Description

This hike takes more time to do the traditional Inca Trail to Machupicchu, leaving more time to appreciate the nature and archaeology along the way. We spend one long fourth day visiting Winaywayna and Machu Picchu, and on the fifth day we return to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise from the Sun Gate. We encounter valleys that contain wildlife endemic to high deserts or the tropics, between stretches of puna and cloud forest. We encounter mysterious archaeological sites half covered by jungle overgrowth, which look like you are discovering them for the first time. Machu Picchu is one of the worlds greatest cultural treasures, and of these is the most enigmatic.

Itinerary

Day 1 Chillca / Llactapata

At 6 in the morning our private van picks passengers up from their hotels. We drive down through the Sacred Valley to Chilca. Here we meet the porters, the Quechua-speaking natives of this rugged country. Tonight we camp at Llactapata, an important fort along the Urubamba River.

Day 2 Llactapata / Llullucha

After a healthy breakfast we climb up away from the river, heading straight for Salkantay, a snow-capped mountain that reaches 20,600 feet high and the most imposing peak in this region. At Huayllabamba the streambed forks, and we turn away from Salkantay to the SW and head NW along the trail. We camp at Llilluchapampa, part way up to the high pass of Warmiwauscca.

Day 3 Llullucha / Phuyupatamarca

Today the first part of the trek takes us over the Warmiwauska pass at the height of 13,500 feet. At its heights, the amazing stone trail is better preserved than when it passes through lower lands. As we descend, we leave the tundra vegetation and enter the elfin forest of bonsai trees covered by a profusion of creepers and orchids. We pass the important ruins of Runkuraqay and Sayacmarca and camp at Phuyupatamarca, the city above the clouds, from which there are spectacular views of snow covered mountain ranges.

Day 4 Phuyupatamarca / Machupicchu

Passing through the Intipuncu (gates of the sun), we arrive in Machupicchu, the lost city of the Incas. We will visit the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes and enjoy a relaxing bath at the local hot springs and later we will camp by the river.

Day 5 Machupicchu - Cusco

We will rise early in the morning. After breakfast we will take a bus up to visit the lost city of Machupicchu. An optional hike for the more dynamic people in the group would be to hike up to Huaynapicchu, the pyramid-shaped peak that overlooks Machupicchu. We will take the late afternoon train back to Cusco.

Included:

• Private transportation to Km 82 (Beginning of the Trail).
• Professional English/Spanish speaking guide
• Entrance fees for the Inca Trail and Machupicchu
• Round-trip Transfers
• Double Occupancy
• Camping Equipment: Bathroom tent, kitchen tent, dining tent, chairs, tables and comfortable mattresses
• Cook
• Porters to carry food, tents, and cooking gear
• Coffee breaks in the afternoons
• All meals (not including breakfast the 1st day, not including lunch on the 4th day)
• First aid kit / Oxygen
• Train ticket back to Cusco (Vistadome Service)

We recommended to bring:

• Personal Sleeping Bag
• Backpack and Daypack
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Raincoat or poncho
• Water bottle, flashlight, hat, sun block, sunglasses
• Warm clothes, light clothes, 4 pairs of socks
• Insect repellent
• Chocolates, candies or other snacks
• Camera + Film/Video camera (optional)
  

Prices (US $):

More details at: info@cuscotoursguide.com