CUSCO, SACRED VALLEY & INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 07 DAYS TOUR

CUSCO, SACRED VALLEY & INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU 07 DAYS TOUR

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 17:30 Hr. approximately at the main square in order you can take dinner in one of the exquisite restaurants in the area, then overnight.

DAY 02: FULL DAY SUPER SACRED VALLEY TOUR

Breakfast.
“Super valley Tour”—is an absolute way to explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley in one day, not missing anything.
06:45 Hr. You will be picked up from your Hotel. Starting the tour at Chinchero Colorful Town, also in this town we will visit the house of one citizen where we are going to see the exposition about the weaving process. Then we are going to visit Moray “Circular Terraces” special and unique place, after this, the Salt Mines of Salineras.

12:20 Hr. Buffet Lunch provided in Urubamba town.
In the afternoon you’ll visit to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, an architectural group that in the days of the Tahuantinsuyo empire was a gigantic agricultural, administrative, social, religious and military complex.
Then we are going to visit the colorful market in Pisac and the archeological site.
Finally, we gonna return to Cusco approx. at 19:00 Hr. (Breakfast, Buffet Lunch).

DAY 03: 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 04: 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 05: PACAMAYO TO WINAY 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 06: WINAY 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 07: 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.
• Full day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• 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.
• Three 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.
• International air tickets and associated taxes.
• Domestic Flights.
• Meals not specified on the itinerary.
• Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.
• Insurance against theft, loss, and/or illness

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.

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).

Frequently Asked Questions:

About the Cusco City Tour:

Should I be concerned about the height of the City of Cusco and what should I do?

The city of Cusco is at 3350 meters above sea level, if you come from a city at sea level, surely you will feel the blow of the height, the lack of oxygen, the agitated breathing, the headache, these will be the symptoms.

But do not worry, having some coca leaf mates (which are given in the hotels), resting the first day of arrival in Cusco, it will be enough to make you feel very well and you can do the City Tour in Cusco.

Should I be concerned about the height of the City of Cusco and what should I do?

The city of Cusco is at 3350 meters above sea level, if you come from a city at sea level, surely you will feel the blow of the height, the lack of oxygen, the agitated breathing, the headache, these will be the symptoms.

But do not worry, having some coca leaf mates (which are given in the hotels), resting the first day of arrival in Cusco, it will be enough to make you feel very well and you can do the City Tour in Cusco.

Where should I wait to pick up the Cusco City tour?

Please have to wait at the reception or lobby of your hotel, there our team will ask for you.

We will tell you the day before, what time would be the pick-up time from your hotel for your tour.

Is the tour guide included for the Cusco City tour?

Yes, an official tour guide is included, with great experience and wisdom, who will explain and make you feel what you will be visiting.

Who can do the City tour in Cusco?

The City tour, they are for all ages, they are for the whole family.

About the Sacred Valley Tour:

What is the best season to visit the Sacred Valley?

The best season to visit the Sacred Valley is in the Dry Season, between the months of April – October, because in the rainy season this wonder is not appreciated in all its splendor because it is covered with clouds, in addition to being a changing climate.

Where can you buy handicrafts in Cusco?

Basically in the entire historic center of Cusco, in the shops of the San Blas neighborhood, in the artisan market on Av. El Sol. Also during the trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the Pisaq artisan fair, in the town from Chincheros where you will find different ornaments such as beautiful «chullos» hats, bags, necklaces and earrings.

Can you visit the Sacred Valley with children?

Yes, previously having attended all the recommendations of our travel agents, in addition to the fact that children have a discount on some of the tickets.

What is the difference between the Expedition train and the Vistadome train?

The EXPEDITON train is the cheapest tourist service, it does not offer any additional during the trip. The VISTADOME train includes breakfast, show and souvenir during the trip.

About the Inca Trail trek:

Distances in the Inca Trail trek:

The total distance traveled during the Inca Trail is 11 kilometers (6.14 miles).

In the following, we specify the traveled during the Inca Trail:

Day 1: Cusco – KM-82 – Wayllabamba

• Difficulty level: Easy
• Distance traveled: 9 km
• Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca Pass – Paccaymayu

• Difficulty level: Difficult
• Distance traveled: 12KM
• Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours

Day 3: Paccaymayu – Runkuraqhay Pass – Phuyupatamarka – Wiñayhuayna

• Difficulty level: moderate
• Distance traveled: 16 km
• Approximate walking time: 8 hours

Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Inti Punku (Gate of the Sun) – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

• Difficulty level: Easy
• Distance traveled: 6 km
• Approximate walking time: 2 hours

Altitude in the Inca Trail trek:

Standing at 2,400 meters, Machu Picchu is one of the lowest points on the Inca Trail. The highest point on the Inca Trail is Abra Warmihuañusca or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ which stands at 4,200 meters.

In the following, we specify the altitudes reached each day of the Classic Inca Trail route:

Day 1: Cusco – KM-82 – Wayllabamba

• Maximum altitude: 3000m
• Minimum altitude: 2600m

Day 2: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca Pass – Paccaymayu

• Maximum altitude: 4600m
• Minimum altitude: 3000m

Day 3: Paccaymayu – Runkuraqhay Pass – Phuyupatamarka – Wiñayhuayna

• Maximum altitude: 4000m
• Minimum altitude: 2650m

Day 4: Wiñayhuayna – Inti Punku (Gate of the Sun) – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

• Maximum altitude: 2650m
• Minimum altitude: 2100m

Reservations for the Inca Trail trek:

Make a reservation for the Inca Trail is easy and safe. You should only look for availability in an online travel agency.

• Consult free spaces

Remember that the reservation to be made approximately 6 months before. Tell your advisor the day and month in which you want to do the Inca Trail.

• Complete the data and special requirements

To buy your tickets to the Inca Trail you must provide personal information such as names, identity document number (passport), email, among others. In addition, you must point out any extra special requirements such as a porter, vegetarian food, walking sticks, etc.

• Make the payment

Payment is through various payment methods. The most widely accepted are Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club or more. Some agencies ask for an advance payment to later complete the transaction in the city of Cusco. Finally, you will obtain the permits to do the Inca Trail.

How hard is the Inca Trail trek?

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a hiking route of moderate difficulty. There are very demanding mountainous sections but there are also very simple descending sections surrounded by incredible nature. Most visitors like this type of hike. However, people who are not in good physical condition can also do the route.