4 Days Inca Trail, with acclimitazation time
Short tour summary
This tour is for adventurous people who want to arrive in Machu Picchu by foot, walking in the footsteps of the Incas along the beautiful and scenic paths of the Inca Trail. It is important to acclimatize before you commence the Inca Trail, so we include a city tour of Cusco and a day trip into the Sacred Valley before you start the four day trek.
Day 1
Today you will arrive in Lima from your international flights. We will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. There are no planned activities this afternoon, so you will have free time to relax.
In the evening you may want to eat in some of the fantastic restaurants around Lima, or perhaps relax around the entertainment complex of Larcomar.
Day 2
In the morning you will take the short flight to the Inca Capital - Cusco. On arrival you will be met and taken by transport to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to relax in Cusco and start your acclimatization.
In the evening your Inca Trail guides will meet you at your hotel for an orientation meeting. You will discuss in detail each day of the trek, and they will answer any last minute questions that you may have.
Day 3
Today after lunch you will be met at your hotel for a tour of Cusco and the surrounding areas. The tour includes a visit to The Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca sanctuary of Tambomachay dedicated to the worship of water, the Inca temple of the sun - Koricancha and more.
You will have free time in the evening to explore at you leisure. Why not take the short hike up to the viewing point of Cristo Blanco (White Christ) where you can appreciate the sun setting behind the Andes high above Cusco.
Day 4
Today after breakfast, we will collect you for a full day tour to the Sacred Valley. First you will travel to the attractive village of Ollantaytambo, located at the western end of the Valley. The town is located at the foot of some spectacular Inca ruins, strategically built to defend the entrance to the Urubamba Valley. After your guided tour of the ruins, you will travel the short distance to the market town of Pisac; where you will rest for lunch (included). In Pisac you will have time to explore the famous bustling artisan market in the main plaza, set below the sprawling Inca ruins in the mountains above.
In the evening you may want eat in one of the many excellent restaurants located around Plaza de Armas. Perhaps try the local delicacy of Cuy (Guinea-pig)
Day 5
Today you will start the 4 day Classic Inca Trail !! You will be met at your hotel and taken to KM 82, the beginning of the Inca Trail. The trail begins by first crossing the river Vilcanota, then on to the ruins of the Inca hill fort of Huillca Raccay. After 7 hours (13km) of hiking, you spend the night in Huayllabamba where you can relax with your fellow hikers for a well deserved rest.
Day 6
After an early breakfast, you will climb up from Huallabamba to the meadow of Llulluchapampa (3680m). After a quick tea break the group will head up again to Abra de Huarmihuanusca (Dead Woman's Pass), the highest point of the trail at 4200m. After celebrating the completion of this section, you will make the steep but not difficult decent to the valley floor and camp, where you will spend the second night in Pacamayo.
Day 7
On the third day the trail starts with a short climb to the ruins of Runkuracay from where you can appreciate the view of Pacamayo valley. From here you continue the trek to the second pass of Abra de Runkuracay (4000m). Now walking along a cobbled path, again you begin a deep decent until Sayacmarca (Inaccessible Town). Before reaching the 3rd pass you will walk through astonishing cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns, flowers and not to mention the Inca tunnel. The 3rd pass is at 3700m, and is at the most spectacular ruin so far - Phuyupatamarca (Town in the Clouds). After this long day you will camp the night in Winay Wayna where you have access to a shower and bar!
Day 8
Don't forget your flashlight as you start the final day of the trial at 5am. The trail contours the mountainside and into the cloud forest, where we will stop quickly for the sunrise at the final pass, the Intipunku (The Sun Gate). From here you will hike down to the citadel and the final destination of Machu Picchu. Here you will enjoy a 2 hour guided tour and then should you wish you can climb Wuaynapicchu for the best views of the Citadel. Finally you will make your way to the town of Aguas Calienties below and prepare for your evening train journey back to Cusco.
Day 9
Today is a day of rest! There are no planned activities, so you can relax in your hotel or perhaps with a beer in a local bar. Should you still have some energy left we can arrange a short trip to Tipon, another less frequently visited Inca site 20 minutes from Cusco. Or perhaps why not try a message session in our favorite luxury spa located in Cusco.
Day 10
After a relaxing breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to Cusco airport for your mid-morning flights to Lima. In Lima airport you can wait to connect to your onward flight, or alternatively we can arrange transport to take you in to Lima for some last minute shopping or a spot of Lunch.
What´s included
All tours with qualified English speaking guides
Four day classic Inca Trail, including tents, sleeping mats, food, water, tea & coffee and entrance fees
Airport transfers
6 nights accommodation in our recommended hotels, including breakfasts
Flights: Lima - Cusco - Lima
Luxury option includes: Private tours in Cusco / The Sacred Valley and luxury class hotels.
What´s not included
International airfares
Local departure airport taxes
Additional porters on Inca Trail ($50/9KGs - all four days), sleeping bags ($5/day additional)
Other meals unless specified in the itinerary
Insurance against theft, loss, illness and/or accident
Prices
Classic tour from US$ 1,575 / GBP₤ 1,050 / EUR€ 1,125
Luxury tour from US$ 2,335 / GBP₤ 1,555 / EUR€ 1,665
