CUSCO INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 06 Days

CUSCO INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 06 Days

DAY 01: CUSCO CITY TOUR

Upon arrival to Cusco Airport. Reception and transportation to the Hotel where you will receive an aromatic coca tea to stimulating for the height, will have the free morning to rest and also we suggest you have a light lunch in your hotel or in one of the surrounded.

13:00 Hr. City tour we will visit the Main square, the Qoricancha (temple of the sun) and in addition we will make a route bordering archaeological centers like Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Q’enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, tour finishes 18:30 Hr. approximately at the main square in order you can take dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in the area, then overnight.

Places you can see during the City Tour.

Among the most important sites that can be seen along the route are:

The Temple of the Qoricancha

The convent of Santo Domingo del Cusco is the oldest religious construction in South America, known as the «Temple of the Sun». Currently you can see the wonderful Inca architecture together with the Spanish architecture, which constitutes a sample of our mestizo culture.

Saqsayhuamán

It is one of the Inca constructions that most amazes tourists who, according to new hypotheses, indicate that it would have been a very important Inca ceremonial center and not a fortress as previously believed. Its construction took more than seven decades and required the force of some 20,000 men, both in the work of the foundations and in the quarries.

Qenqo

Ceremonial and ritual center, it was an amphitheater where sacrifices were made. It is said that it was an Inca shrine. Its construction is from stones. There are passages, channels and stairways with engravings that represent the puma, a very sacred animal for the Incas.

Puca Pucará

Old tambo guard post along the Inca roads, this archaeological site has: enclosures, interior squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, watchtowers and an easily recognizable Inca road in synthesis the urban layout is highly adequate and functional.

Tambomachay

Through its steps you can see waterfalls of crystalline water and according to what is stated here, the liquid element for the Incas, which is water, was worshiped.

DAY 02: CUSCO TO WAYLLABAMBA (INCA TRAIL)

5:00 am we will pick you up from your hotel and ride by private bus bus to Piskacuchu (2700 msnm), (also known simply as km 82). Our private Bus gonna stop at the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley for about half hour to give people the opportunity to have breakfast. Hikers cross the Vilcanota River and follow the trail to the right as it climbs steeply up from the river. It is a simple descent down to the Cusichaca river. You’ll also get a great view over the extensive Inca ruins of Llactapata (also known as Patallacta on some maps). Llactapata 2750 msnm means ‘upper town’ in Quechua and was primarily an agricultural station used to supply Machu Picchu with corn, the staple crop of the Incas. The settlement composed over one hundred buildings, houses for the workers and soldiers, including five baths. For a further 7 km the path follows the left bank of the river up to the small village of Wayllabamba (3,000 msnm). We’ll arrive to our campsite by 17:00 Hr. and after settling in for a bit you can relax and have a hot drink and snack with your team of porters. Overnight in our tents.

DAY 03: WAYLLABAMBA TO PACAMAYO (INCA TRAIL)

At the second day our guide wakes us up at 5:30 with warm tee, we will leave Wayllabamba behind and begin the most difficult part of the trek. After breakfast at 6:00 am, we begins our hiking at 6:30 am. Following the left bank of the Llulluchayoc river for about 1 hour brings you to ‘Tres Piedras’ (three stones) and a small bridge over the Huayruro river. A little further on you’ll enter a beautiful cloud forest passing a waterfall. A further 4 hours trek through steepening woods we gonna pass the high spot which is called dead woman pass (4.600 msnm), where you can experience the female spirit, a woman that lives on the side of the mountain. The descent from this mountain is steep although not difficult. From this place we have a 2 hour hike down to our second camping spot (Pacamayu 3,600 msnm), where we will have our lunch. There are toilet facilities here. At the camp we will go to the bed around 18:30 Hr.

DAY 04: PACAMAYO TO WIÑAY WAYNA (INCA TRAIL)

06:00 Hr. We will have our breakfast. This day is the longest but also the most impressive and most interesting due to the many Inca ruins that we will visit along the way. From the campsite at Pacamayo it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay (3800 msnm). These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley. After 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000 msnm). At last you’ll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so take care. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you’ll arrive at Sayacmarca (3624 msnm) by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. After the visit we will have 25 min. to chakicoccha (3.600 msnm) where we will enjoy our lunch in natural surroundings and incredible landscape. After the lunch we have a one hour hiking to Phuyupatamarka (3.600 msnm), from this point we will have an easy two hour walk down to Wiñnahuayna (2.600 msnm), where we will settle our camp and our chef will make a nice buffet to everyone so we can say goodbye to the chefs and the porters in a very nice way at 18:30 Hr. also our guide will give you a short orientation and you will visit the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna, spending about an hour and a half there. We will explain the significance of the site and combine all the information given during the trek so you’re fully prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

DAY 05: WIÑAY WAYNA TO MACHU PICCHU (INCA TRAIL)

On the last day, Wake up time early at 03:30 am, We’ll eat breakfast at 4:00 am and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30AM. We’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and chef and then it’s “Forward On” to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From where we will have great views of Machu Picchu and all the surrounding mountains. Here we will have 20 min. to rest. Thereafter we have 10 min. down to the lost city of the Incas; Machu Picchu. Here the Inca trail ends and we will enter the one of the seven wonder, Machu Picchu. At the city, we have to pass the second checkpoint for leaving our bags and it will cost you 3 soles for every back, which is necessary. We will have two hours guided in Machu picchu. We suggest you after visiting Machu Picchu you can take the bus down to Aguas Calientes by 14:30 at the latest (assuming train departs at 16:30). Buses depart every 15 minutes. Check with the guide for actual times. This leaves you plenty of time at the ruins to climb HuaynaPicchu (must be arranged ahead of time). It takes about 1 hour to climb and 40 minutes to descend. Most people, however, leave the ruins at about 13:30 and return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (at the ruins there is only one restaurant and it’s very expensive). There are several small restaurants in Aguas Calientes to satisfy all budgets. You may also wish to pay a visit to the town’s famous thermal springs which feel great after finishing the trail. Entrance to the springs costs US$3, allow 2 hours to really enjoy them. After this we will take our train to Cusco and then transfer to your hotel.

DAY 06: TRANSFER OUT

Breakfast. Coordinated time transfer to the Airport to return to Lima. END OF SERVICES.

• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Private bus from your hotel to the start of the trail.
• Inca Trail & Machu Picchu entrance fees.
• English speaking professional guide (two guides for groups over 9 persons).
• Igloo tents – 2 persons in each 3-person capacity tent with plenty of space for your backpacks.
• Double thickness foam mattress.
• Chef and Cooking equipment.
• Meals (03B,03L,03D) – food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude.
• Teatime everyday (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn).
• Porters (to carry the tents, food, and cooking equipment).
• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs.
• Kitchen tent.
• Accommodation for our porters and cooks.
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
• Round-trip Cusco arrival and departure airport transfers.
• Four hours Cusco City tour and Archaeological Parks.
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes Machu picchu – Ollantaytambo, Cusco.
• Expert Mountain guide, for four days inca trail to Machu Picchu.
• Three nights Sleep in tents.
• Two nights accommodation in Cusco. Hotel varies by option selected.
• Faruel Travel Representatives in Cusco – Machu picchu.
• Group experience.
• All transfers, tours and excursions specified on the itinerary.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Breakfast on the first morning: Some hotels offer an early morning breakfast service. If not, we stop at Ollantaytambo town on the way to the start on the trek where you’ll have the opportunity to have breakfast.
• Meal in restaurant in Aguas Calientes on day 4 of the trek.
• Extra Porter to carry your things. (US$ 140.00).
• Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes US$3.50.
• Sleeping bags can be hired in our office for US$16 for the 4 day trek.
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters.
• International air tickets and associated taxes.
• Domestic Flights.
• Meals not specified on the itinerary.
• Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.

What you need to bring?

• Backpack.
• Sleeping bag (can be hired from our office for US$16 for the 4 day trek).
• Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this).
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars).
• Strong, comfortable footwear.
• One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below).
• Sweater and jacket (something warm).
• Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco).
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
• Sun block (sun protection cream), Insect repellent.
• Toiletries, towel and toilet paper.
• Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits etc.
• Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries.
• Swimsuit (if you plan on visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes after the trek – entrance not included in price).
• You also need to bring your original passport on the trail and your student ISIC card (if claiming a student discount).

Questions and Answers about the Inca Trail:

About the Inca Trail

It is dangerous?

No. This route is a 4 day challenge that is traveled by hundreds of visitors every day. Accident cases are almost non-existent.

On the other hand, the route has signs, security handrails and park guards that help visitors in case of emergencies.

How difficult is the route?

The Inca Trail is considered an intermediate level trek. Since it does not include rock climbing, or hiking on the snow, therefore no previous experience is required. The most difficult thing comes on the second day, when we ascend a number of stairs and start from 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) to more than 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) walking through a small space. Later things become easier as the road continues downhill. It must be taken into account that you will bring your personal belongings, which may include clothes for three days, a camera, water, camping equipment, etc.

How many kilometers and how many hours do we walk per day?

The Inca Trail is 43 kilometers or 26.12 miles long. There are camping sites assigned by the Ministry of Culture of Peru. These places are between 10 and 13 kilometers apart, so the daily walking time can vary between 5 to 8 hours per day for the first three days and approximately 2 hours on the last day. The hours of walking and the distance covered may vary according to the physical condition of each walker.

Are there toilets along the way?

There are few places where there are permanent sanitary facilities, which are very basic and when none are available; our team will install the portable toilet tents.

What type of accommodation is used?

There are established camps along the way, in which tents or three-person tents are used, to accommodate two travelers of the same sex. However, if you wish, you can bring your own tent or rent one. It should be noted that this would imply an additional cost and you will be in charge of transporting it.

Are all meals included during the tour?

Yes, the food of the hiking days is included. You can see them in detail in each of the Inca Trail tours offered.

The vegetarian option is free; however it is necessary that you inform us in advance by email.

How is the food? Is it possible to order vegetarian food?

If you are vegetarian or vegan then the right foods for you can be included. In the case of having some type of food restriction for example lactose, gluten or allergies to certain ingredients or foods, they can also generally accommodate your food preferences.

Remember to communicate your food preferences to us by email. All the foods are made with delicious and nutritious Andean ingredients. There is usually a selection of foods provided at meals from which you can find something you like. See more details about food during the Inca Trail route.

Do the porters carry our equipment and personal items during the route?

Either in the case of the Short Inca Trail (2 days) or Traditional Inca Trail (4 days); the porters do not carry their luggage, they are only responsible for carrying the shared luggage: camping equipment (matras, tents), food or other necessary utensils for everyone. It is recommended to carry a maximum of 5 kg per person, remember that it is a long walk so take only what you need.

Quite the opposite occurs with alternative walks such as: Lares, Salkantay, Huchuy Qosqo, etc. On these routes the porters carry the equipment and personal items that go in the canvas bags, which can reach a maximum weight of 5 kg (remember that these will be weighed before starting the walk). The only thing you will have to carry is a backpack that contains items that are needed during the day (water, camera, sunscreen, rain poncho, windbreaker, sweater, etc.).

How much should I tip the guides and porters?

Tips are at your discretion and discretion. Remember that these are always highly appreciated by guides, assistants and porters. On average it is suggested to provide between $ 6 and $ 8 per day. Anyway, but it is not something really mandatory, it is better to say that you can tip according to how you thought the service during the Inca Trail. If it was to your complete satisfaction, the service is a good economic value. »

Does the tour include a visit to Machu Picchu?

Yes, the visit to Machu Picchu is included. On the last day of our Inca Trail we will arrive at the Inca city of Machu Picchu, where it will be possible to obtain a wonderful view of the wonder of the world. Machu Picchu will make you understand that all the effort made in the last 4 days of the Inca Trail had its reward and you will be able to admire an impressive panoramic view of the Inca city.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends in the city of Cusco. That is, the transport will leave you in the Plaza San Francisco, located just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco (near the hotels and tourist restaurants).

Is altitude sickness common? How high is the route?

It is somewhat difficult to know who will suffer from altitude sickness because, in general, everything depends on the ability of each person to adapt to the altitude. This is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with physique or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. One or two days in the city of Cusco (3,249), walking calmly and drinking plenty of water, is usually enough for most people. The highest point of the Inca Trail is the ‘Abra de la mujer Muerta’ at 4,200 meters above sea level. You will sleep at 3,600 m. for one or two nights.

What to do if I have altitude sickness?

The most advisable thing is to sleep, drink plenty of fluids or you can also try coca tea. The porters chew coca leaves wrapped around a black resin called ‘Llipta’. When you are walking and active (especially on the second day of the tour), this can help by dilating the blood vessels and bringing oxygen to the parts of the body that need it.

Planning the Inca Trail

Do I have to be in shape to do the Inca Trail?

Yes, it is advisable to be in shape for this type of walk. So you can fully enjoy every moment with the group. Remember that tours will take between 6 to 9 hours a day. Some sections include quite steep steps and altitudes of up to 4200 meters above sea level. Even on the first day you may think about quitting, but slightly long breaks will fill you in as you go.

Having a better than average standard physical condition is desirable for a smooth ride. Although it is also important to mention that there are many people who apparently did not meet this average standard but still managed to successfully complete the Inca Trail.

If you suffer from cardiac, respiratory, arterial, pressure, etc .; it is important to consult with your GP before the hike.

Is the route open all year round?

The Inca Trail is open seven days a week, every day of the month including Sundays and holidays. However, this route is closed in February because this is the rainiest month. In those days the Ministry of Culture of Peru takes the opportunity to carry out maintenance work throughout this route.

What is the best time of year to do this route?

It is difficult to determine an exact time to visit Peru. Due to the variety of conditions it offers, it is possible to say that travelers can come at any time of the year. The Peruvian highlands have two seasons: the dry season (without rain) that runs from April to October and is commonly more recommended. At the same time it is the coldest season of the year, due to the frigid winds typical of this region during these months. In those months during the nights the temperatures drop to 4º C – 2º C and some nights it is possible to have temperatures of up to 0º C. June, July and August are the most popular months to visit Cusco due to the different festivities that occur. throughout these months.

On the other hand, the rainy season begins in November and lasts until March. These months also have a lot to offer since during this time on the Inca Trail you can see biodiversity in all its splendor: greener landscapes, wild flowers and up to a hundred species of orchids in flowering season. The rains can last for hours but at the same time with warmer temperatures. It is even possible to observe some travelers and walkers who do not mind filling their boots with mud and experiencing an adventure slightly more extreme and different than that experienced in the dry season.

Can I hire an extra carrier?

Yes, it is possible to hire 1 extra porter (14 kg) to help you with your personal luggage: USD $ 140.00. The extra porter can be shared by 2 people.

How much money should I bring with me?

It is important to bring extra money. The extra expenses that usually exist during the Inca Trail are:

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day.
• Souvenirs, souvenirs or crafts that you decide to buy.
• Consider tips according to your criteria.
• A slightly hefty amount for emergencies, etc.

Inca Trail Reserve

How long before do I have to book the tour?

Permits for the Inca Trail are sold many months in advance. It is advisable to book as soon as possible with at least 6 or 7 months in advance, especially if you decide to book in the high tourist season (June, July and August).

Is it possible to rent camping equipment for the tour?

Yes, in case you do not have the appropriate equipment to do the Inca Trail then we can offer you for rent:

• Sleeping bags
• Canes.
• Matras (air mattresses)
• Additional tents.

Are there alternative hiking routes to get to Machu Picchu?

Yes, there are other alternative routes similar to the Inca Trail:

• Short Inca Trail 2 Days
• Lares – Machu Picchu 4 Days
• Salkantay – Machu Picchu 5 Days
• Choquequirao – Machu Picchu 9 Days

Is it possible to cancel the Inca Trail and receive my money back?

The rules established by the Ministry of Culture of Peru regarding the Inca Trail do not allow cancellations or money refunds.

The other hiking routes such as ‘Salkantay trek’, ‘Lares trek’, ‘Huchuy Qosqo trek’, etc…, do allow cancellations or data modification.

Is it necessary to have travel insurance to complete the route?

The Inca Trail does not include travel insurance because it is a safe route.

If tourists wish, they can purchase independent travel insurance. This can help in the event of a medical or other emergency.

Is it possible to do this adventure without a travel agency?

It is not possible to do the Inca Trail independently. Government regulations do not allow it. The regulation states that each hiker must be accompanied by a qualified professional guide. The UGM (Machu Picchu Management Unit) is the regulatory body to control access to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. At the same time, this body indicates that companies must meet certain requirements that accredit the agency suitable for the operation of this route. Each company’s license is renewed annually. Likewise, the list of guides and authorized agencies can be verified on the official website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.

Is it possible to do the route without a tour guide?

Doing the Inca Trail without a guide is not possible.

Hiking the Inca Trail without a guide has been prohibited since 2001. The use of the Inca Trail for tourism purposes must be carried out in groups organized through a tourism agency and in the company of an official tourism guide.