AAPT03 Lima – Cusco – Inca Trail 11D/10N

Day 1: Arrival in Lima. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Lima – Cusco – Urubamba - Ollantaytambo:

Transfer to the airport in Lima. Flight to the city of Cusco from where we will be transferred to Urubamba, the Incas Sacred valley. On the way down to Urubamba we will visit Cusco nearby ruins: Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo and Tambo Machay. Then in the valley we will visit the colorful market of Pisac. Hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B).

Day 3: The Inca's Sacred Valley:

Full day tour to visit Urubamba Valley and get acclimatized to the altitude. We will visit the beautiful Inca Ruins of Pisac where we make a 2 – 3 hours hike for acclimatization. Later on we visit to the impressive Ollantaytambo Inca fortress and the Inca town. Hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B).

Day 4: Ollantaytambo – Pisca q´uchu (Km 82) – Huayllabamba (prairie–green place) Camp.

From Urubamba, a 1 hour drive will take us to the point known as Pisca q´uchu (Km 82) (2,600m / 8,528ft). At this point where the first control is located, all tourists have to register to be able to start the trek. From this place, 42 kilometers of mountains, Andean valleys, rivers and tropical forests separate us from Machu Picchu.
In our way to our first camp at Huayllabamba village, the first part of the trek is mainly flat, with slight ascents and it will take approximately 2 ½ hours till we reach the Llactapata's (town in the heights) archaeological group. Then we will continue to enter to the valley of the Kusichaca River from where the route follows a slight ascent up to Wuayllabamba's camp located at 3,100 meters (10,168feet). (B, LB, D).

Day 5: Huayllabamba Camp – Pacaymayo Camp.

After breakfast, we start our second day considered by many people the most difficult since it is indispensable to do an ascent of 1,100 meters up to the highest point of the whole circuit, the Warmihuañusca ("dead women") high pass at 4200m (13,776feet). The slow ascent will take about 4 ½ and 5 hours approximately. From the pass we can enjoy an astonishing view of the surroundings and the magnificent landscape. This is a windy area so is important to wear warm cloths. Overcoming the pass we continue our way down to the Pacaymayo Camp located at 3,500 meters (11,480feet). (B, LB, D)

Day 06: Pacaymayo – Runkuracay – Phuyupatamarca - Wiñayhuayna:

The third day begins with one hour and a half ascent to Runkuracay's Pass located at a height of 3,950m (12916ft). In the way we will visit to the interesting ruins known as Runkuracay (oval building) at 3800m (12464ft). Once overcoming the pass, the rest of the way basically we will descend towards the ruins of Sayacmarca located at 3600m. On the Inca times this was used as a control post of the roads connecting to Machu Picchu. Then along a beautiful cloud forest, we will continue up to the pass of Phuyupatamarca, ("town above the clouds") at 3,670m (12038ft). From here we will descend through a number of stone steps that in the end is very tiring. The trail leads finally to Wiñayhuayna camp located at 2,700m (8856ft). (B, LB, D)

Day 7: Wiñayhuayna Camp – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.

The day begins earlier than usually at about 04:30 a.m. in order to make our final trek towards the city of Machu Picchu. After one and a half hours, we arrive to the Inti Punku ("Sun Gate") at 2700m (8856ft) from where we will have the first impressive views of the majestic Inca City of Machu Picchu. From here it is only one hour more to arrive to the city and enjoy a guided visit to the most important places. Those not yet tired of heights might like to climb Huayna Picchu for an unparalleled view of the lost city of the Incas. In the afternoon transport down to Aguas Calientes. Hotel in Aguas Calientes. (B, LB).

Day 8: Aguas Calientes – Cusco:

Free morning to enjoy the green, beautiful lush surroundings. In the afternoon train ride back to Cusco. Hotel. (B).

Day 9: Cusco:

Free day in Cusco. Enjoy by yourself this magnificent city, once the capital of the Inca Empire. You can perhaps visit the beautiful Koricancha temple or just stroll on the narrow cobbled streets of the city. Hotel. (B).

Day 10. Cusco - Lima:

Transfer to the airport and flight to Lima. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon we can organize for you an optional ½ day city tour visiting the different attractions in Lima and its three historical periods: pre-Hispanic with the interesting Huaca Pullana archaeological centre, colonial Lima with the Plaza San Martin, the Plaza Mayor, San Francisco Convent and its impressive catacombs and finally the contemporary Lima with a visit to the most traditional residential areas in the capital: The Olive Grove of San Isidro, Miraflores and Larco Mar a new distinctive tourist centre of the modern Lima. Hotel. (B).

Day 11. Lima out: Transfer out (or program extension). (B).

Gross Rates per Person in US$:
Pax Number 2 3 4 5 6 7/8 9/10 11/12 13/14 15/16 SS

Included:

All transfers, hotels (double room with private facilities), private transport to trek start point, all entrance fees (except Inca Trail and Machu Picchu), English speaking guide, noted meals, complete camping equipment (tents for 2 persons, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent), complete food services while on the trek, cook, helpers, porters, first aid kit.

Not included:

Entrance fees to the Inca Trail & Machu Picchu (us$ 100. – pp – can be modified), one way train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Vista Dome: $71. - pp; Tourist Class train: $50.-pp), international and domestic flights, airport taxes, extra personal porters (us$ 140. - per porter), tips, personal trekking gear, extras.

Grading: easy – moderate

Inca trail weight allowance: 8 kgs per person (this to be carried by porters)