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Joining the tour
On booking you will be sent the following information: name and address of Lima hotel, advice on how to get there and time of rendezvous with tour leader.
Itinerary details
Note: Should circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1
Arrive Lima, transfer to hotel and rest up.
Day 2
Early morning spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco, transfer to your hotel and start acclimatising to the rarefied air of this beautiful city (3,326m). In the afternoon we have a short orientation walking tour of the city followed by an Inca Trail briefing. (B)
Day 3
From Cusco we drive into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping to explore the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo. At the end of the road (km 82) we meet the support team of porters for lunch then begin the Inca trail. The first section is ideal for acclimatisation purposes as we hike along the sacred Urubamba River. We camp the night at Llactapata (2,788m) beside some spectacular ruins. We believe in camping and trekking in style, whilst walking all you need to carry is your daypack. Our support team of traditional porters carries all camping equipment and perform all camp chores. All food is prepared by the cook. (B/L/D)
Day 4
We trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path continues on up past humming birds and stunted cloud forest. Our camp is the beautiful grassy area at Llulluchupampa (3680m). This has out-standing views down the valley. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the highest point of the trail - the impressive Warmiwanusca (Dead woman’s pass 4200m). We then descend into the Pacasmayo valley and then climb again passing the Inca ruins Rucuracay. Our second pass of the day (3998m) gives us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on well-preserved Inca pathway we pass Sayacmarca ruins with plenty of time for an in depth tour and explanation. We continue along the ridge, passing through tunnels and fantastic views and a slight ascent brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins (3650m) where we camp. (B/L/D)
Day 6
After an early morning chance to catch the sunrise on the surrounding snow capped mountains, we say a farewell to our porters with a traditional song and dance. Our final day hiking brings us down into the cloud forest on a series of Inca stairway to Wiñay Wayna, another interesting ruin full of swallows and orchids. Finally we contour to Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun and our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. We pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to our hostal in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes and celebrate our return to civilisation. (B/L)
Day 7
First thing in the morning we return to Machu Picchu and have it virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu, walk out to the Inca Bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We have a late lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the afternoon Vistadome train back to our waiting bus which speeds us back to our Cusco hotel. If we have the energy we can then explore Cusco’s excellent nightlife. (B/L)
Day 8
There is so much to see and do in Cusco that we dedicate a whole day to doing just that. Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting Colonial churches, bargain hunting in artisan markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has it all. (B).
Day 9
Return Cusco to Lima or join one of extensions – Contact us for details.
Extra information
Luggage
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel.
Machu Picchu Rules and Regulations
Don’t throw rubbish along the trail. Take your rubbish with you and deposit it in official bins at the campsites. Don’t pick wild flowers or hunt animals and birds. Campfires are not allowed anywhere in the Sanctuary. Tour companies now have to cook with gas and not with kerosene. Smoking on the trail is banned apart from designated locations at the campsites. This ban follows several large fires caused by carelessly discarded cigarette butts. Don’t take any Inca stones away with you as souvenirs!
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