AC2 - INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU

4 days / 3 nights -- from US$ 550.-- / EUR 390.-- Known as one of the world’s ten best hikes, the Inca Trail is unparalleled for its ecological diversity and wealth of archaeological treasures. The Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary covers 32,952 hectares, and is home to a network of Inca roads, scores of archaeological sites, ten life zones – from glacial peaks to tropical montane forest – over four hundred species of birds and two hundred species of orchids, as well as the legendary city of Machu Picchu.

ITINERARY DAY 1: CUSCO – KM 82 - HUAYLLABAMBA Early morning scenic bus ride to the start of our hike at Km 82 from where we follow an easy path along the Urubamba River towards the first archaeological site Llaqtapata (2650 mts/8’750 ft). After a rest we continue into the side valley of Cusichaca, where we enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we follow the Cusichaca Creek on a gentle climb to our first camp at the village of Huayllabamba (3000 mts/9’900 ft). (L/D) DAY 2: HUAYLLABAMBA - PACASMAYO After an early breakfast we start our long and steep climb up to Warmiwañusca Pass (4200 mts/13’900 ft) which is the highest point on our hike. The ascent leads through different ecological levels that offer a variety of orchids and birds (many endemic to the area). From the summit we can view the second pass, the ruins of Runcuracay and our camp down in the valley which we will reach after a 2 hour descent. On a clear day the camp offers fantastic views towards the glaciers of Mount Veronica. (B/L/D) DAY 3: PACASMAYO - WIÑAYWAYNA Today is the most diverse day of our adventure. We start in the morning with the climb up to the second pass at Runcuracay (3900 mts/12’900 ft) that offers fantastic views of the Vilcabamba Range with its glaciers, weather permitting. A 2 hour descent brings us to the fascinating archaeological site of Sayacmarca. After exploring this beautiful construction we continue - now on original Inca stone path - through high cloud forest with its lush vegetation, offering glimpses of waterfalls, valleys, canyons and glaciers like Salkantay. In the afternoon we arrive at the last high pass, Phuyupatamarca (3600 mts/11’900 ft), from where we get our first glimpse of Machupicchu and start the long and steep descent (over Inca staircases) towards the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, considered one of the most beautiful sites in the area due to its location and architecture. Here we camp one last time in beautiful countryside. (B/L/D) DAY 4: WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO After breakfast we say goodbye to our Quechuan porters and continue our hike through high cloud forest with its diverse flora and fauna towards the famous Sungate or Intipunku. From here we can enjoy the first and best view of the Lost City of the Incas: legendary Machupicchu (2400 mts/8’000 ft). We enjoy this enigma in a guided tour and will have enough free time to explore the site individually or do some hikes before we descend to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon. Train ride back to Cusco, transfer to the hotel and overnight. (B) OUR SERVICE INCLUDES: Private transport Cusco-Km 82, bilingual guide, cook, porters (also for personal gear in private service), entrance fees National Park & Sanctuary of Machupicchu, camping equipment (double-, dining-, kitchen tents, mats, etc.), meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and snacks), bus ticket Machupicchu-Aguas Calientes, train ticket Aguas Calientes-Cusco and transfers Cusco. NOT INCLUDED: Sleeping bag, not mentioned meals, extra services such as tips and entrance fees to hot springs in Aguas Calientes SEASON: March-January (during February the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance) DURATION: 4D/3N Cusco - Cusco FITNESS-LEVEL: Active Strong (4200 mts/13’900 ft) DEPARTURE DATES 2008: Daily (Check Availability) TRIP COST 2008 2-3 Participants 4+ Participants Single Supplement Groupservice -16 Part US$ 550.--/Pers. EUR 390.--/Pers. US$ 550.--/Pers. EUR 390.--/Pers. US$ 50.-- EUR 35.-- Private Service US$ 1330.--/Pers. EUR 931.--/Pers. US$ 920.--/Pers. EUR 650.--/Pers. US$ 50.-- EUR 35.-- Extra Porter: US$ 120.-- (€ 85.--) / Student Discount: US$ 40.-- ( € 30.--) For special group discounts or customized tours contact us: info@culturasperu.com PRINT THIS PAGE BOOK THIS TRIP