nights for $1,495 per passenger
The above
land package price is for groups of 2 or more and includes:
All hotel accommodations
(double occupancy). Additional fees $195 per passenger apply for single
occupancy. Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B, L, D). All sightseeing
as shown as part of an open group (private tours available). Services
of local professional guides. Porter services during the Inca Trail
hike. Cuzco/Machu Picchu train ticket. Airport transfers. All gratuities
except to guides.
Not included:
personal expenses such as beverages; lunch (unless in the itinerary),
dinner, laundry; travel insurance; excess baggage fees; communication
charges; international or domestic airfares; airport departure taxes,
cost of obtaining passports or visas; gratuities to guides.