Inca Trail Trek
for Erin Autrey
Erin Autrey
June 21-29, 2020
On this nine-day trip through the high Andes, we’ll explore majestic archaeological sites, remote villages and challenge ourselves on the arduous Inca Trail Trek, culminating with the magical entrance into the Citadel of Machu Picchu. Natural beauty and wildlife abound on this fully catered trekking adventure.
SUMMARY
Day 1: Sun, Jun 21 ::: Cusco Arrival
Day 2: Mon, Jun 22 ::: Cusco Exploration
Day 3: Tue, Jun 23 ::: Sacred Valley
Day 4: Wed, Jun 24 ::: Inca Trail Trek: Piskakucho (Km. 82) – Chamana
Day 5: Thu, Jun 25 ::: Inca Trail Trek: Chamana – Pacaymayo
Day 6: Fri, Jun 26 ::: Inca Trail Trek: Llulluchapampa – Phuyupatamarca
Day 7: Sat, Jun 27 ::: Inca Trail Trek: Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu
Day 8: Sun, Jun 28 ::: depart sacred valley for cusco
Day 9: Mon, Jun 29 ::: Depart Cusco
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1
Your hotel is located right off the ever vibrant Plaza de Armas.
Overnight: Casa San Blas or Similar
Cusco Arrival
Upon arrival, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Rest and relaxation are encouraged today as the city sits at an elevation of 11,000' and the high altitude will surely be felt. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Cusco on your own.
Day 2
Over look Cusco from the ancient walls of Sacsayhuaman.
Meals: B
Overnight: Casa San Blas or Similar
City and Ruins Tour in Cusco
After breakfast, we’ll explore the ancient city of Cusco. Our City Tour begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sun at the Korikancha, followed by a walk back to the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) to take in the impressive cathedral at its center. We then travel to the edge of the city where we’ll visit the Inca sites of Q’uenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which is built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco.
A pleasant walk downhill and back into town delivers an afternoon at your leisure.
DAY 3
The kindness of the locals is ever more vibrant than their attire.
Meals: B | L
Overnight: Pakaritampu or similar
Sacred Valley
After breakfast, we will drive the Urubamba, or Sacred Valley, to visit the colorful Pisac Indian Market; where trading of products continues as it has since ancient times. We’ll explore and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to the Ollantaytambo Fortress, the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region and had the Incas build the town and the ceremonial center. At the time of the Spanish conquest of Peru, the Fortress served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui, leader of the Inca resistance. You’ll have the remainder of the day to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s trekking adventure.
Day 4
The high altitude mountain views are unparalleled.
Meals: B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Trekking: 6.3 miles (4.5 hrs)
Piskakucho (Km. 82) – Chamana
We rise with the morning sun to begin our scenic 5-hour trek, starting from a section of the Inca Trail few visit. While many cross the Urubamba River at Km 82, we’ll follow the river downstream to cross at Km 88, setting the tone for the rest of the trek and creating some space between us and other groups. We’ll take our first break at the ruins of Q’oriwayrachina, consisting of nearly 200 ancient stone structures.
After a delightful picnic lunch, we’ll cross the Urubamba River at Q’ente. Here, we’ll have the option to visit the archaeological sites of Wayna Q’ente and Llaqtapata, charming ruins consisting of Inca stone walls, stairs, and other constructions - monuments to their ancient Andean past in a country-like setting amidst vast Inca terracing nearby. We’ll set up camp for the night at our private campsite. We are the only company with access to this site, known as Chamana, a small village that’s part of the Llaqtapata Community. We are delighted to be able to offer you a hot shower after the arduous day’s trek!
DAY 5
You’ll be hard pressed to find a more idyllic view that those from the Inca Trail. This fully catered trek ensures you sleep well to better enjoy the view.
Meals: B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Trekking: 7.3 miles (7 hrs)
Chamana – Pacaymayo
We continue our journey up the narrow Cusichaca Valley, passing cottages inhabited by farmers and herdsmen, until we finally reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba. From here, the cobble-stoned Inca Trail ascends steeply through an ancient native forest bursting with melodic birdsong.
The trail begins to level out at our campsite at Llulluchapampa, situated just below the first pass. Here, we’ll experience breathtaking views of Mt. Huayanay and a first glimpse of the rare Andean cloud forest of Quenua, or Polyepis trees. Their reddish bark peels into paper-like sheets, hence their familiar name, “Paper Tree.”
DAY 6
History appears around every corner on this magical trail.
Meals:
B | L | D
Overnight: Camping
Trekking: 7.5 miles (8 hrs)
Llulluchapampa – Phuyupatamarca
The day begins with a steady ascent up to Warmiwanusqa (Dead Woman’s) Pass (13,871ft) where we’re met with panoramic views of the terrain we’ve just conquered. We can revel in a sense of accomplishment at having reached this challenging high point of the journey. The pass is so named because its crest resembles a lying down woman. This point is nearly 6,000 ft higher than Machu Picchu itself! Now, the much-welcomed descent to the Pacaymayo River lies ahead of us. After a hearty lunch in Pacaymayo, we ascend again to the ruins of Runkuraqay and our second pass (13,018 ft). From here, we walk down to the site of Sayacmarca on the original Inca Trail, passing a dry lake and our first signs of the mist-filled Andean cloud forest. Many plants and animals thrive in the cloud forest, including endemic species found nowhere else on Earth! We may spot hummingbirds, butterflies, and delicate orchids of various brilliant hues.
Our trek along the steady ridge offers a bit of a respite from the day’s arduous climbs and challenging descents. Now we get to catch our breath a bit and admire incredible views of the beautiful Aobamba Valley below. We continue along the ridge through amazing landscapes and views of snow-capped Mt. Salkantay on the western side, as well as Mt. Pumasillo silhouetted on the horizon to the north. We follow the flag-stoned trail until we arrive at our campsite at Phuyupatamarca, whose name in Quechua means “village at the edge of the clouds”.
Day 7
Connection is the root of all travel.
Meals:
B | L
Overnight: El Mapi
Trekking: 6.8 miles (8 hrs)
Phuyupatamarca – Machu Picchu
At last, we arrive at the day we’ve all been waiting for; the day we get our first glimpse of the citadel of Machu Picchu! We’ll awaken for a glorious sunrise view just a short hike up the hill from our campsite, where our porters await us with steaming cups of tea. This site is known to deliver some of the most radiant sunrise views in the entire Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
After breakfast, we continue our trek along a buttress, passing the ruins at Phuyupatamarca. These ruins contain an irrigation system that was built over five centuries ago, and still works today! Now, the flag-stoned trail begins to wind sharply downwards, taking us into the cloud forest to the well-conserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) located just below the ridge.
Walking in the Inca’s footsteps, along the very same trail they once used, we now trek for two hours through dense, misty cloud forest until we at last reach Machu Picchu via Intipunku (the Gate of the Sun). We will marvel at our first sight of the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu spread out below us. After some time soaking up the glorious view, we’ll take a bus to the village of Machu Picchu, where we’ll spend the night at a local hotel.
DAY 8
Reaching the Citadel of Machu Picchu will leave us awe inspired.
Meals:
B
Overnight: Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel
Machu Picchu – Cusco
We return to Machu Picchu by bus and spend the day in both guided and individual exploration, visiting the most fascinating features of this astounding and mysterious Inca settlement. Some will want to take the optional hike to the summit of Wayna Picchu for an amazing overview of the site, while others may want to investigate Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners. After a full-on experience of this glorious monument to the Inca achievement, we return to Aguas Calientes and board the return train to Cusco.
Option to hike Huayna Picchu if permits are available, additional charge.
Day 9
After a week of immersing in the culture, we have to say a bittersweet farewell.
Meals: B
Depart Cusco
Today, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for departure from this amazing country.
1+ Person PRICE: $3050 PER PERSON
IN a single RoOm (incl. Huayna Picchu permit and gear rental)
Deposit: 30% due today
Final Balance: due March 21, 2020
Payment plan available, please inquire
AcCommodations
Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel
Cusco
Casa San Blas Boutique Hotel is a small 17th century house located right in the center of Cusco which has been carefully and tastefully restored using traditional materials (adobe, stone, wood and leather), with special care taken in every small detail.
We are proud of having created a product which meets the very highest standards of quality. The architecture of the establishment harmonizes with its surroundings while at the same time offers guests comfort and safety, personalized service, and serving as a leader in terms of social, cultural and environmental responsibility.
Pakaritampu Hotel
Ollantaytambo
Pakaritampu Hotel is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley in the village of Ollantaytambo. It is only two minutes from the train station with a direct connection to Machu Picchu, and one hour and a half drive from the city of Cuzco. The beautiful gardens make for a relaxing haven after a day of exploration.
The name “Parakitampu”derives from the Quechua words “pakari”, which means “dawn” and “tampu” which means “home.”
The scenic town of Ollantaytambo is the starting point of the Inca Trail, and a beautiful place that offers plenty of attractions worth visiting.
Camping
Inca Trail
El Mapi
Aguas Calientes
Our superior guides and support staff will provide a camping experience like no other. Upon arrival at the trailhead, you will feel supported in all areas. Our porters carry your bags to the campsite ahead of you, ensuring your campsite is set and ready for your arrival. Our spacious 3-person tents for 2 people and thick camping mattresses ensure you have a comfy sleep.
Each evening and morning you will enjoy a basin of hot water outside your tent to clean up and feel refreshed. We great you each morning with your choice of tea or coffee in your tent before you meet us in our dining tent equipped with tables and chairs for a hot breakfast. We also provide a private tent with a transportable toilet ensuring we leave no trace!
Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El MaPi, amidst the picturesque Machu Picchu Pueblo. Discover an efficient, lively and friendly atmosphere, welcoming guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. The flowing lobby creates a sense of vitality. Lofty ceilings, panoramic windows and an open café allow natural light to filter between tall dried eucalyptus branches, creating an ambiance of order and well being.
Relax and rest in a pleasant and wholesome ambiance after your unforgettable and enlightening trek along the incredible Inca Trail.
Included:
Transportation
3 nights in Cusco / 1 night in Sacred Valley / 1 night in Machu Picchu Village
Professional bilingual guide
Tours and Inca Trail in shared services
Train from Machu Picchu Village to Cusco
Bus ticket Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu Village (round trip)
Single occupancy tent with Thermarest sleeping pads
Guided tour in Machu Picchu
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Non-alcoholic drinks
Kitchen and dining tents
Professional cook and service staff
Porters to carry camping gear and luggage
Entrance ticket to mentioned attractions
Solar energy lamps
Eco toilets
Adequate garbage disposal
First aid kit and oxygen tank
Not Include:
Personal travel insurance
Laundry service
Airline tickets
Sleeping bags (rental available)
Personal gear
Alcoholic beverages
Tips