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INCA TRAIL DISCOVERY
Inca Trail: 5 Days/4 Nights
(3 nights camping; 1 night hotel)
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| Details |
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| Trip type: |
High altitude walking / moderate grading |
| Recommended season
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March to December |
| Good for
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Minded travelers interested in archaeology, ancient history, traditional Andean cultures, spectacular scenery, flora and fauna. |
| Group size
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Small group. Average 4.5 passengers per departure |
| Departures
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Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. |
| Bookings : |
Must be done 4 o 5 months in advanced due high demand. |
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| DAY 1: PISCACUCHO – HUAYLLABAMBA |
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A spectacular drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas takes us to Piscacucho, our trailhead. Crossing a footbridge, we take an undulating trek through a dry cactus zone beneath soaring views to the snows of Mt. Verónica, with the turbulent Urubamba river on our right. We pause on a bluff high above the Cusichaca valley for a view of the imposing sculpted terraces of Llaqtapata, a massive Inca farming complex. Then we turn south and follow this side valley upstream to the village of Huayllabamba, where we make camp.
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| DAY 2: HUAYLLABAMBA-PACAMAYO |
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From Huayllabamba we begin a steeper ascent, climbing the Llullucha valley along a stream that rushes through enchanted native unca woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we abruptly find ourselves in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. Here a stretch of open trail climbs beneath mighty crags to our first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca (4,200m/13,776ft). From Warmiwañusca we can look back to the spectacular snowpeaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif, and ahead to a distant view of tomorrow’s trail to the second pass. Descending a stepped stone trail we encounter our campsite in a clearing of the forested Pacamayo valley.
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| DAY 3: PACAMAYO-PHUYUPATAMARCA |
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We pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. As we reach the second pass the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snowpeaks of the Pumasillo range. We descend again to the ruins of Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town), an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley. The Inca trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At the third pass we camp by pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms, overlooking the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town).
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| DAY 4: PHUYUPATAMARCA-MACHU PICCHU |
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We explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways spilling down the mountainside at Phuyupatamarca then begin a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally to the site of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites. In the afternoon we follow the last stretch of trail across a steep mountainside through a lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation. Suddenly we cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry –a backdrop of twisting gorges and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu.
We walk the last half-hour or so down the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and through the heart of Machu Picchu.
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| DAY 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO |
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We return to Machu Picchu by bus and spend the day in both guided and individual exploration, visiting the most fascinating features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. Some will want to take the optional hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu for an amazing overview of the site, while others may want to investigate Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Cusco.
Note: park authorities may occasionally designate different campsites than those indicated.
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5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Price per Person in USD in Double Tent / Accommodation
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Hotels |
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3 / UP |
Single Sup |
| Andina / Inti Inn |
1032 |
998 |
128 |
| El Mapi |
1050 |
1016 |
145 |
| Hatuchay Tower |
1100 |
1066 |
168 |
| Inkaterra Machu Picchu |
1220 |
1186 |
209 |
| Sanctuary Lodge |
1466 |
1432 |
409 |
| If you are looking a private service where you will have a guide and car just for you, please let us know to send you a proposal. |
SERVICES INCLUDED
| Normal inclusions |
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Cuzco-Hotel.com Exclusive
extras INCLUDED |
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Orientation meeting (1 or 2 day before departure). |
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Fairly treated and well paid porter who carry the bags and you only carry a daypack. |
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Private transportation to the start of the trek. |
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Trained cook preparing nutritious and delicious meals including Andean products. (Vegetarian options available). |
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Inca trail entrance fee. |
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Lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge Orient Express restaurant at the end of the trek (day 4). |
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Expert and professional English speaking guide. |
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High quality four seasons tents (The North Face). |
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Porters who carry the camping gear. |
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Sleeping bags (North Face). |
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Kitchen crew and commissary gear . |
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Sleeping mattress (Therma rest). |
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Drinking water through out the trek. |
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Hot water in the morning for washing. |
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First aid kit and oxygen. |
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Chemical bath. |
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Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes train station. |
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Biodegradable soap. |
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Transfer from the train station to your Hotel in Cusco. |
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Train ticket to Cusco (VISTADOME). |
NOT INCLUDED
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Meals in the cities. |
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Alcoholic beverages. |
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Extras. |
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Tips. |
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Taxes. |
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Laundry service. |
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Additional tours. |
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Insurance and airline tickets (where applicable). |
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Hiking boots and, |
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Other personal gear or items. |
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Permits for Inca Trail. |
WE RECOMMEND:
| A backpack. |
| Camera gear (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended). |
| Rain suit or long poncho (100 % waterproof - test before you leave home). |
| Sweater and jacket for cool days or nights. |
| Trekking shoes. |
| Sunscreen lotion. |
| A bottle or canteen to carry water. |
| Water purifying tablets. |
| A hat. |
| Sunglasses. |
| Insect repellent. |
| Coramina (Glucose). |
| A photocopy of your passport. |
| A flashlight and batteries. |
| Personal toiletries and medications. |
| Towel and toilet paper. |
| Snacks. |
| Peruvian currency (soles). |
| There is a limit of 10 kilograms per person. |
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