INKA TRAIL 1

(Program AP1: 5 Days - 4 Nights)

" The big adventure today is to follow in the footsteps of the Inkas at the ancient Cusco empire..."

One of the most interesting, short and accessible treks in the region is the one leading to the enigmatic Inkan City of Machupicchu.

Marvel at the cloud forest beauty and spectacular ruins of the Royal Inca Highway leading to Machu Picchu. On this trek, camp gear is carried by porters as we follow an ancient road of interlocking granite paving stones over two high passes to a series of isolated and spectacular Inca sites. 

ITINERARY :

Day 1  :

Early morning pick up from your Hotel and transfer by bus to the Inka Town of Ollantaytambo. After a visit to this famous site we will continue by bus to Chillca at Km 77 where we meet the porters and cooks. From this point we start the Inka Trail trek.

Walk to the ruins of LLACTAPATA (2512m) (10Km 5Hours). We visit and explore these Inkan ruins. Our first campsite will be around here.

Day 2 :

We will follow upstream the Kusichaca River which  white water comes from snow capped mountains. The trail leads to Wayllabamba a typical Andean Village and the last settlement on the Inka Trail before reaching Machupicchu.

After Lunch we ascent up the Warmiwañuska pass to later go down to Llulluchapampa where our second campsite will be set (3600m) (10Km 5 hours).

Day 3 :

This day will be the longest. We will continue going up as far as the Warmiwañuska pass (4145m). Later we will go down to get the Pacaymayo river; around here we will touch a little of the high rain forest.

Later we will go up to the Runkurakay Pass (3993m) and the cloud forest becomes visible on the slopes of the mountains.

On the way we will visit the Inka site of Sayaqmarka located on a rocky promontory. It is nice to get there using the spectacular ancient and narrow granite stairway.

Our trek continues through the cloud forest with vines, exotic vegetation ( a big variety of Orchids) and luxuriant trees. Then we will go through an Inkan tunnel built across a ridge above the Urubamba Valley to the lovely Phuyupatamarca Ruins (3597m).

From this spot we will have spectacular views of the snow capped peaks of Veronica (5750m) and Salkantay.

Day 4 :

We descend to Wiñaywayna (2591m) a fascinating Inka citadel and a experimental laboratory for Agricultural purposes in Inkan times.

After a somewhat easy walk we will reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, in time for lunch and suddenly we will enjoy for the first time a fantastic view  of the “Lost City”: Machupicchu; set in a grandiose landscape that is astounding and leaves a nice first impression to all spectators.

We walk down and later pass through the Lost City to get our final camp on the Valley floor near Puente Ruinas.

During the evening you have the chance of visiting the nearby town of Aguas Calientes and take a relaxing bath in its pools of thermal springs.

Day 5 :

The final morning is spent at Machupicchu for exploring the temples, stairways, palaces and buildings scattered everywhere remaining as a testimony of the energy and ingenuity of its builders.

In the afternoon we catch the train back to Cusco. Once in the city you will be taken to your hotel. End of Services.

This package includes:
- Camping equipment (except personal sleeping bags, they can be rented locally)
- Full meals
- Porters
- Admission Tickets
- Bus Service in Machupicchu
- Train ticket (the way back to Cusco)

It is advisable to bring the following personal equipment:

Canteen, flashlight, matches, knife, insect repellent, sun screen, trekking boots (preferably waterproof with ankle protectors), sun hat or cap, towel, toilet paper, raincoat (plastic poncho).

It is recommended to bring light clothing for the sunny days as well as warm ones because in certain sectors the nights may be cold with temperatures below 0º C (32º F).

Depending on your interest also carry a photo or film camera, binoculars, sun glasses, compass.

All that equipment should have a light or moderate weight.