INKA
TRAIL 2
(Program AP2: 4 Days - 3 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.
| Months of Departure: |
From January to
December, upon request |
| Trip Length: |
4 Days |
| Degree of Difficulty: |
Moderate (you must be
fit) |
| Meals: |
Nutritionally Balanced
(Vegetarian Food Available) |
| Equipment: |
Good quality,
Bi-personal size. We include Tents |
| Staff: |
Professional Tour
Guides; Assistants, Cooks |
ITINERARY :
Day 1 :
Early morning pick up from your Hotel and
transfer to the Rail station for our 2 Hours train trip to Km 88 , where we meet
the porters and cooks.
From this point we start the Inka Trail
trek.
Walk to the ruins of LLACTAPATA (2512m)
this is an important archaeological site
Following the course of the Kusichaca
river which white waters comes from a snow ,,the trail leads to Wayllabamba a
typical Andean village and the last settlement on the Inka Trail route until
Machupicchu.
After Lunch we ascent up the Warmiwañuska
pass to the camp site at Llulluchapampa where is our I camp site. (3600 m.)
Day 2 :
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 3 :
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 4 :
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.
|
