Discover Machu Picchu by Inca Trail

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

You are met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for overnight in Lima.Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital city Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima, and it is here you find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro. To get a feel for colonial Lima, be in the Plaza de Armas at noon to watch the changing of the Palace Guard. Walk the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to get a taste for life in a large South American city. There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. The more affluent districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, which are on the coast, offer good nightlife and cafés. Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known.

Day 2 Cuzco

Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight to Cuzco (as early as 4am). In Cuzco you are transferred to the hotel. Relax or explore this ancient city.Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 21st Century way of life. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend as well as the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area and a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude.Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the city’s most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build; it is also one of the city’s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco. While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. Today the ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure. There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. Our best advice for making he most of Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore!

Day 3 Cuzco

Enjoy your day at leisure. There are many Inca ruins around Cuzco itself, including the great sanctuary and temple to the sun, Sacsayhuaman, of ceremonial importance during the winter solstice celebration Inti Raymi. With abundance of optional excursions and activities for you to choose from, ranging from cultural and historical tours to adrenaline and adventure activities, there are just not enough hours in the day!

Day 4 Sacred Valley

Travel with a local guide through the Sacred Valley, including the picturesque town and Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a must see for any trip to Peru – from stark Mountain passes to lush green Valleys, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking, Keep an eye out for the herds of Llama that pepper this Andean landscape. Highlights of the area include the impressive Pisac ruins and the town of Pisac with it’s colourful artisan market (market days only). As well, the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo which is strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest.

Day 5-8 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Onto the ancient trail of the Incas with a morning trip to Km 82, where our hike starts. Local porters and guides ensure that the trip is worry-free. Fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery fills every day of the hike. On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the "Sun Gate", to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu before our tour of the famous Inca ruin. On Day 8 return to Cuzco for the night.Inca TrailThe 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is physically challenging but worthwhile, and within the ability of most reasonably fit travellers. The Inca Trail is exceptional; however it is important to be prepared! It is a 40km (25 mile) hike with 3 high passes, one of which reaches an elevation of 4200m (13,776 ft). The trail is often steep, and it may rain even during the dry season. Temperatures at night may fall below zero, so it is important to come prepared with warm clothes, layers and rain gear.Depart in the early morning for km 82 where we begin our walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Our local crew of porters, a cook and a local guide look after us well for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear, so you need only carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc. As you walk the trail that linked this ancient empire, admire the breathtaking views at every step as we move from high plateau areas to dense cloud forest. Depending on the season, you may see a great variety of flora, including miniature and large orchids, and fiery rhododendron bushes.We pass several smaller ruin sites, the first of which is Llactapata. On the second day climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, or Dead Woman’s Pass. At 4198m (13,769 ft) above sea level, this pass is the highest point of the trek. The second pass of the hike peaks at 3998m (13,113 ft), where on clear days there are superb views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. The trail goes through some beautiful cloud forest on the gentle climb to the third pass, where you walk over a causeway and through a tunnel, both original Inca constructions. The highest point of the third pass is at 3700m (12,136 ft). On clear days you are rewarded for all this work with beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley below. Soon you reach the serene ruins of Phuyupatamarca, or the 'Town above the Clouds', at about 3650m (11,972 ft) above sea level. We camp for the final night close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) ruins, a grandiose terraced hillside site, with panoramic views of the valley below and just a short hike from Machu Picchu. On the final day of the hike we climb the steps to the Sun Gate overlooking the peaks that surround Machu Picchu. There is no way to describe the feeling of the first views of Machu Picchu, as the mist rises off the mountains early in the morning and the famous ruin appears in front of you.Recently voted one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. The local Quechua farmers in the area knew of Machu Picchu for centuries, but it was not until an 11-year-old boy led the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) to the site on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time the site was covered in thick vegetation, and Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, much work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.You have the better part of the day to explore the site. In the afternoon, we have the chance to soak in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to Cuzco.Please note that portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will take an alternative route along the Urubamba River.

Day 9 Depart Cuzco

Depart Cuzco at any time.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Superior hotel (5nts), Camping (3nts)
Brochure Notes	To make a booking which includes the Inca Trail, we require your full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number.Extra nights hotel in Cuzco and return flight to Lima can be arranged.Minimum age 12.
Departure	Daily
Group Size	No Minimum
Meals Included	8B, 4L, 3D
StartFinish	Lima to Cuzco
Transport	Car, Van, Shuttle, Train, Local Flight, Hiking

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