Trekking
the Inca Trail
5 nights 6 days
This is one of the most exciting adventure programs in the world.
Walk in the tracks of the original Inca Royal Trail, the same route the Inca's did. End up at the magnificent and legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This is a journey of foaming waterfalls, crisp, misty dawns, cloud-forests, bright afternoons and clear skies, a photographer's paradise.
INCLUDES
WHAT TO BRING
We suggest you bring personal sleeping bag (also available for hire locally at US$10 per passenger daily), plastic rain poncho, sun screen or sun protector lotion, sun glasses, good trekking boots, long pants and shorts, a light jacket, good sport socks, flashlight with extra batteries, any personal medications required and plenty of film.
Day 1: Cusco/Chilca/Wayllabama
Departure via overland vehicles from Cuzco to Chilca where porters will be awaiting to start the trek along the turbulent Rio Vilcanota river, with stunning views of 20,650 ft.(6,300m) Nevada Veronica, to the ancient Inca city of Llactapata, with time to briefly explore the ruins. All the camp gear will be carried by porters, leaving you free to walk while carrying only a light pack with the essentials for the day's trek. Continue hiking along ancient Inca terraces up to the Cusicha river to the village of Wayllabamba at 10,750 ft.(3,280m.) After a late afternoon arrival, make camp and overnight near the village.
Day 2: Wayllabamba/Runkurukay
Begin trekking uphill slowly and steeply through an enchanted epiphyte- laden misty-cloud forest to Warmihuanusca Pass the highest pass at 15,000 ft. (4,580m.), but with the magnificent views east to the Huayanay peaks and to the west, the rugged Vilcabamba range. Then we begin a downward descent to our camp at the old Inca outpost of Runkurukay at 13,600 ft. (4,150m.) for overnight.
Day 3: Runkurukay/ Phuyupatamarca
After breakfast, begin trekking a second pass at 14,300 ft (4,350 m.) and follow the ancient Inca highway (the original Inca Royal Trail) to the restored town site of Sayamarca. The Inca trail in this section is a white granite roadway, traversing a thickly forested mountainside. We camp here with the magnificent views at the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "City above the Clouds" at 12,800 ft.(3,900m).
Day 4: Phuyupatamarca/ Machu Picchu
Continue the trail along the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, along an ancient stone road recently discovered and high above the Vilcanota river but covered with orchids and hummingbirds. Emerge at the "Gate of the Sun" for your first view of the extraordinary ruins of Machu Picchu from high above the city, then begin the stroll down the "Royal Highway" into the lost city of the Incas. There will be time to thoroughly explore the ruins, and if so desired you can climb the nearby summit of Huayna Picchu for an incredible view or relax at the ruins while contemplating the magnificent natural and man made wonders. Camp along the shores of Rio Urubamba. After dinner, visit the natural hot springs at Aguas Calientes village at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Machu Picchu/Cusco
After breakfast a last chance to explore the ruins again, and then after lunch, take the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel.
