Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail
Highlights
 Follow in the footsteps of the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu arriving at the Sun Gate
 A fascinating archaeological trip following the pilgrimage route of the Incas to their most important temple for Sun
worship
 Trek through the Andes going up to 4250m walking through a diverse range of vegetation zones from high altitude
moorland to dense cloud forest
 Visit Cusco the capital of the Incan empire
Day 1 : Arrive Cusco
The city of Cusco sits at an altitude of 3500m and is a great place to acclimatise before you start your Inca Trail trek. You’ll have
plenty of time to explore this charming city and soak up the local atmosphere.
Day 2: Acclimatisation day
A day free to explore Cusco as your body gets used to the altitude. Optional city tour available.
Day 3: Cusco – Km 82 - Ayapata: Altitude: 3300m, Distance: 14 km, Time: 6-7 hours
An early start to Km 82 on the main highway where the Inca Trail starts. After trekking for approx. 2 hours you reach the first
Inca site, Patallacta an ancient Inca checkpoint. From here you will continue climbing up to your first campsite Ayapata.
Day 4: Ayapata – Chaquiccocha: Altitude 3300m – 4215m - 3600m, Distance 16km (7-8 hours)
Today you hike up to the highest point of the trek, Dead Woman's Pass at 4215 meters. On reaching the pass you'll descend to
the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley – Hidden River) for lunch. After lunch, you will ascend to a small Inca site called Runcu Raccay.
After the 2nd pass, it's another hour downhill to reach the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (unaccessible village). From here
you will see the impressive Vilcabamba mountain range before reaching Chaquicocha (Dry Lake) where you will camp.
Day 5: Chaquiccoha –Machu Picchu (via the Sun Gate): Altitude 3600m - 2000m, Distance 16km (7-8 hours)
Today you will hike for 2 hours before entering the “cloud forest”. You will then climb up to Phuyupatamarka, an Inca ruin
named “The Town in the Clouds” from where there are great views of the Urubamba river. From Phuyupatamarka you continue
to descend, visiting the site of Intipata (Terraces of the sun). In the afternoon you continue on the Inca Trail to finally reach the
Sun Gate, the entrance to Machu Picchu. You will not tour the ruins today but will have plenty of time to soak up the view
before catching the bus down to Aguas Calientes for the overnight stay.
Day 6: Machu Picchu: Today, you will be given a guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas and then have time to explore the
ancient ruins for yourself. There is an option to climb Huayna Picchu, the famous mountain behind the ruins. In the afternoon,
you will catch the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where you will be met by our driver who will transfer you to your
hotel in Cusco.
Day 7: Cusco: Transfer to airport
A private transfer to the airport for your flight home.
www.privateexpeditions.com
Price: for 10 or more people £1095pp
Included in your trek:
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Private airport transfers
Hotel accommodation in 3 star hotel for 2 nights before and 1 night after your trek (no meals)
Transfer to the start of your trek, KM 82
Professional English speaking tour guide
Entrance fee to the Inca Trail National Park
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Sanctuary
Porters to carry all the equipment and personal belongings (up to 7kg per person)
All of the meals on the trek
All water
Oxygen tank and first aid kit.
2 people per tent (3 man tents)
All the equipment including dining tents and personal tents.
2 hours guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Buses from Machu Picchu up and down to Aguas Calientes village
Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (no meals)
Train return to Ollantaytambo then by private transfer to Cusco
Not included
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International flights
Meals in hotels
Tips for crew
Optional Extras
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Hotel upgrades
A range of hotel upgrades are available in both Cusco and Aguas Calenties, please ask for details
Cusco tour
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire until it was taken over by the Spanish who have left their mark
in the many churches and courtyards in the city. You will be given a guided tour of the the City of Cusco
and also get your first chance to see the four main Incan archeaIogical sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko,
Puca Pucara and Tambo Machay. Cost £50 per person
Huayna Picchu climb
The park authority charge a separate fee to climb the iconic Huayna Picchu Mountain that is immediately
behind the ruins. The climb is stepped and very steep so quite a tough 45 minute hike but definitely
worth the effort. Cost
www.privateexpeditions.com